bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auranofin Synergizes with the PARP Inhibitor Olaparib to Induce ROS-Mediated Cell Death in Mutant p53 Cancers
Authors: Freire Boullosa Laurie , Van Loenhout Jinthe , Flieswasser Tal , Hermans Christophe , Merlin Céline , Lau Ho Wa , Marcq Elly , Verschuuren Marlies , De Vos Winnok H. , Lardon Filip , Smits Evelien L. J. , Deben Christophe
Published: March 2023

Auranofin (AF) is a potent, off-patent thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) inhibitor that efficiently targets cancer via reactive oxygen species (ROS)- and DNA damage-mediated cell death. The goal of this study is to enhance the efficacy of AF as a cancer treatment by combining it with the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP) inhibitor olaparib (referred to as ‘aurola’). Firstly, we investigated whether mutant p53 can sensitize non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cancer cells to AF and olaparib treatment in p53 knock-in and knock-out models with varying p53 protein expression levels. Secondly, we determined the therapeutic range for synergistic cytotoxicity between AF and olaparib and elucidated the underlying molecular cell death mechanisms. Lastly, we evaluated the effectiveness of the combination strategy in a murine 344SQ 3D spheroid and syngeneic in vivo lung cancer model. We demonstrated that high concentrations of AF and olaparib synergistically induced cytotoxicity in NSCLC and PDAC cell lines with low levels of mutant p53 protein that were initially more resistant to AF. The aurola combination also led to the highest accumulation of ROS, which resulted in ROS-dependent cytotoxicity of mutant p53 NSCLC cells through distinct types of cell death, including caspase-3/7-dependent apoptosis, inhibited by Z-VAD-FMK, and lipid peroxidation-dependent ferroptosis, inhibited by ferrostatin-1 and alpha-tocopherol. High concentrations of both compounds were also needed to obtain a synergistic cytotoxic effect in 3D spheroids of the murine lung adenocarcinoma cell line 344SQ, which was interestingly absent in 2D. This cell line was used in a syngeneic mouse model in which the oral administration of aurola significantly delayed the growth of mutant p53 344SQ tumors in 129S2/SvPasCrl mice, while either agent alone had no effect. In addition, RNA sequencing results revealed that AF- and aurola-treated 344SQ tumors were negatively enriched for immune-related gene sets, which is in accordance with AF’s anti-inflammatory function as an anti-rheumatic drug. Only 344SQ tumors treated with aurola showed the downregulation of genes related to the cell cycle, potentially explaining the growth inhibitory effect of aurola since no apoptosis-related gene sets were enriched. Overall, this novel combination strategy of oxidative stress induction (AF) with PARP inhibition (olaparib) could be a promising treatment for mutant p53 cancers, although high concentrations of both compounds need to be reached to obtain a substantial cytotoxic effect.
Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant, Anti-Acetylcholinesterase, and Anti-α-Glucosidase Activity of Thymus carnosus Extracts: A Three-Year Study on the Impact of Annual Variation and Geographic Location
Authors: Martins-Gomes Carlos , Steck Jan , Keller Judith , Bunzel Mirko , Santos João A. , Nunes Fernando M. , Silva Amélia M.
Published: March 2023

Thymus carnosus Boiss. is a near-threatened species, and, as for many species, its potential for medicinal purposes may be lost if measures towards plant protection are not taken. A way of preserving these species is to increase knowledge about their medicinal properties and economic potential. Thus, with the objective of studying the potentiality of introducing T. carnosus as a crop, the stability of the phytochemical profile of T. carnosus was studied during a period of three years by comparing the phytochemical profile of extracts obtained from plants harvested in two different edaphoclimatic locations, as well as by comparing the respective bioactivities, namely, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiaging, and neuroprotective activities. It was reported, for the first time, the effect of annual variation and geographic location in the phytochemical composition of aqueous decoction and hydroethanolic extracts of T. carnosus. In addition, the presence of two salvianolic acid B/E isomers in T. carnosus extracts is here described for the first time. Despite the variations in phytochemical composition, according to harvesting location or year, T. carnosus extracts maintain high antioxidant activity, assessed by their capacity to scavenge ABTS•+, •OH , NO•, O2•− radicals, as well as to prevent β-carotene bleaching. All extracts presented significant potential to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), tyrosinase, and α-glucosidase, denoting neuroprotective, anti-aging, and anti-diabetic potential. In conclusion, the vegetative stage and location of harvest are key factors to obtain the maximum potential of this species, namely, a phytochemical profile with health benefit bioactivities.
Tissue-Specific Antioxidant Activities of Germinated Seeds in Lentil Cultivars during Thermal Processing
Authors: Kim Ji Hye , Duan Shucheng , Park You Rang , Eom Seok Hyun
Published: March 2023

Nongerminated seeds (NGS) and germinated seeds (GS) of lentils are regularly eaten after thermal processing. However, the effect of these high temperatures on the beneficial antioxidants present in seeds is unknown. This study examined the effects of thermal processing on the color, polyphenol content, and antioxidant activity (AA) of the seeds of three different cultivars of lentils, including two with seed coats, French green (FG) and Lentil green (LG), and one without a seed coat, Lentil red (LR). Regardless of the cultivars and processing temperatures, the GS tended to be clearer and less yellow than the NGS. The GS of the FG and LG showed lower levels of total phenolic content, major flavonoid content (kaempferol, luteolin, and myricetin), and AA than the NGS. On the other hand, the LR displayed the opposite trend, with the above indicators being higher in the GS than in the NGS. As the values in the germinated endosperm tended to increase, it was concluded that the decrease in AA in the FG and LG was caused by the reduction in antioxidants in the seed coat. Although the temperature had nonsignificant effects on the majority of the antioxidants in the NGS and GS of different lentil cultivars, an 80 °C treatment yielded the highest value of AA in the GS of FG and LG. The results of a correlation coefficient analysis demonstrated the significance of the content of kaempferol, total flavonoids, and total phenolics examined for this experiment as contributors to AA in lentil tissues.
Dysregulated Iron Homeostasis as Common Disease Etiology and Promising Therapeutic Target
Authors: Holbein Bruce E. , Lehmann Christian
Published: March 2023

Iron is irreplaceably required for animal and human cells as it provides the activity center for a wide variety of essential enzymes needed for energy production, nucleic acid synthesis, carbon metabolism and cellular defense. However, iron is toxic when present in excess and its uptake and storage must, therefore, be tightly regulated to avoid damage. A growing body of evidence indicates that iron dysregulation leading to excess quantities of free reactive iron is responsible for a wide range of otherwise discrete diseases. Iron excess can promote proliferative diseases such as infections and cancer by supplying iron to pathogens or cancer cells. Toxicity from reactive iron plays roles in the pathogenesis of various metabolic, neurological and inflammatory diseases. Interestingly, a common underlying aspect of these conditions is availability of excess reactive iron. This underpinning aspect provides a potential new therapeutic avenue. Existing hematologically used iron chelators to take up excess iron have shown serious limitations for use but new purpose-designed chelators in development show promise for suppressing microbial pathogen and cancer cell growth, and also for relieving iron-induced toxicity in neurological and other diseases. Hepcidin and hepcidin agonists are also showing promise for relieving iron dysregulation. Harnessing iron-driven reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation with ferroptosis has shown promise for selective destruction of cancer cells. We review biological iron requirements, iron regulation and the nature of iron dysregulation in various diseases. Current results pertaining to potential new therapies are also reviewed.
HWACOA Scheduler: Hybrid Weighted Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm for Task Scheduling in Cloud Computing
Authors: Chandrashekar Chirag , Krishnadoss Pradeep , Kedalu Poornachary Vijayakumar , Ananthakrishnan Balasundaram , Rangasamy Kumar
Published: March 2023

With the advancement of technology and time, people have always sought to solve problems in the most efficient and quickest way possible. Since the introduction of the cloud computing environment along with many different sub-substructures such as task schedulers, resource allocators, resource monitors, and others, various algorithms have been proposed to improve the performance of the individual unit or structure used in the cloud environment. The cloud is a vast virtual environment with the capability to solve any task provided by the user. Therefore, new algorithms are introduced with the aim to improve the process and consume less time to evaluate the process. One of the most important sections of cloud computing is that of the task scheduler, which is responsible for scheduling tasks to each of the virtual machines in such a way that the time taken to execute the process is less and the efficiency of the execution is high. Thus, this paper plans to propose an ideal and optimal task scheduling algorithm that is tested and compared with other existing algorithms in terms of efficiency, makespan, and cost parameters, that is, this paper tries to explain and solves the scheduling problem using an improved meta-heuristic algorithm called the Hybrid Weighted Ant Colony Optimization (HWACO) algorithm, which is an advanced form of the already present Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm. The outcomes found by using the proposed HWACO has more benefits, that is, the objective for reaching the convergence in a short period of time was accomplished; thus, the projected model outdid the other orthodox algorithms such as Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), Quantum-Based Avian Navigation Optimizer Algorithm (QANA), Modified-Transfer-Function-Based Binary Particle Swarm Optimization (MTF-BPSO), MIN-MIN Algorithm (MM), and First-Come-First-Serve (FCFS), making the proposed algorithm an optimal task scheduling algorithm.
Effect of Recycled Foundry Sand on the Workability and Mechanical Properties of Mortar
Authors: García Del Angel Gilberto , Sainz-Aja Jose A. , Tamayo Pablo , Cimentada Ana , Cabrera René , Pestana Luis Ruiz , Thomas Carlos
Published: March 2023

Modern society requires a large number of metal components manufactured by sand casting, which involves the generation of a waste product known as Used Foundry Sand (UFS), of which approximately 100 Mt are generated on an annual basis. Virtually all UFS is currently landfilled, despite the economic and environmental cost overruns that this entails. Here, the recovery of UFS as fine aggregates for the manufacture of concrete is proposed. Since the presence of UFS will mainly affect the mortar that binds the aggregates in the manufacture of concrete, it was decided to isolate this fraction and study only the effect of UFS in mortars. This study evaluated a total of 32 different mixes combining different W/C ratios varying between 0.5 and 0.7 with 5 replacement ratios of natural sand by UFS: 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%, respectively. The combined effect was evaluated of the W/C ratio and the replacement ratio on the workability, physical properties, mechanical properties, mechanical durability, and microstructure of the mortars. The incorporation of UFS decreases the workability of the mortars due to the absorption of the residue. For the physical properties of the mortars, density decreased and porosity and absorption increased at all replacement percentages. Flexural and compressive strength decreased when the replacement percentage was higher than 25 wt.%. In terms of mechanical durability, the mortars with UFS showed abrasion marks within the limits of the EN-1338 standard. From the results obtained, it is possible to conclude that the mortars with UFS require a higher amount of water. Therefore, while small replacement levels lead to a slight improvement in the mechanical properties, this trend breaks down for high replacement levels due to the negative effect of the high W/C ratios required. The authors recommend that for replacements higher than 25 wt.% of UFS, the W/C ratio has to be taken into consideration to obtain the same workability as the control mortar, although this decreases the mechanical properties.
A Blockchain-Enabled Framework for Improving the Software Audit Process
Authors: Assiri Mohammed , Humayun Mamoona
Published: March 2023

Audits are an essential component of every organization, particularly those involving software development. In addition to several testing cycles, software auditing has become an essential software development milestone. Software auditing is a continual activity that enables a business to remain ahead of the curve and predict potential software problems. Audits, whether undertaken in-house or by external auditors, entail a significant amount of time and work. Consistent audits provide financial and economic benefits, as well as legal benefits. The most essential advantage of audits is safeguarding your system from internal and external assaults. Audit logs serve a crucial role in the auditing process; they typically capture all system operations and occurrences. They are used as evidence providers during an inquiry and by auditors to monitor the privacy and security of information and systems. Auditors confirm the accuracy of data pertaining to businesses and their activities. To determine if these acts exceed the limitations established by organizations, governments, and other parties, dependable information is essential. Infractions of such rules or corporate standards may be indicative of fraud, malpractice, risk, or inefficiency. Despite the existence of automated audit tools, audit policy, and audit logs, many audit frauds are reported on a daily basis. To make the audit process transparent and secure, this research proposes a blockchain-enabled framework SSFTA to aid software auditors in conducting a transparent and effective audit process. The proposed framework is evaluated using a case study. The findings demonstrated that the suggested framework makes the auditing process simple and transparent.
POMIC: Privacy-Preserving Outsourcing Medical Image Classification Based on Convolutional Neural Network to Cloud
Authors: Yu Qing , Zhang Hanlin , Xu Hansong , Kong Fanyu
Published: March 2023

In the medical field, with the increasing number of medical images, medical image classification has become a hot spot. The convolutional neural network, a technology that can process more images and extract more accurate features with nonlinear models, has been widely used in this field. However, the classification process with model training with existing medical images needs a large number of samples, and the operation involves complex parameter computations, which puts forward higher requirements for users. Therefore, we propose a scheme for flexible privacy-preserving outsourcing medical image classification based on a convolutional neural network to the cloud. In this paper, three servers on the cloud platform can train the model with images from users, but they cannot obtain complete information on model parameters and user input. In practice, the scheme can not only reduce the computation and storage burdens on the user side but also ensure the security and efficiency of the system, which can be confirmed through the implementation of the experiment.
Metro Track Geometry Defect Identification Model Based on Car-Body Vibration Data and Differentiable Architecture Search
Authors: Wang Zhipeng , Liu Rengkui , Gao Yi , Tang Yuanjie
Published: March 2023

Efficient and low-cost modes for detecting metro track geometry defects (TGDs) are essential for condition-prediction-based preventive maintenance, which can help improve the safety of metro operations and reduce the maintenance cost of metro tracks. Compared with the traditional TGD detection method that utilizes the track geometry car, the method that uses a portable detector to acquire the car-body vibration data (CVD) can be used on an ordinary in-service train without occupying the metro schedule line, thereby improving efficiency and reducing the cost. A convolutional neural network-based identification model for TGD, built on a differentiable architecture search, is proposed in this study to employ only the CVD acquired by a portable detector for integrated identification of the type and severity level of TGDs. Second, the random oversampling method is introduced, and a strategy for applying this method is proposed to improve the poor training effect of the model caused by the natural class-imbalance problem arising from the TGD dataset. Subsequently, a comprehensive performance-evaluation metric (track geometry defect F-score) is designed by considering the actual management needs of the metro infrastructure. Finally, a case study is conducted using actual field data collected from Beijing Subway to validate the proposed model.
Pattern and Analysis of Corrugation-Sand Retaining Seals for Tooth Wheel Drill Bits
Authors: Zhou Yi , Zhang Wan
Published: March 2023

The existing seal is not designed with a special sand retaining structure, and it is difficult to discharge the mud particles after entering, resulting in serious wear of the seal and premature failure. Therefore, a special-shaped sealing structure for sand blocking of roller cone bits is proposed to solve the problem of sealing wear. Starting from the structural principle, the structural parameters of the special-shaped seal of the sand-retaining flap are designed based on the O-ring, and the sealing principle is analyzed, the formula of grease leakage is derived, and the simulation and optimization analysis are completed with the aid of APDL. This proved the feasibility of the design. The influence law of structural parameters on contact pressure and leakage is obtained, and the formula of leakage is verified; The influence of structural parameters on the contact gap of the sand flap is obtained. Under the condition of optimal combination of structural parameters, the grease leakage is 43 mg/h, a decrease of 85%. Theoretically, it takes 580 h to exhaust the grease, and the contact gap of the sand flap is 0.00019479 mm, a decrease of 95%, which can greatly reduce the wear of the main seal. This study opens up a new idea for seal design.
Research on the Warping and Dross Formation of an Overhang Structure Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Lin Pengcheng , Wang Meng , Trofimov Vyacheslav A. , Yang Yongqiang , Song Changhui
Published: March 2023

Warping and dross formation are the main defects of an overhang structure formed by laser powder bed fusion. In order to study these defects, a seven−shaped overhang structure with different lengths and heights of the overhang was printed. The influence of the temperature and stress field on the overhang structure was investigated using a 3D finite element (FE) model. The results of the simulation showed that the molten pool in the powder support zone was much larger than the molten pool in the solid support zone. The molten pool sank due to the actions of gravity and the capillary force. This led to the powder melting, which then formed a droplet−like dross formation on the lower surface. The temperature difference between the regions led to a large residual stress. When the residual stress exceeded the material strength, warping deformation occurred in the top area, affecting the subsequent powder−laying process. The warping zone was remelted when the next layer was processed. As the number of forming layers increased, the thermal conductivity and stiffness increased continuously, and the deformation of the top area gradually decreased. The experiment results showed that the longer the overhanging length was, the more serious the warpage was. When the overhanging length was below 3 mm, the warping of the top area continued to decrease to zero as the building process proceeded. Meanwhile, the dross formation appeared at the bottom of the overhanging area in all experimental groups. Studying the process of warping and dross formation was helpful to understand the defect change process in the manufacturing process of an overhang structure.
A Comparative Study for Control of Quadrotor UAVs
Authors: Rinaldi Marco , Primatesta Stefano , Guglieri Giorgio
Published: March 2023

Modeling and controlling highly nonlinear, multivariable, unstable, coupled and underactuated systems are challenging problems to which a unique solution does not exist. Modeling and control of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with four rotors fall into that category of problems. In this paper, a nonlinear quadrotor UAV dynamical model is developed with the Newton–Euler method, and a control architecture is proposed for 3D trajectory tracking. The controller design is decoupled into two parts: an inner loop for attitude stabilization and an outer loop for trajectory tracking. A few attitude stabilization methods are discussed, implemented and compared, considering the following control approaches: Proportional–Integral–Derivative (PID), Linear–Quadratic Regulator (LQR), Model Predictive Control (MPC), Feedback Linearization (FL) and Sliding Mode Control (SMC). This paper is intended to serve as a guideline work for selecting quadcopters’ control strategies, both in terms of quantitative and qualitative considerations. PID and LQR controllers are designed, exploiting the model linearized about the hovering condition, while MPC, FL and SMC directly exploit the nonlinear model, with minor simplifications. The fast dynamics ensured by the SMC-based controller together with its robustness and the limited estimated command effort of the controller make it the most promising controller for quadrotor attitude stabilization. The outer loop consists of three independent PID controllers: one for altitude control and the other two, together with a dynamics’ inversion, are entitled to the computation of the reference attitude for the inner loop. The capability of the controlled closed-loop system of executing complex trajectories is demonstrated by means of simulations in MATLAB/Simulink®.
Interval Valued Pythagorean Fuzzy AHP Integrated Model in a Smartness Assessment Framework of Buildings
Authors: Milošević Mimica R. , Milošević Dušan M. , Stević Dragan M. , Kovačević Miljan
Published: March 2023

Buildings can be made more user-friendly and secure by putting “smart” design strategies and technology processes in place. Such strategies and processes increase energy efficiency, make it possible to use resources rationally, and lower maintenance and construction costs. In addition to using wireless technologies and sensors to improve thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort, “smart” buildings are known for their energy, materials, water, and land management systems. Smart buildings use wireless technologies and sensors to improve thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort. These systems are known for managing energy, materials, water, and land. The task of the study is to consider the indicators that form the basis of the framework for evaluating intelligent buildings. The indicators for the development of “smart” buildings are classified into six categories in this paper: green building construction, energy management systems, safety and security management systems, occupant comfort and health, building automation and control management systems, and communication and data sharing. The paper aims to develop a scoring model for the smartness of public buildings. In developing the scoring system, the decision-making process requires an appropriate selection of the optimal solution. The contents of the research are the methods known as the Pythagorean Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (PF-AHP), Interval Valued Pythagorean Fuzzy AHP with differences (IVPF-AHP d), and the proposed method Interval Valued Pythagorean Fuzzy AHP (IVPF-AHP p). The research focuses on the IVPF-AHP as one of the methods of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) and its implementation. The comparative analysis of the three presented methods indicates a significant degree of similarity in the ranking, which confirms the ranking similarity. The results highlight the importance of bioclimatic design, smart metering, ecological materials, and renewable energy systems.
Symmetric and Asymmetric Supercapacitors of ITO Glass and Film Electrodes Consisting of Carbon Dot and Magnetite
Authors: Fite Misganu Chewaka , Wang Po-Jen , Imae Toyoko
Published: March 2023

To enhance the energy density, hybrid supercapacitors were fabricated, and their electrochemical features were investigated using a two-electrode configuration. By assembling nitrogen-doped graphene/magnetite (NG/Fe3O4) on indium tin oxide-coated (ITO) glass as a cathode and NG/carbon dots(Cdots)/Fe3O4 on ITO glass as an anode, a much higher gravimetric specific capacitance of 252.2 F/g, at a current density of 0.5 A/g, was obtained from this asymmetric supercapacitor compared with that (212.0 F/g) of a symmetric supercapacitor (NG/Cdots/Fe3O4)//(NG/Cdots/Fe3O4). A gravimetric energy density of 90.1 Wh/kg was obtained for an asymmetric ITO glass device at a specific power density of 400.0 W/kg. On the other hand, when an asymmetric two-electrode cell was fabricated with a Cdots/polypyrrole (PPy)/Fe3O4/TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCNF)-film electrode and a Cdots/PPy/TOCNF-film electrode, the specific capacitance (107.1 F/g) at a current density of 0.8 A/g was lower than that (456.4 F/g) of a symmetric (Cdots/PPy/Fe3O4/TOCNF)//(Cdots/PPy/Fe3O4/TOCNF)-film cell. Subsequently, a gravimetric energy density of 40.6 Wh/kg was achieved for a symmetric-film device at a specific power density of 320 W/kg. These results suggest that our method offers an efficient approach to developing symmetric and asymmetric devices consisting of hybrid materials for meeting the ever-increasing demands on energy-storage devices.
Modeling, Evaluating, and Applying the eWoM Power of Reddit Posts
Authors: Bonifazi Gianluca , Corradini Enrico , Ursino Domenico , Virgili Luca
Published: March 2023

Electronic Word of Mouth (eWoM) has been largely studied for social platforms, such as Yelp and TripAdvisor, which are highly investigated in the context of digital marketing. However, it can also have interesting applications in other contexts. Therefore, it can be challenging to investigate this phenomenon on generic social platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit. In the past literature, many authors analyzed eWoM on Facebook and Twitter, whereas it was little considered in Reddit. In this paper, we focused exactly on this last platform. In particular, we first propose a model for representing and evaluating the eWoM Power of Reddit posts. Then, we illustrate two possible applications, namely the definition of lifespan templates and the construction of profiles for Reddit posts. Lifespan templates and profiles are ultimately orthogonal to each other and can be jointly employed in several applications.
Joint Cardiac T1 Mapping and Cardiac Cine Using Manifold Modeling
Authors: Zou Qing , Priya Sarv , Nagpal Prashant , Jacob Mathews
Published: March 2023

The main focus of this work is to introduce a single free-breathing and ungated imaging protocol to jointly estimate cardiac function and myocardial T1 maps. We reconstruct a time series of images corresponding to k-space data from a free-breathing and ungated inversion recovery gradient echo sequence using a manifold algorithm. We model each image in the time series as a non-linear function of three variables: cardiac and respiratory phases and inversion time. The non-linear function is realized using a convolutional neural networks (CNN) generator, while the CNN parameters, as well as the phase information, are estimated from the measured k-t space data. We use a dense conditional auto-encoder to estimate the cardiac and respiratory phases from the central multi-channel k-space samples acquired at each frame. The latent vectors of the auto-encoder are constrained to be bandlimited functions with appropriate frequency bands, which enables the disentanglement of the latent vectors into cardiac and respiratory phases, even when the data are acquired with intermittent inversion pulses. Once the phases are estimated, we pose the image recovery as the learning of the parameters of the CNN generator from the measured k-t space data. The learned CNN generator is used to generate synthetic data on demand by feeding it with appropriate latent vectors. The proposed approach capitalizes on the synergies between cine MRI and T1 mapping to reduce the scan time and improve patient comfort. The framework also enables the generation of synthetic breath-held cine movies with different inversion contrasts, which improves the visualization of the myocardium. In addition, the approach also enables the estimation of the T1 maps with specific phases, which is challenging with breath-held approaches.
Novel Insights into Molecular Mechanisms of Endometrial Diseases
Authors: Golia D’Augè Tullio , Cuccu Ilaria , Santangelo Giusi , Muzii Ludovico , Giannini Andrea , Bogani Giorgio , Di Donato Violante
Published: March 2023

Endometrial diseases are the most common gynecological pathologies in Western Countries [...]
Unveiling the Human Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiome: The Past, Present, and Future of Metagenomics
Authors: Athanasopoulou Konstantina , Adamopoulos Panagiotis G. , Scorilas Andreas
Published: March 2023

Over 1014 symbiotic microorganisms are present in a healthy human body and are responsible for the synthesis of vital vitamins and amino acids, mediating cellular pathways and supporting immunity. However, the deregulation of microbial dynamics can provoke diverse human diseases such as diabetes, human cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. The human gastrointestinal tract constitutes a hospitable environment in which a plethora of microbes, including diverse species of archaea, bacteria, fungi, and microeukaryotes as well as viruses, inhabit. In particular, the gut microbiome is the largest microbiome community in the human body and has drawn for decades the attention of scientists for its significance in medical microbiology. Revolutions in sequencing techniques, including 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing and whole genome sequencing, facilitate the detection of microbiomes and have opened new vistas in the study of human microbiota. Especially, the flourishing fields of metagenomics and metatranscriptomics aim to detect all genomes and transcriptomes that are retrieved from environmental and human samples. The present review highlights the complexity of the gastrointestinal tract microbiome and deciphers its implication not only in cellular homeostasis but also in human diseases. Finally, a thorough description of the widely used microbiome detection methods is discussed.
Evaluation of Sinusoidal Distribution Networks Using the EPC Simulation Software
Authors: León-Martínez Vicente , Montañana-Romeu Joaquín , Peñalvo-López Elisa , Graña-López Manuel A. , Valencia-Salazar Ivan
Published: March 2023

The electric power calculator (EPC) software, for the simulation and analysis of electrical networks at the industrial frequency, is described in this article, including its source code and operational diagram. Compared to well-known commercial software, EPC directly provides the values of the voltages, currents, and powers in each subsystem. The voltages and currents are calculated, in phasor notation, applying Kirchhoff’s laws, while the powers are obtained through the components of the apparent power vector. In this paper, the EPC software could be applied to three-phase networks made up of a distribution transformer and two three-phase wye-configured loads. The correctness of the results of the EPC software was verified by comparison with those obtained using the Multisim commercial software and with the measurements recorded by the Fluke 435 analyzer in a real distribution network of residential buildings. The values of the voltages and currents provided by the EPC were the same as those measured by the Fluke, and the differences observed using Multisim were less than 0.6%. Consequently, the EPC software is an excellent complement for power analyzers, because it is capable of providing measurements in all the network subsystems at the same time, using a single analyzer.
Acute Coronary Syndrome Treated with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Hutchinson–Gilford Progeria
Authors: De Simone Luciano , Chiellino Serena , Spaziani Gaia , Porcedda Giulio , Calabri Giovan Battista , Berti Sergio , Favilli Silvia , Stefani Laura , Santoro Giuseppe
Published: March 2023

Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disease caused by a de novo mutation in the LMNA gene, leading to an accumulation of a form of Lamin A, called Progerin, which results in a typical phenotype and a marked decrease in life expectancy, due to early atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. We report the case of a fourteen-year-old Chinese boy with Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome admitted to the emergency room because of precordial pain. Physical examination showed tachycardia 130 beats/min and arterial hypertension: 170/120 mmHg, normal respiratory rate, no neurological impairment; ECG evidenced sinus tachycardia, left ventricular hypertrophy, horizontal ST-segment depression in I, aVL, II, III, aVF leads, and V4–V6 and ST-segment elevation in aVR and V1 leads. Echocardiography highlighted preserved global left ventricular function with concentric hypertrophy, altered diastolic flow pattern, mitral valve insufficiency, and minimal aortic regurgitation. Blood tests evidenced an increase in high-sensitivity troponin T level (335 pg/mL). NSTEMI diagnosis was performed, and the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit. A coronary CT angiography showed a severe obstruction of the common trunk of the left coronary artery, for which an urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was proposed. A selective coronary angiography imaged complete chronic occlusion of the left main coronary artery as well as severe stenosis at the origin of a very enlarged right coronary artery that vascularized the left coronary artery through collaterals. Afterwards, the right coronary artery was probed using an Amplatz right (AR1) guiding catheter, through which a large 3.5 mm drug-eluting coronary stent (Xience Sierra, Abbott, Abbott Park, IL, USA) was implanted. At the end of the procedure, no residual stenosis was imaged and improved vascularization of the left coronary artery distribution segments was observed. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) consisting of aspirin (75 mg daily) and clopidogrel (37.5 mg daily) and anti-hypertensive therapy were started. At the one-year follow-up, the patient had not reported any occurrence of anginal chest pain.
Comparison of Serum Selenium, Homocysteine, Zinc, and Vitamin D Levels in Febrile Children with and without Febrile Seizures: A Prospective Single-Center Study
Authors: Çığrı Emrah , İnan Funda Çatan
Published: March 2023

Objective: Febrile seizure is a complication that makes physicians and families uneasy when detected in children with a high fevers. This study aimed to compare children with febrile seizures and children without seizures in blood selenium, zinc, homocysteine, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and magnesium levels. Materials and Methods: The study group included sixty-one children between the ages of 1–5 who came to the pediatric emergency department with febrile seizure. The control group had 61 children with fever without seizure, who were compatible with the study group in age, sex, and elapsed time since the onset of fever. Blood samples were taken from the patients during their admission. Selenium, zinc, vitamin D, homocysteine, vitamin B12, and magnesium levels were measured, and the data of the two groups were compared. Additionally, patients in the study group had two subgroups, simple and complex febrile seizures, and their parameters were compared. Results: Selenium, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (p < 0.001), and there was no significant difference in homocysteine (p = 0.990) and magnesium levels (p = 0.787) between the two groups. Moreover, no significant difference was found between those with simple and complex febrile seizures in selenium, vitamin D, homocysteine, vitamin B12, and magnesium levels. Conclusions: Elevated levels of selenium, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 in the blood of children with fevers help to prevent febrile seizures.
Seasonal Trend of Viral Prevalence and Incidence of Febrile Convulsion: A Korea Public Health Data Analysis
Authors: Keum Ha Rim , Lee Seon Jin , Kim Jeong Min , Kim Sang Won , Baek Hee Sun , Byun Jun Chul , Kim Yu Kyung , Kim Saeyoon , Lee Jae Min
Published: March 2023

Febrile convulsion (FC) is the most common seizure disease in children, which occurs with a fever. We investigated the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service data of patients aged between 6 months and 5 years at the time of FC diagnosis. Diseases that can cause seizures with fever, such as neoplasms, metabolic disorders, nervous system disorders, cerebrovascular diseases, perinatal problems, and congenital abnormalities, were excluded. Weekly virus-positive detection rate (PDR) data were obtained from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency for adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), influenza virus, coronavirus (HCoV), rhinovirus (HRV), bocavirus, metapneumovirus (HMPV), rotavirus, norovirus, and astrovirus. Using the Granger test, we then analyzed the monthly PDR and investigated the association between FC incidence and monthly PDR. We additionally identified monthly and seasonal FC incidence trends using the autoregressive integrated moving average. Between 2015 and 2019, 64,291 patients were diagnosed with FC. Annually, the incidence was the highest in May and the lowest in October. Most patients were diagnosed during the spring (26.7%). The PDRs for HRSV, HCoV, HRV, HMPV, and norovirus were associated with FC incidence after 1 month.
NOTCH Signaling in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhang Zhenhao , Wu Wei , Shao Zengwu
Published: March 2023

The combination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery has been promoted for the treatment of osteosarcoma; however, the local recurrence and lung metastasis rates remain high. Therefore, it is crucial to explore new therapeutic targets and strategies that are more effective. The NOTCH pathway is not only involved in normal embryonic development but also plays an important role in the development of cancers. The expression level and signaling functional status of the NOTCH pathway vary in different histological types of cancer as well as in the same type of cancer from different patients, reflecting the distinct roles of the Notch pathway in tumorigenesis. Studies have reported abnormal activation of the NOTCH signaling pathway in most clinical specimens of osteosarcoma, which is closely related to a poor prognosis. Similarly, studies have reported that NOTCH signaling affected the biological behavior of osteosarcoma through various molecular mechanisms. NOTCH-targeted therapy has shown potential for the treatment of osteosarcoma in clinical research. After the introduction of the composition and biological functions of the NOTCH signaling pathway, the review paper discussed the clinical significance of dysfunction in osteosarcoma. Then the paper reviewed the recent relevant research progress made both in the cell lines and in the animal models of osteosarcoma. Finally, the paper explored the potential of the clinical application of NOTCH-targeted therapy for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
Optimization of a Solid-Phase Extraction Procedure for the Separation of Picrocrocin and Crocins from Saffron Extract
Authors: Revelou Panagiota-Kyriaki , Kougianou Eleni , Xagoraris Marinos , Evangelaras Haralambos , Papadopoulos George K. , Kanakis Charalabos D. , Strati Irini F. , Pappas Christos S. , Tarantilis Petros A.
Published: March 2023

Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus used as a flavoring and coloring agent in the food industry which also possesses medicinal properties. In the current study, the optimum Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) conditions for separating picrocrocin and crocins from aqueous saffron extracts were investigated, using Rotatable-Central Composite Design (RCCD) in combination with Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The optimized factors were volume of saffron extract (3 mL), elution solvent (15% v/v ACN/water for picrocrocin; and 50% v/v ACN/water for crocins), and volume of elution solvent (ACN/water) (10 mL). The response factor measured was the UV-Vis absorbance. The presence of picrocrocin and crocins in the solutions obtained from SPE was confirmed using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-QToF-MS). The above optimized SPE procedure provides economy in reagents and consumables.
Feature Selection Using New Version of V-Shaped Transfer Function for Salp Swarm Algorithm in Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Kristiyanti Dinar Ajeng , Sitanggang Imas Sukaesih , Annisa Annisa , Nurdiati Sri
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Feature selection is the biggest challenge in feature-rich sentiment analysis to select the best (relevant) feature set, offer information about the relationships between features (informative), and be noise-free from high-dimensional datasets to improve classifier performance. This study aims to propose a binary version of a metaheuristic optimization algorithm based on Swarm Intelligence, namely the Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA), as feature selection in sentiment analysis. (2) Methods: Significant feature subsets were selected using the SSA. Transfer functions with various types of the form S-TF, V-TF, X-TF, U-TF, Z-TF, and the new type V-TF with a simpler mathematical formula are used as a binary version approach to enable search agents to move in the search space. The stages of the study include data pre-processing, feature selection using SSA-TF and other conventional feature selection methods, modelling using K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Support Vector Machine, and Naïve Bayes, and model evaluation. (3) Results: The results showed an increase of 31.55% to the best accuracy of 80.95% for the KNN model using SSA-based New V-TF. (4) Conclusions: We have found that SSA-New V3-TF is a feature selection method with the highest accuracy and less runtime compared to other algorithms in sentiment analysis.
Progress and Remaining Gaps in the Early Detection and Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Seely Jean M.
Published: March 2023

Breast cancer affects too many of us [...]
Associations of Eliminating Free-Stall Head Lock-Up during Transition Period with Milk Yield, Health, and Reproductive Performance in Multiparous Dairy Cows: A Case Report
Authors: Paudyal Sushil , Piñeiro Juan , Papinchak Logan
Published: March 2023

The objective of this retrospective case study was to understand the effects of eliminating free-stall lock-up time during 21 days postpartum on milk yield, reproductive performance, and health events at a large dairy herd. A group of 200 cows were selected as the treatment (TRT) group, which did not receive a lock-up time during early lactation, and a separate group of 200 cows served as the control (CON) group, which received on average 2 h/day of lockup time. The TRT group had greater milk yield (mean ± SE) on the third monthly milk test day (33.1 ± 0.75 vs. 29.9 ± 1.22; p = 0.04) and tended to have greater milk yield on the second test day (38.3 ± 1.55 vs. 39.1 ± 0.79; p = 0.06) compared to the CON cows. Milk fat% (mean ± SE) was greater in the TRT group than in the CON group on the first monthly milk test (3.65 ± 0.06 vs. 3.31 ± 0.12, p = 0.01). The TRT group had lower linear somatic cell scores on the first monthly milk test day compared to the CON group (2.6 ± 0.24 vs. 3.2 ± 0.11; p = 0.01). Cows in the TRT group had lower days in milk at first breeding (DIMFB) (66.2 ± 3.7 vs. 76.7 ± 2.9; p = 0.02) and were confirmed pregnant earlier as indicated by smaller days in milk to pregnancy (DIMPREG) (96.9 ± 12.32 vs. 112.1 ± 5.5; p < 0.01). Cows in the TRT group also had fewer incidences of all health events combined (13% vs. 30.5%; p < 0.001), lameness (3% vs. 9.5%; p = 0.01), and mastitis (3% vs. 16%; p < 0.001). We conclude that eliminating the stall lockup may have contributed to the increased milk yield, health, and reproductive performance of dairy cows in this dairy herd. Future prospective cohort studies are needed to further assess the potential effect of eliminating lock up time on cow performance.
Diagnosis and Management of Esophagogastric Varices
Authors: Pallio Socrate , Melita Giuseppinella , Shahini Endrit , Vitello Alessandro , Sinagra Emanuele , Lattanzi Barbara , Facciorusso Antonio , Ramai Daryl , Maida Marcello
Published: March 2023

Acute variceal bleeding (AVB) is a potentially fatal complication of clinically significant portal hypertension and is one of the most common causes of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Thus, esophagogastric varices represent a major economic and population health issue. Patients with advanced chronic liver disease typically undergo an upper endoscopy to screen for esophagogastric varices. However, upper endoscopy is not recommended for patients with liver stiffness < 20 KPa and platelet count > 150 × 109/L as there is a low probability of high-risk varices. Patients with high-risk varices should receive primary prophylaxis with either nonselective beta-blockers or endoscopic band ligation. In cases of AVB, patients should receive upper endoscopy within 12 h after resuscitation and hemodynamic stability, whereas endoscopy should be performed as soon as possible if patients are unstable. In cases of suspected variceal bleeding, starting vasoactive therapy as soon as possible in combination with endoscopic treatment is recommended. On the other hand, in cases of uncontrolled bleeding, balloon tamponade or self-expandable metal stents can be used as a bridge to more definitive therapy such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. This article aims to offer a comprehensive review of recommendations from international guidelines as well as recent updates on the management of esophagogastric varices.