bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ConsensusPrime—A Bioinformatic Pipeline for Ideal Consensus Primer Design
Authors: Collatz Maximilian , Braun Sascha D. , Monecke Stefan , Ehricht Ralf
Published: November 2022

Background: High-quality oligonucleotides for molecular amplification and detection procedures of diverse target sequences depend on sequence homology. Processing input sequences and identifying homogeneous regions in alignments can be carried out by hand only if they are small and contain sequences of high similarity. Finding the best regions for large and inhomogeneous alignments needs to be automated. Results: The ConsensusPrime pipeline was developed to sort out redundant and technical interfering data in multiple sequence alignments and detect the most homologous regions from multiple sequences. It automates the prediction of optimal consensus primers for molecular analytical and sequence-based procedures/assays. Conclusion: ConsensusPrime is a fast and easy-to-use pipeline for predicting optimal consensus primers that is executable on local systems without depending on external resources and web services. An implementation in a Docker image ensures platform-independent executability and installability despite the combination of multiple programs. The source code and installation instructions are publicly available on GitHub.
Has Biomimicry in Architecture Arrived in France? Diversity of Challenges and Opportunities for a Paradigm Shift
Authors: Cruz Estelle , Blanco Eduardo , Aujard Fabienne , Raskin Kalina
Published: November 2022

Biomimicry is a growing field of developing environmental innovations for materials, facade systems, buildings, and urban planning. In France, we observe an extensive diversity of initiatives in biomimicry for the development of regenerative cities. These initiatives blossom in a large range of areas, from education to urban policies, to achieve a major environmental, social and economic paradigm shift. To provide a comprehensive understanding of this development at the national scale, this paper presents and discusses the diversity of the developed initiatives over the last 10 years in six main fields-education, urban policies, fundamental and applied research, design demonstrators, arts, and communication. This research is an opportunistic study based on the analysis of these initiatives enriched by the feedback of the stakeholders collected by the authors working in the field of biomimicry over the last seven years. We identify that biomimicry in France has mainly extended through individual initiatives of teachers, territorial authorities, architectural studios, or researchers rather than through the support of public policies. Putting into perspective developments in biomimicry by other countries, this cross-discipline analysis provides recommendations for the extensive development of regenerative architecture and urbanism at the national scale.
Wakeful Rest Benefits Recall, but Not Recognition, of Incidentally Encoded Memory Stimuli in Younger and Older Adults
Authors: Millar Peter R. , Balota David A.
Published: November 2022

Older adults exhibit deficits in episodic memory tasks, which have often been attributed to encoding or retrieval deficits, with little attention to consolidation mechanisms. More recently, researchers have attempted to measure consolidation in the context of a behavioral experiment using the wakeful rest paradigm (i.e., a brief, quiet period of minimal stimulation, which facilitates memory performance, compared to a distractor task). Critically, older adults might not produce this effect, given established age differences in other episodic memory processes and mind-wandering. In three experiments, we directly compared younger and older adults in modified versions of the wakeful rest paradigm. Critically, we utilized incidental encoding procedures (all experiments) and abstract shape stimuli (in Experiment 3) to limit the possibility of retrieval practice or maintenance rehearsal as potential confounding mechanisms in producing the wakeful rest effect. Wakeful rest reliably and equally benefited recall of incidentally encoded words in both younger and older adults. In contrast, wakeful rest had no benefit for standard accuracy measures of recognition performance in verbal stimuli, although there was an effect in response latencies for non-verbal stimuli. Overall, these results suggest that the benefits of wakeful rest on episodic retrieval are preserved across age groups, and hence support age-independence in potential consolidation mechanisms as measured by wakeful rest. Further, these benefits do not appear to be dependent on the intentionality of encoding or variations in distractor task types. Finally, the lack of wakeful rest benefits on recognition performance might be driven by theoretical constraints on the effect or methodological limitations of recognition memory testing in the current paradigm.
The Selection of Skylight Type for a Certain Building Using Evaluation Criteria and the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Method
Authors: Bagdonas Vytenis , Daukšys Mindaugas , Mockienė Jūratė
Published: November 2022

The article is focused on the selection of the rational skylight from the examined alternatives using quantitative and qualitative evaluation criteria, which are based on skylight performance and the multi-criteria decision-making method. A non-residential building, namely, a car service shop, was chosen for the research in order to offer good lighting in the large hall where the car repair work is performed every workday. Three alternatives of skylights with glazing material of spherical shape or dome were chosen for the study, skylight domes, longitudinal skylights, and tubular skylights, whose selection was based on the technical parameters of the product and the calculated amount of natural light entering through three different types of skylights. The skylight alternatives were evaluated according to seven criteria whose priority ranking and importance were determined by the survey questionnaire, while the theoretical and complex importance was determined using the Entropy Method. The most rational type of skylight was determined by the TOPSIS method. The analysis based on the offered method showed that skylight domes are a rational solution for the choice of skylight type for the tested building. The main criterion for choosing the roof daylighting system according to the survey was heat transfer coefficient, while skylight cost and installation cost were the criteria chosen by Entropy Method. In both cases, when alternative solutions were compared using the theoretical and complex importance of evaluation criteria, the most rational type of skylight selected using the TOPSIS method was the same alternative, namely the skylight dome.
The Dual Blockade of the TIGIT and PD-1/PD-L1 Pathway as a New Hope for Ovarian Cancer Patients
Authors: Pawłowska Anna , Skiba Wiktoria , Suszczyk Dorota , Kuryło Weronika , Jakubowicz-Gil Joanna , Paduch Roman , Wertel Iwona
Published: November 2022

The prognosis for ovarian cancer (OC) patients is poor and the five-year survival rate is only 47%. Immune checkpoints (ICPs) appear to be the potential targets in up-and-coming OC treatment. However, the response of OC patients to immunotherapy based on programmed cell death pathway (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors totals only 6–15%. The promising approach is a combined therapy, including other ICPs such as the T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain/CD155/DNAX accessory molecule-1 (TIGIT/CD155/DNAM-1) axis. Preclinical studies in a murine model of colorectal cancer showed that the dual blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 and TIGIT led to remission in the whole studied group vs. the regression of the tumors with the blockade of a single pathway. The approach stimulates the effector activity of T cells and NK cells, and redirects the immune system activity against the tumor. The understanding of the synergistic action of the TIGIT and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade is, however, poor. Thus, the aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about the mode of action of the dual TIGIT and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and its potential benefits for OC patients. Considering the positive impact of this combined therapy in malignancies, including lung and colorectal cancer, it appears to be a promising approach in OC treatment.
Association of Physical Activity Intensity with All-Cause Mortality in Cancer Survivors: A National Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Qiguang , Pan Xueqiang , Li Xiao , Huang Wei
Published: November 2022

We designed this study to investigate the associations between physical activity (PA) and the risk of all-cause mortality in cancer survivors using a nationally representative cohort of US adults. This cohort study included 13 cycles of the National Health Interview Surveys, and by matching participants with the National Death Index (2015), survival status was determined. The main outcome was all-cause mortality during follow-up. A total of 20,088 participants aged 62.2 (15.9) years (62.4% women) were analyzed. After an average follow-up of 117.5 months, 7214 (35.9%) participants died. Compared with inactive cancer survivors, we observed a 25% lower all-cause mortality risk among participants performing PA 10 min to 1 h/week (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.67–0.85), a 28% lower risk among those performing PA 1–2.5 h/week (HR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.67–0.78), a 34% lower risk among those performing PA 2.5–5 h/week (HR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.60–0.72), a 37% lower risk among those performing PA 5–7.5 h/week (HR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.56–0.70), a 47% lower risk among those performing PA 7.5–13.3 h/week (HR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.47–0.61), and a 43% lower risk among those performing PA 13.3–24 h/week (adjusted HR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.49–0.66). In cancer survivors, leisure-time PA was associated with a lower all-cause mortality. Inactive cancer survivors should be encouraged to perform more PA to reduce the risk of all-cause mortality.
A Non-Invasive Deep Photoablation Technique to Inhibit DCIS Progression and Induce Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Kaneko Kensuke , Nagata Hiroshi , Yang Xiao-Yi , Ginzel Joshua , Hartman Zachary , Everitt Jeffrey , Hughes Philip , Haystead Timothy , Morse Michael , Lyerly Herbert Kim , Osada Takuya
Published: November 2022

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast is often managed by lumpectomy and radiation or mastectomy, despite its indolent features. Effective non-invasive treatment strategies could reduce the morbidity of DCIS treatment. We have exploited the high heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) activity in premalignant and malignant breast disease to non-invasively detect and selectively ablate tumors using photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT with the HSP90-targeting photosensitizer, HS201, can not only ablate invasive breast cancers (BCs) while sparing non-tumor tissue, but also induce antitumor immunity. We hypothesized that HS201-PDT would both non-invasively ablate DCIS and prevent progression to invasive BC. We tested in vitro selective uptake and photosensitivity of HS201 in DCIS cell lines compared to the non-selective parental verteporfin, and assessed in vivo antitumor efficacy in mammary fat pad and intraductal implantation models. Selective uptake of HS201 enabled treatment of intraductal lesions while minimizing toxicity to non-tumor tissue. The in vivo activity of HS201-PDT was also tested in female MMTV-neu mice prior to the development of spontaneous invasive BC. Mice aged 5 months were administered HS201, and their mammary glands were exposed to laser light. HS201-PDT delayed the emergence of invasive BC, significantly prolonged disease-free survival (DFS) (p = 0.0328) and tended to improve overall survival compared to the no-treatment control (p = 0.0872). Systemic administration of anti-PD-L1 was combined with HS201-PDT and was tested in a more aggressive spontaneous tumor model, HER2delta16 transgenic mice. A single PDT dose combined with anti-PD-L1 improved DFS compared to the no-treatment control, which was significantly improved with repetitive HS201-PDT given with anti-PD-L1 (p = 0.0319). In conclusion, a non-invasive, skin- and tissue-sparing PDT strategy in combination with anti-PD-L1 antibodies effectively prevented malignant progression of DCIS to invasive BC. This non-invasive treatment strategy of DCIS may be safe and effective, while providing an option to reduce the morbidity of current conventional treatment for patients with DCIS. Clinical testing of HS201 is currently underway.
Differences in Cancer-Specific Mortality after Trimodal Therapy for T2N0M0 Bladder Cancer according to Histological Subtype
Authors: Barletta Francesco , Tappero Stefano , Panunzio Andrea , Incesu Reha-Baris , Cano Garcia Cristina , Piccinelli Mattia Luca , Tian Zhe , Gandaglia Giorgio , Moschini Marco , Terrone Carlo , Antonelli Alessandro , Tilki Derya , Chun Felix K. H. , de Cobelli Ottavio , Saad Fred , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Montorsi Francesco , Briganti Alberto , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: November 2022

We aimed at assessing the impact of non-urothelial variant histology (VH), relative to urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder (UCUB), on cancer-specific mortality (CSM) in T2N0M0 bladder cancer patients treated with trimodal therapy (TMT). TMT patients treated for T2N0M0 bladder cancer were identified within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2000−2018). Patients who underwent TMT received trans-urethral resection of the bladder tumor, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. CSM-FS rates were tested using Kaplan–Meier plots and multivariable Cox-regression (MCR) models according to histological subtype: UCUB vs. neuroendocrine carcinoma vs. squamous cell carcinoma vs. adenocarcinoma. A total of 3846 T2N0MO bladder cancer patients treated with TMT were identified. Of these, 3627 (94.3%) harbored UCUB, while 105 (2.7%), 85 (2.2%), and 29 (0.8%) harbored neuroendocrine carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma, respectively. In Kaplan–Meier analyses, 3-yr CSM-FS rates were 57% for UCUB, 51% for neuroendocrine carcinoma, 35% for squamous cell carcinoma, and 60% for adenocarcinoma (p-value < 0.0001). In MCR models, only squamous cell carcinoma exhibited higher CSM than UCUB (HR 1.98, 95%CI 1.5–2.61, p-value < 0.001). Despite the small number of observations, squamous cell carcinoma distinguished itself from UCUB based on worse survival in T2N0M0 patients after TMT.
Does Bladder Cancer with Inchworm Sign Indicate Better Prognosis after TURBT?
Authors: Nakagawa Ryunosuke , Izumi Kouji , Naito Renato , Kadomoto Suguru , Iwamoto Hiroaki , Yaegashi Hiroshi , Kawaguchi Shohei , Nohara Takahiro , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Yoshida Kotaro , Kadono Yoshifumi , Mizokami Atsushi
Published: November 2022

Background: Inchworm sign is considered to be a characteristic finding in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Nevertheless, pathologically diagnosed muscle invasive bladder cancers (MIBCs) are occasionally diagnosed from tissue obtained by transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) in patients with inchworm sign. Methods: We retrospectively investigated the factors related to muscle invasive status in bladder cancer associated with inchworm sign and the role of inchworm sign in tumor outcomes following TURBT. Results: Of the 109 patients with inchworm sign, 94 (86.2%) and 15 (13.8%) were NMIBC and MIBC, respectively. Non-papillary tumors (hazard ratio (HR): 9.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.07–44.10; p < 0.01) and tumors located in the bladder neck (HR: 7.73, 95% CI: 1.83–32.76; p < 0.01) were significant predictors of MIBC in bladder cancer with inchworm sign. Furthermore, recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival were compared between patients with NMIBC with and without inchworm sign; however, no significant differences were found. In patients with NMIBC with inchworm sign, positive urine cytology was a prognostic factor for RFS (HR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.04–3.48; p = 0.04). Conclusions: In bladder cancer with inchworm sign, 86.2% were NMIBC. Even in the case of inchworm sign, the presence of a non-papillary tumor or a bladder neck tumor before TURBT should be noted because of the possibility of MIBC. In this study, the inchworm sign was not a prognostic factor in patients with NMIBC.
Epigenetic Regulation in Chromium-, Nickel- and Cadmium-Induced Carcinogenesis
Authors: Zhao Lei , Islam Ranakul , Wang Yifang , Zhang Xiujuan , Liu Ling-Zhi
Published: November 2022

Environmental and occupational exposure to heavy metals, such as hexavalent chromium, nickel, and cadmium, are major health concerns worldwide. Some heavy metals are well-documented human carcinogens. Multiple mechanisms, including DNA damage, dysregulated gene expression, and aberrant cancer-related signaling, have been shown to contribute to metal-induced carcinogenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms accounting for heavy metal-induced carcinogenesis and angiogenesis are still not fully understood. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have indicated that in addition to genotoxicity and genetic mutations, epigenetic mechanisms play critical roles in metal-induced cancers. Epigenetics refers to the reversible modification of genomes without changing DNA sequences; epigenetic modifications generally involve DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs. Epigenetic regulation is essential for maintaining normal gene expression patterns; the disruption of epigenetic modifications may lead to altered cellular function and even malignant transformation. Therefore, aberrant epigenetic modifications are widely involved in metal-induced cancer formation, development, and angiogenesis. Notably, the role of epigenetic mechanisms in heavy metal-induced carcinogenesis and angiogenesis remains largely unknown, and further studies are urgently required. In this review, we highlight the current advances in understanding the roles of epigenetic mechanisms in heavy metal-induced carcinogenesis, cancer progression, and angiogenesis.
Should Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) Systematically Be Proposed to BRCA Pathogenic Variant Carriers?
Authors: Laot Lucie , Sonigo Charlotte , Nobre Julie , Benachi Alexandra , Dervin Traicie , El Moujahed Lina , Mayeur Anne , Stoppa-Lyonnet Dominique , Steffann Julie , Grynberg Michael
Published: November 2022

Over the past years, BRCA genes pathogenic variants have been associated to reproductive issues. Indeed, evidence indicate that BRCA-mutated patients are not only at higher risk of developing malignancies, but may also present a reduction of the follicular stockpile. Given these characteristics, BRCA patients may be candidates to fertility preservation (FP) techniques or preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to avoid the transmission of this inherited situation. Since the success rates of both procedures are highly related to the number of oocytes that could be recovered after ovarian stimulation, predicted by ovarian reserve tests, they are ideally performed before the diagnosis of cancer and its treatment. Despite the specific reproductive challenges related to BRCA status, no international guidelines for the application of PGT and FP in this subgroup of patients is currently available. The present article aims to review the available data regarding BRCA carriers’ ovarian reserve and PGT success rates in oncologic and non-oncologic contexts, to determine the actual indication of PGT and further to improve patients’ care pathway.
Regulation of RNA Polymerase I Stability and Function
Authors: Pitts Stephanie , Laiho Marikki
Published: November 2022

RNA polymerase I is a highly processive enzyme with fast initiation and elongation rates. The structure of Pol I, with its in-built RNA cleavage ability and incorporation of subunits homologous to transcription factors, enables it to quickly and efficiently synthesize the enormous amount of rRNA required for ribosome biogenesis. Each step of Pol I transcription is carefully controlled. However, cancers have highjacked these control points to switch the enzyme, and its transcription, on permanently. While this provides an exceptional benefit to cancer cells, it also creates a potential cancer therapeutic vulnerability. We review the current research on the regulation of Pol I transcription, and we discuss chemical biology efforts to develop new targeted agents against this process. Lastly, we highlight challenges that have arisen from the introduction of agents with promiscuous mechanisms of action and provide examples of agents with specificity and selectivity against Pol I.
Wild-Type Isocitrate Dehydrogenase-Dependent Oxidative Decarboxylation and Reductive Carboxylation in Cancer and Their Clinical Significance
Authors: He Qiwei , Chen Junxiong , Xie Zijing , Chen Zhenzhou
Published: November 2022

The human isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) gene encodes for the isoenzymes IDH1, 2, and 3, which catalyze the conversion of isocitrate and α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) and are required for normal mammalian metabolism. Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 catalyze the reversible conversion of isocitrate to α-KG. Isocitrate dehydrogenase 3 is the key enzyme that mediates the production of α-KG from isocitrate in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. In the TCA cycle, the decarboxylation reaction catalyzed by isocitrate dehydrogenase mediates the conversion of isocitrate to α-KG accompanied by dehydrogenation, a process commonly known as oxidative decarboxylation. The formation of 6-C isocitrate from α-KG and CO2 catalyzed by IDH is termed reductive carboxylation. This IDH-mediated reversible reaction is of great importance in tumor cells. We outline the role of the various isocitrate dehydrogenase isoforms in cancer, discuss the metabolic implications of interference with IDH, summarize therapeutic interventions targeting changes in IDH expression, and highlight areas for future research.
Comprehensive Review of Biomarkers for the Treatment of Locally Advanced Colon Cancer
Authors: Chuang Jen-Pin , Tsai Hsiang-Lin , Chen Po-Jung , Chang Tsung-Kun , Su Wei-Chih , Yeh Yung-Sung , Huang Ching-Wen , Wang Jaw-Yuan
Published: November 2022

Despite the implementation of global screening programs, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. More than 10% of patients with colon cancer are diagnosed as having locally advanced disease with a relatively poor five-year survival rate. Locally advanced colon cancer (LACC) presents surgical challenges to R0 resection. The advantages and disadvantages of preoperative radiotherapy for LACC remain undetermined. Although several reliable novel biomarkers have been proposed for the prediction and prognosis of CRC, few studies have focused solely on the treatment of LACC. This comprehensive review highlights the role of predictive biomarkers for treatment and postoperative oncological outcomes for patients with LACC. Moreover, this review discusses emerging needs and approaches for the discovery of biomarkers that can facilitate the development of new therapeutic targets and surveillance of patients with LACC.
TFAM’s Contributions to mtDNA Replication and OXPHOS Biogenesis Are Genetically Separable
Authors: Kozhukhar Natalya , Alexeyev Mikhail F.
Published: November 2022

The ability of animal orthologs of human mitochondrial transcription factor A (hTFAM) to support the replication of human mitochondrial DNA (hmtDNA) does not follow a simple pattern of phylogenetic closeness or sequence similarity. In particular, TFAM from chickens (Gallus gallus, chTFAM), unlike TFAM from the “living fossil” fish coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae), cannot support hmtDNA replication. Here, we implemented the recently developed GeneSwap approach for reverse genetic analysis of chTFAM to obtain insights into this apparent contradiction. By implementing limited “humanization” of chTFAM focused either on amino acid residues that make DNA contacts, or the ones with significant variances in side chains, we isolated two variants, Ch13 and Ch22. The former has a low mtDNA copy number (mtCN) but robust respiration. The converse is true of Ch22. Ch13 and Ch22 complement each other’s deficiencies. Opposite directionalities of changes in mtCN and respiration were also observed in cells expressing frog TFAM. This led us to conclude that TFAM’s contributions to mtDNA replication and respiratory chain biogenesis are genetically separable. We also present evidence that TFAM residues that make DNA contacts play the leading role in mtDNA replication. Finally, we present evidence for a novel mode of regulation of the respiratory chain biogenesis by regulating the supply of rRNA subunits.
The Effectiveness of Blue-Light-Emitting Glasses in Security Guards Exposed to Night Shift Work on Work-Related and General Fatigue: A Randomised Controlled Cross-Over Study
Authors: Helmhout Pieter H. , Timmerman Stella , van Drongelen Alwin , Bakker Eric W. P.
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of glasses that emit blue light in reducing the need for recovery, general fatigue, and stress levels in security guards who work night shifts. Light manipulation is seen as a promising strategy to mitigate complaints related to shift work, such as sleepiness and impaired cognitive performance. In a randomized controlled cross-over study design, 86 Dutch security guards used light-emitting glasses (exposure duration: 30 min) during night shifts in a five week period versus a five week control period without glasses. Measurements (Need for Recovery Scale; Checklist Individual Strength; stress level assessed by a fitness tracker) were performed at baseline, at five weeks, and again at 11 weeks. The chronotype was measured at baseline as a potential covariate. A mixed model for repeated measure analyses showed no significant reduction in the need for recovery, nor a reduction in general fatigue scores, during the intervention period. Paired Samples T-Test analyses showed no significant changes in stress levels for the intervention period. Conclusively, blue light exposure using light-emitting glasses for security guards during night shifts showed no directly measurable effect on the reduced need for recovery, overall fatigue, and stress levels.
Revisiting Alloy Design of Al-Base Alloys for Potential Orthotics and Prosthetics Applications
Authors: Ijaz Muhammad Farzik , Hashmi Faraz Hussain
Published: November 2022

The primary objective of this research was to open a promising avenue for designing new low-cost precipitation-hardened Al base alloys in semblance with the desired mechanical properties that can be exploited in the fabrication of lightweight exoskeleton frames, prosthetics, and wheelchair components. In multicomponent Al-Cu-based systems (2xxx), the substitution of elements such as copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), and akin Cu/Mg ratio are mainly manipulated to improve the mechanical strength of these alloys. Nonetheless, these kinds of alloying optimizations are not well suited from the cost and sustainability points of view. The starting point of the present work is to screen out the optimum value of the Ag/Sn ratio, which can be a potential substitute for the conventional Cu/Mg alloy ratio in Al-Cu-Mg-based ternary alloys without sacrificing its key features of mechanical properties. Based on our microstructural and mechanical results, it was found that the chemical composition and microstructure were the most important variables influencing the mechanical properties. The increase in the mechanical strength of our alloys was mainly attributed to the precipitation hardening phenomenon. Typically, at peak-aged conditions, the correlation between the mechanical and subsequent microstructural analysis revealed that the synergistic increase in Ag and Sn content in the Al-Cu-Mg-based alloy led to an improvement in the mechanical strength and its trade-offs by changing the shape and distribution of the micron-scaled second phase in the matrix. From optical microscopy and subsequent scanning electron microscopy analyses, this continuous precipitated phase in the matrix is identified as the Mg2Sn phase, which is mainly elicited from the solid-state reaction during artificial aging treatment. Indeed, the presence of suitable microstructure at the peak aged condition that has uniformly dispersed, micron-scale Mg2Sn phase proved to be very useful in blocking the dislocation glide and increasing the mechanical strength of the alloys during tensile testing. This combination of precipitation-hardening phases has not been previously observed in alloys with higher or lower Cu/Mg ratios. Among the studied alloys, the alloy having Ag/Sn ratio of 23 (and chemical composition of Al-4 Cu-0.5 Mg-0.7 Ag-0.03 Sn (wt.%)-T6 (denoted as Al-loy-4) exhibited an average ultimate tensile strength of 450 MPa which is almost four times larger than the pure aluminum having an ultimate tensile strength of 90 MPa currently used in healthcare and medical industries.
Cumulative Damage in Very High/Low Cycle Combined Fatigue for TC21 Titanium Alloy
Authors: Nie Baohua , Liu Shuai , Wu Yue , Song Yu , Qi Haiying , Shi Binqing , Zhao Zihua , Chen Dongchu
Published: November 2022

The effect of low cycle fatigue (LCF) predamage with no precracks on very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) properties, and crack initiation characteristics for TC21 titanium alloy, was investigated. The results showed that LCF predamage with less than 5% of fatigue life had little influence on fatigue limit, but reduced its fatigue life. Fatigue cracks were initiated on the surface of the specimen at high stress amplitude, whereas fatigue cracks were initiated on the subsurface of the specimens at low stress amplitude. Based on Lemaitre damage theory, a very high/low cycle combined fatigue damage model was established to analyze the fatigue damage process, which was consistent with the experimental data. It was indicated that 5% LCF predamage value was the equivalent damage value, which was close to the critical value of VHCF crack initiation. The fatigue crack initiation of the specimens with LCF predamage less than 5% took up the major components of fatigue life.
Applicability of American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria Decision-Making Model for Acute Appendicitis Diagnosis in Children
Authors: Tuncyurek Ozum , Kadam Koray , Uzun Berna , Uzun Ozsahin Dilber
Published: November 2022

Acute appendicitis is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain in the emergency department and the most common surgical emergency reason for children younger than 15 years of age, which could be enormously dangerous when ruptured. The choice of radiological approach is very important for the diagnosis. In this way, unnecessary surgery is avoided. The aim of this study was to examine the validity of the American College of Radiology appropriateness criteria for radiological imaging in diagnosing acute appendicitis with multivariate decision criteria. In our study, pediatric patients who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain were grouped according to the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response (AIR) score and the choice of radiological examinations was evaluated with fuzzy-based Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE) and with the fuzzy-based Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) model for the validation of the results. As a result of this study, non-contrast computed tomography (CT) was recommended as the first choice for patients with low AIR score (where Φnet=0.0733) and with high AIR scores (where Φnet=0.0702) while ultrasound (US) examination was ranked third in patients with high scores. While computed tomography is at the forefront with many criteria used in the study, it is still a remarkable practice that US examination is in the first place in daily routine. Even though there are studies showing the strengths of these tools, this study is unique in that it provides analytical ranking results for this complex decision-making issue and shows the strengths and weaknesses of each alternative for different scenarios, even considering vague information for the acute appendicitis diagnosis in children for different scenarios.
Uterine Artery Embolisation of Fibroids and the Phenomenon of Post-Embolisation Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Waldron Michael G. , Kassamani Yara W. , O’Mahony Alexander T. , O’Mahony Siobhain M. , O’Sullivan Orfhlaith E. , Power Stephen P. , Spence Liam , Maher Michael M. , O’Connor Owen J. , Buckley Maria M.
Published: November 2022

Post-embolisation syndrome (PES) is a prevalent complication that occurs in patients following uterine artery embolisation (UAE) for the treatment of uterine fibroids. The aetiology of PES remains incompletely understood, although postulated to result secondary to tissue infarction resulting in release of inflammatory mediators. We followed PRISMA guidelines and performed a systematic review of studies of PES following UAE from inception to October 2022. Our published protocol was prospectively registered. Our search yielded 54 results. We reviewed 22 full texts, and nine articles were included. Observational studies comprised 6/9 relevant studies, with 5/9 retrospective design. The rate of PES was documented in 5/8 studies (excluding case report) with a reported incidence ranging from 4–34.6%. Five of the nine studies studies postulated that the aetiological basis of PES is inflammatory related. Further research is necessary to advance our understanding of PES to define the biological basis of the syndrome with more certainty and gain a consensus on peri-procedure management to reduce incidence and improve patient outcomes.
Splenic Torsion in Heterotaxy Syndrome with Left Isomerism: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Cheang I Nok , Fu Yu-Wei , Chin Tai-Wai , Hsu Yao-Jen , Wu Chin-Yen
Published: November 2022

Splenic torsion is an unusual condition that results in congenital abnormality, especially in the visceral abnormal arrangement. We report the case of an 8.5-year-old boy with features in the right upper quadrant. Radiological investigations revealed heterotaxy syndrome with polysplenia and a hypodense tumor in the right upper quadrant adjacent to several spleens. We initially treated it as an intra-abdominal tumor. Laparoscopy was performed to check the tumor condition and revealed a congestive tumor located in the abdomen of the right upper quadrant below the central liver, which was suspected to be a torsion spleen without attaching ligaments. Laparoscopic splenectomy was successfully carried out without complications. The pathological report shows splenic tissue with hemorrhagic infarction. Physicians should be vigilant of the differential diagnosis of the acute abdomen in adolescents.
Incoherent Optical Fluctuation Flowmetry: A New Method for the Assessment of Foot Perfusion in Patients with Diabetes-Related Lower-Extremity Complications
Authors: Glazkova Polina , Glazkov Alexey , Kulikov Dmitry , Zagarov Sergei , Kovaleva Yulia , Babenko Alina , Kononova Yulia , Kitaeva Elena , Britvin Timur , Mazur Natalia , Larkov Roman , Rogatkin Dmitry
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: To date, there are no studies evaluating the ability of the incoherent optical fluctuation flowmetry (IOFF) method to assess foot tissue perfusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between perfusion values measured by IOFF and TcPO2 in patients with diabetes-related lower-extremity complications. (2) Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional, two-center study. Diabetic patients with peripheral artery disease and/or diabetic foot ulcers were studied (n = 27, examinations were carried out on 54 legs). Perfusion in the foot tissues was assessed using TcPO2 (reference standard for this study) and the IOFF method. (3) Results: High correlation coefficients of all perfusion parameters measured by IOFF with TcPO2 (Rs 0.7 to 0.76) were shown. The study demonstrated that the IOFF method allows, with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 90.0%, the identification of patients with a critical decrease in TcPO2 < 20 mmHg. (4) Conclusions: The high correlation of IOFF parameters with TcPO2 and the moderately high sensitivity and specificity in detecting patients with severe ischemia of foot tissues shows the promise of the method for assessing a tissue perfusion in patients with diabetes-related lower-extremity complications.
The Role of Echocardiography in the Diagnosis of Cardiac Involvement in a Rare Systemic Condition: The Carcinoid Heart Disease: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Șerban Adela , Dădârlat-Pop Alexandra , Tomoaia Raluca , Hagiu Claudia , Axente Dan , Donca Valer , Suceveanu Mihai
Published: November 2022

Carcinoid heart disease is a rare presentation of the carcinoid syndrome, which is caused by excessive tumoral hormone production and the abundant release of vasoactive substances with systemic expressions. A 62-year-old woman presented with flushing, diarrhea, weight loss, and right-sided heart failure symptoms. Specific carcinoid heart disease features were identified using transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography at the tricuspid and pulmonic valves. Biomarkers, 99mTc-Tektrotyd scintigraphy, SPECT-CT, and a biopsy later confirmed the diagnosis, and the patient began treatment for the underlying condition.
The Effects of Roundup™ on Benthic Microbial Assemblages
Authors: Weatherley Shannon P. , Laird Hannah K. , Gatley-Montross Caitlyn M. , Whorley Sarah B.
Published: November 2022

Given the wide usage of Roundup, a common herbicide, the impacts of its presence in ecological communities are of great interest. Many studies have investigated the effects of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, on different factions of an ecosystem including on animals, plants, microorganisms, and nutrients. The current study expanded upon these works using Roundup instead of glyphosate to provide a realistic application in which to observe the development of microbial assemblages and nutrient composition in two different habitats. Winogradsky columns were prepared using benthic material from a ditch and a pond. Varying concentrations of Roundup were introduced to the columns at the beginning of the study and microbial growth and nutrient compositions from each column were measured weekly. The results indicate that the presence of Roundup has varying effects on microorganisms and nutrients. While photosynthetic microbes were negatively impacted, a shift in the microbial composition to heterotrophic microbes indicates that these microorganisms were able to utilize some ingredients in Roundup as a nutrient source. Additionally, the temporal analysis of nutrient compositions indicated that microbes metabolize glyphosate starting with the phosphate moiety even when the other compounds in Roundup are present. While these trends were observed in both benthic habitats, the composition of the ecological community can affect its ability to utilize the ingredients in Roundup as a nutrient source.
School Leadership, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives of Principals in China, Germany, and the USA
Authors: Müller Ulrich , Hancock Dawson R. , Wang Chuang , Stricker Tobias , Cui Tianxue , Lambert Marah
Published: November 2022

We live in times of multiple crises. Climate change, degradation of soils, loss of biodiversity, COVID-19, and the war in Ukraine, to name but a few. School leaders are challenged in many ways to tackle the consequences of these crises, to prepare students for a future that will foreseeably be full of crises too, and to just do their “normal” daily work: to make sure that the school is running successfully in order to help students learn how to read, write, calculate, etc. Education for sustainable development (ESD) is a concept that aims at empowering learners with the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes to address the interconnected global challenges we are facing. This article reports on a study that seeks to investigate what principals in Germany, China, and the United States do to integrate sustainability and ESD in their schools. It specifically addresses the issue of COVID-19 and its impact on the establishment of ESD.
Design and Usability Testing of an Augmented Reality (AR) Environment in Pharmacy Education—Presenting a Pilot Study on Comparison between AR Smart Glasses and a Mobile Device in a Laboratory Course
Authors: Kapp Karmen , Sivén Mia , Laurén Patrick , Virtanen Sonja , Katajavuori Nina , Södervik Ilona
Published: November 2022

An essential feature of pharmacy education is the teaching of theoretical knowledge with the support of practical work in the laboratory. When properly utilized, laboratory activities have the potential to enhance students’ achievement, conceptual understanding, and positive attitudes towards learning. In this pilot study, an augmented reality (AR) environment was designed and introduced for teaching laboratory skills in pharmacy education at the university level. The AR environment was used by pharmacy students (n = 36), featuring gate questions, information screens, Quick Response codes, think-aloud questions, and instant feedback. The environment was utilized with smart glasses and mobile devices with the aim of comparing the support to students’ performance. User experience was evaluated through self-efficacy beliefs and anxiety towards the technology. As a result, students found the environment a useful supplement to traditional laboratory teaching. Smart glasses and mobile devices were both accepted with great positivity but neither being clearly preferred over the other. Smart glasses were noted to provide sufficient feedback in the right stages of work. In contrast, mobile devices promoted the learning process more than the smart glasses. The self-efficacy results for mobile device use were higher, especially related to device handling and operating the AR environment. The pilot study gives educators valuable insights on the usability of AR technology in guiding laboratory tasks, although future work should involve larger and more diverse samples, as well as different learning tasks.
Perceived Benefits of Future Teachers on the Usefulness of Virtual and Augmented Reality in the Teaching-Learning Process
Authors: Castaño-Calle Raimundo , Jiménez-Vivas Amparo , Poy Castro Raquel , Calvo Álvarez María Isabel , Jenaro Cristina
Published: November 2022

Virtual and augmented reality technologies are increasingly being implemented in education and there is a growing body of evidence on their usefulness for training academic and non-academic skills among student with different education levels and diverse educational needs. To fully benefit from their use, teachers need to know the different existing tools and their potential, as well as be trained and motivated in their use. The current study aims to evaluate the factors that promote and hinder the use of virtual and augmented reality in future teaching professionals. Data were gathered by means of an online questionnaire from a total of 422 Spanish students from the Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca (Spain). Instrumental analyses (Cronbach’s Alpha, and CFA) were performed, together with descriptive, correlational, and inferential tests (Manova, Anova, and Student’s T test) to contrast the hypotheses. Results indicate that participants show favorable attitudes towards these technologies, but have little knowledge of them. Age, year of study, and knowledge are associated with a higher perception of usefulness as tools for teaching and learning and for promoting inclusion. The results support the relevance of providing knowledge, and enhancing skills, thus fostering positive attitudes towards these technologies.
Higher Education in a Post-Pandemic World
Authors: Tsantopoulos Georgios , Karasmanaki Evangelia , Ioannou Konstantinos , Kapnia Marina
Published: November 2022

The pandemic caused major disruptions in academic life and led educational institutions to adopt online learning which is likely to leave its mark on post-pandemic higher education. The aim of this study was to contribute to the effort of overcoming the challenges of higher education during the fragile period of transitioning to the post-pandemic era. The objectives were to investigate undergraduate students’ experience during and after the pandemic and to identify the factors that affect their satisfaction with online and in-person learning. To meet these objectives, environmental students, recruited with multistage sampling, were administered questionnaires. Results showed that satisfaction with in-person learning was higher than online learning pointing to a preference for face-to-face modes of education. Although students were optimistic during the transition to the post-pandemic period, the pandemic caused students more stress over their studies than economic difficulties. Moreover, students’ satisfaction with online learning was mostly affected by their anxiety about their studies due to the pandemic, their demographic characteristics, and the type of information sources they used to obtain information about COVID-19. On the other hand, satisfaction with in-person learning was affected by information sources on COVID-19 and their parents’ occupation. Finally, students acknowledged the importance of protecting the environment and biodiversity in order to prevent pandemic outbreaks in the future.
A Quantification Method for the Heterogeneity of Mimic Control Plane in SDN
Authors: Zhang Wenjian , Zhu Zhengbin , Song Ke , Wei Shuai
Published: November 2022

SDN (Software-Defined Networking) renders network management more centralized and flexible. However, its control plane is vulnerable to attacks. By introducing dynamic heterogeneous redundancy, the amimic control plane is built to effectively solve the problems of single control points of failure, unknown backdoor vulnerabilities and static configuration. Heterogeneity is an important indicator for evaluating the security of a system. Generally speaking, the greater the heterogeneity, the higher the security. Currently, there is little research evaluating the security of the mimic control plane in SDN by quantifying the heterogeneity. To this end, this paper proposes two methods for measuring the heterogeneity, based on the biological population diversity assessment method. Firstly, the heterogeneity quantification method, i.e., method 1, is based on system complexity and difference. On this basis, another heterogeneous quantification method, i.e., method 2, is established using high order symbiosis of the vulnerabilities. The experimental results show that, compared to the known methods, the heterogeneous quantification method 1 considers more comprehensive factors and is closer to reality. The heterogeneity quantification method 2 is more instructive to quantify the security of the mimic control plane.
Research on Stability-Enhanced Clustering Algorithm Based on Distributed Node Status Judgment in MWSN
Authors: Qi Weiwei , Xia Yu , Zhang Shushu , Zhang Shanjun , Zhu Liucun
Published: November 2022

Node mobility improves the self-deployment capability of the network; meanwhile, it also leads to frequent interruption of communication links and severe packet loss. Mitigating the negative impact of node movement on cluster stability is a new challenge. Existing clustering protocols try to use multi-hop data transmission, but they do not deal with the increase in communication overhead. This paper proposes a distributed node status judgment-based weighted clustering algorithm to solve the problems of easily broken communication links and excessive node reaffiliation in mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSNs). The protocol establishes intra-cluster second-level communication in order to solve the problem of the sudden interruption of dynamic communication links. A node status judgment algorithm was constructed to analyze the motion behavior of sensor nodes, distinguish the node states, and screen multiple communication nodes, thereby alleviating the transmission delay caused by complex routing. The extended Kalman filter (EKF) was used to filter the sensor noise in a non-ideal environment and to predict the actual position of nodes. The simulation results explain that the proposed protocol can effectively reduce node reaffiliation and the dominant set’s update frequency when the node runs at medium and high speeds while simultaneously maintaining low energy consumption.