bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NK Cells in the Lymph Nodes and Their Role in Anti-Tumour Immunity
Authors: Graham Lara V. , Khakoo Salim I. , Blunt Matthew D.
Published: July 2024

The lymph nodes are vital to enable adaptive immune responses to infection. Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes that directly kill cancer cells and modulate the activation of other immune cells during anti-tumour immune response. NK cells in the lymph nodes are involved in the regulation of T-cell and B-cell populations and the clearance of viral infections. In solid tumours, lymph nodes are a frequent site of metastasis and immune cell priming, whilst in haematological malignancies, tumour cells can proliferate in the lymph nodes. Thus, lymph nodes are an important site in anti-tumour immunity and therapy resistance. It is therefore crucial to identify strategies to increase recruitment and overcome suppression of NK cells in the lymph node microenvironment to improve tumour clearance. In this review, we summarise the literature interrogating NK cell phenotype and function in the lymph nodes in the context of infection and cancer and evaluate both current and potential strategies to mobilise and activate NK cells within the lymph nodes of cancer patients.
Deficient or Normal Growth Hormone Secretion in Polish Children with Short Stature: Searching for Clinical Differences
Authors: Majewska Katarzyna Anna , Tchorzewska-Skrobich Magdalena , Wais Paulina , Majewski Dominik , Naskręcka Monika , Kędzia Andrzej
Published: July 2024

Short stature affects approximately 2.5% of children. Some of them, when diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), benefit from recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy; in others, this treatment is controversial. We aimed to present the clinical characteristics of Polish short stature children in the context of current GHD diagnostic standards, as obtaining more data gives a broader foundation for the potential modifications of diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations. This retrospective analysis was based on a cohort of 277 short stature children divided into two subgroups depending on their peak growth hormone (GH) cutoff level, set at 10 ng/mL: 138 had growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and 137 had normal growth hormone secretion (GHN). These subgroups were then compared based on the extracted clinical data. In the obtained result, no significant differences between the GHD and GHN subgroups were found in any of the variables, including the following: gender distribution, birth weight, bone age delay, height SDS, IGF-1 SDS, vitamin D levels, celiac disease indices, prevalence of hypothyroidism or anemia. As our results point to major clinical similarities between the GHD and GHN children, it seems that distinguishing patients with normal GH secretion from those with deficient GH secretion based on a 10 ng/mL cutoff value might not be clinically relevant.
Landscape of Interactions between Stromal and Myeloid Cells in Ileal Crohn’s Disease; Indications of an Important Role for Fibroblast-Derived CCL-2
Authors: Dovrolis Nikolas , Valatas Vassilis , Drygiannakis Ioannis , Filidou Eirini , Spathakis Michail , Kandilogiannakis Leonidas , Tarapatzi Gesthimani , Arvanitidis Konstantinos , Bamias Giorgos , Vradelis Stergios , Manolopoulos Vangelis G. , Paspaliaris Vasilis , Kolios George
Published: July 2024

Background and aims: Monocyte recruitment in the lamina propria and inflammatory phenotype driven by the mucosal microenvironment is critical for the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. However, the stimuli responsible remain largely unknown. Recent works have focused on stromal cells, the main steady-state cellular component in tissue, as they produce pro-inflammatory chemokines that contribute to the treatment-resistant nature of IBD. Methods: We studied the regulation of these processes by examining the communication patterns between stromal and myeloid cells in ileal Crohn’s disease (CD) using a complete single-cell whole tissue sequencing analysis pipeline and in vitro experimentation in mesenchymal cells. Results: We report expansion of S4 stromal cells and monocyte-like inflammatory macrophages in the inflamed mucosa and describe interactions that may establish sustained local inflammation. These include expression of CCL2 by S1 fibroblasts to recruit and retain monocytes and macrophages in the mucosa, where they receive signals for proliferation, survival, and differentiation to inflammatory macrophages from S4 stromal cells through molecules such as MIF, IFNγ, and FN1. The overexpression of CCL2 in ileal CD and its stromal origin was further demonstrated in vitro by cultured mesenchymal cells and intestinal organoids in the context of an inflammatory milieu. Conclusions: Our findings outline an extensive cross-talk between stromal and myeloid cells, which may contribute to the onset and progression of inflammation in ileal Crohn’s disease. Understanding the mechanisms underlying monocyte recruitment and polarization, as well as the role of stromal cells in sustaining inflammation, can provide new avenues for developing targeted therapies to treat IBD.
From Mild Cognitive Impairment to Dementia: The Impact of Comorbid Conditions on Disease Conversion
Authors: Menegon Federico , De Marchi Fabiola , Aprile Davide , Zanelli Iacopo , Decaroli Greta , Comi Cristoforo , Tondo Giacomo
Published: July 2024

The conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia is influenced by several factors, including comorbid conditions such as metabolic and vascular diseases. Understanding the impact of these comorbidities can help in the disease management of patients with a higher risk of progressing to dementia, improving outcomes. In the current study, we aimed to analyze data from a large cohort of MCI (n = 188) by principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) to classify patients into distinct groups based on their comorbidity profile and to predict the risk of conversion to dementia. From our analysis, four clusters emerged. CA showed a significantly higher rate of disease progression for Cluster 1, which was predominantly characterized by extremely high obesity and diabetes compared to other clusters. In contrast, Cluster 3, which was defined by a lower prevalence of all comorbidities, had a lower conversion rate. Cluster 2, mainly including subjects with traumatic brain injuries, showed the lowest rate of conversion. Lastly, Cluster 4, including a high load of hearing loss and depression, showed an intermediate risk of conversion. This study underscores the significant impact of specific comorbidity profiles on the progression from MCI to dementia, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and management strategies for individuals with these comorbidity profiles to potentially delay or prevent the onset of dementia.
Memory-Guided Saccades in Subacute and Chronic Stroke: Secondary Data Analysis of the N-PEP-12 Clinical Study
Authors: Ștefănescu Emanuel , Balea Maria , Chelaru Vlad-Florin , Jemna Nicoleta , Verișezan Roșu Olivia , Truță Anamaria , Stan Adina Dora , Chira Diana , Strilciuc Ștefan , Mureșanu Dafin
Published: July 2024

Background: Ischemic stroke (IS) often leads to cognitive and motor impairments. This study aimed to investigate whether Memory-Guided Saccade Tasks (MGSTs) could be used to assess cognitive function in stroke patients. Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted on 62 individuals with supratentorial IS. Eye-tracking metrics from MGST were correlated with established neuropsychological assessments, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: Age correlated negatively with memory-guided saccade (MGS) accuracy (ρ = −0.274) and positively with late errors (ρ = 0.327). Higher Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores were associated with faster corrective saccades (ρ = 0.259). Increased anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D) levels correlated with higher early error rates (ρ = 0.325 and ρ = 0.311, respectively). The Color Trails Test and Digit Span test performance also correlated with various MGS parameters. Conclusions: While some correlations were found between cognitive measures and eye-tracking metrics, further research is needed to validate MGST as a tool for cognitive assessment in a more homogenous stroke population.
Swifts Form V-Shaped Wings While Dipping in Water to Fine-Tune Balance
Authors: Cui Shuangwei , Peng Zhongjun , Yang Hua , Liu Hao , Liu Yang , Wu Jianing
Published: July 2024

Swifts, a distinctive avian cohort, have garnered widespread attention owing to their exceptional flight agility. While their aerial prowess is well documented, the challenge swifts encounter while imbibing water introduces an intriguing complexity. The act of water uptake potentially disrupts their flight equilibrium, yet the mechanisms enabling these birds to maintain stability during this process remain enigmatic. In this study, we employed high-speed videography to observe swifts’ water-drinking behavior. Notably, we observed that the swift adopts a dynamic V-shaped wing configuration during water immersion with the ability to modulate the V-shaped angle, thereby potentially fine-tuning their balance. To delve deeper, we utilized a three-dimensional laser scanner to meticulously construct a virtual 3D model of swifts, followed by computational fluid dynamics simulations to quantitatively assess the mechanical conditions during foraging. Our model indicates that the adoption of V-shaped wings, with a variable wing angle ranging from 30 to 60 degrees, serves to minimize residual torque, effectively mitigating potential flight instability. These findings not only enhance our comprehension of swifts’ flight adaptability but also hold promise for inspiring innovative, highly maneuverable next-generation unmanned aerial vehicles. This research thus transcends avian biology, offering valuable insights for engineering and aeronautics.
Unlocking the Carbon Sequestration Potential of Horticultural Crops
Authors: Ilakiya Tamilselvan , Parameswari Ettiyagounder , Swarnapriya Ramakrishnan , Yazhini Gunasekaran , Kalaiselvi Periasamy , Davamani Veeraswamy , Singh Sudha , Vinothini Nedunchezhiyan , Dharani Chelladurai , Garnepudi Sneha Leela , Ajaykumar Ramasamy
Published: July 2024

As the world grapples with the escalating threat of global warming, exploring sustainable agricultural practices has become imperative. Carbon sequestration is one such efficient method to mitigate carbon emissions and reduce global warming. Among the numerous sequestration options, terrestrial methods, notably via horticultural crops, have enormous potential. Horticultural crops, which encompass a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, plantations, and ornamental plants, offer a unique chance to sequester a considerable amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide. In particular, perennial horticultural systems provide numerous benefits over annual crops, such as increased productivity, reduced water and input requirements, and higher economic returns via carbon credits. However, the transition from annual to perennial crops presents logistical and financial challenges. The carbon sequestration capacity of plantations and horticulture crops is larger, at 16.4 Gt C, compared to the agroforestry system, which is at 6.3 Gt C. In order to fully use this capacity, it is essential to employ effective carbon management systems. These methods include growing higher biomass, recycling agricultural waste, employing animal manure, switching to perennial crops, adopting crop rotation, and encouraging agroforestry systems. Although there are advantages, substantial initial investments and continuous management are required to ensure effectiveness, and these demands might hinder widespread acceptance. This review emphasizes the critical role of horticulture systems in improving soil carbon levels, soil organic matter dynamics, different forms of carbon, and their overall potential for carbon sequestration. By unlocking the potential of horticultural crops to sequester carbon, we can help minimize atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, lessen the impact of climate change, and ensure nutritional security and economic benefits.
Exposure to Light at Night and Risk of Cancer: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Data Synthesis
Authors: Ma Samuel , Alsabawi Yossef , El-Serag Hashem B , Thrift Aaron P
Published: July 2024

Background: Emerging interest surrounds the role of environmental factors, notably exposure to light at night (LAN), as a potential cause of cancer. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and, if possible, meta-analysis of observational studies on LAN and cancer risk of multiple types. Methods: A systematic literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase, spanning from inception to May 2023, was conducted. Studies focusing on the association between LAN exposure and cancer risk in adult populations were included. We used random effects models to calculate pooled risk estimates (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed study quality using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions. Results: Among 8492 initially identified studies, 26 met the inclusion criteria (13 were case–control and 13 were cohort studies). These studies were published from 2001 to 2023 and assessed diverse cancer types in North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia. Except for breast cancer, there was a paucity of site-specific cancer studies. In the meta-analysis of 19 breast cancer studies, higher exposure to indoor (summary RR, 1.08; 95% CI 1.01–1.15) and outdoor (summary RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04–1.15) LAN were associated with increased risk. After excluding one low-quality study, the results were unchanged. Conclusions: We found a positive association between LAN exposure and breast cancer risk in women. However, data are lacking for other cancer types, and further studies are required to better understand the role of LAN on cancer.
Adverse Events in Anti-PD-1-Treated Adjuvant and First-Line Advanced Melanoma Patients
Authors: Rauwerdink Daan Jan Willem , Not Olivier van , de Meza Melissa , Doorn Remco van , Hage Jos van der , Eertwegh A. J. M. van den , Haanen John B. , Aarts Maureen J. B. , Berkmortel Franchette W. P. J. van den , Blank Christiaan U. , Boers-Sonderen Marye J. , Groot Jan Willem B. de , Hospers Geke A. P. , Piersma Djura , van Rijn Rozemarijn S. , Stevense-den Boer A. M. , Veldt Astrid A. M. van der , Vreugdenhil Gerard , Wouters Michel W. J. M. , Suijkerbuijk Karijn P. M. , Kapiteijn Ellen
Published: July 2024

Introduction: The difference in incidence and severity of anti-PD-1 therapy-related adverse events (irAEs) between adjuvant and advanced treated melanoma patients remains unclear, as no head-to-head studies have compared these groups. Methods: This multi-center cohort study analyzed melanoma patients treated with anti-PD-1 in adjuvant or advanced settings between 2015 and 2021. Comorbidities and ECOG performance status were assessed before treatment, and grade III-IV irAEs were monitored during treatment. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with irAE development. Results: A total of 1465 advanced melanoma patients and 908 resected melanoma patients received anti-PD-1 therapy. Adjuvant-treated patients were younger, with a median age of 63 years compared to 69 years in the advanced group (p < 0.01), and had a better ECOG performance status (p < 0.01). Comorbidities were seen more frequently in advanced melanoma patients than in those receiving adjuvant treatment, 76% versus 68% (p < 0.01). Grade III-IV irAEs occurred in 214 (15%) advanced treated patients and in 119 (13%) adjuvant-treated patients. Multivariate analysis showed an increased risk of severe irAE development with the presence of any comorbidity (adjusted OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.02–1.44) and ECOG status greater than 1 (adjusted OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.20–3.32). Adjuvant therapy was not associated with an increased risk of irAE development compared to advanced treatment (adjusted OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.74–1.21) after correcting for comorbidities and ECOG performance score. Anti-PD-1 therapy was halted due to toxicity (any grade irAE) more often in the adjuvant setting than in the advanced setting, 20% versus 15% (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Higher ECOG performance status and presence of any comorbidity were independently associated with an increased risk of Grade III-IV irAE in adjuvant and advanced treated melanoma patients. Patients treated in the adjuvant setting did not have an increased risk of developing severe irAEs compared to advanced melanoma patients. These findings are of clinical significance in consulting patients for adjuvant anti-PD-1 treatment.
Exploring the Dark Matter of Human Proteome: The Emerging Role of Non-Canonical Open Reading Frame (ncORF) in Cancer Diagnosis, Biology, and Therapy
Authors: Ge Anni , Chan Curtis , Yang Xiaolong
Published: July 2024

Cancer develops from abnormal cell growth in the body, causing significant mortalities every year. To date, potent therapeutic approaches have been developed to eradicate tumor cells, but intolerable toxicity and drug resistance can occur in treated patients, limiting the efficiency of existing treatment strategies. Therefore, searching for novel genes critical for cancer progression and therapeutic response is urgently needed for successful cancer therapy. Recent advances in bioinformatics and proteomic techniques have allowed the identification of a novel category of peptides encoded by non-canonical open reading frames (ncORFs) from historically non-coding genomic regions. Surprisingly, many ncORFs express functional microproteins that play a vital role in human cancers. In this review, we provide a comprehensive description of different ncORF types with coding capacity and technological methods in discovering ncORFs among human genomes. We also summarize the carcinogenic role of ncORFs such as pTINCR and HOXB-AS3 in regulating hallmarks of cancer, as well as the roles of ncORFs such as HOXB-AS3 and CIP2A-BP in cancer diagnosis and prognosis. We also discuss how ncORFs such as AKT-174aa and DDUP are involved in anti-cancer drug response and the underestimated potential of ncORFs as therapeutic targets.
Can Delta Radiomics Improve the Prediction of Best Overall Response, Progression-Free Survival, and Overall Survival of Melanoma Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors?
Authors: Peisen Felix , Gerken Annika , Hering Alessa , Dahm Isabel , Nikolaou Konstantin , Gatidis Sergios , Eigentler Thomas , Amaral Teresa , Moltz Jan , Othman Ahmed
Published: July 2024

Background: The prevalence of metastatic melanoma is increasing, necessitating the identification of patients who do not benefit from immunotherapy. This study aimed to develop a radiomic biomarker based on the segmentation of all metastases at baseline and the first follow-up CT for the endpoints best overall response (BOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS), encompassing various immunotherapies. Additionally, this study investigated whether reducing the number of segmented metastases per patient affects predictive capacity. Methods: The total tumour load, excluding cerebral metastases, from 146 baseline and 146 first follow-up CTs of melanoma patients treated with first-line immunotherapy was volumetrically segmented. Twenty-one random forest models were trained and compared for the endpoints BOR; PFS at 6, 9, and 12 months; and OS at 6, 9, and 12 months, using as input either only clinical parameters, whole-tumour-load delta radiomics plus clinical parameters, or delta radiomics from the largest ten metastases plus clinical parameters. Results: The whole-tumour-load delta radiomics model performed best for BOR (AUC 0.81); PFS at 6, 9, and 12 months (AUC 0.82, 0.80, and 0.77); and OS at 6 months (AUC 0.74). The model using delta radiomics from the largest ten metastases performed best for OS at 9 and 12 months (AUC 0.71 and 0.75). Although the radiomic models were numerically superior to the clinical model, statistical significance was not reached. Conclusions: The findings indicate that delta radiomics may offer additional value for predicting BOR, PFS, and OS in metastatic melanoma patients undergoing first-line immunotherapy. Despite its complexity, volumetric whole-tumour-load segmentation could be advantageous.
Evaluating Malnutrition Practices and Mother’s Education on Children Failure to Thrive Symptoms Using Entropy-Weight and TOPSIS Method
Authors: Tzitiridou-Chatzopoulou Maria , Zournatzidou Georgia , Orovou Eirini , Lithoxopoulou Maria , Drogouti Eftychia , Sklavos George , Antoniou Evangelia , Tsakalidis Christos
Published: July 2024

Background/Objectives: Failure to thrive (FTT) is mostly caused by insufficient consumption of nutrient-rich food, recurrent infections like diarrhea and intestinal worms, substandard caregiving practices, and limited availability of health and other vital services. Furthermore, there was a correlation between the educational level of mothers and the occurrence of FTT in children aged 6–12 months. Thus, the objective of the current research is twofold: (i) to investigate other factors related to FTT and (ii) to evaluate the impact of them on FTT in Sub-Saharan African countries and their urban areas. Methods: We used weight entropy and TOPSIS methods to approach the research question. In particular, the entropy-weight method is effective for precisely evaluating the relative significance of the selected criteria for TOPSIS computation. Thus, data were retrieved from the database of UNICEF for the year 2019 for nine Sub-Saharan countries, and based on the methods used, five criteria have been selected for consideration. Those of mothers in higher education were identified as having a higher weight, which means that this can affect positively the ability of mothers to mitigate the situation of FTT and protect their children. Results: The findings of the study highlight the factors of maternal education at a higher level and unhealthy habits as those with the greatest weight and impact on the FTT. Moreover, the results indicate that the association between maternal education, and especially higher education, and FTT is stronger in Ethiopia. Despite the limited amount of research on the specified relationship in Sub-Saharan countries, this study is among the initial ones to examine it. Conclusions: The current study can aid policymakers in devising appropriate policies and implementing effective measures to tackle FTT in Sub-Saharan Africa, like enhancing the number of mothers in these countries to be integrated into the educational system to help both themselves and their children mitigate or avoid the symptoms of FTT.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the Sweet Cherry Whirly Gene Family
Authors: Wang Lili , Hou Qiandong , Qiao Guang
Published: July 2024

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium) is one of the economically valuable horticultural fruit trees and it is widely cultivated throughout the world. Whirly (WHY) genes are a unique gene family with few members and have important biological functions in plant growth, development, and response to abiotic stress. This study utilized whole-genome identification to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the WHY genes in sweet cherry and examined their transcription levels in different tissues and under abiotic stress to explore their functions. Two WHY genes were identified in the sweet cherry genome and named PavWHY1 and PavWHY2, respectively, based on their homology with those in Arabidopsis thaliana. Both genes have theoretical isoelectric points greater than seven and are hydrophilic proteins, suggesting that they may be localized in plastids. The two genes are evolutionarily classified into two categories, with large differences in gene structure, and highly similar protein tertiary structures, and both have conserved domains of WHY. PavWHY1 and PavWHY2 are collinear with AtWHY1 and AtWHY2, respectively. The promoter sequence contains cis-acting elements related to hormones and abiotic stress, which are differentially expressed during flower bud differentiation, fruit development, and cold accumulation. qRT–PCR showed that PavWHY1 and PavWHY2 were differentially expressed in flower and fruit development and responded to low temperature and exogenous ABA treatment. The recombinant plasmid pGreenII-0800-Luc with the promoters of these two genes can activate luciferase expression in tobacco. Protein interaction predictions indicate that these gene products may interact with other proteins. This study reveals the molecular features, evolutionary relationships, and expression patterns of sweet cherry WHY genes, and investigates the activities of their promoters, which lays the foundation for further exploration of their biological functions and provides new insights into the WHY gene family in Rosaceae.
Development and Performance Assessment of Sensor-Mounted Solar Dryer for Micro-Climatic Modeling and Optimization of Dried Fish Quality in Cambodia
Authors: Hin Lyhour , Mean Chan Makara , Kim Meng Chhay , Chhoem Chhengven , Bunthong Borarin , Lor Lytour , Sourn Taingaun , Prasad P. V. Vara
Published: July 2024

Fish are one of the main sources of protein in Cambodia but they are highly perishable. This requires immediate consumption or processing for later use. In processing, fish drying is very common, but most processors practice traditional drying methods although solar dryers have been introduced, or gradually used, in Cambodia. There is a large variation in terms of drying efficiency due to large differences in solar radiation, temperature, and humidity conditions in traditional drying methods and solar dryers. However, there is limited information on the actual variation in these two systems, which should be documented in Cambodia. Using sensors to monitor micro-climatic changes inside the drying chamber will be useful to improve efficiency and performance. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to (1) design a fish dryer from locally available inputs; (2) determine changes in solar radiation over time; (3) compare relative humidity and temperatures between traditional sun-drying and the solar dryer; (4) determine the relationship among the climatic parameters; and (5) compare some physical, chemical, and biological properties of dried fish in both drying techniques with the Cambodian dried fish standards. The study was conducted in collaboration with a fish processor in the Siem Reap Province between December 2023 and January 2024 using a sensor-mounted solar dryer fabricated by the Royal University of Agriculture to dry fish and compared with traditional sun-drying. Three experiments were carried out from 8:00 to 16:00 following the common drying practices in Cambodia. In each experiment, 80–100 kg of raw giant snakehead, or 56–70 kg of prepared fish (1.04 ± 0.05 kg each fish), was prepared for drying. Data on environmental conditions were measured and analyzed. The results show that the solar dryer had higher temperatures (almost 60 °C) and lower relative humidity (about 20%) during peak hours when compared with traditional sun-drying (36.8 °C and 40%, respectively). In all cases, relative humidity decreased with rising solar radiation and temperatures. The final weight and moisture of dried fish in the solar dryer were lower than those in traditional sun-drying in eight hours. Salmonella was detected with traditional sun-drying but E. coli was not. Bacterial presence may be harmful to human health. Nevertheless, the time spent for drying in both techniques was the same, so future studies should focus on improving ventilation to remove moisture faster out of the solar dryer, which can help with faster drying and more time saving. Hybrid solar dryers should also be considered to maintain high temperatures at night, while bacteria should be counted for safety reasons.
Risk of Comorbid Insomnia Disorder Associated with Major Depression in Apneic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hein Matthieu , Wacquier Benjamin , Conenna Matteo , Lanquart Jean-Pol , Point Camille
Published: July 2024

Given the limitations of available studies, the objective of this study was to explore the role played by current and remitted major depression in the occurrence of comorbid insomnia disorder for apneic patients. Data from 1488 apneic patients were extracted from the medical reports of polysomnographic recordings available in the database of the Sleep Laboratory. The presence of comorbid insomnia disorder in these apneic patients was defined based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Work Group. The risk of comorbid insomnia disorder associated with current or remitted major depression in apneic patients was investigated using multivariate logistic regression models. After adjustment for the main confounding factors, multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that remitted and current major depression were significantly associated with the occurrence of comorbid insomnia disorder in apneic patients. The findings of this study seem to indicate that comorbid insomnia disorder could be a residual symptom and a marker of major depression in apneic patients, which justifies the establishment of an adequate treatment for major depressive episodes and their potential residual symptoms to allow the better management of comorbid insomnia disorder and the better prevention of its potential negative consequences in this particular subpopulation.
Design, Development, and In Vivo Testing of the Hydrating Effect and pH Maintenance a Cosmetic Formulation Incorporating Oils and an Extract from Peruvian Biodiversity
Authors: Huaman Jorge , Victoria-Tinoco Lourdes , Rojas Jorge , Muñoz Ana , Lozada Patricia
Published: July 2024

Vegetable oils and extracts have been used from ancient times for skin care. The aim of this study was to design and evaluate the physicochemical, organoleptic, and microbiological characteristics and the instrumental efficacy in vivo of a cosmetic formula named “ASC Cream”, containing sangre de grado resin extract (Croton lechleri) and vegetable oils obtained from moriche palm (Mauritia flexuosa L.), goldenberry (Physalis peruviana), super sacha peanut (Plukenetia huayllabambana sp. nov.), and sacha peanut (Plukenetia volubilis L.). Instrumental efficacy, skin hydration and skin pH were tested in vivo in 24 healthy female volunteers between 40 and 65 years old, using non-invasive skin bioengineering equipment from Courage + Khazaka Electronics, both in the short term (30 min, 1 h and 3 h) and long term (14 and 28 days). The main findings were increased immediate hydration (132.4%) and long-term hydration (143.6%), showing a statistically significant average improvement (p < 0.05) without altering the skin pH. In conclusion, a balanced combination of the extract and oils significantly increases hydration levels while maintaining skin pH.
Impact of COVID-19 on Dental Students’ Mental Health Status and Perception of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine
Authors: Hung Man , Hablitzel Nicole , Su Sharon , Melnitsky Samantha , Mohajeri Amir
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted dental education significantly, forcing adaptations in both didactic and clinical curricula. This study evaluates the impact of COVID-19 on dental students’ mental health and perceptions of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. An anonymous online survey was administered to dental students at Roseman University of Health Sciences, focusing on health experiences and vaccination perceptions. Results showed 56.8% of students were concerned about their emotional health, 82.1% felt stressed, and 60.6% felt depressed. About 81.9% received the vaccine, with 75.5% believing it effective, though only 55.3% supported mandatory vaccination. The pandemic negatively impacted students’ emotional health, indicating a need for institutional mental health support. This study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and findings relate specifically to that period. Further research can focus on investigation of reasonings behind the sentiments.
Nanoindentation Stress Relaxation to Quantify Dislocation Velocity–Stress Exponent
Authors: Chang Tzu-Yi , Vandenbroeder Gavin , Frazer David M. , Yushu Dewen , Pitts Stephanie , Chen Tianyi
Published: July 2024

This work reports a new methodology using indentation stress relaxation to characterize the dislocation velocity–stress exponent. Through the indentation stress relaxation process, the dislocation structure builds up at the rate governed by dislocation velocity, which is a function of the externally applied stress. The relationship between the dislocation velocity and stress can thus be derived from the indentation stress relaxation data of the stress as a function of time. In this study, instrumented nanoindentation stress relaxation experiments were performed on pure aluminum samples, following three different initial displacement rates of 100, 400, and 800 nm/s. Based on the scaling properties of dislocation kinetics, the data were interpreted to derive a dislocation velocity–stress exponent of 2.5 ± 0.5 for room-temperature aluminum. Crystal plasticity finite-element simulations were performed to illustrate the sensitivity of the proposed nanoindentation stress relaxation methodology to the dislocation velocity–stress exponent value.
Spark Timing Optimization through Co-Simulation Analysis in a Spark Ignition Engine
Authors: Arsie Ivan , Frasci Emmanuele , Irimescu Adrian , Merola Simona Silvia
Published: July 2024

The automotive industry is experiencing radical changes under the pressure of institutions that are increasingly reducing the limits on CO2 and pollutant emissions from road vehicles powered by internal combustion engines (ICEs). A way to decarbonize the transport sector without disrupting current automotive production is the adoption of alternative fuels for internal combustion engines (ICEs). Hydrogen is very attractive, thanks to the zero-carbon content and very high laminar flame speed, allowing for extending the lean burn limit. Other alternative fuels are methanol and ethanol. This work deals with the conversion of a small-sized passenger car powered by a three-cylinder spark ignition (SI) engine for the use of alternative fuels. In particular, the spark timing has been optimized to improve the fuel economy under every operating condition. The optimization procedure is based on the MATLAB/Simulink® R2024a-GT-Power co-simulation analysis and minimizes the fuel consumption by varying the spark timing independently for each cylinder. In particular, at full load, the algorithm reduces the spark timing only for the cylinder in which knock is detected, reducing fuel consumption by about 2% compared to the base calibration. This approach will be adopted in future activities to understand how the use of alternative fuels affects the ignition control strategy.
Direct CO2 Hydrogenation over Bifunctional Catalysts to Produce Dimethyl Ether—A Review
Authors: Ebrahimian Samira , Bhattacharya Sankar
Published: July 2024

Hydrogenation of CO2 represents a promising pathway for converting it into valuable hydrocarbons and clean fuels like dimethyl ether (DME). Despite significant research, several challenges persist, including a limited understanding of reaction mechanisms, thermodynamics, the necessity for catalyst design to enhance DME selectivity, and issues related to catalyst deactivation. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of recent studies from 2012 to 2023, covering various aspects of CO2 hydrogenation to methanol and DME. This review primarily focuses on advancing the development of efficient, selective, and stable innovative catalysts for this purpose. Recent investigations that have extensively explored heterogeneous catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation were summarized. A notable focus is on Cu-based catalysts modified with promoters such as Zn, Zr, Fe, etc. Additionally, this context delves into thermodynamic considerations, the impact of reaction variables, reaction mechanisms, reactor configurations, and recent technological advancements, such as 3D-printed catalysts. Furthermore, the paper examines the influence of different parameters on catalyst deactivation. The review offers insights into direct CO2 hydrogenation to DME and proposes paths for future investigation, aiming to address current challenges and advance the field.
Biohydrogen Production from Methane-Derived Biomass of Methanotroph and Microalgae by Clostridium
Authors: Sang Yuxuan , Xie Zhangzhang , Li Liangyan , Wang Oumei , Zheng Shiling , Liu Fanghua
Published: July 2024

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, represents both a challenge and an opportunity in the quest for sustainable energy. This work investigates the biotechnology for converting methane into clean, renewable hydrogen. The co-culture of Chlorella sacchrarophila FACHB 4 and Methylomonas sp. HYX-M1 was demonstrated to completely convert 1 mmol of methane to biomass within 96 h. After acid digestion of such biomass, up to 45.05 μmol of glucose, 4.07 μmol of xylose, and 26.5 μmol of lactic acid were obtained. Both Clostridium pasteurianum DSM525 and Clostridium sp. BZ-1 can utilize those sugars to produce hydrogen without any additional organic carbon sources. The higher light intensity in methane oxidation co-culture systems resulted in higher hydrogen production, with the BZ-1 strain producing up to 14.00 μmol of hydrogen, 8.19 μmol of lactate, and 6.09 μmol of butyrate from the co-culture biomass obtained at 12,000 lux. The results demonstrate that the co-culture biomass of microalgae and methanotroph has the potential to serve as a feedstock for dark fermentative hydrogen production. Our study highlights the complexities inherent in achieving efficient and complete methane-to-hydrogen conversion, positioning this biological approach as a pivotal yet demanding area of research for combating climate change and propelling the global energy transition.
Development and Applications of PLGA Hydrogels for Sustained Delivery of Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Visan Anita Ioana , Negut Irina
Published: July 2024

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) hydrogels are highly utilized in biomedical research due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and other versatile properties. This review comprehensively explores their synthesis, properties, sustained release mechanisms, and applications in drug delivery. The introduction underscores the significance of PLGA hydrogels in addressing challenges like short half-lives and systemic toxicity in conventional drug formulations. Synthesis methods, including emulsion solvent evaporation, solvent casting, electrospinning, thermal gelation, and photopolymerization, are described in detail and their role in tailoring hydrogel properties for specific applications is highlighted. Sustained release mechanisms—such as diffusion-controlled, degradation-controlled, swelling-controlled, and combined systems—are analyzed alongside key kinetic models (zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, and Peppas models) for designing controlled drug delivery systems. Applications of PLGA hydrogels in drug delivery are discussed, highlighting their effectiveness in localized and sustained chemotherapy for cancer, as well as in the delivery of antibiotics and antimicrobials to combat infections. Challenges and future prospects in PLGA hydrogel research are discussed, with a focus on improving drug loading efficiency, improving release control mechanisms, and promoting clinical translation. In summary, PLGA hydrogels provide a promising platform for the sustained delivery of therapeutic agents and meet diverse biomedical requirements. Future advancements in materials science and biomedical engineering are anticipated to further optimize their efficacy and applicability in clinical settings. This review consolidates the current understanding and outlines future research directions for PLGA hydrogels, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize therapeutic delivery and improve patient outcomes.
Biogenic Nano-Fertilizers as a Sustainable Approach to Alleviate Nitrate Accumulation and Enrich Quality Traits of Vegetable Crops
Authors: Abdelkader Mostafa , Zargar Meisam , Bayat Maryam , Pakina Elena , Shehata Ahmed S. A. , Suliman Ahmed A.
Published: July 2024

Vegetables accumulate considerable amounts of nitrates that enter the human body through nutrition, causing severe problems. This study aims to determine celery plants’ response to replacing mineral nitrogen fertilizers with bio-nanoparticles. Three different treatments of nano bio-nitrogen fertilizer (20, 30, and 40 ppm) in addition to traditional nitrogen (NH4NO3) treatment (100 kg N/acre) were applied on two celery cultivars (Balady and Utah Tall 52–75). Plant growth parameters, vitamin C, carotenoids, nitrate accumulation, macro-nutrient uptakes, and antioxidant activities were determined at the vegetative marketing stage. Our findings reveal a significant positive impact of replacing conventional nitrogen fertilizers with bio-nano-synthesized forms. Notably, applying bio-nanoparticles improved celery yield efficiency, ranging from 5.1 to 5.8 tons per acre, suggesting a viable alternative to traditional fertilization methods. Furthermore, transitioning from mineral to organic fertilizers in nanoparticle form reduced nitrate accumulation in fresh celery crops, decreasing nitrate levels from 342.5 ppm to as low as 100 ppm. This environmentally conscious approach offers a sustainable solution to mitigate chemical residues and enhance celery’s flavor, nutritional value, and health benefits. Specifically, our results demonstrate alleviated nitrate contents in fresh celery leaves after applying bio-nano-fertilizer. Nitrate levels in treated plants decreased by up to 70.0% compared to traditional fertilization methods. This highlights the potential of organic nano-fertilizers to address concerns related to nitrate accumulation, thereby promoting safer and healthier vegetable consumption. By advocating for organic nano-fertilizers, we propose a promising strategy to optimize celery fertilizing management, ensuring sustainable farming and consumer well-being.
Molecular Mechanisms Linking Genes and Vitamins of the Complex B Related to One-Carbon Metabolism in Breast Cancer: An In Silico Functional Database Study
Authors: Gálvez-Navas José María , Molina-Montes Esther , Rodríguez-Barranco Miguel , Ramírez-Tortosa MCarmen , Gil Ángel , Sánchez María-José
Published: July 2024

Carcinogenesis is closely related to the expression, maintenance, and stability of DNA. These processes are regulated by one-carbon metabolism (1CM), which involves several vitamins of the complex B (folate, B2, B6, and B12), whereas alcohol disrupts the cycle due to the inhibition of folate activity. The relationship between nutrients related to 1CM (all aforementioned vitamins and alcohol) in breast cancer has been reviewed. The interplay of genes related to 1CM was also analyzed. Single nucleotide polymorphisms located in those genes were selected by considering the minor allele frequency in the Caucasian population and the linkage disequilibrium. These genes were used to perform several in silico functional analyses (considering corrected p-values < 0.05 as statistically significant) using various tools (FUMA, ShinyGO, and REVIGO) and databases such as the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and GeneOntology (GO). The results of this study showed that intake of 1CM-related B-complex vitamins is key to preventing breast cancer development and survival. Also, the genes involved in 1CM are overexpressed in mammary breast tissue and participate in a wide variety of biological phenomena related to cancer. Moreover, these genes are involved in alterations that give rise to several types of neoplasms, including breast cancer. Thus, this study supports the role of one-carbon metabolism B-complex vitamins and genes in breast cancer; the interaction between both should be addressed in future studies.
Effect of Incorporating Cement and Olive Waste Ash on the Mechanical Properties of Rammed Earth Block
Authors: Ghanem Hassan , El Bouz Chouk , Ramadan Rawan , Trad Adrien , Khatib Jamal , Elkordi Adel
Published: July 2024

Rammed earth blocks have recently gained substantial popularity in construction materials due to their environmental benefits, energy saving, and financial effectiveness. These benefits are even more pronounced if waste materials such as olive waste ash (OWA) are incorporated in rammed earth blocks. There is limited information on the use of OWA in rammed earth blocks. This paper investigates the use of OWA and cement in improving rammed earth block characteristics. OWA was incorporated to partially replace the soil by 10, 20, 30 and 40% of its weight and cement was added in percentages of 2, 4, 6 and 8% by the dry weight of the composite soil. Proctor, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests were performed at 7, 28, and 56 days. Results indicated that OWA inclusion decreased the maximum dry density while it increased the optimum moisture content. However, cement addition improved the maximum dry density of soil. The UCS results revealed that OWA possessed cementitious and pozzolanic behavior, and soil mechanical properties improved by up to 30% due to OWA inclusion, after which there was a significant drop of 40%. The trend in the CBR results was similar to those of UCS. To further clarify the experimental results, a mathematical model was proposed to determine the variation in strength as a function of time. Furthermore, correlations between soil mechanical properties were conducted. Predicted equations were developed to determine the properties of rammed earth block. All in all, the inclusion of OWA in cement stabilized earth block suggests the potential to improve the properties of rammed earth blocks.
Improving Lightweight Structural Tuff Concrete Composition Using Three-Factor Experimental Planning
Authors: Khamza Yerlan Y. , Zhuginissov Maratbek T. , Kuldeyev Erzhan I. , Zhumadilova Zhanar O. , Nurlybayev Ruslan E.
Published: July 2024

Research into lightweight structural concrete using volcanic tuff is of great importance to the construction industry. These materials have excellent thermal insulation properties, which helps improve the energy efficiency of buildings. A three-factor experimental design was used to build the statistical model. The test methods used were methods for determining the crushability of volcanic tuff, determining the average density, compressive strength and thermal conductivity of lightweight structural concrete. The influence of basalt fiber on the properties of lightweight structural concrete has been determined. The optimal compositions of lightweight structural concrete using tuff have been selected. The compressive strength of lightweight structural concrete reached 32.0 MPa. The average density range is 1754.6–2114.0 kg/m3. Good thermal conductivity values were obtained in the range of 0.653–0.818 W/m·K. The article obtained the optimal compositions of lightweight structural concrete using volcanic tuff as a filler.