bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systemic and Local Silk-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Florczak Anna , Deptuch Tomasz , Kucharczyk Kamil , Dams-Kozlowska Hanna
Published: October 2021

For years, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy have been the gold standards to treat cancer, although continuing research has sought a more effective approach. While advances can be seen in the development of anticancer drugs, the tools that can improve their delivery remain a challenge. As anticancer drugs can affect the entire body, the control of their distribution is desirable to prevent systemic toxicity. The application of a suitable drug delivery platform may resolve this problem. Among other materials, silks offer many advantageous properties, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, and the possibility of obtaining a variety of morphological structures. These characteristics allow the exploration of silk for biomedical applications and as a platform for drug delivery. We have reviewed silk structures that can be used for local and systemic drug delivery for use in cancer therapy. After a short description of the most studied silks, we discuss the advantages of using silk for drug delivery. The tables summarize the descriptions of silk structures for the local and systemic transport of anticancer drugs. The most popular techniques for silk particle preparation are presented. Further prospects for using silk as a drug carrier are considered. The application of various silk biomaterials can improve cancer treatment by the controllable delivery of chemotherapeutics, immunotherapeutics, photosensitizers, hormones, nucleotherapeutics, targeted therapeutics (e.g., kinase inhibitors), and inorganic nanoparticles, among others.
SLUG and Truncated TAL1 Reduce Glioblastoma Stem Cell Growth Downstream of Notch1 and Define Distinct Vascular Subpopulations in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Guelfi Sophie , Orsetti Béatrice , Deleuze Virginie , Rigau Valérie , Bauchet Luc , Duffau Hugues , Rothhut Bernard , Hugnot Jean-Philippe
Published: October 2021

Glioblastomas (GBM) are high-grade brain tumors, containing cells with distinct phenotypes and tumorigenic potentials, notably aggressive and treatment-resistant multipotent glioblastoma stem cells (GSC). The molecular mechanisms controlling GSC plasticity and growth have only partly been elucidated. Contact with endothelial cells and the Notch1 pathway control GSC proliferation and fate. We used three GSC cultures and glioma resections to examine the expression, regulation, and role of two transcription factors, SLUG (SNAI2) and TAL1 (SCL), involved in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), hematopoiesis, vascular identity, and treatment resistance in various cancers. In vitro, SLUG and a truncated isoform of TAL1 (TAL1-PP22) were strongly upregulated upon Notch1 activation in GSC, together with LMO2, a known cofactor of TAL1, which formed a complex with truncated TAL1. SLUG was also upregulated by TGF-β1 treatment and by co-culture with endothelial cells. In patient samples, the full-length isoform TAL1-PP42 was expressed in all glioma grades. In contrast, SLUG and truncated TAL1 were preferentially overexpressed in GBMs. SLUG and TAL1 are expressed in the tumor microenvironment by perivascular and endothelial cells, respectively, and to a minor extent, by a fraction of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) -amplified GBM cells. Mechanistically, both SLUG and truncated TAL1 reduced GSC growth after their respective overexpression. Collectively, this study provides new evidence for the role of SLUG and TAL1 in regulating GSC plasticity and growth.
Atlas of Lobular Breast Cancer Models: Challenges and Strategic Directions
Authors: Sflomos George , Schipper Koen , Koorman Thijs , Fitzpatrick Amanda , Oesterreich Steffi , Lee Adrian V. , Jonkers Jos , Brunton Valerie G. , Christgen Matthias , Isacke Clare , Derksen Patrick W. B. , Brisken Cathrin
Published: October 2021

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) accounts for up to 15% of all breast cancer (BC) cases and responds well to endocrine treatment when estrogen receptor α-positive (ER+) yet differs in many biological aspects from other ER+ BC subtypes. Up to 30% of patients with ILC will develop late-onset metastatic disease up to ten years after initial tumor diagnosis and may experience failure of systemic therapy. Unfortunately, preclinical models to study ILC progression and predict the efficacy of novel therapeutics are scarce. Here, we review the current advances in ILC modeling, including cell lines and organotypic models, genetically engineered mouse models, and patient-derived xenografts. We also underscore four critical challenges that can be addressed using ILC models: drug resistance, lobular tumor microenvironment, tumor dormancy, and metastasis. Finally, we highlight the advantages of shared experimental ILC resources and provide essential considerations from the perspective of the European Lobular Breast Cancer Consortium (ELBCC), which is devoted to better understanding and translating the molecular cues that underpin ILC to clinical diagnosis and intervention. This review will guide investigators who are considering the implementation of ILC models in their research programs.
Resistance Mechanisms to Combined CDK4/6 Inhibitors and Endocrine Therapy in ER+/HER2− Advanced Breast Cancer: Biomarkers and Potential Novel Treatment Strategies
Authors: Al-Qasem Abeer J. , Alves Carla L. , Ditzel Henrik J.
Published: October 2021

The introduction of CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) in combination with endocrine therapy (ET) has revolutionized the treatment landscape for patients with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) advanced breast cancer (ABC) and has become the new standard treatment. However, resistance to this combined therapy inevitably develops and represents a major clinical challenge in the management of ER+ ABC. Currently, elucidation of the resistance mechanisms, identification of predictive biomarkers, and development of novel effective combined targeted treatments to overcome the resistance are active areas of research. Given the heterogeneity of the resistance mechanisms towards combined CDK4/6i and ET, identification of a single universal predictive biomarker of resistance is unlikely. Novel approaches are being explored, including examination of multiple genetic alterations in circulating cell-free tumor DNA in liquid biopsies from ABC patients with disease progression on combined CDK4/6i and ET treatment. Here, we review the molecular basis of the main known resistance mechanisms towards combined CDK4/6i and ET and associated potential biomarkers. As inhibiting key molecules in the pathways driving resistance may play an important role in the selection of therapeutic strategies for patients who experience disease progression on combined CDK4/6i and ET, we also review preclinical and early phase clinical data on novel combination therapies for these patients.
Development and Validation of an Efficient MRI Radiomics Signature for Improving the Predictive Performance of 1p/19q Co-Deletion in Lower-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Kha Quang-Hien , Le Viet-Huan , Hung Truong Nguyen Khanh , Le Nguyen Quoc Khanh
Published: October 2021

The prognosis and treatment plans for patients diagnosed with low-grade gliomas (LGGs) may significantly be improved if there is evidence of chromosome 1p/19q co-deletion mutation. Many studies proved that the codeletion status of 1p/19q enhances the sensitivity of the tumor to different types of therapeutics. However, the current clinical gold standard of detecting this chromosomal mutation remains invasive and poses implicit risks to patients. Radiomics features derived from medical images have been used as a new approach for non-invasive diagnosis and clinical decisions. This study proposed an eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)-based model to predict the 1p/19q codeletion status in a binary classification task. We trained our model on the public database extracted from The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA), including 159 LGG patients with 1p/19q co-deletion mutation status. The XGBoost was the baseline algorithm, and we combined the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis to select the seven most optimal radiomics features to build the final predictive model. Our final model achieved an accuracy of 87% and 82.8% on the training set and external test set, respectively. With seven wavelet radiomics features, our XGBoost-based model can identify the 1p/19q codeletion status in LGG-diagnosed patients for better management and address the drawbacks of invasive gold-standard tests in clinical practice.
Investigation of Novel Small Molecular TRPM4 Inhibitors in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Stokłosa Paulina , Borgström Anna , Hauert Barbara , Baur Roland , Peinelt Christine
Published: October 2021

(1) Background: Transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM4) ion channel aberrant expression or malfunction contributes to different types of cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, TRPM4 still needs to be validated as a potential target in anti-cancer therapy. Currently, the lack of potent and selective TRPM4 inhibitors limits further studies on TRPM4 in cancer disease models. In this study, we validated novel TRPM4 inhibitors, CBA, NBA, and LBA, in CRC cells. (2) Methods: The potency to inhibit TRPM4 conductivity in CRC cells was assessed with the whole-cell patch clamp technique. Furthermore, the impact of TRPM4 inhibitors on cellular functions, such as viability, proliferation, and cell cycle, were assessed in cellular assays. (3) Results: We show that in CRC cells, novel TRPM4 inhibitors irreversibly block TRPM4 currents in a low micromolar range. NBA decreases proliferation and alters the cell cycle in HCT116 cells. Furthermore, NBA reduces the viability of the Colo205 cell line, which highly expresses TRPM4. (4) Conclusions: NBA is a promising new TRPM4 inhibitor candidate, which could be used to study the role of TRPM4 in cancer disease models and other diseases.
Insights into the Kinetics Degradation of Bisphenol A by Catalytic Wet Air Oxidation with Metals Supported onto Carbon Nanospheres
Authors: Serra-Pérez Estrella , Rodríguez Juan García
Published: October 2021

Emerging pollutants are an increasing problem in wastewater globally. Bisphenol A (BPA) is one compound belonging to this group. This work proposes the study of the employment of several metal-supported (2 wt. %) carbon nanospheres (CNS) for BPA degradation by catalytic wet-air oxidation. Several techniques were used for the catalyst characterization: thermogravimetry, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectrometry (FTIR), determination of isoelectric point, elemental analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. Different loads of Ru in the catalyst were also tested for BPA degradation (1, 2, 5, 7, and 10%), being the first minimum value to achieve a conversion above 97% in 90 min 2 wt. % of Ru in the CNS-Ru catalyst. In the stability test with CNS-Ru and CNS-Pt, CNS-Pt demonstrated less activity and stability. Two potential models were proposed to adjust experimental data with CNS-Ru(2%) at different conditions of BPA initial concentration, catalyst mass, temperature, and pressure of the reaction. Both models showed a high determination coefficient (R2 > 0.98). Finally, the efficiency of CNS-Ru and CNS-Pt was tested in a real hospital wastewater matrix obtaining better results the CNS-Pt(2%) catalyst.
Chemoenzymatic Stereoselective Synthesis of trans-Flavan-4-ols via Lipase-Catalyzed Kinetic Resolutions
Authors: Soto Martín , Sanz-Machín Irene , Rodríguez-Solla Humberto , Gotor-Fernández Vicente
Published: October 2021

Flavan-4-ols are a subclass of flavonoids that are present in complex molecules with application in the industrial sector as pigments, antioxidants, or antimitotics, among many others. The most traditional way to achieve their synthesis is from naturally abundant flavanones, asymmetric transfer hydrogenation reactions or bioreduction being well known strategies, while their preparation from racemic flavan-4-ols has been less explored. In this article, we have focused on the synthesis of a series of trans-flavan-4-ols bearing different substitution patterns in the aromatic ring to explore later the potential of lipases as biocatalysts for stereoselective acylation reactions. Therefore, a series of flavanones have been chemically prepared, starting from the corresponding benzaldehydes by aldol condensation with 2′-hydroxyacetophenone in a strongly basic medium, and later transformed into the corresponding racemic trans-flavan-4-ols following a carbonyl reduction, Mitsunobu reaction, and ester deprotection sequence. A screening of lipases and optimization of the reaction conditions for the stereoselective acylation of racemic 2-phenylchroman-4-ol were performed before expanding the best reaction conditions to the kinetic resolution of other 2-arylchroman-4-ols. Interestingly, the combination of AK lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens as enzyme and vinyl acetate as both acyl donor and solvent allowed the performance of highly asymmetric transformations (E > 200, 50–99% eeS and >99% eeP) under mild reaction conditions (30 °C and 250 rpm).
Assessing Creatine Supplementation for Neuroprotection against Perinatal Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy: A Systematic Review of Perinatal and Adult Pre-Clinical Studies
Authors: Tran Nhi Thao , Kelly Sharmony B. , Snow Rod J. , Walker David W. , Ellery Stacey J. , Galinsky Robert
Published: October 2021

There is an important unmet need to develop interventions that improve outcomes of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). Creatine has emerged as a promising neuroprotective agent. Our objective was to systematically evaluate the preclinical animal studies that used creatine for perinatal neuroprotection, and to identify knowledge gaps that need to be addressed before creatine can be considered for pragmatic clinical trials for HIE. Methods: We reviewed preclinical studies up to 20 September 2021 using PubMed, EMBASE and OVID MEDLINE databases. The SYRCLE risk of bias assessment tool was utilized. Results: Seventeen studies were identified. Dietary creatine was the most common administration route. Cerebral creatine loading was age-dependent with near term/term-equivalent studies reporting higher increases in creatine/phosphocreatine compared to adolescent-adult equivalent studies. Most studies did not control for sex, study long-term histological and functional outcomes, or test creatine post-HI. None of the perinatal studies that suggested benefit directly controlled core body temperature (a known confounder) and many did not clearly state controlling for potential study bias. Conclusion: Creatine is a promising neuroprotective intervention for HIE. However, this systematic review reveals key knowledge gaps and improvements to preclinical studies that must be addressed before creatine can be trailed for neuroprotection of the human fetus/neonate.
Anti Thymocyte Globulin-Based Treatment for Acquired Bone Marrow Failure in Adults
Authors: Tjon Jennifer M.-L. , Langemeijer Saskia M. C. , Halkes Constantijn J. M.
Published: October 2021

Idiopathic acquired aplastic anemia can be successfully treated with Anti Thymocyte Globulin (ATG)-based immune suppressive therapy and is therefore considered a T cell-mediated auto immune disease. Based on this finding, several other forms of idiopathic acquired bone marrow failure are treated with ATG as well. For this review, we extensively searched the present literature for evidence that ATG can lead to enduring remissions in different forms of acquired multi- or single-lineage bone marrow failure. We conclude that ATG-based therapy can lead to an enduring hematopoietic response and increased overall survival (OS) in patients with acquired aplastic aplasia. In patients with hypocellular myelodysplastic syndrome, ATG can lead to a hematological improvement without changing the OS. ATG seems less effective in acquired single-lineage failure diseases like Pure Red Cell Aplasia, Amegakaryocytic Thrombocytopenia and Pure White Cell Aplasia, suggesting a different pathogenesis in these bone marrow failure states compared to aplastic anemia. T cell depletion is hypothesized to play an important role in the beneficial effect of ATG but, as ATG is a mixture of polyclonal antibodies binding to different antigens, other anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory effects could play a role as well.
Failure Analysis and the Evaluation of Forced-in Joint Reliability for Selected Operation Conditions
Authors: Kowalski Sławomir , Pexa Martin , Aleš Zdeněk , Čedík Jakub
Published: October 2021

In this article, sample damage and wear of forced-in joints is presented, and their reliability evaluated. Compared were shafts without additional finish treatment, rolled shafts and those with a TiSiN coating. Tribological samples under investigation operated in rotational bending conditions. Recorded was the number of fatigue cycles at which damage might occur. Reliability indicators were plotted, which demonstrated that coated shafts are distinguished by the highest reliability and low damage intensity. Macroscopic observations of shaft surfaces demonstrated the traces of adhesive wear and, in the case of shafts without additional treatment and in the case of rolled shafts, fretting wear traces in the form of a ring comprising the entire shaft circumference. Microscopic observations showed numerous build-ups on the surface, microcracks, and the occurrence of wear products in the gap between the shaft and sleeve. The highest fatigue strength was demonstrated by shafts with a TiSiN coating. The shaft section change area was the place where fatigue wear occurred.
Increase in Oxidation Resistance of MAR M-509 via LA-CVD Aluminizing
Authors: Nowak Wojciech J. , Hader Bernadeta , Ochał Kamil , Wierzba Bartek
Published: October 2021

Due to their excellent mechanical properties, Co-based alloys are one of the main candidates to replace Ni-based alloys in high temperature application. Knowledge about oxidation resistance of Co-based alloy MAR M-509 and the extent of its aluminizing on its oxidation resistance is limited. Therefore, in the present study, an aluminide layer was manufactured by low activity chemical vapor deposition (LA-CVD) on MAR M-509. Aluminized and uncoated alloys were investigated in terms of oxidation kinetics and oxidation resistance during isothermal and cyclic oxidation at 1000 and 1100 °C. Material in the as-cast and after exposure was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry (TG) and glow-discharge optical emission spectrometry (GD-OES). Obtained results allowed for elucidating of degradation mechanism including nitridation process of carbides for MAR M-509. It was found that aluminizing of MAR M-509 significantly decreases its oxidation kinetics by the factor of 2.5 and 1.5 at 1000 and 1100 °C respectively. Moreover, the suppression of identified degradation mechanism in case of aluminized alloy was found until occurrence of breakaway oxidation of the aluminide layer. It was also proposed that further increase in oxidation resistance can be successively achieved by an increase in aluminide layer thickness.
Vascular Imaging Techniques to Diagnose and Monitor Patients with Takayasu Arteritis: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Oura Kazumasa , Yamaguchi Oura Mao , Itabashi Ryo , Maeda Tetsuya
Published: October 2021

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a large vessel vasculitis that causes stenosis, occlusion, and sometimes the aneurysm of the aorta and its major branches. TA often occurs in young women, and because the symptoms are not obvious in the early stages of the disease, diagnosis is difficult and often delayed. In approximately 10% to 20% of patients, TA is reportedly complicated by ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. It is important to diagnose TA early and provide appropriate treatment to prevent complications from stroke. Diagnostic imaging techniques to visualize arterial stenosis are widely used in clinical practice. Even if no signs of cerebrovascular events are present at the time of the most recent evaluation of patients with TA, follow-up vascular imaging is important to monitor disease progression and changes in the cerebrovascular risk. However, the optimal imaging technique for monitoring of TA has not been established. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to describe newly available evidence on the usefulness of conventional imaging modalities (digital subtraction angiography, computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance imaging/angiography, duplex ultrasound, and positron emission tomography) and novel imaging modalities (optical coherence tomography, infrared thermography, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, and superb microvascular imaging) in the diagnosis and monitoring of TA.
Vaginal pH Value for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Vaginitis
Authors: Lin Yen-Pin , Chen Wei-Chun , Cheng Chao-Min , Shen Ching-Ju
Published: October 2021

In modern society, 75% of all women worldwide have had vaginitis at least once in their lives. The vagina has a dynamic microbial ecosystem with varying vaginal pH levels. An imbalance in that ecosystem can alter the vaginal pH and tip the scale to the point of causing issues, such as vaginitis, that require medical attention. Although vaginitis is not an incurable disease, it causes discomfort and pain that disrupt women’s daily lives. The most common causes of vaginitis include bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis. In this review, we discuss the causes, diagnostic methods, and symptoms of different types of vaginitis, the relationship of vaginitis to the prevalence of other diseases, issues associated with recurrent vaginitis and the immune system, and a variety of effective available treatments. In our article, we summarize the relationship of pH with the vaginal ecosystem, discuss the associated factors of vaginal pH, and finally introduce the different available vaginal pH self-test products.
Intracranial Involvement in Takayasu’s Arteritis
Authors: Johnson Andrea , Emery Derek , Clifford Alison
Published: October 2021

Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK) is a large-vessel vasculitis that targets the aorta and its major branches. Although extracranial vascular involvement is uniformly present in this disease, the frequency of intracranial involvement in TAK has not been well studied. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and imaging records of patients diagnosed with TAK at a single Canadian university medical centre to determine the prevalence of intracranial vascular involvement. Intracranial vascular and non-vascular findings were described, and a review of the literature was performed. Of 20 patients with TAK, 12 had vascular neuroimaging completed. Intracranial vascular lesions were identified in 4 patients (33.3% of those with imaging available, 20% of all patients). The frequency of intracranial vessel involvement in TAK may be more common than appreciated. Imaging of both the intra- and extra-cranial vessels should be considered in these young patients.
Investigation of Electrochemical Performance and Gas Swelling Behavior on Li4Ti5O12/Activated Carbon Lithium-Ion Capacitor with Acetonitrile-Based and Ester-Based Electrolytes
Authors: An Zhongxun , Xu Xueru , Fan Lingling , Yang Chongyang , Xu Jiaqiang
Published: October 2021

Lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) have gained significant attention due to the combination on the advantages of electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, the LIC pouch cell was fabricated by an activated carbon (AC) cathode and a Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) anode. Two organic electrolytes (1 mol L−1 LiBF4/acetonitrile (AN) and 1 mol L−1 LiPF6/ ethylene carbonate (EC) + ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) + dimethyl carbonate (DMC)) were chosen and the gas swelling behavior was studied. Compared with the ester-based LIC, the AN-based LIC displays higher energy density of 13.31 Wh kg−1 at 11.4 W kg−1 and even provides a value of 9.1 Wh kg−1 at 1075 W kg−1. Because of the lower DC Resistance of 0.761 mΩ, the maximum power density of the AN-based LIC reaches 12.5 kW kg−1. The AN-based LIC delivers good stability with an energy retention of 88.3% after 900 cycles. It is discovered that the swelling behavior of AN-based LICs is more serious and the major component is H2. The difference of swelling behavior among the LICs, lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM)/LTO LIB and AC/AC EDLC is proposed to be caused by the AC electrode and the interfacial reaction of LTO.
An Analytical Survey of WSNs Integration with Cloud and Fog Computing
Authors: Shaheen Qaisar , Shiraz Muhammad , Aziz Butt Shariq , Gani Abdullah , Khan Muazzam A.
Published: October 2021

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are spatially scattered networks equipped with an extensive number of nodes to check and record different ecological states such as humidity, temperature, pressure, and lightning states. WSN network provides different services to a client such as monitoring, detection, and runtime decision-making against events occurrence. However, the WSN network still has some limitations in computing power, storage resources, and battery life, which make the network is restricted for data transformation. It is due to less supportive battery power, and limited memory of nodes. The integration of WSN and cloud offers an open, adaptable, and more reconfigurable stage for different security checks and regulating requirements. In this paper, we discovered how WSN and cloud computing (CC) are integrated and help to accomplish different goals. Additionally, a comprehensive study about procedures and issues for an effective combination of WSN-CC is presented. This work also presents the work proposed by the research community for WSN-CC. Besides, we explored the integration of WSN/IoT with Fog computing (FC). Based on investigations, WSN integration with Fog computing (FC) has many benefits with respect to latency, energy consumption, data processing, and real-time data streaming. FC is not a substitute for distributed computing, so far it is utilized to improve the productivity of the sensor.
Discrete Environment-Driven GPU-Based Ray Launching: Validation and Applications
Authors: Vitucci Enrico M. , Lu Jonathan S. , Gordon Scot , Zhu Jian Jet , Degli-Esposti Vittorio
Published: October 2021

In this work, the Discrete, Environment-Driven Ray Launching (DED-RL) algorithm, which makes use of parallelization on Graphic Processing Units, fully described in a previous paper, has been validated versus a large set of measurements to evaluate its performance in terms of both computational efficiency and accuracy. Three major urban areas have been considered, including a very challenging scenario in central San Francisco that was used as a benchmark to test an image-ray tracing algorithm in a previous work. Results show that DED-RL is as accurate as ray tracing, despite the much lower computation time, reduced by more than three orders of magnitude with respect to ray tracing. Moreover, the accuracy level only marginally depends on discretization pixel size, at least for the considered pixel size range. The unprecedented computational efficiency of DED-RL opens the way to numerous applications, ranging from RF coverage optimization of drone-aided cellular networks to efficient fingerprinting localization applications, as briefly discussed in the paper.
Fractal Characterization of Pressure-Relief Gas Permeability Evolution in a Mining Fracture Network
Authors: Xu Peiyun , Li Shugang , Lin Haifei , Ding Yang , Shuang Haiqing , Liu Sibo , Tian Yu
Published: October 2021

The process of underground coal mining fractures the overlying strata and may provide storage and transportation space for gas by changing the roof rock permeability, which is released by pressure after mining. This paper adopts the experimental method of physical similarity simulation and combines the fractal theory to study the permeability characteristics of the fracture network after mining, and it establishes the fractal permeability equation of pressure-relief gas. The results of the study show that the fracture opening shows a positive correlation with the overburden permeability, whereas the tortuosity of the fracture shows a negative correlation with the overburden permeability. The shape of the high permeability area in the fracture network is found to be similar to the hat-shaped elliptical parabolic zone. In the process of permeability evolution, the key layer structure of the overburden rock is considered as the main factor that affects the trend of change in permeability. Furthermore, based on the above research results, this study developed a targeted design of high-level boreholes in the experimental face and reversed the permeability changes around the drainage borehole. The average error between the actual measured value and the theoretically calculated value is found to be 8.11%. The theoretical model and the permeability evolution law obtained from the research results can provide valuable references and insights into further research on the pressure-relief gas flow model in the goaf.
Integrating Ecosystem Services Valuation into Land Use Planning: Case of the Ukrainian Agricultural Landscapes
Authors: Soloviy Ihor , Kuryltsiv Roman , Hernik Józef , Kryshenyk Nadiia , Kuleshnyk Taras
Published: October 2021

Modern agricultural landscapes produce multiple ecosystem services. Ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes have social, economic, and environmental value—providing a wide array of benefits to society. Absence of scientifically based and practically tested methodologies of identification, mapping, and evaluation of ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes hamper integration of its values in the current system of land use planning. The value of ecosystem services is calculated for the case study territory located within the administrative borders of Kolomak Territorial Community in Bohodukhiv district, Kharkiv region (Ukraine). The highest estimated value among non-market ecosystem services is carbon storage service, and among market services—food production. The baseline scenario of land use (business as usual) is compared with two alternative scenarios (Scenario 1. Land reclamation scenario; Scenario 2. Land protection and bioenergy production scenario). Designing of an integrated production system in the forest agro-landscape, which combines multiple ecosystem services, allows us to attain maximum results in terms of value. Amelioration of agricultural landscape through establishing a system of protective forest shelterbelts allows society to increase the total value of ecosystem services, and this is why it should be better integrated into land use planning and land management.
Efficiency of Visual and Machine Strength Grading of Sawn Timber with Respect to Log Type
Authors: Burawska-Kupniewska Izabela , Krzosek Sławomir , Mańkowski Piotr
Published: October 2021

A batch of pine timber sawn from butt, middle and top logs was strength graded with the visual method (classification into grading classes KW—best quality, KS—medium quality, KG—inferior quality and Reject) and with the machine strength grading method—performed with the use of a mobile timber grader (classification into C strength classes). We compared the efficiency of grading classes and strength classes, depending on the type of log from which the material was obtained (butt, middle, top). Next, a strength grading machine was used to measure the modulus of elasticity in bending (MOE) and static bending strength (MOR). The ANOVA confirmed the influence of both the log type (butt, middle, top), the C strength class, and the visual strength grading class on the values of density (DEN) and MOR. Timber density and MOR decreased from the butt log section to the top log section. The ANOVA confirmed the influence of log type on MOE values, but only to a limited extent.
Pongamia: A Possible Option for Degraded Land Restoration and Bioenergy Production in Indonesia
Authors: Leksono Budi , Rahman Syed Ajijur , Larjavaara Markku , Purbaya Deki A. , Arpiwi Ni Luh , Samsudin Yusuf B. , Artati Yustina , Windyarini Eritrina , Sudrajat Dede J. , Aminah Aam , Maulana Agus Muhamad , Bhatta Kishor Prasad , Kwon Jino , Baral Himlal
Published: October 2021

Indonesia has 14 million ha of degraded and marginal land, which provides very few benefits for human wellbeing or biodiversity. This degraded land may require restoration. The leguminous tree Pongamia pinnata syn. Milettia pinnata (pongamia) has potential for producing biofuel while simultaneously restoring degraded land. However, there is limited information on this potential for consideration. This paper aims to address the scientific knowledge gap on pongamia by exploring its potential as a biofuel and for restoring degraded land in Indonesia. We applied a literature review to collect relevant information of pongamia, which we analyzed through narrative qualitative and narrative comparative methods with careful compilation and scientific interpretation of retrieved information. The review revealed that pongamia occurs naturally across Indonesia, in Sumatra, Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara and Maluku. It can grow to a height of 15–20 m and thrive in a range of harsh environmental conditions. Its seeds can generate up to 40% crude pongamia oil by weight. It is a nitrogen-fixing tree that can help restore degraded land and improve soil properties. Pongamia also provides wood, fodder, medicine, fertilizer and biogas. As a multipurpose species, pongamia holds great potential for combating Indonesia’s energy demand and restoring much of the degraded land. However, the potential competition for land and for raw material with other biomass uses must be carefully managed.
Enzymatic Activity of Soils Forming on an Afforested Heap from an Opencast Sulphur Mine
Authors: Myszura Magdalena , Żukowska Grażyna , Kobyłka Agata , Mazurkiewicz Jakub
Published: October 2021

Post-mining areas require reclamation. The main aim of reclamation is to restore the soil as a basic element of the terrestrial ecosystem. This paper presents the results of an evaluation of the enzymatic activity of soils formed on an afforested heap from an opencast sulphur mine. Six research sites were selected on the overburden heap of the Piaseczno sulphur mine, afforested 50 years ago. They differed in the type of soil in the subsoil and in the species composition of the stand. The activity of dehydrogenases, phosphatases, urease, total organic carbon, and total nitrogen was determined and statistical analysis of the obtained results showed that the activity of the evaluated enzymes in the soils formed in the reclaimed areas was significantly dependent on the type of substrate and the species composition of the plants. The activity of the evaluated enzymes was significantly positively correlated with the content of total nitrogen and the C/N ratio, and the activity of phosphatases and urease with the total organic carbon content. Within soils developed on the same texture, the influence of stand species was revealed. In soils formed on clay, the soils under the beech stand and under the birch stand were characterized by higher activity of enzymes. The soil developing under the stands of European larch and red oak was characterized by higher enzymatic activity on weakly clayey sands. On loose sands, the activity of dehydrogenases and urease was significantly higher under acacia robinia than under hornbeam.
Mid-Term Effects of Forest Thinning on N Mineralization in a Semi-Arid Aleppo Pine Forest
Authors: Bautista Inmaculada , Lado-Monserrat Luis , Lull Cristina , Lidón Antonio
Published: October 2021

In order to assess the sustainability of silvicultural treatments in semiarid forests, it is necessary to know how they affect the nutrient dynamics in the forest. The objective of this paper is to study the effects of silvicultural treatments on the net N mineralization and the available mineral N content in the soil after 13 years following forest clearings. The treatments were carried out following a randomized block design, with four treatments and two blocks. The distance between the two blocks was less than 3 km; they were located in Chelva (CH) and Tuéjar (TU) in Valencia, Spain. Within each block, four experimental clearing treatments were carried out in 1998: T0 control; and T60, T75 and T100 where 60%, 75% and 100 of basal area was eliminated, respectively. Nitrogen dynamics were measured using the resin tube technique, with disturbed samples due to the high stoniness of the plots. Thirteen years after the experimental clearings, T100, T75 and T60 treatments showed a twofold increase in the net mineralization and nitrification rates with respect to T0 in both blocks (TU and CH). Within the plots, the highest mineralization was found in sites with no plant cover followed by those covered by undergrowth. These results can be explained in terms of the different litterfall qualities, which in turn are the result of the proportion of material originating from Pinus halepensis Mill. vs. more decomposable undergrowth residues.
Metabolic Potential of Some Functional Groups of Bacteria in Aquatic Urban Systems
Authors: Ojovan Bianca , Catana Rodica , Neagu Simona , Cojoc Roxana , Lucaci Anca Ioana , Marutescu Luminita , Florescu Larisa , Ruginescu Robert , Enache Madalin , Moldoveanu Mirela
Published: October 2021

This study analyzed the metabolic potential of some functional groups of bacteria in aquatic urban systems and evaluated the abundance of communities of total heterotrophic bacteria in the water in relation to the monitored physico-chemical factors. The results obtained showed seasonal differences, especially in spring. The high values of the abundance of heterotrophs in winter are related to human activity at the sampling stations. Screening for four types of extracellular hydrolytic enzyme with potential for degradation of organic matter (amylases, lipases, proteases and cellulases) led to the conclusion that lipolytic bacteria were dominant in the studied ecosystems, while proteolytic bacteria were observed in low numbers, but were present in urbanized areas. The presence of cellulolytic bacteria is correlated with the development of macrophytic vegetation. The aim of the present study was oriented towards the evaluation of the anthropogenic input in several lakes surrounding Bucharest in the Nord-Eastern region. These urban ecosystems are generated as a requirement of city development. The microbiological and general enzymatic approaches generated some novel results concerning the pollution degree of aquatic urban ecosystems and could be considered as a platform for further investigation.
Introducing Various Semantic Models for Amharic: Experimentation and Evaluation with Multiple Tasks and Datasets
Authors: Yimam Seid Muhie , Ayele Abinew Ali , Venkatesh Gopalakrishnan , Gashaw Ibrahim , Biemann Chris
Published: October 2021

The availability of different pre-trained semantic models has enabled the quick development of machine learning components for downstream applications. However, even if texts are abundant for low-resource languages, there are very few semantic models publicly available. Most of the publicly available pre-trained models are usually built as a multilingual version of semantic models that will not fit well with the need for low-resource languages. We introduce different semantic models for Amharic, a morphologically complex Ethio-Semitic language. After we investigate the publicly available pre-trained semantic models, we fine-tune two pre-trained models and train seven new different models. The models include Word2Vec embeddings, distributional thesaurus (DT), BERT-like contextual embeddings, and DT embeddings obtained via network embedding algorithms. Moreover, we employ these models for different NLP tasks and study their impact. We find that newly-trained models perform better than pre-trained multilingual models. Furthermore, models based on contextual embeddings from FLAIR and RoBERTa perform better than word2Vec models for the NER and POS tagging tasks. DT-based network embeddings are suitable for the sentiment classification task. We publicly release all the semantic models, machine learning components, and several benchmark datasets such as NER, POS tagging, sentiment classification, as well as Amharic versions of WordSim353 and SimLex999.
Chemical Composition and Sensory Evaluation of Saffron
Authors: Predieri Stefano , Magli Massimiliano , Gatti Edoardo , Camilli Francesca , Vignolini Pamela , Romani Annalisa
Published: October 2021

The quality and economic value of saffron, one of the most counterfeited spices, are based on three key substances that are relatively easy to measure: crocines (colour); picrocrocines (bitter); safranal (odour impact). Despite being well-known, as their concentration is correlated to sensory intensity, a detailed sensory evaluation, performed by a trained panel, supported by advanced analytical approaches, may better show the relationships between saffron composition and sensory perception. Three saffron samples of different Italian origins (Sardinia and Tuscany) were evaluated by a trained sensory panel and their chemical composition was determined by HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) and spectrophotometry. Safranal concentration and the perceived odour intensity were positively correlated while relationships between picrocrocine and bitter perception were more complex to detect. By correlating (Multiple Factor Analysis) saffron sensorial and chemical profiles, this work aims at improving saffron characterisation while providing better information on the quality of this valuable spice.
A KCNQ4 c.546C>G Genetic Variant Associated with Late Onset Non-Syndromic Hearing Loss in a Taiwanese Population
Authors: Yen Ting-Ting , Chen I-Chieh , Hua Men-Wei , Wei Chia-Yi , Shih Kai-Hsiang , Li Jui-Lin , Lin Ching-Heng , Hsiao Tzu-Hung , Chen Yi-Ming , Jiang Rong-San
Published: October 2021

Clinical presentation is heterogeneous for autosomal dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss (ADNSHL). Variants of KCNQ4 gene is a common genetic factor of ADNSHL. Few studies have investigated the association between hearing impairment and the variant c.546C>G of KCNQ4. Here, we investigated the phenotype and clinical manifestations of the KCNQ4 variant. Study subjects were selected from the participants of the Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative. In total, we enrolled 12 individuals with KCNQ4 c.546C>G carriers and 107 non-carriers, and performed pure tone audiometry (PTA) test and phenome-wide association (PheWAS) analysis for the patients. We found that c.546C>G variant was related to an increased risk of hearing loss. All patients with c.546C>G variant were aged >65 years and had sensorineural and high frequency hearing loss. Of these patients, a third (66.7%) showed moderate and progressive hearing loss, 41.7% complained of tinnitus and 16.7% complained of vertigo. Additionally, we found a significant association between KCNQ4 c.546C>G variant, aortic aneurysm, fracture of lower limb and polyneuropathy in diabetes. KCNQ4 c.546C>G is likely a potentially pathogenic variant of ADNSHL in the elderly population. Genetic counseling, annual audiogram and early assistive listening device intervention are highly recommended to prevent profound hearing impairment in this patient group.
MOSES: A New Approach to Integrate Interactome Topology and Functional Features for Disease Gene Prediction
Authors: Petti Manuela , Farina Lorenzo , Francone Federico , Lucidi Stefano , Macali Amalia , Palagi Laura , De Santis Marianna
Published: October 2021

Disease gene prediction is to date one of the main computational challenges of precision medicine. It is still uncertain if disease genes have unique functional properties that distinguish them from other non-disease genes or, from a network perspective, if they are located randomly in the interactome or show specific patterns in the network topology. In this study, we propose a new method for disease gene prediction based on the use of biological knowledge-bases (gene-disease associations, genes functional annotations, etc.) and interactome network topology. The proposed algorithm called MOSES is based on the definition of two somewhat opposing sets of genes both disease-specific from different perspectives: warm seeds (i.e., disease genes obtained from databases) and cold seeds (genes far from the disease genes on the interactome and not involved in their biological functions). The application of MOSES to a set of 40 diseases showed that the suggested putative disease genes are significantly enriched in their reference disease. Reassuringly, known and predicted disease genes together, tend to form a connected network module on the human interactome, mitigating the scattered distribution of disease genes which is probably due to both the paucity of disease-gene associations and the incompleteness of the interactome.
Impact on Mental Well-Being and Resilience of Patients with Multiple Chronic Conditions in Different Periods during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak in Taiwan
Authors: Kao Yu-Yin , Chen Yi-Chun , Hsu Tsuen-Wei , Zhong Hua-Rong , Cheng Ben-Chung , Lee Chien-Te , Lee Chen-Hsiang
Published: October 2021

Concerns over the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and control measures have affected the routine outpatient visits of individuals with comorbidities and their mental well-being. From October 2019 to August 2020, this cross-sectional study enrolled 135 patients who sought medical attention at a medical center in Taiwan. This period covered the early (October to December 2019), peak (January to April 2020), and late (May to August 2020) periods of the COVID-19 outbreak in Taiwan. The demographic data, social support data, activities of daily living (ADL), resilience scale scores, and mental well-being scale scores of the participants were compared. There were no statistically significant differences in the participation rate, demographic data, and social support data between the three periods. The correlation analysis confirmed significant negative relationships between the number of COVID-19 cases and outpatient department visits per month (r = −0.764, p < 0.001), emergency department visits per month (r = −0.023, p < 0.001), ADL (r = −0.257, p = 0.03), resilience scale (r = −0.390, p < 0.001), and mental well-being scale (r = −0.475, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak in Taiwan was associated with declines in the ADL, mental well-being, and resilience of patients who sought medical attention.
How Did the Media Report the Mining Industry’s Initial Response to COVID-19 in Inuit Nunangat? A Newspaper Review
Authors: Pike Matthew , Cunsolo Ashlee , Babujee Amreen , Papadopoulos Andrew , Harper Sherilee L.
Published: October 2021

Mining in Inuit Nunangat relies on a southern Canada fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) and local workforce. The FIFO workforce, combined with existing social determinants of health, can create health risks to Inuit Nunangat. These risks were increased with COVID-19. As newspaper reporting can shape public opinion and policy actions regarding these COVID-19 risks, we systematically searched databases to identify newspaper articles during the initial phase of COVID-19 (i.e., articles published from 1 January to 30 June 2020). Descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis were used to analyze the nature, range, and extent of included articles. Most included articles were published by Inuit Nunangat-based newspapers. Half the sources quoted were mining companies and most reported reactions to their initial response were negative. The most frequent topic was concern that an infected FIFO employee could transmit COVID-19 to a worksite and subsequently infect Inuit employees and communities. Inuit Nunangat-based newspapers were crucial in shaping the narrative of the initial response. National newspapers mainly focused on the takeover of TMAC™ during the pandemic, while Inuit Nunangat-based newspapers provided timely and locally-relevant pandemic information. Without Inuit Nunangat-based newspapers, the reporting would be from national and southern newspapers, which was less in-depth, less frequent, and less relevant to Inuit.