bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smartphone-Based Platforms for Clinical Detections in Lung-Cancer-Related Exhaled Breath Biomarkers: A Review
Authors: Yu Qiwen , Chen Jing , Fu Wei , Muhammad Kanhar Ghulam , Li Yi , Liu Wenxin , Xu Linxin , Dong Hao , Wang Di , Liu Jun , Lu Yanli , Chen Xing
Published: April 2022

Lung cancer has been studied for decades because of its high morbidity and high mortality. Traditional methods involving bronchoscopy and needle biopsy are invasive and expensive, which makes patients suffer more risks and costs. Various noninvasive lung cancer markers, such as medical imaging indices, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and exhaled breath condensates (EBCs), have been discovered for application in screening, diagnosis, and prognosis. However, the detection of markers still relies on bulky and professional instruments, which are limited to training personnel or laboratories. This seriously hinders population screening for early diagnosis of lung cancer. Advanced smartphones integrated with powerful applications can provide easy operation and real-time monitoring for healthcare, which demonstrates tremendous application scenarios in the biomedical analysis region from medical institutions or laboratories to personalized medicine. In this review, we propose an overview of lung-cancer-related noninvasive markers from exhaled breath, focusing on the novel development of smartphone-based platforms for the detection of these biomarkers. Lastly, we discuss the current limitations and potential solutions.
The Importance of Material Used in Speech Therapy: Two Case Studies in Minimally Conscious State Patients
Authors: Sautet Alice , Hurtado Laura , Fiveash Anna , Baron Leslie , De Quelen Mélaine , Perrin Fabien
Published: April 2022

Speech therapy can be part of the care pathway for patients recovering from comas and presenting a disorder of consciousness (DOC). Although there are no official recommendations for speech therapy follow-up, neuroscientific studies suggest that relevant stimuli may have beneficial effects on the behavioral assessment of patients with a DOC. In two case studies, we longitudinally measured (from 4 to 6 weeks) the behavior (observed in a speech therapy session or using items from the Coma Recovery Scale—Revised) of two patients in a minimally conscious state (MCS) when presenting music and/or autobiographical materials. The results highlight the importance of using relevant material during a speech therapy session and suggest that a musical context with a fast tempo could improve behavior evaluation compared to noise. This work supports the importance of adapted speech therapy for MCS patients and encourages larger studies to confirm these initial observations.
Determining the Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Tinnitus, Depression, and Anxiety: A Systematic Review
Authors: Labree Bas , Hoare Derek J. , Gascoyne Lauren E. , Scutt Polly , Del Giovane Cinzia , Sereda Magdalena
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: Tinnitus is the awareness of a sound in the absence of an external source. It affects around 10–15% of people, a significant proportion of whom also experience symptoms such as depression or anxiety that negatively affect their quality of life. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a technique involving constant low-intensity direct current delivered via scalp electrodes. It is a potential treatment option for tinnitus, as well as tinnitus-related conditions such as depression and anxiety. This systematic review estimates the effects of tDCS on outcomes relevant to tinnitus. In addition, it sheds light on the relationship between stimulation parameters and the effect of tDCS on these outcomes; (2) Methods: Exhaustive searches of electronic databases were conducted. Randomised controlled trials were included if they reported at least one of the following outcomes: tinnitus symptom severity, anxiety, or depression. Where available, data on quality of life, adverse effects, and neurophysiological changes were also reviewed. GRADE was used to assess the certainty in the estimate; (3) Results: Meta-analyses revealed a statistically significant reduction in tinnitus (moderate certainty) and depression (low certainty)-but not anxiety-following active tDCS compared to sham control. Network meta-analyses revealed potential optimal stimulation parameters; (4) Conclusions: The evidence synthesised in this review suggests tDCS has the potential to reduce symptom severity in tinnitus and depression. It further narrows down the number of potentially optimal stimulation parameters.
Molecular Imaging of Central Dopamine in Obesity: A Qualitative Review across Substrates and Radiotracers
Authors: Janssen Lieneke Katharina , Horstmann Annette
Published: April 2022

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in adaptive behavior. A wealth of studies suggests obesity-related alterations in the central dopamine system. The most direct evidence for such differences in humans comes from molecular neuroimaging studies using positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The aim of the current review is to give a comprehensive overview of molecular neuroimaging studies that investigated the relation between BMI or weight status and any dopamine target in the striatal and midbrain regions of the human brain. A structured literature search was performed and a summary of the extracted findings are presented for each of the four available domains: (1) D2/D3 receptors, (2) dopamine release, (3) dopamine synthesis, and (4) dopamine transporters. Recent proposals of a nonlinear relationship between severity of obesity and dopamine imbalances are described while integrating findings within and across domains, after which limitations of the review are discussed. We conclude that despite many observed associations between obesity and substrates of the dopamine system in humans, it is unlikely that obesity can be traced back to a single dopaminergic cause or consequence. For effective personalized prevention and treatment of obesity, it will be crucial to identify possible dopamine (and non-dopamine) profiles and their functional characteristics.
Experimental and Analytical Investigation of Bond Behavior of Deformed Steel Bar and Ultra-High Performance Concrete
Authors: Liang Rui , Huang Yuan , Xu Zhenming
Published: April 2022

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has been demonstrated to be a realistic alternative to less maintenance and significantly longer service life due to its better mechanical properties and low permeability. The bond performance of the deformed steel bar embedded in UHPC is critically important for the safety of the UHPC structures. This paper conducted an experimental investigation on the bond behavior of deformed steel bars and UHPC. The impacts of loading method, UHPC strength, steel fiber type and content, rebar diameter, and cover thickness were studied. The testing results revealed that the specimens failed in three modes: pull-out, splitting + pull-out, and cone failure. The main factors affecting the bond strength are UHPC compressive strength, cover thickness, and fiber characteristics. The peak slip of rebar-UHPC increases with cover thickness and rebar diameter. Finally, an analytical model of the bond stress-slip relationship between the UHPC and deformed steel bar is obtained, which is in suitable agreement with the test results.
Fluorescent Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Layers against Sialic Acid on Silica-Coated Polystyrene Cores—Assessment of the Binding Behavior to Cancer Cells
Authors: Beyer Sarah , Kimani Martha , Zhang Yuecheng , Verhassel Alejandra , Sternbæk Louise , Wang Tianyan , Persson Jenny L. , Härkönen Pirkko , Johansson Emil , Caraballo Remi , Elofsson Mikael , Gawlitza Kornelia , Rurack Knut , Ohlsson Lars , El-Schich Zahra , Wingren Anette Gjörloff , Stollenwerk Maria M.
Published: April 2022

Sialic acid (SA) is a monosaccharide usually linked to the terminus of glycan chains on the cell surface. It plays a crucial role in many biological processes, and hypersialylation is a common feature in cancer. Lectins are widely used to analyze the cell surface expression of SA. However, these protein molecules are usually expensive and easily denatured, which calls for the development of alternative glycan-specific receptors and cell imaging technologies. In this study, SA-imprinted fluorescent core-shell molecularly imprinted polymer particles (SA-MIPs) were employed to recognize SA on the cell surface of cancer cell lines. The SA-MIPs improved suspensibility and scattering properties compared with previously used core-shell SA-MIPs. Although SA-imprinting was performed using SA without preference for the α2,3- and α2,6-SA forms, we screened the cancer cell lines analyzed using the lectins Maackia Amurensis Lectin I (MAL I, α2,3-SA) and Sambucus Nigra Lectin (SNA, α2,6-SA). Our results show that the selected cancer cell lines in this study presented a varied binding behavior with the SA-MIPs. The binding pattern of the lectins was also demonstrated. Moreover, two different pentavalent SA conjugates were used to inhibit the binding of the SA-MIPs to breast, skin, and lung cancer cell lines, demonstrating the specificity of the SA-MIPs in both flow cytometry and confocal fluorescence microscopy. We concluded that the synthesized SA-MIPs might be a powerful future tool in the diagnostic analysis of various cancer cells.
Differences in the Expression Patterns of TGFβ Isoforms and Associated Genes in Astrocytic Brain Tumors
Authors: Kurowska Natalia , Strzalka-Mrozik Barbara , Madej Marcel , Pająk Klaudia , Kruszniewska-Rajs Celina , Kaspera Wojciech , Gola Joanna Magdalena
Published: April 2022

Genes associated with the TGFβ isoforms are involved in a number of different cancers, and their effect on the progression of brain tumors is also being discussed. Using an oligonucleotide microarray method, we assessed differences in expression patterns of genes in astrocytic brain tumor sections from 43 patients at different stages of disease. Quantitative mRNA assessment of the three TGFβ isoforms was also performed by real-time RT-qPCR. Oligonucleotide microarray data were analyzed using the PL-Grid Infrastructure. The microarray analysis showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 expression in G3/G4 stage relative to G2, whereas real-time RT-qPCR validation confirmed this change only for the TGFβ2 isoform (p < 0.05). The oligonucleotide microarray method allowed the identification of 16 differential genes associated with TGFβ isoforms. Analysis of the STRING database showed that the proteins encoded by the analyzed genes form a strong interaction network (p < 0.001), and a significant number of proteins are involved in carcinogenesis. Differences in expression patterns of transcripts associated with TGFβ isoforms confirm that they play a role in astrocytic brain tumor transformation. Quantitative assessment of TGFβ2 mRNA may be a valuable method to complement the diagnostic process in the future.
A Multicenter, Prospective, Observational Study to Assess the Clinical Activity and Impact on Symptom Burden and Patients’ Quality of Life in Patients with Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcomas Treated with Trabectedin in a Real-World Setting in Greece
Authors: Kokkali Stefania , Boukovinas Ioannis , Samantas Epaminondas , Papakotoulas Pavlos , Athanasiadis Ilias , Andreadis Charalampos , Makrantonakis Parisis , Samelis Georgios , Timotheadou Eleni , Vassilopoulos Georgios , Papadimitriou Christos , Tzanninis Dimitrios , Ardavanis Alexandros , Kotsantis Ioannis , Karvounis-Marolachakis Kiki , Theodoropoulou Theodora , Psyrri Amanda
Published: April 2022

This non-interventional, multicenter, prospective study aimed to evaluate the real-world activity of trabectedin, and its impact on symptom burden and quality of life in patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma (aSTS) treated in routine clinical settings in Greece. Patients with histologically confirmed aSTS newly initiated on trabectedin were enrolled. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 6 months. Secondary endpoints included PFS rate at 3 months, median PFS, objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), and an assessment of the impact of treatment on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), cancer-related symptom burden and symptom interference with function, as well as all-cause treatment discontinuation rate. A total of 64 eligible patients from 13 Greek centers were evaluated. Patients received a median of three trabectedin cycles per patient (interquartile range [IQR]: 2.0–6.0). Median PFS was 6.6 months with 67.9% and 51.2% of patients free from progression at 3 and 6 months, respectively. ORR was 7.8% and DCR 21.9%. Median OS was 13.1 months. No significant changes from enrolment were noted in HRQoL scores. In total, 30 patients (46.9%) had at least one trabectedin-related adverse drug reaction (ADR) and 9 (14.1%) at least one serious ADR. The treatment discontinuation rate due to toxicity was 9.4%. These results suggest that trabectedin is an active treatment with clinically meaningful benefits in patients with aSTS with no new safety signals.
Stress in Metastatic Breast Cancer: To the Bone and Beyond
Authors: Lourenço Catarina , Conceição Francisco , Jerónimo Carmen , Lamghari Meriem , Sousa Daniela M.
Published: April 2022

Breast cancer (BRCA) remains as one the most prevalent cancers diagnosed in industrialised countries. Although the overall survival rate is high, the dissemination of BRCA cells to distant organs correlates with a significantly poor prognosis. This is due to the fact that there are no efficient therapeutic strategies designed to overcome the progression of the metastasis. Over the past decade, critical associations between stress and the prevalence of BRCA metastases were uncovered. Chronic stress and the concomitant sympathetic hyperactivation have been shown to accelerate the progression of the disease and the metastases incidence, specifically to the bone. In this review, we provide a summary of the sympathetic profile on BRCA. Additionally, the current knowledge regarding the sympathetic hyperactivity, and the underlying adrenergic signalling pathways, involved on the development of BRCA metastasis to distant organs (i.e., bone, lung, liver and brain) will be revealed. Since bone is a preferential target site for BRCA metastases, greater emphasis will be given to the contribution of α2- and β-adrenergic signalling in BRCA bone tropism and the occurrence of osteolytic lesions.
Oxidation of Toluene by Ozone over Surface-Modified γ-Al2O3: Effect of Ag Addition
Authors: Bhargavi Kandukuri , Ray Debjyoti , Chawdhury Piu , Malladi Sairam , Shashidhar Thatikonda , Subrahmanyam Challapalli
Published: April 2022

In this study, the ability of ozone to oxidise toluene present in low levels into CO and CO2 was studied. The catalytic ozonation of toluene was carried out in a micro-fixed bed reactor. The oxidation was done in two steps: toluene adsorption on the catalyst followed by sequential ozone desorption. Toluene breakdown by ozone at low temperature and atmospheric pressure was achieved using γ-Al2O3 supported transition metal oxides impregnated with a reduced noble metal. The catalyst Ag–CoOx/γ-Al2O3 efficiently oxidised and transformed toluene into products (52.4% COx yield). This catalyst has a high surface area, more acidic sites, and lattice oxygens for better toluene oxidation. The addition of Ag to the CoOx/γ-Al2O3 catalyst surface improved toluene adsorption on the catalyst surface, resulting in improved product yield, selectivity, and carbon balance.
SMYD2 Inhibition Downregulates TMPRSS2 and Decreases SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Human Intestinal and Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Yu Yu-Qiang , Herrmann Alexandra , Thonn Veronika , Cordsmeier Arne , Neurath Markus F. , Ensser Armin , Becker Christoph
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has lasted for more than two years. Despite the presence of very effective vaccines, the number of virus variants that escape neutralizing antibodies is growing. Thus, there is still a need for effective antiviral treatments that target virus replication independently of the circulating variant. Here, we show for the first time that deficiency or pharmacological inhibition of the cellular lysine-methyltransferase SMYD2 decreases TMPRSS2 expression on both mRNA and protein levels. SARS-CoV-2 uses TMPRSS2 for priming its spike protein to infect target cells. Treatment of cultured cells with the SMYD2 inhibitors AZ505 or BAY598 significantly inhibited viral replication. In contrast, treatment of Vero E6 cells, which do not express detectable amounts of TMPRSS2, had no effect on SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, by generating a recombinant reporter virus that expresses the spike protein of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, we demonstrate that BAY598 exhibits similar antiviral activity against this variant of concern. In summary, SMYD2 inhibition downregulates TMPRSS2 and blocks viral replication. Targeting cellular SMYD2 represents a promising tool to curtail SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Brain Microvascular Pericytes—More than Bystanders in Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis
Authors: Ippolitov Danyyl , Arreza Leanne , Munir Maliha Nuzhat , Hombach-Klonisch Sabine
Published: April 2022

Brain tissue contains the highest number of perivascular pericytes compared to other organs. Pericytes are known to regulate brain perfusion and to play an important role within the neurovascular unit (NVU). The high phenotypic and functional plasticity of pericytes make this cell type a prime candidate to aid physiological adaptations but also propose pericytes as important modulators in diverse pathologies in the brain. This review highlights known phenotypes of pericytes in the brain, discusses the diverse markers for brain pericytes, and reviews current in vitro and in vivo experimental models to study pericyte function. Our current knowledge of pericyte phenotypes as it relates to metastatic growth patterns in breast cancer brain metastasis is presented as an example for the crosstalk between pericytes, endothelial cells, and metastatic cells. Future challenges lie in establishing methods for real-time monitoring of pericyte crosstalk to understand causal events in the brain metastatic process.
Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Photonic Hydrogel Films Immobilized with Urease Used for the Detection of Hg2+
Authors: Liu Jie , Tai Wenjun , Wang Deliang , Su Jie , Yu Li
Published: April 2022

Mercury ion is one of the most widespread heavy metal contaminants which can accumulate in the body through multiple channels, posing a detrimental impact on human health. We demonstrate a simple and low-cost method for the detection of Hg2+ assisted by a cholesteric liquid crystal photonic hydrogel (polyacrylic acid (PAA)) film with immobilized urease (CLC-PAAurease film). In the absence of Hg2+, a significant change in color and an obvious red shift in the reflected light wavelength of the prepared film were observed, since urease can hydrolyze urea to produce NH3, resulting in an increasing pH value of the microenvironment of CLC-PAAurease film. Hg2+ can inhibit the activity of urease so that the color change of the film is not obvious, corresponding to a relatively small variation of the reflected light wavelength. Therefore, Hg2+ can be quantitatively detected by measuring the displacement of the reflected light wavelength of the film. The detection limit of Hg2+ is about 10 nM. This approach has a good application prospect in the monitoring of heavy metal ions in environmental water resources.
Microfluidic-Enabled Multi-Cell-Densities-Patterning and Culture Device for Characterization of Yeast Strains’ Growth Rates under Mating Pheromone
Authors: Zhang Jing , Shen Wenting , Cai Zhiyuan , Chen Kaiyue , Ouyang Qi , Wei Ping , Yang Wei , Luo Chunxiong
Published: April 2022

Yeast studies usually focus on exploring diversity in terms of a specific trait (such as growth rate, antibiotic resistance, or fertility) among extensive strains. Microfluidic chips improve these biological studies in a manner of high throughput and high efficiency. For a population study of yeast, it is of great significance to set a proper initial cell density for every strain under specific circumstances. Herein, we introduced a novel design of chip, which enables users to load cells in a gradient order (six alternatives) of initial cell density within one channel. We discussed several guidelines to choose the appropriate chamber to ensure successful data recording. With this chip, we successfully studied the growth rate of yeast strains under a mating response, which is crucial for yeasts to control growth behaviors for prosperous mating. We investigated the growth rate of eight different yeast strains under three different mating pheromone levels (0.3 μM, 1 μM, and 10 μM). Strains with, even, a six-fold in growth rate can be recorded, with the available data produced simultaneously. This work has provided an efficient and time-saving microfluidic platform, which enables loading cells in a pattern of multi-cell densities for a yeast population experiment, especially for a high-throughput study. Besides, a quantitatively analyzed growth rate of different yeast strains shall reveal inspiring perspectives for studies concerning yeast population behavior with a stimulated mating pheromone.
Effect of Substrate Temperature on the Properties of RF Magnetron Sputtered p-CuInOx Thin Films for Transparent Heterojunction Devices
Authors: Skaria Giji , Kundu Avra , Sundaram Kalpathy B.
Published: April 2022

Copper indium oxide (CuInOx) thin films were deposited by the RF magnetron sputtering technique using a Cu2O:In2O3 target at varying substrate temperatures up to 400 °C. Mutually exclusive requirements of having a p-type thin film along with increased conductivity and high transparency were achieved by controlling the migration of indium oxide phases during the sputtering process, as verified by the XPS studies. A morphological study performed using SEM further confirmed the crystallization and the grain growth (95–135 nm) with increasing substrate temperatures, resulting in superior conductivity and an enhanced transparency of more than 70% in the 400–700 nm range. This is due to the controlled replacement of copper sites with indium while maintaining the p-type characteristic of the thin film. Optical studies carried out on the films indicated a bandgap change in the range of 2.46–2.99 eV as a function of substrate heating. A p-CuInOx/n-Si heterojunction was fabricated with a measured knee voltage of 0.85 V. The photovoltaic behavior of the device was investigated and initial solar cell parameters are reported.
Synthesis and Laser-Related Spectroscopy of Er:Y2O3 Optical Ceramics as a Gain Medium for In-Band-Pumped 1.6 µm Lasers
Authors: Gorbachenya Konstantin N. , Yasukevich Anatol S. , Kisel Viktor E. , Lopukhin Kirill V. , Balashov Vladimir V. , Fedin Alexander V. , Gerke Miron N. , Volkova Elena A. , Yapaskurt Vasiliy O. , Kuzmin Nikolay N. , Ksenofontov Dmitry A. , Korost Dmitry V. , Kuleshov Nikolay V.
Published: April 2022

In this paper, Er:Y2O3 optical ceramics were fabricated and details of the synthesis were presented. The spectral–luminescent properties of Er3+:Y2O3 optical ceramics were investigated. The absorption and emission cross-section spectra were determined. The luminescence kinetics at near 1.6 µm was single exponential and the lifetime of erbium 4I13/2 energy level was determined. In the frame of the conventional Judd–Ofelt theory, the emission properties of the energy levels of erbium 4I13/2 and 4I11/2 involved in laser operation at near 1.6 µm were calculated. The gain coefficient curves for typical values of the relative population of the upper laser level 4I13/2 were presented. The composition and structure were studied using the SEM, XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, and X-ray computer tomography techniques.
Factors Affecting Patients with Concurrent Deep Neck Infection and Lemierre’s Syndrome
Authors: Chen Shih-Lung , Chin Shy-Chyi , Wang Yu-Chien , Ho Chia-Ying
Published: April 2022

Deep neck infection (DNI) is a severe disease affecting the deep neck spaces, and is associated with an increased risk of airway obstruction. Lemierre’s syndrome (LS) refers to septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein after pharyngeal infection, and is linked with high morbidity and mortality. Both diseases begin with an oropharyngeal infection, and concurrence is possible. However, no studies have examined the risk factors associated with co-existence of LS and DNI. Accordingly, this study examined a patient population to investigate the risk factors associated with concurrent DNI and LS. We examined data from a total of 592 patients with DNI who were hospitalized between May 2016 and January 2022. Among these patients, 14 had concurrent DNI and LS. The relevant clinical variables were assessed. In a univariate analysis, C-reactive protein (odds ratio (OR) = 1.004, 95% CI: 1.000–1.009, p = 0.045), involvement of multiple spaces (OR = 23.12, 95% CI: 3.003–178.7, p = 0.002), involvement of the carotid space (OR = 179.6, 95% CI: 22.90–1409, p < 0.001), involvement of the posterior cervical space (OR = 42.60, 95% CI: 12.45–145.6, p < 0.001) and Fusobacterium necrophorum (F. necrophorum, OR = 288.0, 95% CI: 50.58–1639, p < 0.001) were significant risk factors for concurrent DNI and LS. In a multivariate analysis, involvement of the carotid space (OR = 94.37, 95% CI: 9.578–929.9, p < 0.001), that of the posterior cervical space (OR = 24.99, 95% CI: 2.888–216.3, p = 0.003), and F. necrophorum (OR = 156.6, 95% CI: 7.072–3469, p = 0.001) were significant independent risk factors for concurrent LS in patients with DNI. The length of hospitalization in patients with concurrent LS and DNI (27.57 ± 14.94 days) was significantly longer than that in patients with DNI alone (10.01 ± 8.26 days; p < 0.001), and the only pathogen found in significantly different levels between the two groups was F. necrophorum (p < 0.001). Involvement of the carotid space, that of the posterior cervical space and F. necrophorum were independent risk factors for the concurrence of DNI and LS. Patients with concurrent LS and DNI had longer hospitalization periods than patients with DNI alone. Furthermore, F. necrophorum was the only pathogen found in significantly different levels in DNI patients with versus those without LS.
Metastatic Anorectal Melanoma Presenting as Seizures: An Infrequent Culprit
Authors: Galante Joao , Adeleke Sola , Parkar Rosemeen , Bagla Nipin , Edwards Albert , Boussios Stergios , Raman Rakesh
Published: April 2022

Anorectal malignant melanoma is a rare culprit of malignancies in the anorectal region. With a presentation that mimics the vastly more common colorectal tumours, clinical misdiagnosis and diagnostic delays often occur, contributing to a dismal prognosis. The authors report a case of metastatic anorectal malignant melanoma presenting as seizures. Though our standard diagnostic pathway for suspected anorectal malignancies was followed, and despite the patient having computerized tomography (CT) of the head earlier, this presentation nonetheless led to a prolongation of time needed to reach histological diagnosis and delay in commencing definitive treatment. It also highlights the paucity of research into the pathophysiology and management of this infrequent but aggressive disease, and the need for raising awareness about this condition to the medical community so that it is considered as a plausible differential diagnosis from the outset and diagnostic pathways adjusted accordingly.
AI and Blockchain as New Triggers in the Education Arena
Authors: Sousa Maria José , Dal Mas Francesca , Gonçalves Sónia P. , Calandra Davide
Published: April 2022

Several scholars have examined the potential use of AI and Blockchain in education, primarily focusing on the contributions of such technologies with a goal to improve learning possibilities and outcomes for students [...]
Determination of Dynamic Characteristics for Predicting Electrical Load Curves of Mining Enterprises
Authors: Ustinov Denis Anatolievich , Khomiakov Konstantin Alekseevich
Published: April 2022

The calculation of electrical loads is the first and most significant stage in the design of the power supply system. It is essential to make the right choice when choosing the power electrical equipment: transformers, power lines, and switching devices. Underestimation or overestimation of the calculated values can lead to large losses and an increase in capital costs. Therefore, the reliability of the results plays a key role. The use of energy-saving technologies and energy-efficient electrical equipment leads to a change in the nature and level of power consumption, which must be taken into account when determining the electrical loads. The existing methods leave out dynamic characteristics of electrical load curves, so the calculated values are overestimated by up to 40%. This study shows a load calculation method with the normalized correlation functions and its parameters at the level of the individual and group electricity consumers. As a result, the difference between the calculated and experimental values does not exceed 5%.
Radiation and Annealing Effects on GaN MOSFETs Irradiated by 1 MeV Electrons
Authors: Lu Tongshan , Wang Chenghua
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the 650 V N-channel GaN MOSFETs are chosen as the research object to study the radiation and annealing effects under 1 MeV electron irradiation. The output, transfer, and breakdown characteristics are measured before and after electron irradiation. The experimental results show the variation of the I-V curves after irradiation, which is related to the increased conductivity due to the generation of an oxide charge in the GaN MOSFETs. However, the gradual formation of the interface trapped charge offsets the effect of the oxide charge, which decreases the conductivity of the GaN MOSFETs and the drain-source current. The long-term annealing at room temperature degrades the interface trapped charges, leading to the restoration of the I-V characteristics. After room temperature annealing, the breakdown voltage is still higher than the unirradiated level, and this is because the displacement defects caused by electron irradiation cannot be recovered at room temperature.
A Path-Planning Method for Wall Surface Inspection Robot Based on Improved Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Tao Yong , Wen Yufang , Gao He , Wang Tianmiao , Wan Jiahao , Lan Jiangbo
Published: April 2022

A wall surface inspection robot mainly relies on the inertial measurement unit and global positioning system (GPS) signal during intelligent wall surface inspection. The robot may encounter incorrect positioning under a GPS-denied environment, easily triggering safety accidents. In order to obtain a path suitable for the safe work of the robot wall surface inspection robot in a GPS-denied environment, a global path-planning method for wall surface inspection robots was proposed based on the improved generic algorithm (GA). The influencing factor for GPS signal strength was introduced into the heuristic function in path planning for GA to address the aforementioned problem. Using the PSO algorithm, GA was initialized and the influencing term of GPS signal was introduced into the fitness degree function so as to achieve point-to-point path planning of vertical wall surface inspection robot. Path angle and probability of intersection and variation was taken into account for better path planning capability. Finally, the simulation experiments were performed. The generated path using the improved GA was found to avoid the blind area of the GPS signal. The algorithm proposed has a good performance with average convergence times of 35.9 times and an angle of 55.88° in simple environment. Contrary to the traditional GA and PSO algorithm, the method showed advantages in terms of the convergence rate, path quality, path angle change, and algorithm stability. The research presented in this article is meaningful and relatively sufficient. The simulation test is also quite convincing. The proposed method was proved to be effective in global path planning for a wall surface inspection robot.
Multi-Objective Statistical Optimization of Pectinolytic Enzymes Production by an Aspergillus sp. on Dehydrated Coffee Residues in Solid-State Fermentation
Authors: Núñez Pérez Jimmy , Chávez Arias Brayan Santiago , de la Vega Quintero Juan Carlos , Zárate Baca Santiago , Pais-Chanfrau José Manuel
Published: April 2022

Pectinolytic enzymes are a group of enzymes widely used in the food industry. They can be obtained through a wide range of by-products and agricultural and agro-industrial waste by the action of fungi, such as Aspergillus spp., by solid-state fermentation (SSF). A wild strain of an Aspergillus sp. isolated in the Universidad Técnica del Norte (UTN) was used to obtain pectinolytic enzymes from dehydrated coffee waste (pulp and husk) derived from coffee cherries cultivated in the Ecuadorian Andean regions. It was possible to find a condition in which the production of pectinases (expressed as Enzymatic Activity (EA)) and the concentration of spores (S) were simultaneously maximized, using the response surface methodology, in a 3-level factorial design, by SSF in simple tray-type bioreactors. After the analysis and optimization of quadratic models, three confirmatory experiments were performed in the unique optimal condition recommended (35 °C and 79% relative humidity), obtaining 29.9 IU/g and 2.64 × 106 #Sp./g for EA and S, respectively; these values coincided with those predicted by the quadratic models, demonstrating their validity. The values obtained in this study are similar to those previously obtained by other authors.
Beneficial Effects of Fermented Camel and Cow’s Milk in Lipid Profile, Liver, and Renal Function in Hypercholesterolemic Rats
Authors: Alharbi Yousef Mesfer , El-Zahar Khaled Meghawry , Mousa Hassan Mirghani
Published: April 2022

As hyperlipidemia has been associated with cardiovascular diseases, this study investigated the influence of probiotic-fermented camel and cow’s milk on blood lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic rats. When tested, probiotic-fermented camel and cow’s milk exhibited the highest overall acceptance score in flavor and texture. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups (n = 6). The first group served as normal control, while groups 2–8 were fed on a high-fat (HFD), high-cholesterol diet throughout the experimental period and treated with different types of fermented milks. Feeding rats on probiotic-fermented milk resulted in a significant decrease in the level of triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, and LDL compared with the positive control group. Albumin and total protein concentrations increased significantly, while ALT, AST, and creatinine were significantly reduced in rats fed on probiotic-fermented milk. The results indicated that probiotic-fermented milk might improve liver and kidney functions in hypercholesterolemic rats. These findings highlighted the ameliorative potentials of camel milk against hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in rats.
Effects of Brewer Grain Meal with Enzyme Combination on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Intestinal Morphology, Immunity, and Oxidative Status in Growing Pigs
Authors: Boontiam Waewaree , Hong Jinsu , Jaikan Winai
Published: April 2022

This study investigated the effects of supplementing feed with various levels of brewer grain meal (BGM) and enzymes (amylase, xylanase, β-glucanase, lipase, cellulase, β-mannanase, phytase, and pectinase) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, immunity, and oxidative status in growing pigs. Eighty growing pigs were subjected to four feed treatments (five replicates per treatment), based on a corn-soybean basal diet: feeds with 0.1% enzyme combination supplementation (PC), no enzyme supplementation (NC), 20% BGM with 0.1% enzyme combination (BGM20), and 40% BGM with 0.1% enzyme combination (BGM40). Supplementing the feed with both BGM-supplemented diets significantly increased final body weight, average daily gain, the digestibility of crude protein and ash, serum concentration of total proteins, superoxide dismutase activity, villus height in the duodenum and jejunum, and duodenal villus height to crypt depth ratio; however, it did not significantly increase blood urea nitrogen, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, malondialdehyde levels, and duodenal crypt depth compared to the NC diet (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a lower hindgut pH in the middle of the colon was detected following the BGM-supplemented diet compared to PC treatment (p = 0.005). Increased levels of triglycerides and albumin were detected in BGM20-fed pigs, whereas increased levels of glucose, total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione peroxidase but decreased interleukine-6 levels were observed in the BGM40 compared with the NC group (p = 0.05). No differences were observed in the average daily feed intake and gain to feed ratio, in the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase or immunoglobulins (p > 0.05). The addition of up to 40% BGM combined with 0.1% enzyme supplementation positively promotes the growth performance, nutrient utilization, and intestinal health of growing pigs.
Re-Envisioning Wildland Fire Governance: Addressing the Transboundary, Uncertain, and Contested Aspects of Wildfire
Authors: Miller Brett Alan , Yung Laurie , Wyborn Carina , Essen Maureen , Gray Benjamin , Williams Daniel R.
Published: April 2022

Wildfire is a complex problem because of the diverse mix of actors and landowners involved, uncertainty about outcomes and future conditions, and unavoidable trade-offs that require ongoing negotiation. In this perspective, we argue that addressing the complex challenge of wildfire requires governance approaches designed to fit the nature of the wildfire problem. For instance, while wildfire is often described as a cross-boundary problem, understanding wildfire risk as transboundary highlights important political and institutional challenges that complicate collaboration across jurisdictions and shared stewardship. Transboundary risk requires collaborative governance that attends to the distribution of power, authority, and capacity across the range of actors relevant to particular fire-prone landscapes. Wildfire is also changing in unprecedented ways and multiple, interacting uncertainties make predicting future wildfires difficult. Anticipatory governance can build our capacity to integrate uncertainty into wildfire decision-making and manage risk in proactive ways. Finally, competing interests and values mean that trade-offs are inherent to the wildfire problem. Risk governance links science and society through deliberative, participatory processes that explicitly navigate tradeoffs and build legitimacy for actions to address wildfire risk. Governance approaches that better target the nature of the wildfire problem will improve our ability to coexist with fire today and in the future.
Applying Acoustic Scattering Layer Descriptors to Depict Mid-Trophic Pelagic Organisation: The Case of Atlantic African Large Marine Ecosystems Continental Shelf
Authors: Mouget Anne , Brehmer Patrice , Perrot Yannick , Uanivi Uatjavi , Diogoul Ndague , El Ayoubi Salahedine , Jeyid Mohamed Ahmed , Sarré Abdoulaye , Béhagle Nolwenn , Kouassi Aka Marcel , Feunteun Eric
Published: April 2022

To identify key nonspecific organisational characteristics of the mid-trophic pelagic communities, which remain a challenge, we work with sound scattering layers (SSLs). Application was tested in the three African Atlantic Large Marine Ecosystems (AALMEs) to assess the utility of adapting and developing new acoustic variables. Our methodology allowed comparison between Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) based on 14 morphological, spatial and acoustic variables to characterize SSLs over time. These original variables were effective in monitoring and comparing the LMEs, and even allowed us to discriminate different organisations inside the Canary Current LME. Common traits identified for all AALMEs included the importance of the shallowest SSL. However, we identified an unexpected night-time pattern in SSL distributions in the Benguela Current LME which reflect a major difference in diel vertical migration mechanisms relative to other AALMEs. We also highlighted the predominance of elementary sampling unit (ESUs) with a single SSL and an unoccupied tiny layer close to the bottom, even if some ESUs presented up to six SSLs. Inter-annual changes in SSL organisation are highlighted by adaptation of original variables as the proportion of the water column occupied by SSLs and the relative importance of the shallowest SSL. SSL variables have been used mostly in deep water; here, we applied them on the continental shelf. SSL variables can be used to standardize the monitoring of marine ecosystems and capture change in spatial structure and function of mid-trophic pelagic marine ecosystems worldwide, even in data-poor areas where species identification of lower-trophic pelagic organism remains a challenge.
Current Advances and Challenges in Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
Authors: Hallerman Eric , Esteban Maria Angeles , Baldisserotto Bernardo
Published: April 2022

Advances in fisheries and aquaculture science often follow the introduction of new tools or analytic methods [...]
Nondestructive Testing of Pear Based on Fourier Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Lu Zhaohui , Lu Ruitao , Chen Yu , Fu Kai , Song Junxing , Xie Linlin , Zhai Rui , Wang Zhigang , Yang Chengquan , Xu Lingfei
Published: April 2022

Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy is a nondestructive, rapid, real-time analysis of technical detection methods with an important reference value for producers and consumers. In this study, the feasibility of using FT-NIR spectroscopy for the rapid quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis of ‘Zaosu’ and ‘Dangshansuli’ pears is explored. The quantitative model was established by partial least squares (PLS) regression combined with cross-validation based on the spectral data of 340 pear fresh fruits and synchronized with the reference values determined by conventional assays. Furthermore, NIR spectroscopy combined with cluster analysis was used to identify varieties of ‘Zaosu’ and ‘Dangshansuli’. As a result, the model developed using FT-NIR spectroscopy gave the best results for the prediction models of soluble solid content (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA) of ‘Dangshansuli’ (residual prediction deviation, RPD: 3.272 and 2.239), which were better than those developed for ‘Zaosu’ SSC and TA modeling (RPD: 1.407 and 1.471). The results also showed that the variety identification of ‘Zaosu’ and ‘Dangshansuli’ could be carried out based on FT-NIR spectroscopy, and the discrimination accuracy was 100%. Overall, FT-NIR spectroscopy is a good tool for rapid and nondestructive analysis of the internal quality and variety identification of fresh pears.
Reasonableness of Enriching Cow’s Milk with Vitamins and Minerals
Authors: Woźniak Dagmara , Cichy Wojciech , Dobrzyńska Małgorzata , Przysławski Juliusz , Drzymała-Czyż Sławomira
Published: April 2022

Milk is an exceptional nutritional product that has been used for many millennia in human nutrition. Milk is a source of many valuable nutrients, including calcium, vitamin B, an especially significant amount of vitamin B2 and fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D and E. Milk is an attractive product for fortification as it has a high nutritional density in a small volume and a relatively low price. Research shows positive health effects of drinking milk and consuming dairy products. Even more health benefits can be obtained from consuming fortified dairy products. A literature review, current nutritional recommendations, medical recommendations and an analysis of the market situation all recommend introducing milk enriched with minerals in combination with vitamins to the market. This concept corresponds to the current market demand and may supplement the missing and expected range of fortified milk and the correct number of recipients.
Modelling Energy Transition in Germany: An Analysis through Ordinary Differential Equations and System Dynamics
Authors: Savio Andrea , De Giovanni Luigi , Guidolin Mariangela
Published: April 2022

This paper proposes the application of a multivariate diffusion model, based on ordinary differential equations, to investigate the energy transition in Germany. Specifically, the model is able to analyze the dynamic interdependencies between coal, gas and renewables in the energy market. A system dynamics representation of the model is also performed, allowing a deeper understanding of the system and the set-up of suitable strategic interventions through a simulation exercise. Such simulation provides a useful indication of how renewable energy consumption may be stimulated as a result of well-specified policies.
Different Clinical Features of Idiopathic Achalasia in Various Countries
Authors: Yeung Amy , Benmerzouga Imaan
Published: April 2022

Idiopathic achalasia is a motility disorder affecting the lower esophageal sphincter. Dysphagia is a hallmark symptom, but patients may exhibit other symptoms. The aim of this review is to compare achalasia symptoms globally. PubMed and Google Scholar were filtered from 1952–2021 with the search terms achalasia, epidemiology, diet, countries, and genetics. A total of 14 articles addressed demographics, symptom profiles, genetics, and diagnosis criteria amongst 2463 patients. Data on countries’ climate and diet were obtained through Arc Geographic Information System (GIS) and Our World in Data. Countries were grouped by similar climate zones and diets. Achalasia symptoms varied by region. In West Africa, patients exhibit parotid swelling, anemia, and dehydration; diminished appetite in East Asia; dysphagia and weight loss in West Asia and Europe; respiratory symptoms, reflux, and retrosternal pain in North America; and vomiting in Southern Asia. Weighted percentages of dietary oils/fats were (24.3%) in North America, Western Asia (17.8%); Europe (17.7%); East Asia (17.6%); West Africa (14.7%); Southern Asia (13.8%); North Africa (12.4%); Northeast Africa (10.1%). Conditions such as Down Syndrome and Triple A syndrome are associated with achalasia. There was no correlation for achalasia presentation and climate zones. Achalasia symptoms are likely multifactorial. Diet, genetics, and environmental factors may play significant roles.
Boamente: A Natural Language Processing-Based Digital Phenotyping Tool for Smart Monitoring of Suicidal Ideation
Authors: Diniz Evandro J. S. , Fontenele José E. , de Oliveira Adonias C. , Bastos Victor H. , Teixeira Silmar , Rabêlo Ricardo L. , Calçada Dario B. , dos Santos Renato M. , de Oliveira Ana K. , Teles Ariel S.
Published: April 2022

People at risk of suicide tend to be isolated and cannot share their thoughts. For this reason, suicidal ideation monitoring becomes a hard task. Therefore, people at risk of suicide need to be monitored in a manner capable of identifying if and when they have a suicidal ideation, enabling professionals to perform timely interventions. This study aimed to develop the Boamente tool, a solution that collects textual data from users’ smartphones and identifies the existence of suicidal ideation. The solution has a virtual keyboard mobile application that passively collects user texts and sends them to a web platform to be processed. The platform classifies texts using natural language processing and a deep learning model to recognize suicidal ideation, and the results are presented to mental health professionals in dashboards. Text classification for sentiment analysis was implemented with different machine/deep learning algorithms. A validation study was conducted to identify the model with the best performance results. The BERTimbau Large model performed better, reaching a recall of 0.953 (accuracy: 0.955; precision: 0.961; F-score: 0.954; AUC: 0.954). The proposed tool demonstrated an ability to identify suicidal ideation from user texts, which enabled it to be experimented with in studies with professionals and their patients.