bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SubvectorS_Geo: A Neural-Network-Based IPv6 Geolocation Algorithm
Authors: Ma Zhaorui , Hu Xinhao , Zhang Shicheng , Li Na , Liu Fenlin , Zhou Qinglei , Wang Hongjian , Hu Guangwu , Dong Qilin
Published: January 2023

IPv6 geolocation is necessary for many location-based Internet services. However, the accuracy of the current IPv6 geolocation methods including machine-learning-based or deep-learning-based location algorithms are unsatisfactory for users. Strong geographic correlation is observed for measurement path features close to the target IP, so previous methods focused more on stable paths in the vicinity of the probe. Based on this, this paper proposes a new IPv6 geolocation algorithm, SubvectorS_Geo, which is mainly divided into three steps: firstly, it filters geographically relevant routing feature codes layer by layer to approximate the fine-grained trusted region of the target; secondly, it extracts delay vectors into the trusted region; thirdly, it evaluates the vector similarity to determine the final target geolocation information. The final experiments show that the median error distance range is 7.025 km to 9.709 km on three real datasets (Shanghai, New York State, and Tokyo). Compared with the advanced method, the median distance error distance is reduced by at least 6.8% and the average error distance is reduced by at least 9.2%.
Application of Response Surface Method in Pulsed Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Complex Plant Materials—A Case Study on Cannabis sativa L.
Authors: Kobus Zbigniew , Buczaj Agnieszka , Pecyna Anna , Kapica Jacek , Findura Pavol , Kocira Sławomir
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to optimize the effect of particle size, time and ultrasonic intensity on the extraction of phenolic compounds and energy efficiency. Sonication was performed with a VC750 Sonics processor at the following amplitudes: 30, 50 and 70%, which corresponds to the ultrasonic intensity, respectively: 1.6; 5.1 and 8.6 W∙cm−2. The frequency of ultrasound was 20 kHz. Extraction was carried out in a 5 s on–10 s off pulse system. The content of polyphenols and their antioxidant activity were assayed by the spectrophotometric method. Response surface methodology (RMS) was used to optimize the investigated variables. On the basis of the developed model, the highest polyphenols yield was obtained under the following extraction conditions (particle size 0.65 mm, extraction time 13.14 min, ultrasound intensity 6.92 W∙cm−2, which resulted in a maximum value of 15.24 mg GAE∙g−1 dry matter of hemp. Taking into account the lowest unit energy consumption, the best conditions were obtained for particle size of approx. 0.5 mm, extraction time 7.7 min, and ultrasound intensity 1.8 W∙cm−2, which resulted in a phenolic yield of 10.14 mg GAE∙g−1 dry matter of hemp. The best agreement between values of optimization variables within investigated criteria was obtained for the variable particle size. The developed models of pulsed ultrasound-assisted extraction can be used for obtaining polyphenols from Cannabis sativa L. at low unit energy consumption.
Design Optimization and Comparative Study of a Novel Halbach Permanent Magnet Vernier Machine with Alternate Flux Bridge
Authors: Huang Ziqi , Chau Aten Man Ho , Niu Shuangxia , Zhao Xing , Xue Zhiwei
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of the alternate flux bridge combining Halbach array in Vernier machines. The key novelty is that integrated with the Halbach array PM, the alternate flux bridge design can not only provide a flux path for low-order harmonics but also effectively improve the torque density of the machine. Together with the other three traditional structures under the same overall size, current density, and PM usage, the proposed structure is optimized by genetic algorithm (GA) to maximize the average torque and minimize the torque ripple. With the winding configuration of full-pitch (FP) and short-pitch (SP), the back-EMF, efficiency, power factor, and other performances of four machines with different topologies are analyzed and compared, respectively. With 2D time stepping finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental verification, the torque density of the proposed design reaches 40.11 KNm/m3, which is significantly higher than that of its existing counterparts.
“And People Shall Be Contaminated by My Doctrine”: Religion, Science, and Nationalism in Assi Meshullam’s Order of the Unclean
Authors: Amir Yonatan
Published: January 2023

This article discusses Assi Meshullam’s inter-discipline ongoing art project Order of the Unclean, while addressing issues of Religion, Art, Nationalism and Science embodied in the work. Using Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick’s “reparative reading” and Bruno Latour’s discussion on the concept of modernism, the article argues that Meshullam returns to the polytheistic history of the area, and provokes the tension between religious faith and heresy, not in order to “take a side” in the debating between religiosity and secularism, but to put the so-called contrasted terms in question, mark their points of mutual inclusion, and offer a complex perspective on the relationship between the sacred, the secular and the national in modern Israeli society. The study lies in an academic examination of Meshullam’s monumental work for the first time, combining knowledge and methodologies in art history, comparative religion studies and critical theories.
Impact-Based Critical Areal Rainfall for Early Flood Warning: A Case Study of Zhulong River Watershed in the Upper Reaches of the Xiong’an New Area
Authors: Si Lili , Zhao Liang , Chen Ziyan , Chen Xiaolei , Zhao Tiesong , Xie Wenjuan , Wang Bingwei , Wang Yanjun
Published: January 2023

In this work, the largest tributary of the South Branch in the upper reaches of the Xiong’an New Area is selected as the study area. The impact-based critical areal rainfall indices for early flood warnings are proposed from the perspective of the impacts of floods on socio-economic factors. Specifically, four steps, including the determination of the damage-causing discharges, the establishment of the rainfall–discharge relationship, the computation of the critical areal rainfall and the validation of the early warning indices, were used to determine the critical areal rainfall for early flood warnings in the watershed. The results showed that the 1-day critical areal rainfall amounts were 31 mm, 63 mm, 92 mm and 160 mm for early flood warning levels 4, 3, 2 and 1, respectively, when the 1-day antecedent areal rainfall was ≤10 mm. The critical areal rainfall amounts were 20 mm, 54 mm, 87 mm and 160 mm for early flood warning levels 4, 3, 2 and 1, respectively, when the 1-day antecedent areal rainfall was >10 mm. The early warning effectiveness of the proposed critical indices was validated with historical catastrophic flood events and precipitation data during recent flood seasons. The results demonstrated that the impact-based critical indices had a high accuracy and could release warnings 1–2 days in advance, which could effectively avoid the occurrence of missed and underestimated warnings.
Deterministic and Random Generalized Complex Numbers Related to a Class of Positively Homogeneous Functionals
Authors: Richter Wolf-Dieter
Published: January 2023

Based upon a new general vector-valued vector product, generalized complex numbers with respect to certain positively homogeneous functionals including norms and antinorms are introduced and a vector-valued Euler type formula for them is derived using a vector valued exponential function. Furthermore, generalized Cauchy–Riemann differential equations for generalized complex differentiable functions are derived. For random versions of the considered new type of generalized complex numbers, moments are introduced and uniform distributions on discs with respect to functionals of the considered type are analyzed. Moreover, generalized uniform distributions on corresponding circles are studied and a connection with generalized circle numbers, which are natural relatives of π, is established. Finally, random generalized complex numbers are considered which are star-shaped distributed.
Isolation and Identification of Autochthonous Lactic Acid Bacteria from Commonly Consumed African Indigenous Leafy Vegetables in Kenya
Authors: Wafula Eliud N. , Kuja Josiah O. , Wekesa Tofick B. , Wanjala Paul M.
Published: January 2023

African indigenous leafy vegetables (AILVs) are plants that have been part of the food systems in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) for a long time and their leaves, young shoots, flowers, fruits and seeds, stems, tubers, and roots are consumed. These vegetables are high in vitamins, minerals, protein, and secondary metabolites that promote health. This study aimed at isolating, characterizing, and identifying dominant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from naturally fermenting commonly consumed AILV in Kenya. A total of 57 LAB strains were isolated and identified based on phenotypic and 16S rRNA gene analyses from three AILVs (23 nightshade leaves, 19 cowpeas leaves, and 15 vegetable amaranth). The highest microbial counts were recorded between 48 h and 96 h of fermentation in all AILVs ranging from approximately log 8 to log 9 CFU/mL with an average pH of 3.7. Fermentation of AILVs was dominated by twenty eight Lactobacillus spp. [Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (22), Limosilactobacillus fermentum (3), Lactiplantibacillus pentosus (2) and Lactiplantibacillus casei (1)], eleven Weissella spp. (Weissella cibaria (8), W. confusa (2), and W. muntiaci) six Leuconostoc spp. [Leuconostoc mesenteroides (3), Leuc. citreum (2) and Leuc. lactis (1)], six Pediococcus pentosaceus, four Enterococcus spp. [Enterococcus mundtii (2), E. faecalis (1) and E. durans (1)] and, finally, two Lactococcus garvieae. These bacteria strains are commonly used in food fermentation as starter cultures and as potential probiotics.
A Stable Porous Aluminum Electrode with High Capacity for Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Peng , Ruck Michael
Published: January 2023

A binder-free aluminum (Al) electrode was fabricated by electrodeposition on a three-dimensional copper foam (3DCu) or carbon fabric (3DCF) from a mixed-halide ionic liquid. The strong adhesion, structural stability and interface compatibility between Al and 3DCu facilitate high electrical conductivity and effectively alleviate large volume change. In a lithium-ion battery, the continuous, dendrite-free Al/3DCu electrode enables stable and reversible reactions, which delivered a first discharge capacity of 981 mAh g−1 in a coin cell at 21 mA g−1. It operates stably for at least 12 cycles with a discharge depth of about 1 mAh per cycle (7 h each) at the rate of 21 mA g−1. The cycled Al/3DCu electrode maintains good interfacial stability and shows no shedding. In contrast to many nanostructured electrodes, the amount of Al can reach 30% of a solid Al electrode with an average conversion to Li0.71Al. The concept of porous 3D electrodes provides a good compromise between diffusion kinetics and the total amount of active metal available in a battery with alloying-type anodes and appears promising for application.
Enhanced High-Rate Capability of Iodide-Doped Li4Ti5O12 as an Anode for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Noerochim Lukman , Prabowo Rachmad Sulaksono , Widyastuti Widyastuti , Susanti Diah , Subhan Achmad , Idris Nurul Hayati
Published: January 2023

Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) is an alternative anode material to substitute commercial graphite for lithium-ion batteries due to its superior long cycle life, small volume change (zero strain), good thermal stability, and relatively high power. In this work, iodide-doped LTO is prepared by solid-state reaction method via ball milling method and subsequently calcined at 750 °C for 10 h in air atmosphere. X-ray diffraction (XRD) of iodide-doped LTO reveals the spinel cubic structure without any impurities detected. The 0.2 mol lithium iodide-doped LTO shows enhanced high-rate capability with a specific discharge capacity of 123.31 mAh g−1 at 15 C. The long cyclic performance of 0.2 mol lithium iodide-doped LTO delivers a specific discharge capacity of 171.19 mAh g−1 at 1 C with a capacity retention of 99.15% after 100 cycles. It shows that the iodide-doped LTO is a promising strategy for preparing a high electrochemical performance of LTO for the anode of lithium-ion batteries.
Electrochemical Evaluation of Different Graphite Felt Electrode Treatments in Full Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Azpitarte Itziar , Eletxigerra Unai , Barros Angela , Aranzabe Estibaliz , Cid Rosalía
Published: January 2023

The use of flow batteries for energy storage has attracted considerable attention with the increased use of renewable resources. It is well known that the performance of a flow battery depends, among other factors, on the properties of the electrodes, which are generally composed of graphite felt (GF). In this work, thermal, chemical and plasma treatments have been employed to modify the surface of the graphite felt to improve the electrochemical activity of the redox flow cell. The influence of the variables of each of these processes on the generation of surface functional groups and on changes in the obtained surface area have been examined. In this work, the kinetics of redox reactions relevant to the VO2+/VO2+ reaction have been studied with these treated electrodes and the relationship between the nature of the surface and electrochemical activity of the GF is discussed. As a result, an enhanced electrochemical performance (reduction over 200 mV of the separation between anodic and cathodic peaks and 110 mV of the onset potential) in comparison to the untreated GF is obtained for those GF treatments with low oxygenated groups concentration.
Attenuation of Hyperlipidemia by Medicinal Formulations of Emblica officinalis Synergized with Nanotechnological Approaches
Authors: Rachitha Puttasiddaiah , Krishnaswamy Krupashree , Lazar Renal Antoinette , Gupta Vijai Kumar , Inbaraj Baskaran Stephen , Raghavendra Vinay Basavegowda , Sharma Minaxi , Sridhar Kandi
Published: January 2023

The ayurvedic herb Emblica officinalis (E. officinalis) is a gift to mankind to acquire a healthy lifestyle. It has great therapeutic and nutritional importance. Emblica officinalis, also known as Indian gooseberry or Amla, is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family. Amla is beneficial for treating illnesses in all its forms. The most crucial component is a fruit, which is also the most common. It is used frequently in Indian medicine as a restorative, diuretic, liver tonic, refrigerant, stomachic, laxative, antipyretic, hair tonic, ulcer preventive, and for the common cold and fever. Hyperlipidemia is also known as high cholesterol or an increase in one or more lipid-containing blood proteins. Various phytocompounds, including polyphenols, vitamins, amino acids, fixed oils, and flavonoids, are present in the various parts of E. officinalis. E. officinalis has been linked to a variety of pharmacological effects in earlier studies, including hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, radioprotective, and hyperlipidemic effects. The amla-derived active ingredients and food products nevertheless encounter challenges such as instability and interactions with other food matrices. Considering the issue from this perspective, food component nanoencapsulation is a young and cutting-edge field for controlled and targeted delivery with a range of preventative activities. The nanoformulation of E. officinalis facilitates the release of active components or food ingredients, increased bioaccessibility, enhanced therapeutic activities, and digestion in the human body. Accordingly, the current review provides a summary of the phytoconstituents of E. officinalis, pharmacological actions detailing the plant E. officinalis’s traditional uses, and especially hyperlipidemic activity. Correspondingly, the article describes the uses of nanotechnology in amla therapeutics and functional ingredients.
Unsupervised Learning-Based Non-Invasive Fetal ECG Muti-Level Signal Quality Assessment
Authors: Shi Xintong , Yamamoto Kohei , Ohtsuki Tomoaki , Matsui Yutaka , Owada Kazunari
Published: January 2023

Objective: To monitor fetal health and growth, fetal heart rate is a critical indicator. The non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram is a widely employed measurement for fetal heart rate estimation, which is extracted from the electrodes placed on the surface of the maternal abdomen. The qualities of the fetal ECG recordings, however, are frequently affected by the noises from various interference sources. In general, the fetal heart rate estimates are unreliable when low-quality fetal ECG signals are used for fetal heart rate estimation, which makes accurate fetal heart rate estimation a challenging task. So, the signal quality assessment for the fetal ECG records is an essential step before fetal heart rate estimation. In other words, some low-quality fetal ECG signal segments are supposed to be detected and removed by utilizing signal quality assessment, so as to improve the accuracy of fetal heart rate estimation. A few supervised learning-based fetal ECG signal quality assessment approaches have been introduced and shown to accurately classify high- and low-quality fetal ECG signal segments, but large fetal ECG datasets with quality annotation are required in these methods. Yet, the labeled fetal ECG datasets are limited. Proposed methods: An unsupervised learning-based multi-level fetal ECG signal quality assessment approach is proposed in this paper for identifying three levels of fetal ECG signal quality. We extracted some features associated with signal quality, including entropy-based features, statistical features, and ECG signal quality indices. Additionally, an autoencoder-based feature is calculated, which is related to the reconstruction error of the spectrograms generated from fetal ECG signal segments. The high-, medium-, and low-quality fetal ECG signal segments are classified by inputting these features into a self-organizing map. Main results: The experimental results showed that our proposal achieved a weighted average F1-score of 90% in three-level fetal ECG signal quality classification. Moreover, with the acceptable removal of detected low-quality signal segments, the errors of fetal heart rate estimation were reduced to a certain extent.
Ensemble Learning of Multiple Models Using Deep Learning for Multiclass Classification of Ultrasound Images of Hepatic Masses
Authors: Nakata Norio , Siina Tsuyoshi
Published: January 2023

Ultrasound (US) is often used to diagnose liver masses. Ensemble learning has recently been commonly used for image classification, but its detailed methods are not fully optimized. The purpose of this study is to investigate the usefulness and comparison of some ensemble learning and ensemble pruning techniques using multiple convolutional neural network (CNN) trained models for image classification of liver masses in US images. Dataset of the US images were classified into four categories: benign liver tumor (BLT) 6320 images, liver cyst (LCY) 2320 images, metastatic liver cancer (MLC) 9720 images, primary liver cancer (PLC) 7840 images. In this study, 250 test images were randomly selected for each class, for a total of 1000 images, and the remaining images were used as the training. 16 different CNNs were used for training and testing ultrasound images. The ensemble learning used soft voting (SV), weighted average voting (WAV), weighted hard voting (WHV) and stacking (ST). All four types of ensemble learning (SV, ST, WAV, and WHV) showed higher values of accuracy than the single CNN. All four types also showed significantly higher deep learning (DL) performance than ResNeXt101 alone. For image classification of liver masses using US images, ensemble learning improved the performance of DL over a single CNN.
The Role of Self-Efficacy and Activity Patterns in the Physical Activity Levels of Women with Fibromyalgia
Authors: Lavín-Pérez Ana Myriam , Collado-Mateo Daniel , Gil Arias Alexander , Gutiérrez Lorena , Écija Carmen , Catalá Patricia , Peñacoba Cecilia
Published: January 2023

Keeping high levels of physical activity is a challenge among chronic patients. In this regard, self-efficacy has been identified as a crucial variable to reduce sedentarism and physical inactivity in women with fibromyalgia. The current study aimed to evaluate the associations among objective physical activity levels, self-efficacy, activity patterns, and the impact of the disease, as well as to compare those variables between women with fibromyalgia with different self-efficacy levels. For this purpose, in this cross-sectional study, the physical activity levels of 123 women with fibromyalgia were assessed by accelerometers, together with self-efficacy, the impact of the disease, and activity patterns. Results revealed that self-efficacy for light or moderate physical activity was directly related to light (p < 0.01), moderate (p < 0.01), and vigorous physical activity (p < 0.05), as well as inversely related to sedentary time (p < 0.01). Moreover, the main differences were observed between those with low self-efficacy levels and the rest of the sample, while there were no differences between the high and the medium self-efficacy groups (p > 0.05). Thus, self-efficacy for walking and light physical activity seems to be more relevant than self-efficacy for moderate and vigorous physical activity to achieve higher levels of physical activity.
HDL Functions—Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Endo Yasuhiro , Fujita Masanori , Ikewaki Katsunori
Published: January 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Western countries. A low HDL-C is associated with the development of CVD. However, recent epidemiology studies have shown U-shaped curves between HDL-C and CVD mortality, with paradoxically increased CVD mortality in patients with extremely high HDL-C levels. Furthermore, HDL-C raising therapy using nicotinic acids or CETP inhibitors mostly failed to reduce CVD events. Based on this background, HDL functions rather than HDL-C could be a novel biomarker; research on the clinical utility of HDL functionality is ongoing. In this review, we summarize the current status of HDL functions and their future perspectives from the findings of basic research and clinical trials.
Nuclear Export in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Implications for Targeted XPO1 Inhibitors
Authors: Trkulja Kyla L. , Manji Farheen , Kuruvilla John , Laister Rob C.
Published: January 2023

Exportin-1 (XPO1) is a key player in the nuclear export pathway and is overexpressed in almost all cancers. This is especially relevant for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), where high XPO1 expression is associated with poor prognosis due to its oncogenic role in exporting proteins and RNA that are involved in cancer progression and treatment resistance. Here, we discuss the proteins and RNA transcripts that have been identified as XPO1 cargo in NHL lymphoma including tumour suppressors, immune modulators, and transcription factors, and their implications for oncogenesis. We then highlight the research to date on XPO1 inhibitors such as selinexor and other selective inhibitors of nuclear export (SINEs), which are used to treat some cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies investigating the anti-cancer effects of SINEs from bench to bedside, both as a single agent and in combination, are also reported. Finally, we discuss the limitations of the current research landscape and future directions to better understand and improve the clinical utility of SINE compounds in NHL.
Intestinal Region-Dependent Alterations of Toll-Like Receptor 4 Expression in Myenteric Neurons of Type 1 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Bódi Nikolett , Egyed-Kolumbán Abigél , Onhausz Benita , Barta Bence Pál , Doghmi Afnan AL , Balázs János , Szalai Zita , Bagyánszki Mária
Published: January 2023

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) can activate pro-inflammatory cascades in the gastrointestinal tract. Our aim was to determine TLR4 expression in myenteric neurons of different gut regions using a type 1 diabetic model. Ten weeks after the onset of hyperglycemia, myenteric whole-mount preparations from the duodenum, ileum and colon of streptozotocin-induced diabetic, insulin-treated diabetic and control rats were prepared for TLR4/peripherin double-labelling fluorescent immunohistochemistry. Immunogold electron microscopy was applied to evaluate TLR4 expression in the myenteric perikaryon and neuropil. Tissue TLR4 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In controls, the number and proportion of the TLR4-immunoreactive myenteric neurons showed an increasing tendency to aboral direction. These values were significantly higher in diabetics compared to controls in the duodenum and ileum, but were significantly lower in the colon. In diabetics, the distribution of TLR4-labelling gold particles between the perikaryon and neuropil of myenteric neurons varied in a different way by intestinal segment. TLR4 tissue concentration changed only in the diabetic duodenum, and it decreased in muscle/myenteric plexus-containing homogenates, while it increased in mucosa/submucosa/submucous plexus-containing samples relative to controls. Insulin had beneficial effects on TLR4 expression. These findings support that chronic hyperglycemia has segment-specific effects on TLR4 expression, contributing to gastrointestinal disorders in diabetic patients.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants for Stroke Prevention in Special Populations: Beyond the Clinical Trials
Authors: Carbone Andreina , Bottino Roberta , D’Andrea Antonello , Russo Vincenzo
Published: January 2023

Currently, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are the first-line anticoagulant strategy in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). They are characterized by a more favorable pharmacological profile than warfarin, having demonstrated equal efficacy in stroke prevention and greater safety in terms of intracranial bleeding. The study population in the randomized trials of DOACs was highly selected, so the results of these trials cannot be extended to specific populations such as obese, elderly, frail, and cancer patients, which, on the other hand, are sub-populations widely represented in clinical practice. Furthermore, due to the negative results of DOAC administration in patients with mechanical heart valves, the available evidence in subjects with biological heart valves is still few and often controversial. We sought to review the available literature on the efficacy and safety of DOACs in elderly, obese, underweight, frail, cancer patients, and in patients with bioprosthetic heart valves with NVAF to clarify the best anticoagulant strategy in these special and poorly studied subpopulations.
The Behavior of Muscle Oxygen Saturation, Oxy and Deoxy Hemoglobin during a Fatigue Test in Fibromyalgia
Authors: Villafaina Santos , Tomas-Carus Pablo , Silva Vanda , Costa Ana Rodrigues , Fernandes Orlando , Parraca Jose A.
Published: January 2023

Previous studies have reported that people with fibromyalgia (FM) could suffer from mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the consumption of muscle oxygen during physical exercise has been poorly studied. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the response of muscle oxygen during a fatigue protocol in people with FM and healthy controls (HC). In addition, the peak torque and the total work were assessed. A total of 31 participants (eighteen were people with fibromyalgia and thirteen were healthy controls) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. All the participants underwent a fatigue protocol consisting of 20 repetitions at 180°·s−1 of quadriceps flexions and extensions using a Biodex System 3. The muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2), total hemoglobin (THb), deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb) and oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb) values were measured using a portable near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device. Significant differences between people with FM and healthy controls were found at baseline: SmO2 (FM: 56.03 ± 21.36; HC: 77.41 ± 10.82; p = 0.036), O2Hb (FM: 6.69 ± 2.59; HC: 9.37 ± 1.31; p = 0.030) and HHb (FM: 5.20 ± 2.51; HC: 2.73 ± 1.32; p = 0.039); during the fatigue protocol: SmO2 (FM: 48.54 ± 19.96; HC: 58.87 ± 19.72; p = 0.038), O2Hb (FM: 5.70 ± 2.34; HC: 7.06 ± 2.09; p = 0.027) and HHb (FM: 5.69 ± 2.65; HC: 4.81 ± 2.39; p = 0.048); and in the recovery at three min and six min for SmO2, O2Hb and HHb (p < 0.005). Furthermore, healthy control values of SmO2, O2Hb and HHb have been significantly altered by the fatigue protocol (p < 0.005). In contrast, people with FM did not show any significant alteration in these values. Moreover, significant differences were found in the peak torque at extension (FM: 62.48 ± 24.45; HC: 88.31 ± 23.51; p = 0.033) and flexion (FM: 24.16 ± 11.58; HC: 42.05 ± 9.85; p = 0.010), and the total work performed at leg extension (FM: 1039.78 ± 434.51; HC: 1535.61 ± 474.22; p = 0.007) and flexion (FM: 423.79 ± 239.89; HC: 797.16 ± 194.37; p = 0.005).
Systemic and Airway Epigenetic Disruptions Are Associated with Health Status in COPD
Authors: Hernandez Cordero Ana I. , Li Xuan , Yang Chen Xi , Yang Julia , MacIsaac Julia L. , Dever Kristy , Kobor Michael S. , Milne Stephen , van Eeden Stephan F. , Shaipanich Tawimas , Lam Stephen , Leung Janice M. , Sin Don D.
Published: January 2023

Epigenetic modifications are common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, their clinical relevance is largely unknown. We hypothesized that epigenetic disruptions are associated with symptoms and health status in COPD. We profiled the blood (n = 57) and airways (n = 62) of COPD patients for DNA methylation (n = 55 paired). The patients’ health status was assessed using the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). We conducted differential methylation analyses and identified pathways characterized by epigenetic disruptions associated with SGRQ scores and its individual domains. 29,211 and 5044 differentially methylated positions (DMPs) were associated with total SGRQ scores in blood and airway samples, respectively. The activity, impact, and symptom domains were associated with 9161, 25,689 and 17,293 DMPs in blood, respectively; and 4674, 3730 and 5063 DMPs in airways, respectively. There was a substantial overlap of DMPs between airway and blood. DMPs were enriched for pathways related to common co-morbidities of COPD (e.g., ageing, cancer and neurological) in both tissues. Health status in COPD is associated with airway and systemic epigenetic changes especially in pathways related to co-morbidities of COPD. There are more blood DMPs than in the airways suggesting that blood epigenome is a promising source to discover biomarkers for clinical outcomes in COPD.
Poor Cognitive Agility Conservation in Obese Aging People
Authors: Pardo-Moreno Teresa , Mohamed-Mohamed Himan , Rivas-Dominguez Antonio , Garcia-Morales Victoria , Garcia-Lara Ruben A. , Suleiman-Martos Sami , Bermudez-Pulgarin Beatriz , Ramos-Rodriguez Juan Jose
Published: January 2023

Life expectancy has been boosted in recent decades at expenses of increasing the age-associated diseases. Dementia, for its incidence, stands out among the pathologies associated with aging. The exacerbated cognitive deterioration disables people from carrying out their daily lives autonomously and this incidence increases exponentially after 65 years of age. The etiology of dementia is a miscellaneous combination of risk factors that restrain the quality of life of our elderly. In this sense, it has been established that some metabolic pathologies such as obesity and diabetes act as a risk factor for dementia development. In contrast, a high educational level, as well as moderate physical activity, have been shown to be protective factors against cognitive impairment and the development of dementia. In the present study, we have evaluated the metabolic composition of a population between 60–90 years old, mentally healthy and with high academic degrees. After assessing agility in mental state, we have established relationships between their cognitive abilities and their body composition. Our data support that excess body fat is associated with poorer maintenance of cognition, while higher percentages of muscle mass are associated with the best results in the cognitive tests.
Optically Active Nanomaterials and Its Biosensing Applications—A Review
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Wang Zhi , Zhang Wen , Liu Xuecheng , Li Muyang , Li Guoru , Zhang Bingyuan , Singh Ragini
Published: January 2023

This article discusses optically active nanomaterials and their optical biosensing applications. In addition to enhancing their sensitivity, these nanomaterials also increase their biocompatibility. For this reason, nanomaterials, particularly those based on their chemical compositions, such as carbon-based nanomaterials, inorganic-based nanomaterials, organic-based nanomaterials, and composite-based nanomaterials for biosensing applications are investigated thoroughly. These nanomaterials are used extensively in the field of fiber optic biosensing to improve response time, detection limit, and nature of specificity. Consequently, this article describes contemporary and application-based research that will be of great use to researchers in the nanomaterial-based optical sensing field. The difficulties encountered during the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanomaterials are also enumerated, and their future prospects are outlined for the reader’s benefit.
Sensitive and Rapid Detection of Aspartic Acid with Co3O4-ZnO Nanorods Using Differential Pulse Voltammetry
Authors: Alfaifi Sulaiman Y. , Adeosun Waheed Abiodun , Asiri Abdullah M. , Rahman Mohammed M.
Published: January 2023

Herein, the detection of aspartic acid by doped Co3O4-ZnO nanorod materials was proposed using differential pulse voltammetry. The nano-composite metal oxide was synthesized by the wet precipitation method in basic media. Aspartic acid is a non-essential amino acid naturally synthesized in the body with lot of health significance, including as a biomarker for several health deficiencies. The synthesized composite Co3O4-ZnO nanorod was well-investigated by using FESEM, XRD, XPS, FTIR, UV/vis., EIS, and CV. The synthesized composite exhibited a low limit of detection (0.03 µM, high sensitivity (0.0014 µA µM−1 cm−2) and wide linear range (0.05–50 µM) for aspartic acid. The substrate, the Co3O4-ZnO nanorod, enhanced the electro-catalytic oxidation of aspartic acid as a result of its catalytic and conductivity properties. The developed sensor based on Co3O4-ZnO has a repeatable, reproducible and stable current response for aspartic acid. Additionally, other electroactive compounds did not interfere with the sensor’s current response. The suitability of the developed sensor for real sample analysis was also established. Therefore, this study proposed the potential use of Co3O4-ZnO nanorod material in healthcare management for the maintenance of human well-being.
A Mid-Cycle Rise in Positive and Drop in Negative Moods among Healthy Young Women: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hromatko Ivana , Mikac Una
Published: January 2023

Clinically oriented studies of mood as a function of the menstrual cycle mainly address the negative moods in the premenstrual phase of the cycle. However, a periovulatory increase in positive emotions and motivations related to reproduction has also been noted. Thus, it has been suggested that the drop in mood during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle might be a byproduct of elevated positive moods occurring mid-cycle. The aim of this prospective study was to compare both the positive and negative dimensions of mood across the menstrual cycle. A group of 60 healthy, normally cycling women assessed their mood throughout three phases of their menstrual cycles: the early follicular (low estradiol and progesterone), the late follicular (fertile phase; high estradiol, low progesterone) and the mid-luteal phase (high levels of both estradiol and progesterone). Repeated MANOVA evaluations showed a significant increase in positive (friendly, cheerful, focused, active) and a significant decrease in negative (anxious, depressed, fatigued, hostile) dimensions of mood mid-cycle, i.e., during the late follicular phase (η2 = 0.072–0.174, p < 0.05). Contrary to the widespread belief that negative moods are characteristic of the luteal phase (preceding the onset of the next cycle), the post hoc Bonferroni tests showed that none of the mood dimensions differed between the mid-luteal and early follicular phases of the cycle. The results held when controlling for relationship status and order of testing. This pattern of fluctuations is in accordance with the ovulatory-shift hypothesis, i.e., the notion that the emotions of attraction rise during a short window during which the conception is likely.
Energy Upgrading of Basement Exterior Walls: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Authors: Skaar Christofer , Gaarder Jørn-Emil , Bunkholt Nora Schjøth , Sletnes Malin
Published: January 2023

Most of today’s buildings will still be in use in 2050 and upgrades should therefore contribute to reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint. This paper addresses a challenge for upgrading of basement exterior walls of single-family dwellings, where ordinary retrofit insulation can lead to the basement wall protruding from the existing outer wall. For some, this will be an aesthetic barrier for an energy upgrade (an “ugly” solution). Superinsulation may solve this challenge without compromising the energy performance. This study analyses energy, cost and carbon footprint, to identify under which conditions upgrading with vacuum insulation panels (VIP) can be a preferred solution. Three alternatives are analysed in a parametric model: ordinary upgrade with XPS (the aesthetically “ugly”), upgrade with VIP above ground and XPS below ground (the aesthetically “good”), and iii) no upgrade (the “bad”, as it does not contribute to reducing energy consumption). Results show that using VIP and XPS to perform energy upgrade of a basement exterior wall may lead to an aesthetically more pleasing solution than with only XPS, but that it will lead to higher carbon footprint and higher costs. The least favourable option is to install a drainage system without doing an energy upgrade, which will have negative impact for energy use, carbon footprint and life cycle cost.
Flexural Behavior of GBFS-Based Geopolymer-Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Ozturk Mehdi , Arslan Guray
Published: January 2023

Geopolymer concrete (GC) is an emerging alternative construction material due to it being eco-friendly in production with considerably low carbon emissions. Despite being an alternative material, the structural behavior of GC is a rarely studied subject in the literature. The studies concerning the mechanical behavior of structural members made from GC have established the foundations of its practical usability. The current structural codes are exclusively for ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPCC), and the utilization of these for GC constitutes an open question. In this study, 12 GC beams with different shear span-to-effective depth ratios of 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 were manufactured and tested in a three-point bending test setup. The effect of the shear reinforcement ratio was also taken into account (0, 0.34, 0.45 and 0.67%). The results were compared with the predictive capabilities of four structural codes and two equations in the literature (all for OPCC). In addition, comparisons were made with a very limited number of studies, which included predictive tools for the strength of GC. All specimens’ cracking moments were calculated with flexural tensile strength predictions and compared with experimental cracking moments. Moreover, particularly for the beams that failed in flexure, the ultimate bending moments were compared with the predictions of two structural codes for OPCC. It was observed that the best predictions of the cracking moment could be made by the equation of Diaz-Loya et al. (2011), which resulted in the lowest coefficient of variation (COV) and consistently predicted on the safe side, whereas, even with a lower COV, EC2 consistently overestimated the cracking moment. For the ultimate moment capacity, it was observed that both ACI318 (2019) and TS500 (2000) delivered relatively good predictions and could be employed confidently.
Dysfunctional Lipid Metabolism—The Basis for How Genetic Abnormalities Express the Phenotype of Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Authors: Alberto Matthew , Yim Arthur , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Bolton Damien
Published: January 2023

Prostate cancer is the second most frequent cancer in men, with increasing prevalence due to an ageing population. Advanced prostate cancer is diagnosed in up to 20% of patients, and, therefore, it is important to understand evolving mechanisms of progression. Significant morbidity and mortality can occur in advanced prostate cancer where treatment options are intrinsically related to lipid metabolism. Dysfunctional lipid metabolism has long been known to have a relationship to prostate cancer development; however, only recently have studies attempted to elucidate the exact mechanism relating genetic abnormalities and lipid metabolic pathways. Contemporary research has established the pathways leading to prostate cancer development, including dysregulated lipid metabolism-associated de novo lipogenesis through steroid hormone biogenesis and β-oxidation of fatty acids. These pathways, in relation to treatment, have formed potential novel targets for management of advanced prostate cancer via androgen deprivation. We review basic lipid metabolism pathways and their relation to hypogonadism, and further explore prostate cancer development with a cellular emphasis.
A Review of the Current Clinical Evidence for Loco-Regional Moderate Hyperthermia in the Adjunct Management of Cancers
Authors: Chia Brendan Seng Hup , Ho Shaun Zhirui , Tan Hong Qi , Chua Melvin Lee Kiang , Tuan Jeffrey Kit Loong
Published: January 2023

Regional hyperthermia therapy (RHT) is a treatment that applies moderate heat to tumours in an attempt to potentiate the effects of oncological treatments and improve responses. Although it has been used for many years, the mechanisms of action are not fully understood. Heterogenous practices, poor quality assurance, conflicting clinical evidence and lack of familiarity have hindered its use. Despite this, several centres recognise its potential and have adopted it in their standard treatment protocols. In recent times, significant technical improvements have been made and there is an increasing pool of evidence that could revolutionise its use. Our narrative review aims to summarise the recently published prospective trial evidence and present the clinical effects of RHT when added to standard cancer treatments. In total, 31 studies with higher-quality evidence across various subsites are discussed herein. Although not all of these studies are level 1 evidence, benefits of moderate RHT in improving local tumour control, survival outcomes and quality of life scores were observed across the different cancer subsites with minimal increase in toxicities. This paper may serve as a reference when considering this technique for specific indications.
Evaluation of 8% Capsaicin Patches in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Retrospective Study in a Comprehensive Cancer Center
Authors: Bienfait Florent , Julienne Arthur , Jubier-Hamon Sabrina , Seegers Valerie , Delorme Thierry , Jaoul Virginie , Pluchon Yves-Marie , Lebrec Nathalie , Dupoiron Denis
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is often painful and can arise during or after the end of oncological treatments. They are mostly induced by platinum salts, taxanes, and immunotherapies. Their incidence is estimated between 19 and 85%. They can require a chemotherapy dose reduction or early termination. The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) recommends high-concentration capsaicin patch (HCCP) in second line for the treatment of painful CIPN. This treatment induces a significative pain relief but only shown by low-powered studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate efficacy and tolerability of HCCP applications in CIPN. Methods: This monocentric observational retrospective real-world-data study of the CERCAN cohort took place in the Western Cancer Institute’s Anaesthesiology and Pain Department at Angers, France. Independent pain physicians completed the CGIC (Clinician Global Impression of Change) for each patient who benefited from HCCP applications for painful CIPN starting from 1 January 2014 to 22 December 2021, based on the collected data after every patch application. Results: A total of 57 patients (80.7% women) was treated with HCCP for painful CIPN, and 184 applications were realized, consisting of 296 sessions. CGIC found an important or complete pain relief for 61 applications (33.2%, corresponding to 43.9% patients). We found less efficacy for platinum-salts-induced CIPN compared to others (p = 0.0238). The efficacy was significatively higher for repeated applications when HCCP was used in second line compared to third line (p = 0.018). The efficacy of HCCP was significatively higher starting the third application (p = 0.0334). HCCPs were mainly responsible for local adverse events found in 66.6% patients (65.1% burning or painful sensation, 21.1% erythema). Conclusion: HCCP applications in painful CIPN induce an important pain relief with a global satisfying tolerability.
Impact of Hormone Replacement Therapy on the Overall Survival and Progression Free Survival of Ovarian Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Achimaș-Cadariu Patriciu Andrei , Păun Diana Loreta , Pașca Andrei
Published: January 2023

Background: Frequently, patients treated for Ovarian Cancer (OC) undergo menopause with subsequent symptoms. This review scrutinised the impact of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) on the Overall Survival (OS) and Progression-Free Survival (PFS) of patients diagnosed with OC. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in the most popular English databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select publications that evaluate OS and PFS in these patients. End-point analysis targeted values of log(HR) and its Standard Error (SE). Results: Up to 1 September 2022, 11 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Eight publications, totalling 4191 patients, were included in the meta-analyses. Eight studies were considered for the OS analysis and pooled an HR of 0.66 with respective 95% CI between 0.57 and 0.76, with a p-value < 0.00001 at a Z value of 5.7, in favour of the HRT group. Results for PFS showed an overall HR of 0.73 in favour of the HRT group; CI between 0.57 and 0.95, p = 0.02 at a Z value of 2.36. Further subgroup analyses highlighted the non-inferiority of this treatment. Conclusions: Patients treated for OC that receive HRT for menopausal symptoms after various treatments appeared to have better OS than never-users.