bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Route of Exposure to Ovalbumin and Cow’s Milk Proteins on the Induction of IgE Responses in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Cárdenas-Torres Feliznando Isidro , Cabrera-Chávez Francisco , Arvizu-Flores Aldo Alejandro , Flores-Mendoza Lilian Karem , Lopez-Teros Veronica , Astiazaran-Garcia Humberto , Gracia-Valenzuela Martina Hilda , Figueroa-Salcido Oscar Gerardo , Arámburo-Gálvez Jesús Gilberto , Ontiveros Noé
Published: April 2022

BALB/c mice can be orally sensitized to food proteins under acid suppressive medication, mimicking human exposure and triggering a human-like allergic immune response. However, the reproducibility of such an oral food allergy model remains questionable. Our aim was to evaluate the IgE responses triggered against ovalbumin (OVA) and cow’s milk proteins (CMP) after intragastric (IG), either under gastric-acid suppression or not, or intraperitoneal (IP) sensitization in BALB/c mice. OVA (0.2 mg) and different concentrations of CMP were administered with/without the antacid sucralfate by the IG route. For IP sensitization, OVA or CMP (0.5 mg) were administered. ELISA was used to evaluate IgE responses. The IP sensitization protocols triggered more robust and consistent anti-OVA or anti-CMP IgE responses than the intragastric ones (with/without sucralfate) (p < 0.05). 2.7% (1/36), and 5.5% (3/54) of the mice that underwent the sucralfate-assisted IG protocol triggered IgE responses against OVA or CMP, respectively. All the mice were administered OVA or CMP via IP triggered detectable IgE responses. The IP sensitization model is more reliable than the IG one for evaluating the intrinsic sensitizing and/or allergenic potential of food proteins, even if IG immunizations are carried out under gastric-acid suppression.
Early Social Enrichment Modulates Tumor Progression and p53 Expression in Adult Mice
Authors: Middei Silvia , Giorgini Ludovica , Vacca Valentina , Storri Francesca , Putti Sabrina , Strimpakos Georgios , Raspa Marcello , Scavizzi Ferdinando , Moretti Fabiola , D’Amato Francesca R.
Published: April 2022

Epidemiological evidence indicates that stress and aversive psychological conditions can affect cancer progression, while well-being protects against it. Although a large set of studies have addressed the impact of stress on cancer, not much is known about the mechanisms that protect from cancer in healthy psychological conditions. C57BL/6J mouse pups were exposed to an environmental enrichment condition consisting of being raised until weaning by the biological lactating mother plus a non-lactating virgin female (LnL = Lactating and non-Lactating mothers). The Control group consisted of mice raised by a single lactating mother (L = Lactating). Four months after weaning, mice from LnL and L conditions were exposed to intramuscular injection of 3-methylcolantrene (3MCA), a potent tumorigenic drug, and onset and progression of 3MCA-induced fibrosarcomas were monitored over time. Pups from the LnL compared to the L group received more parental care and were more resilient to stressful events during the first week of life. In association, the onset of tumors in LnL adults was significantly delayed. At the molecular level, we observed increased levels of wild-type p53 protein in tumor samples of LnL compared to L adults and higher levels of its target p21 in healthy muscles of LnL mice compared to the L group, supporting the hypothesis of potential involvement of p53 in tumor development. Our study sustains the model that early life care protects against tumor susceptibility.
Exploring the Effects of Brain Stimulation on Musical Taste: tDCS on the Left Dorso-Lateral Prefrontal Cortex—A Null Result
Authors: Massetti Gemma , Lega Carlotta , Cattaneo Zaira , Gallace Alberto , Vallar Giuseppe
Published: April 2022

Humans are the only species capable of experiencing pleasure from esthetic stimuli, such as art and music. Neuroimaging evidence suggests that the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) plays a critical role in esthetic judgments, both in music and in visual art. In the last decade, non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has been increasingly employed to shed light on the causal role of different brain regions contributing to esthetic appreciation. In Experiment #1, musician (N = 20) and non-musician (N = 20) participants were required to judge musical stimuli in terms of “liking” and “emotions”. No significant differences between groups were found, although musicians were slower than non-musicians in both tasks, likely indicating a more analytic judgment, due to musical expertise. Experiment #2 investigated the putative causal role of the left dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex (DLPFC) in the esthetic appreciation of music, by means of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Unlike previous findings in visual art, no significant effects of tDCS were found, suggesting that stimulating the left DLPFC is not enough to affect the esthetic appreciation of music, although this conclusion is based on negative evidence,.
The Role of Disaster Risk Governance for Effective Post-Disaster Risk Management—Case of Croatia
Authors: Sigmund Zvonko , Radujković Mladen , Atalić Josip
Published: April 2022

Risk governance is mostly viewed through the lens of disaster or emergency management departments, agencies, or organizations. Visible in times of crises, risk governance is rarely seen as part of everyday public or private functions such as planning, social welfare, investments, or fiscal responsibilities. This paper emphasizes the importance of disaster risk governance in disaster risk management activities on the example of the post-disaster recovery of Croatia after a series of strong seismic events in mainland Croatia. The analysis is made based on a thorough review of national documents of Croatia and other selected countries overlapped with the national journals reporting on the situation from the affected areas. In accordance with the authors’ opinion, the necessary elements of disaster risk governance are clearly stated through the four Sendai framework priorities, and this statement is supported by the facts from the case study. Without either the political will or the enabling surrounding the disaster, risk management is next to impossible. The Croatian case study emphasizes the importance of disaster risk governance, showcasing the adaptation process for the post-disaster recovery process to start.
Electrical Resistivity and Strength Parameters of Prismatic Mortar Samples Based on Standardized Sand and Lunar Aggregate Simulant
Authors: Lehner Petr , Konečný Petr , Katzer Jacek
Published: April 2022

In situ resource utilization (ISRU) and automation are necessary. The logical first step of intention is to focus on our neighbor, the Moon, first. This work aims to expand our knowledge of the lunar aggregate simulant (LAS) based on ilmenite rock, which is available in Central Europe. Prismatic mortar samples were prepared based on standard sand and LAS. The measurements were conducted using several different destructive (DT) strength related tests and non-destructive (NDT) electrical resistivity measurement methods. The results were compared, and mutual correlation was evaluated. Finally, the ratio between volumetric (bulk) and surface resistivity tested on prismatic samples is presented. The results showed an average ratio of 7.19 for sand and 7.97 for ilmenite. The results show the potential feasibility of evaluating the properties of non-standard composite materials using durability-related NDT. The experimental testing presented that combines the DT and NDT methods in one sample represents a potential streamlining of the processes of future testing.
Impact of Cannabinoid Compounds on Skin Cancer
Authors: Ramer Robert , Wendt Franziska , Wittig Felix , Schäfer Mirijam , Boeckmann Lars , Emmert Steffen , Hinz Burkhard
Published: April 2022

Drugs targeting the endocannabinoid system are of interest as potential systemic chemotherapeutic treatments and for palliative care in cancer. In this context, cannabinoid compounds have been successfully tested as a systemic therapeutic option in preclinical models over the past decades. Recent findings have suggested an essential function of the endocannabinoid system in the homeostasis of various skin functions and indicated that cannabinoids could also be considered for the treatment and prophylaxis of tumour diseases of the skin. Cannabinoids have been shown to exert their anticarcinogenic effects at different levels of skin cancer progression, such as inhibition of tumour growth, proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis, as well as inducing apoptosis and autophagy. This review provides an insight into the current literature on cannabinoid compounds as potential pharmaceuticals for the treatment of melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Radiation Dose of Contrast-Enhanced Mammography: A Two-Center Prospective Comparison
Authors: Gennaro Gisella , Cozzi Andrea , Schiaffino Simone , Sardanelli Francesco , Caumo Francesca
Published: April 2022

The radiation dose associated with contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) has been investigated only by single-center studies. In this retrospective study, we aimed to compare the radiation dose between two centers performing CEM within two prospective studies, using the same type of equipment. The CEM mean glandular dose (MGD) was computed for low energy (LE) and high energy (HE) images and their sum was calculated for each view. MGD and related parameters (entrance dose, breast thickness, compression, and density) were compared between the two centers using the Mann–Whitney test. Finally, per-patient MGD was calculated by pooling the two datasets and determining the contribution of LE and HE images. A total of 348 CEM examinations were analyzed (228 from Center 1 and 120 from Center 2). The median total MGD per view was 2.33 mGy (interquartile range 2.19–2.51 mGy) at Center 1 and 2.46 mGy (interquartile range 2.32–2.70 mGy) at Center 2, with a 0.15 mGy median difference (p < 0.001) equal to 6.2%. LE-images contributed between 64% and 77% to the total patient dose in CEM, with the remaining 23–36% being associated with HE images. The mean radiation dose for a two-view bilateral CEM exam was 4.90 mGy, about 30% higher than for digital mammography.
Minimally Invasive Preclinical Monitoring of the Peritoneal Cavity Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Dunn Zachary Spencer , Li Yan-Ruide , Yu Yanqi , Lee Derek , Gibbons Alicia , Kim James Joon , Zhou Tian Yang , Li Mulin , Nguyen Mya , Cen Xinjian , Zhou Yang , Wang Pin , Yang Lili
Published: April 2022

Intraperitoneal (i.p.) experimental models in mice can recapitulate the process of i.p. dissemination in abdominal cancers and may help uncover critical information about future successful clinical treatments. i.p. cellular composition is studied in preclinical models addressing a wide spectrum of other pathophysiological states such as liver cirrhosis, infectious disease, autoimmunity, and aging. The peritoneal cavity is a multifaceted microenvironment that contains various immune cell populations, including T, B, NK, and various myeloid cells, such as macrophages. Analysis of the peritoneal cavity is often obtained by euthanizing mice and performing terminal peritoneal lavage. This procedure inhibits continuous monitoring of the peritoneal cavity in a single mouse and necessitates the usage of more mice to assess the cavity at multiple timepoints, increasing the cost, time, and variability of i.p. studies. Here, we present a simple, novel method termed in vivo intraperitoneal lavage (IVIPL) for the minimally invasive monitoring of cells in the peritoneal cavity of mice. In this proof-of-concept, IVIPL provided real-time insights into the i.p. tumor microenvironment for the development and study of ovarian cancer therapies. Specifically, we studied CAR-T cell therapy in a human high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) xenograft mouse model, and we studied the immune composition of the i.p. tumor microenvironment (TME) in a mouse HGSOC syngeneic model.
Estrogens and Progestins Cooperatively Shift Breast Cancer Cell Metabolism
Authors: Ward Ashley V. , Matthews Shawna B. , Fettig Lynsey M. , Riley Duncan , Finlay-Schultz Jessica , Paul Kiran V. , Jackman Matthew , Kabos Peter , MacLean Paul S. , Sartorius Carol A.
Published: April 2022

Metabolic reprogramming remains largely understudied in relation to hormones in estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) positive breast cancer. In this study, we investigated how estrogens, progestins, or the combination, impact metabolism in three ER and PR positive breast cancer cell lines. We measured metabolites in the treated cells using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Top metabolic processes upregulated with each treatment involved glucose metabolism, including Warburg effect/glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and the pentose phosphate pathway. RNA-sequencing and pathway analysis on two of the cell lines treated with the same hormones, found estrogens target oncogenes, such as MYC and PI3K/AKT/mTOR that control tumor metabolism, while progestins increased genes associated with fatty acid metabolism, and the estrogen/progestin combination additionally increased glycolysis. Phenotypic analysis of cell energy metabolism found that glycolysis was the primary hormonal target, particularly for the progestin and estrogen-progestin combination. Transmission electron microscopy found that, compared to vehicle, estrogens elongated mitochondria, which was reversed by co-treatment with progestins. Progestins promoted lipid storage both alone and in combination with estrogen. These findings highlight the shift in breast cancer cell metabolism to a more glycolytic and lipogenic phenotype in response to combination hormone treatment, which may contribute to a more metabolically adaptive state for cell survival.
Pentafecta for Radical Nephroureterectomy in Patients with High-Risk Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: A Proposal for Standardization of Quality Care Metrics
Authors: König Frederik , Grossmann Nico C. , Soria Francesco , D’Andrea David , Juvet Tristan , Potretzke Aaron , Djaladat Hooman , Ghoreifi Alireza , Kikuchi Eiji , Hayakawa Nozomi , Mari Andrea , Khene Zine-Eddine , Fujita Kazutoshi , Raman Jay D. , Breda Alberto , Fontana Matteo , Sfakianos John P. , Pfail John L. , Laukhtina Ekaterina , Rajwa Pawel , Pallauf Maximilian , Cacciamani Giovanni E. , van Doeveren Thomas , Boormans Joost L. , Antonelli Alessandro , Jamil Marcus , Abdollah Firas , Budzyn Jeffrey , Ploussard Guillaume , Heidenreich Axel , Daneshmand Siamak , Boorjian Stephen A. , Rouprêt Morgan , Rink Michael , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Pradere Benjamin
Published: April 2022

Background: Measuring quality of care indicators is important for clinicians and decision making in health care to improve patient outcomes. Objective: The primary objective was to identify quality of care indicators for patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and to validate these in an international cohort treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). The secondary objective was to assess the factors associated with failure to validate the pentafecta. Design: We performed a retrospective multicenter study of patients treated with RNU for EAU high-risk (HR) UTUC. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Five quality indicators were consensually approved, including a negative surgical margin, a complete bladder-cuff resection, the absence of hematological complications, the absence of major complications, and the absence of a 12-month postoperative recurrence. After multiple imputations and propensity-score matching, log-rank tests and a Cox regression were used to assess the survival outcomes. Logistic regression analyses assessed predictors for pentafecta failure. Results: Among the 1718 included patients, 844 (49%) achieved the pentafecta. The median follow-up was 31 months. Patients who achieved the pentafecta had superior 5-year overall- (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) compared to those who did not (68.7 vs. 50.1% and 79.8 vs. 62.7%, respectively, all p < 0.001). On multivariable analyses, achieving the pentafecta was associated with improved recurrence-free survival (RFS), CSS, and OS. No preoperative clinical factors predicted a failure to validate the pentafecta. Conclusions: Establishing quality indicators for UTUC may help define prognosis and improve patient care. We propose a pentafecta quality criteria in RNU patients. Approximately half of the patients evaluated herein reached this endpoint, which in turn was independently associated with survival outcomes. Extended validation is needed.
Prostate Cancer and Sleep Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sparasci Davide , Napoli Ilenia , Rossi Lorenzo , Pereira-Mestre Ricardo , Manconi Mauro , Treglia Giorgio , Marandino Laura , Ottaviano Margaret , Turco Fabio , Mangan Dylan , Gillessen Silke , Vogl Ursula Maria
Published: April 2022

Prostate cancer (PCa) treatment involves multiple strategies depending on the disease’s stage. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) remains the gold standard for advanced and metastatic stages. Sleep quality has been suggested as being additionally influenced also by local radiotherapy, prostatectomy and androgen-receptor (AR)-targeted agents. We performed a systematic review exploring the landscape of studies published between 1 January 1990 and 31 July 2021, investigating sleep disturbances in PCa patients receiving active treatments, including the influence of hormonal therapy on sleep quality as a factor affecting their quality of life. Out of 45 articles identified, 16 studies were selected, which recruited patients with PCa, undergoing active treatment in either a prospective longitudinal or cross-sectional study. Development of sleep disorders or changes in sleep quality were reported in 14 out of 16 trials included. Only five trials included objective measurements such as actigraphy, mostly at one time point and without a baseline assessment. Limitations to be addressed are the small number of existing trials, lack of randomized trials and heterogeneity of methodologies used. This systematic review outlines the lack of prospective trials investigating sleep disorders, with a rigorous methodology, in homogeneous cohorts of PCa patients. Future trials are needed to clarify the prevalence and impact of this side effect of PCa treatments.
Cell Type-Specific Roles of STAT3 Signaling in the Pathogenesis and Progression of K-ras Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Clowers Michael J. , Moghaddam Seyed Javad
Published: April 2022

Worldwide, lung cancer, particularly K-ras mutant lung adenocarcinoma (KM-LUAD), is the leading cause of cancer mortality because of its high incidence and low cure rate. To treat and prevent KM-LUAD, there is an urgent unmet need for alternative strategies targeting downstream effectors of K-ras and/or its cooperating pathways. Tumor-promoting inflammation, an enabling hallmark of cancer, strongly participates in the development and progression of KM-LUAD. However, our knowledge of the dynamic inflammatory mechanisms, immunomodulatory pathways, and cell-specific molecular signals mediating K-ras-induced lung tumorigenesis is substantially deficient. Nevertheless, within this signaling complexity, an inflammatory pathway is emerging as a druggable target: signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Here, we review the cell type-specific functions of STAT3 in the pathogenesis and progression of KM-LUAD that could serve as a new target for personalized preventive and therapeutic intervention for this intractable form of lung cancer.
Vitamin D and Hypoxia: Points of Interplay in Cancer
Authors: Gkotinakou Ioanna-Maria , Mylonis Ilias , Tsakalof Andreas
Published: April 2022

Vitamin D is a hormone that, through its action, elicits a broad spectrum of physiological responses ranging from classic to nonclassical actions such as bone morphogenesis and immune function. In parallel, many studies describe the antiproliferative, proapoptotic, antiangiogenic effects of calcitriol (the active hormonal form) that contribute to its anticancer activity. Additionally, epidemiological data signify the inverse correlation between vitamin D levels and cancer risk. On the contrary, tumors possess several adaptive mechanisms that enable them to evade the anticancer effects of calcitriol. Such maladaptive processes are often a characteristic of the cancer microenvironment, which in solid tumors is frequently hypoxic and elicits the overexpression of Hypoxia-Inducible Factors (HIFs). HIF-mediated signaling not only contributes to cancer cell survival and proliferation but also confers resistance to anticancer agents. Taking into consideration that calcitriol intertwines with signaling events elicited by the hypoxic status cells, this review examines their interplay in cellular signaling to give the opportunity to better understand their relationship in cancer development and their prospect for the treatment of cancer.
Apalutamide, Darolutamide and Enzalutamide for Nonmetastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (nmCRPC): A Critical Review
Authors: Cattrini Carlo , Caffo Orazio , De Giorgi Ugo , Mennitto Alessia , Gennari Alessandra , Olmos David , Castro Elena
Published: April 2022

Nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) represents a condition in which patients with prostate cancer show biochemical progression during treatment with androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) without signs of radiographic progression according to conventional imaging. The SPARTAN, ARAMIS and PROSPER trials showed that apalutamide, darolutamide and enzalutamide, respectively, prolong metastasis-free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS) of nmCRPC patients with a short PSA doubling time, and these antiandrogens have been recently introduced in clinical practice as a new standard of care. No direct comparison of these three agents has been conducted to support treatment choice. In addition, a significant proportion of nmCRPC on conventional imaging is classified as metastatic with new imaging modalities such as the prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET). Some experts posit that these “new metastatic” patients should be treated as mCRPC, resizing the impact of nmCRPC trials, whereas other authors suggest that they should be treated as nmCRPC patients, based on the design of pivotal trials. This review discusses the most convincing evidence regarding the use of novel antiandrogens in patients with nmCRPC and the implications of novel imaging techniques for treatment selection.
The Psychological Distress of Cancer Patients following the COVID-19 Pandemic First Lockdown: Results from a Large French Survey
Authors: Marino Patricia , Touzani Rajae , Pakradouni Jihane , Ben Soussan Patrick , Gravis Gwenaelle
Published: April 2022

Cancer patients commonly experience psychological distress that may increase with the current COVID-19 pandemic. This prospective study aimed to measure post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety in cancer patients following France’s first COVID-19-related lockdown, together with associated factors. Cancer patients receiving outpatient treatment or post-treatment follow-up completed a questionnaire which measured, among other things, PTSD (IES-R), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), and fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). Of the 1097 patients included in the study, 14.7% and 30.5% suffered from PTSD and anxiety, respectively. Patients afraid to come to hospital due to the risk of COVID-19 transmission (OR = 3.49, p < 0.001), those with a negative lockdown experience (OR = 0.98, p < 0.001), women (OR = 1.97; p = 0.009), and patients living alone (OR = 1.63, p = 0.045) were all more likely to have PTSD. Older patients (OR = 1.65, p = 0.020), women (OR = 1.62, p = 0.018), those with a higher FCR score (OR = 5.02, p < 0.001), patients unsatisfied with their cancer management (OR = 2.36, p < 0.001), and those afraid to come to hospital due to COVID-19 (OR = 2.43, p < 0.001) all had a higher risk of anxiety. These results provide a greater understanding of the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in cancer patients and highlight the need to better integrate psychosocial support in pandemic response measures in order to guide health systems.
Carbon Aerogel-Supported Iron for Gasification Gas Cleaning: Tars Decomposition
Authors: Gómez-Cápiro Oscar , Matschuk Kimberley , Schulzke Tim , Jiménez Concepción Romel , Arteaga-Pérez Luis E.
Published: April 2022

Tar removal from gasification gases is a determinant step to guarantee the operational feasibility of gasification-to-chemicals/energy systems. However, this is a very complex process requiring catalytic materials to proceed under reasonably low temperatures and to convert the tars into fuel gases (i.e., CHx). The use of Fe-based catalysts for application has been reported before, however, there are still unsolved questions related to its stability and interaction with some species of gasification gases. Therefore, we evaluated carbon-supported Fe for the decomposition of tar using simulated gasification gases, and toluene, naphthalene, and benzene as models for tar. The effects of temperature (565 < T < 665 °C) and co-feeding CO on the catalytic activity and stability were inspected at laboratory and bench scales. The activity of catalysts for decomposing tars was in the following order: benzene > toluene e > naphthalene. Moreover, there was evidence validating a reversible elemental step toluene⇔benzene over the Fe surface. The characterization of the spent catalysts evidenced the oxidation of the active phase and the carbon deposition on the surface. The formation of FexOy caused a marked loss of activity. Conversely, the carbides were stable and still active for tar decomposition.
Conversion of Weathered Coal into High Value-Added Humic Acid by Magnetically Recoverable Fe3O4/LaNiO3 Nanocatalysts under Solid-Phase Grinding Conditions
Authors: Song Manrong , Wang Gang , Suo Yanli , Wu Zhiqiang , Zhan Haijuan , Liu Wanyi
Published: April 2022

The Fe3O4/LaNiO3 composite, synthesised with the sol-gel method, is considered to be an excellent nanocatalyst for the production of high value-added humic acids from oxidised weathered coal under solid phase milling process conditions. Under optimum process conditions (1% catalyst, 10% activator, 60 min grinding), 48.4% of the weathered coal can be oxidised to produce humic acid. The prepared Fe3O4/LaNiO3 catalyst was characterized by HRTEM, XRD, and XPS, etc. The heterojunction structure that can promote the electron transfer between the components of the composite material was formed with the recombination of Fe3O4 and LaNiO3. The activation of surface oxygen species and adsorbed oxygen could be enhanced with the help of electron transfer between components. Compared to the blank sample or the LaNiO3 catalyst alone, the molecular weight of the humic acid produced using the Fe3O4/LaNiO3 composite catalyst was significantly lower (maximum heavy mean molecular weight decreased from 59.7 kDa to 5.5 kDa) and the number of reactive groups in humic acid increased (to seven times that of the blank sample). Oxygen-free vacuum experiments indicated that O2 has an indispensable effect on its excellent catalytic performance in the Fe3O4/LaNiO3 system. In addition, Fe3O4/LaNiO3 could be used at least six times by simple magnetic separation. The development and preparation of perovskite composite catalysts provide a promising approach to the environmentally friendly development and application of weathered coal, as well as an effective method to resolve the associated environmental pollution.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Neonatal Lung Disease: Tiny Particles, Major Promise, Rigorous Requirements for Clinical Translation
Authors: Lesage Flore , Thébaud Bernard
Published: April 2022

Extreme preterm birth disrupts late lung development and puts newborns at risk of developing chronic lung disease, known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). BPD can be associated with life-long complications, and currently no effective treatment is available. Cell therapies are entering the clinics to curb complications of extreme preterm birth with several clinical trials testing the feasibility, safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). The therapeutic effect of MSCs is contained in their secretome, and nanosized membranous structures released by the MSCs, known as extracellular vesicles (EVs), have been shown to be the therapeutic vectors. Driven by this discovery, the efficacy of EV-based therapy is currently being explored in models of BPD. EVs derived from MSCs, contain a rich cargo of anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic molecules, making them suitable candidates to treat multifactorial diseases such as BPD. Here, we review the state-of-the-art of preclinical studies involving MSC-derived EVs in models of BPD and highlight technical and regulatory challenges that need to be addressed before clinical translation. In addition, we aim at increasing awareness regarding the importance of rigorous reporting of experimental details of EV experiments and to increase the outreach of the current established guidelines amongst researchers in the BPD field.
Obtaining Uniform High-Strength and Ductility of 2A12 Aluminum Alloy Cabin Components via Predeformation and Annular Channel Angular Extrusion
Authors: Chen Kai , Zhao Xi , Wang Deng-Kui , Guo La-Feng , Zhang Zhi-Min
Published: April 2022

A 2A12 aluminum alloy component with uniform high-strength and ductility was developed via predeformation (one-pass repetitive upsetting extrusion) and annular channel angular extrusion (ACAE). Moreover, the microstructure evolution and age-hardening behavior were investigated. The results show that the upsetting-extrusion predeformation improved the cumulative strain of the component and refined the grain size, and that the second Al–Cu–Mg phases were obviously broken and refined, and that, especially, the distribution of the second phases along the extrusion direction was weakened. Thus, compared with directly ACAE-formed components, after the T6 heat treatment, the axial ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the cabin increased from 476 to 484 MPa, and the elongation (EL) increased from 12.9% to 17.5%. The circumferential UTS increased from 426 to 482 MPa, and the EL increased from 9.24% to 16.8%. A large number of dislocations were introduced into the upsetting extrusion (UE) + ACAE method, which resulted in strain hardening and higher precipitation strengthening in the late artificial aging process. The finer and denser grains and s precipitates significantly enhanced the strength and ensured the good ductility of the alloy. It is suggested that the combination of predeformation and annular channel angular extrusion is an effective method for forming aluminum alloy cabin components with higher and more uniform mechanical properties.
Euclidean Q-Balls of Fluctuating SDW/CDW in the ‘Nested’ Hubbard Model of High-Tc Superconductors as the Origin of Pseudogap and Superconducting Behaviors
Authors: Mukhin Sergei
Published: April 2022

The origin of the pseudogap and superconducting behaviors in high-Tc superconductors is proposed, based on the picture of Euclidean Q-balls formation that carry Cooper/local-pair condensates inside their volumes. Euclidean Q-balls that describe bubbles of collective spin-/charge density fluctuations (SDW/CDW) oscillating in Matsubara time are found as a new self-consistent solution of the Eliashberg equations in the ‘nested’ repulsive Hubbard model of high-Tc superconductors. The Q-balls arise due to global invariance of the effective theory under the phase rotation of the Fourier amplitudes of SDW/CDW fluctuations, leading to conservation of the ‘Noether charge’ Q in Matsubara time. Due to self-consistently arising local minimum of their potential energy at finite amplitude of the density fluctuations, the Q-balls provide greater binding energy of fermions into local/Cooper pairs relative to the usual Frohlich mechanism of exchange with infinitesimal lattice/charge/spin quasiparticles. We show that around some temperature T* the Q-balls arise with a finite density of superconducting condensate inside them. The Q-balls expand their sizes to infinity at superconducting transition temperature Tc. The fermionic spectral gap inside the Q-balls arises in the vicinity of the ‘nested’ regions of the bare Fermi surface. Solutions are found analytically from the Eliashberg equations with the ‘nesting’ wave vectors connecting ‘hot spots’ in the Brillouin zone. The experimental ‘Uemura plot’ of the linear dependence of Tc on superconducting density ns in high-Tc superconducting compounds follows naturally from the proposed theory.
Identification of the Precursor Cluster in the Crystallization Solution of Proteinase K Protein by Molecular Dynamics Methods
Authors: Kordonskaya Yuliya , Timofeev Vladimir , Marchenkova Margarita , Konarev Petr
Published: April 2022

It is known that precursor clusters appear in solution prior to protein crystallization. For proteinase K, as it was found by SAXS, such clusters are dimers, but the accuracy of the method did not allow for determining its type. In this work, the behavior of six possible types of precursor clusters was simulated by the molecular dynamics technique. Stability analysis revealed the most probable type of dimer formed in the proteinase K solution before its crystallization. SAXS data modelling also supported the MD calculations. The dynamics of this precursor cluster was modeled at three temperatures: 20, 30, and 40 °C. At 40 °C, an abnormal increase in the stability of the thermophilic proteinase K was found.
OpenStreetMap Contribution to Local Data Ecosystems in COVID-19 Times: Experiences and Reflections from the Italian Case
Authors: Minghini Marco , Sarretta Alessandro , Napolitano Maurizio
Published: April 2022

Data and digital technologies have been at the core of the societal response to COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. This work focuses on the specific contribution of the OpenStreetMap (OSM) project to address the early stage of the COVID-19 crisis (approximately from February to May 2020) in Italy. Several activities initiated by the Italian OSM community are described, including: mapping ‘red zones’ (the first municipalities affected by the emergency); updating OSM pharmacies based on the authoritative dataset from the Ministry of Health; adding information on delivery services of commercial activities during COVID-19 times; publishing web maps to offer COVID-19-specific information at the local level; and developing software tools to help collect new data. Those initiatives are analysed from a data ecosystem perspective, identifying the actors, data and data flows involved, and reflecting on the enablers and barriers for their success from a technical, organisational and legal point of view. The OSM project itself is then assessed in the wider European policy context, in particular against the objectives of the recent European strategy for data, highlighting opportunities and challenges for scaling successful approaches such as those to fight COVID-19 from the local to the national and European scales.
Short-Term and Long-Term Changes of Nasal Soft Tissue after Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) with Tooth-Borne and Bone-Borne Devices. A CBCT Retrospective Study.
Authors: Venezia Pietro , Nucci Ludovica , Moschitto Serena , Malgioglio Alessia , Isola Gaetano , Ronsivalle Vincenzo , Venticinque Valeria , Leonardi Rosalia , Lagraverè Manuel O. , Lo Giudice Antonino
Published: April 2022

The objective of the study was to assess the changes in nasal soft tissues after RME was performed with tooth-borne (TB) and bone-borne (BB) appliances. Methods. This study included 40 subjects with a diagnosis of posterior cross-bite who received tooth-borne RME (TB, average age: 11.75 ± 1.13 years) or bone-borne RME (BB, average age: 12.68 ± 1.31 years). Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was taken before treatment (T0), after a 6-month retention period (T1), and one year after retention (T2). Specific linear measurements of the skeletal components and of the soft-tissue region of the nose were performed. All data were statistically analyzed. Results. Concerning skeletal measurements, the BB group showed a greater skeletal expansion of the anterior and posterior region of the nose compared to the TB group (p < 0.05) immediately after RME. Both TB and BB RME induce a small increment (>1 mm) of the alar base and alar width, without significant differences between the two expansion methods (p > 0.05). A high correlation was found between skeletal and soft-tissue expansion in the TB group; instead, a weaker correlation was found in the BB group. Conclusion. A similar slight increment of the alar width and alar base width was found in both TB and BB groups. However, the clinical relevance of these differences, in terms of facial appearance, remains questionable.
Modeling and Analysis of Social Phenomena: Challenges and Possible Research Directions
Authors: Vazquez Federico
Published: April 2022

This opening editorial aims to interest researchers and encourage novel research in the closely related fields of sociophysics and computational social science. We briefly discuss challenges and possible research directions in the study of social phenomena, with a particular focus on opinion dynamics. The aim of this Special Issue is to allow physicists, mathematicians, engineers and social scientists to show their current research interests in social dynamics, as well as to collect recent advances and new techniques in the analysis of social systems.
Estimation of the Covariance Matrix in Hierarchical Bayesian Spatio-Temporal Modeling via Dimension Expansion
Authors: Sun Bin , Wu Yuehua
Published: April 2022

Ozone concentrations are key indicators of air quality. Modeling ozone concentrations is challenging because they change both spatially and temporally with complicated structures. Missing data bring even more difficulties. One of our interests in this paper is to model ozone concentrations in a region in the presence of missing data. We propose a method without any assumptions on the correlation structure to estimate the covariance matrix through a dimension expansion method for modeling the semivariograms in nonstationary fields based on the estimations from the hierarchical Bayesian spatio-temporal modeling technique (Le and Zidek). Further, we apply an entropy criterion (Jin et al.) based on a predictive model to decide if new stations need to be added. This entropy criterion helps to solve the environmental network design problem. For demonstration, we apply the method to the ozone concentrations at 25 stations in the Pittsburgh region studied. The comparison of the proposed method and the one is provided through leave-one-out cross-validation, which shows that the proposed method is more general and applicable.
A Compressed Sensing Measurement Matrix Construction Method Based on TDMA for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Yang Yan , Liu Haoqi , Hou Jing
Published: April 2022

Compressed sensing theory has been widely used for data aggregation in WSNs due to its capability of containing much information but with light load of transmission. However, there still exist some issues yet to be solved. For instance, the measurement matrix is complex to construct, and it is difficult to implement in hardware and not suitable for WSNs with limited node energy. To solve this problem, a random measurement matrix construction method based on Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) is proposed based on the sparse random measurement matrix combined with the data transmission method of the TDMA of nodes in the cluster. The reconstruction performance of the number of non-zero elements per column in this matrix construction method for different signals was compared and analyzed through extensive experiments. It is demonstrated that the proposed matrix can not only accurately reconstruct the original signal, but also reduce the construction complexity from O(MN) to O(d2N) (d≪M), on the premise of achieving the same reconstruction effect as that of the sparse random measurement matrix. Moreover, the matrix construction method is further optimized by utilizing the correlation theory of nested matrices. A TDMA-based semi-random and semi-deterministic measurement matrix construction method is also proposed, which significantly reduces the construction complexity of the measurement matrix from O(d2N) to O(dN), and improves the construction efficiency of the measurement matrix. The findings in this work allow more flexible and efficient compressed sensing for data aggregation in WSNs.
Temporal Variation of b Value with Statistical Test in Wenchuan Area, China Prior to the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake
Authors: Xie Weiyun , Hattori Katsumi , Han Peng , Shi Haixia
Published: April 2022

The Gutenberg–Richter b value describes the ratio between large and small events. A number of studies have suggested that the b value decreases before large earthquakes. In this study, we investigate the temporal variation of the b value of an area along the main rupture zone of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake (M8.0) prior to the great event. Before estimating b values, we tested the earthquake catalog to make sure that we use the reliable frequency–magnitude distribution by the calculation of MC (completeness of magnitude). We define parameter P (ΔAIC ≧ 2) values to examine the significance level of b-value changes in the temporal variation by combining a boostrap method with Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC). The b value in the main rupture zone shows a long-term decrease trend. We then focus on a smaller area where the initial rupture starts. The results show that b values significantly changed about 3 months before the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in the initial rupture area, indicating that the b value has a potential capability to monitor and detect precursory phenomena of great earthquakes.
An Algorithm to Predict E-Bike Power Consumption Based on Planned Routes
Authors: Burani Erik , Cabri Giacomo , Leoncini Mauro
Published: April 2022

E-bikes, i.e., bikes equipped with a small electrical engine, are becoming increasingly widespread, thanks to their positive contribution to mobility and sustainability. A key component of an e-bike is the battery that feeds the drive unit: clearly, the higher the capacity of the battery, the longer the distances that the biker will cover under engine support. On the negative side, the additional weight incurred by the electric components is likely to ruin the riding experience in case the battery runs out of power. For this reason, an integrated hardware-software system that provides accurate information about the remaining range is essential, especially for older or “not-in-shape” bikers. Many e-bikes systems are already equipped with a small control unit that displays useful information, such as speed, instantaneous power consumption, and estimated range as well. Existing approaches rely on machine learning techniques applied to collected data, or even on the remaining battery capacity and the assistance level required by the drive unit. They do not consider crucial aspects of the planned route, in particular the difference in altitude, the combined weight of bike and biker, and road conditions. In this paper, we propose a mathematical model implemented in an application to compute battery consumption, and hence the presumed remaining range, in a more accurate way. Our application relies on external sources to compute the route and the elevation data of a number of intermediate points. We present the mathematical model on which our application is based, we show the implemented application in shape of an app, and we report the results of the experiments.
Adaptive Computation Offloading with Task Scheduling Minimizing Reallocation in VANETs
Authors: Gong Minyeong , Yoo Younghwan , Ahn Sanghyun
Published: April 2022

Computation Offloading (CO) can accelerate application running through parallel processing. This paper proposes a method called vehicular adaptive offloading (VAO) in which vehicles in vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs) offload computationally intensive tasks to nearby vehicles by taking into account the dynamic topology change of VANETs. In CO, task scheduling has a huge impact on overall performance. After representing the precedence relationship between tasks with a directed acyclic graph (DAG), VAO in the CO requesting vehicle assigns tasks to neighbors so that it can minimize the probability of task reallocations caused by connection disruption between vehicles in VANETs. The simulation results showed that the proposed method decreases the number of reallocations by 45.4%, as compared with the well-known task scheduling algorithms HEFT and Max-Min. Accordingly, the schedule length of entire tasks belonging to one application is shortened by 14.4% on average.
A 3D Range-Only SLAM Algorithm Based on Improved Derivative UKF
Authors: Tang Chao , Zhou Dajian , Dou Lihua , Jiang Chaoyang
Published: April 2022

In this study, we constructed a 3D range-only (RO) localization algorithm based on improved unscented Kalman filtering (UKF). The algorithm can determine the location of unknown UWB nodes in a 3D environment through a moving node with low computational complexity, which can help agents to accurately identify feature points in 3D SLAM based only on the range. Specifically, we established an original UKF framework based the 3D RO localization algorithm, and developed a derivative UKF framework to reduce the computational complexity of the algorithm. We used singular value decomposition to compensate for the robustness of the algorithm. Next, we performed a theoretical analysis to show that our method reduces the computational burden without reducing the stability or accuracy of the system. Finally, we conducted numerical simulations and physical experiments to show the effectiveness of the developed 3D RO localization algorithm.
Machine Learning Algorithms for Depression: Diagnosis, Insights, and Research Directions
Authors: Aleem Shumaila , Huda Noor ul , Amin Rashid , Khalid Samina , Alshamrani Sultan S. , Alshehri Abdullah
Published: April 2022

Over the years, stress, anxiety, and modern-day fast-paced lifestyles have had immense psychological effects on people’s minds worldwide. The global technological development in healthcare digitizes the scopious data, enabling the map of the various forms of human biology more accurately than traditional measuring techniques. Machine learning (ML) has been accredited as an efficient approach for analyzing the massive amount of data in the healthcare domain. ML methodologies are being utilized in mental health to predict the probabilities of mental disorders and, therefore, execute potential treatment outcomes. This review paper enlists different machine learning algorithms used to detect and diagnose depression. The ML-based depression detection algorithms are categorized into three classes, classification, deep learning, and ensemble. A general model for depression diagnosis involving data extraction, pre-processing, training ML classifier, detection classification, and performance evaluation is presented. Moreover, it presents an overview to identify the objectives and limitations of different research studies presented in the domain of depression detection. Furthermore, it discussed future research possibilities in the field of depression diagnosis.