bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of the Gal-9/TIM-3 Immune Checkpoint with α-Lactose. Does Anomery of Lactose Matter?
Authors: Bailly Christian , Thuru Xavier , Quesnel Bruno
Published: December 2021

The disaccharide lactose is an excipient commonly used in pharmaceutical products. The two anomers, α- and β-lactose (α-L/β-L), differ by the orientation of the C-1 hydroxyl group on the glucose unit. In aqueous solution, a mutarotation process leads to an equilibrium of about 40% α-L and 60% β-L at room temperature. Beyond a pharmaceutical excipient in solid products, α-L has immuno-modulatory effects and functions as a major regulator of TIM-3/Gal-9 immune checkpoint, through direct binding to the β-galactoside-binding lectin galectin-9. The blockade of the co-inhibitory checkpoint TIM-3 expressed on T cells with anti-TIM-3 antibodies represents a promising approach to combat different onco-hematological diseases, in particular myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. In parallel, the discovery and development of anti-TIM-3 small molecule ligands is emerging, including peptides, RNA aptamers and a few specifically designed heterocyclic molecules. An alternative option consists of targeting the different ligands of TIM-3, notably Gal-9 recognized by α-lactose. Modulation of the TIM-3/Gal-9 checkpoint can be achieved with both α- and β-lactose. Moreover, lactose is a quasi-pan-galectin ligand, capable of modulating the functions of most of the 16 galectin molecules. The present review provides a complete analysis of the pharmaceutical and galectin-related biological functions of (α/β)-lactose. A focus is made on the capacity of lactose and Gal-9 to modulate both the TIM-3/Gal-9 and PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoints in oncology. Modulation of the TIM-3/Gal-9 checkpoint is a promising approach for the treatment of cancers and the role of lactose in this context is discussed. The review highlights the immuno-regulatory functions of lactose, and the benefit of the molecule well beyond its use as a pharmaceutical excipient.
Preface of the Special Issue: “Peritoneal Surface Malignancies (PSM): The SICO (Italian Society of Surgical Oncology) PSM—Oncoteam Experience, Result Analysis, and Studies’ Purpose”
Authors: Sammartino Paolo , Vaira Marco
Published: December 2021

Over the past 40 years, strategies to treat neoplastic spread into the peritoneal space have benefitted from a gradually evolving approach, thanks mainly to studies conducted by the charismatic leader in this medical field Professor Paul Sugarbaker, Washington DC [...]
Somatic Mutational Profile of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma and Triple-Negative Breast Carcinoma in Young and Elderly Patients: Similarities and Divergences
Authors: Serio Pedro Adolpho de Menezes Pacheco , de Lima Pereira Gláucia Fernanda , Katayama Maria Lucia Hirata , Roela Rosimeire Aparecida , Maistro Simone , Folgueira Maria Aparecida Azevedo Koike
Published: December 2021

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (HGSOC) are aggressive malignancies that share similarities; however, different ages of onset may reflect distinct tumor behaviors. Thus, our aim was to compare somatic mutations in potential driver genes in 109 TNBC and 81 HGSOC from young (Y ≤ 40 years) and elderly (E ≥ 75 years) patients. Methods: Open access mutational data (WGS or WES) were collected for TNBC and HGSOC patients. Potential driver genes were those that were present in the Cancer Gene Census—CGC, the Candidate Cancer Gene Database—CCGD, or OncoKB and those that were considered pathogenic in variant effect prediction tools. Results: Mutational signature 3 (homologous repair defects) was the only gene that was represented in all four subgroups. The median number of mutated CGCs per sample was similar in HGSOC (Y:3 vs. E:4), but it was higher in elderly TNBC than it was in young TNBC (Y:3 vs. E:6). At least 90% of the samples from TNBC and HGSOC from Y and E patients presented at least one known affected TSG. Besides TP53, which was mutated in 67–83% of the samples, the affected TSG in TP53 wild-type samples were NF1 (yHGSOC and yTNBC), PHF6 (eHGSOC and yTNBC), PTEN, PIK3R1 and ZHFX3 (yTNBC), KMT2C, ARID1B, TBX3, and ATM (eTNBC). A few samples only presented one affected oncogene (but no TSG): KRAS and TSHR in eHGSOC and RAC1 and PREX2 (a regulator of RAC1) in yTNBC. At least ⅔ of the tumors presented mutated oncogenes associated with tumor suppressor genes; the Ras and/or PIK3CA signaling pathways were altered in 15% HGSOC and 20–35% TNBC (Y vs. E); DNA repair genes were mutated in 19–33% of the HGSOC tumors but were more frequently mutated in E-TNBC (56%). However, in HGSOC, 9.5% and 3.3% of the young and elderly patients, respectively, did not present any tumors with an affected CGC nor did 4.65% and none of the young and elderly TNBC patients. Conclusion: Most HGSOC and TNBC from young and elderly patients present an affected TSG, mainly TP53, as well as mutational signature 3; however, a few tumors only present an affected oncogene or no affected cancer-causing genes.
Cellular Immunology and COVID-19
Authors: Quinti Isabella
Published: December 2021

In “Cellular Immunology and COVID-19” (a Special Issue of Cells), a panel of leading scientists provides an exhaustive overview of the different aspects of the immune mechanisms underlying COVID-19 [...]
There Is an Inverse Correlation between Basic Motor Skills and Overweight in Schoolchildren Aged 8 to 12
Authors: Vega-Ramirez Lilyan , Pérez-Cañaveras Rosa M. , De Juan Herrero Joaquín
Published: December 2021

In the last three decades, childhood obesity has become a 21st century epidemic, a product of social development. The purpose of this study was to analyze the repercussions that overweight and obesity have for the basic motor skills of a group of children in primary school, as well as their interrelations. We analyzed a sample of 287 students from Spain, aged between 8 and 12 years. Anthropometric data were taken to determine their Body Mass Index (BMI). A scale of assessment of basic motor skills was used to evaluate their motor skills. The BMI data revealed that 11% of this sample was considered obese, and 26% was overweight. Children showed higher competence in locomotor skills than in object control and turn and rolling skills, for which motor competence levels were lower. Likewise, there was an inverse relationship between BMI and basic motor skills; children with obesity had the lowest levels of motor skills, and there was a significant difference regarding non-obese children (p ≤ 0.05). These results showed that overweight and obese children have lower basic motor skills, which can lead to the abandonment of physical activity and the preference for other activities that reinforce a sedentary lifestyle.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Case Report and Brief Review of Recent Literature
Authors: Berloffa Stefano , Dosi Claudia , Tascini Benedetta , Fossati Beatrice , Lupetti Ilaria , Masi Gabriele
Published: December 2021

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare, life-threatening, idiosyncratic adverse reaction to antipsychotic drugs. Despite the increasing rates in the prescription of antipsychotics in pediatric patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), little is known about the occurrence and hallmarks of NMS in this specific population. NMS appears to be part of the larger catatonia domain, based on the frequent relationship between ASD and catatonia, on the shared, when not overlapping, clinical features with malignant catatonia, and on the effectiveness of catatonia treatments on the NMS/MC symptoms. The intrinsic difficulties of exploring NMS in ASD in controlled studies accounts for the subsequent lack of available information. Based on recent reports and on our case report, clinical features of NMS in the pediatric ASD population appear to be the same as the non-ASD population. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.
High Caloric Diet Induces Memory Impairment and Disrupts Synaptic Plasticity in Aged Rats
Authors: Paulo Sara L. , Miranda-Lourenço Catarina , Belo Rita F. , Rodrigues Rui S. , Fonseca-Gomes João , Tanqueiro Sara R. , Geraldes Vera , Rocha Isabel , Sebastião Ana M. , Xapelli Sara , Diógenes Maria J.
Published: December 2021

The increasing consumption of sugar and fat seen over the last decades and the consequent overweight and obesity, were recently linked with a deleterious effect on cognition and synaptic function. A major question, which remains to be clarified, is whether obesity in the elderly is an additional risk factor for cognitive impairment. We aimed at unravelling the impact of a chronic high caloric diet (HCD) on memory performance and synaptic plasticity in aged rats. Male rats were kept on an HCD or a standard diet (control) from 1 to 24 months of age. The results showed that under an HCD, aged rats were obese and displayed significant long-term recognition memory impairment when compared to age-matched controls. Ex vivo synaptic plasticity recorded from hippocampal slices from HCD-fed aged rats revealed a reduction in the magnitude of long-term potentiation, accompanied by a decrease in the levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor receptors TrkB full-length (TrkB-FL). No alterations in neurogenesis were observed, as quantified by the density of immature doublecortin-positive neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. This study highlights that obesity induced by a chronic HCD exacerbates age-associated cognitive decline, likely due to impaired synaptic plasticity, which might be associated with deficits in TrkB-FL signaling.
Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of COVID-19 Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Re-Detected on PCR Test after Discharge from Isolation
Authors: Alsahafi Abdullah J. , Al Daajani Manal M. , Osman Ahmed A. , Moawwad Abdulhamed L. , Algarni Abdullah M. , Asiri Ibrahim M. , Nofal Wadea O. , Alselami Rayan M.
Published: December 2021

There have been multiple reports of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) testing positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) after discharge; however, information on the characteristics of such cases is limited. In this case report, we aimed to identify clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients who had a repeat positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2. We analyzed data of 22 COVID-19 patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing after two consecutive negative PCR results following discharge from hospitals. The interval between the two positive tests in the episodes of COVID-19 ranged from 4 to 117 days. More than one-third of the cases were healthcare workers (HCWs) and one-third of them had comorbidities. The main symptoms were cough and fever, and we noticed that males experienced more symptoms and signs of COVID-19 than females. Individuals with repeat SARS-CoV-2 positivity tend to experience milder illness during the second episode than the first episode. To confirm the reinfection of SARS-CoV-2, the results of other tests, such as viral culture and immunological assays of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM), need to be considered. Recovered COVID-19 patients should continue social distancing, using face masks, and practicing hand hygiene, especially HCWs who are more likely to be exposed to SARS-CoV-2.
High-Sensitivity Biosensor Based on Glass Resonance PhC Cavities for Detection of Blood Component and Glucose Concentration in Human Urine
Authors: Jalil Abduladheem , Ashfaq Shameen , Bokov Dmitry , Alanazi Amer , Hachem Kadda , Suksatan Wanich , Sillanpää Mika
Published: December 2021

In this work, a novel structure of an all-optical biosensor based on glass resonance cavities with high detection accuracy and sensitivity in two-dimensional photon crystal is designed and simulated. The free spectral range in which the structure performs well is about FSR = 630 nm. This sensor measures the concentration of glucose in human urine. Analyses to determine the glucose concentration in urine for a normal range (0~15 mg/dL) and urine despite glucose concentrations of 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 g/dL in the wavelength range 1.326404~1.326426 μm have been conducted. The detection range is RIU = 0.2 × 10−7. The average bandwidth of the output resonance wavelengths is 0.34 nm in the lowest case. In the worst case, the percentage of optical signal power transmission is 77% with an amplitude of 1.303241 and, in the best case, 100% with an amplitude of 1.326404. The overall dimensions of the biosensor are 102.6 µm2 and the sensitivity is equal to S = 1360.02 nm/RIU and the important parameter of the Figure of Merit (FOM) for the proposed biosensor structure is equal to FOM = 1320.23 RIU−1.
RETRACTED: Ultra-Sensitive Biosensor with Simultaneous Detection (of Cancer and Diabetes) and Analysis of Deformation Effects on Dielectric Rods in Optical Microstructure
Authors: Chupradit Supat , Ashfaq Shameen , Bokov Dmitry , Suksatan Wanich , Jalil Abduladheem , Alanazi Amer , Sillanpaa Mika
Published: December 2021

This study proposes a refractive index sensor for the simultaneous detection of cancer and diabetes based on photonic crystals (PhC). The proposed PhC composed of silicon rods in the air bed arranged in a hexagonal lattice forms the fundamental structure. Two tubes are used to place the cancerous or diabetic samples for measurement. The sensor’s transmission characteristics are simulated and analyzed by solving Maxwell’s electromagnetic equations using the finite-difference time-domain approach for samples being studied. Therefore, diabetes and cancer are detected according to the changes in the refractive index of the samples using the laser source centered at 1550 nm. Considering the findings, the sensor’s geometry changes to adjust the suggested sensitivity and quality factor of structure. According to the results, transmission power ranges between 91 and 100% based on the sample. Moreover, sensitivity ranges from 1294 to 3080 nm/RIU and the maximum Figure of Mertie is nearly FOM = 1550.11 ± 150.11 RIU−1 with the detection in range 31 × 10−6 RIU. In addition, the small area (61.56 μm2) of biosensor results in its appropriateness for different uses in compact photonic integrated circuits. Next, we changed the shape of the dielectric rods and investigated their effects on the sensitivity parameter. The sensitivity and figure of merit after changes in the shape of dielectric rods and nanocavities are at best S = 20,393 nm/RIU and FOM = 9104.017 ± 606.93 RIU−1, receptively. In addition, the resolution detection range is 203.93 × 10−6 RIU.
Prediction of Aqueous Solution Surface Tension of Some Surfactant Mixtures and Composition of Their Monolayers at the Solution—Air Interface
Authors: Jańczuk Bronisław , Zdziennicka Anna , Szymczyk Katarzyna , González-Martín Maria Luisa
Published: December 2021

Measurements of the surface tension of the aqueous solution of SDDS mixture with fluorocarbon surfactants (FC) were carried out and considered in light of the surface tension of aqueous solutions of individual surfactants. Similar analyses were made for many other aqueous solutions of binary and ternary mixtures, taking into account the literature data of the surface tension of aqueous solutions of TX100, TX114, TX165, SDDS, SDS, CTAB, CPyB and FC. The possibility of predicting the surface tension of the aqueous solution of many surfactant mixtures from that of the mixture components using both the Szyszkowski, Fainerman and Miller and Joos concepts was analyzed. The surface tension of the aqueous solutions of surfactant mixtures was also considered based on the particular mixture component contribution to the water surface tension reduction. As a result, the composition of the mixed surface layer at the solution–air interface was discussed and compared to that which was determined using the Hua and Rosen concept. As follows from considerations, the surface tension of the aqueous solution of binary and ternary surfactant mixtures can be described and/or predicted.
Accelerated Weathering and Carbonation (Mild to Intensified) of Natural Canadian Silicates (Kimberlite and Wollastonite) for CO2 Sequestration
Authors: Chai Ye Eun , Chalouati Salma , Fantucci Hugo , Santos Rafael M.
Published: December 2021

Canada’s mineral reserves can play a very important role in curbing climate change if natural alkaline minerals are used for the process of mineral carbonation. In this work, the potential of using two Canadian natural silicates for accelerated carbonation is experimentally assessed: kimberlite mine tailing (Mg0.846Al0.165Fe0.147Ca0.067SiO3.381) from the Northwest Territories, and mined wollastonite ore (Ca0.609Mg0.132Al0.091Fe0.024SiO2.914) from Ontario. The aim of this work was to evaluate the weathering reactivity and CO2 uptake capacity via carbonation of these two comminuted rocks, both of which are made up of a mixture of alkaline minerals, under process conditions that spanned from milder to intensified. Research questions addressed include: does kimberlite contain a sufficient amount of reactive minerals to act as an effective carbon sink; is dehydroxylation necessary to activate kimberlite, and to what extent does it do this; do secondary phases of wollastonite hinder its reactivity; and can either of these minerals be carbonated without pH buffering, or only weathered? Incubator, slurry, and pressurized slurry methods of accelerated weathering and carbonation were used, and the effect of the process parameters (temperature, solid-to-liquid ration, reaction time, CO2 level, pH buffer) on the CO2 uptake and crystalline carbonates formation is tested. The reacted samples were analyzed by pH test, loss-on-ignition test, calcimeter test, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Results showed that wollastonite ore (rich in fast-weathering CaSiO3) is more suitable for accelerated carbonation than kimberlite tailing (containing slow-weathering hydrated magnesium silicates and aluminosilicates) when only its capability to rapidly form solid carbonates is considered. Incubator and pressurized buffered slurry methods proved to be most effective as under these conditions the precipitation of carbonates was more favorable, while the unbuffered slurry reaction conditions were more akin to accelerated weathering rather than accelerated carbonation.
Effect of Nitrate/Bromide on the Hydration Process of Cement Paste Mixed with Alkali Free Liquid Accelerator at Low Temperature
Authors: Xu Yongdong , He Tingshu
Published: December 2021

The effects of different inorganic salt accelerators (CaBr2, NaBr, Ca(NO3)2, NaNO3) and an alkali-free liquid accelerator were researched at a low temperature of 10 °C. The results showed the effects of 1.5% NaBr and 1.5% NaNO3 inorganic accelerator were pronounced. The 1-d compressive strengths of the mortar with these two inorganic salts were increased by 185.8% and 184.2%, respectively, and the final setting times were shortened from 7.74 to 6.08 min and 6.12 min, respectively. The hydration temperatures at 10 °C were measured, and the promotion effects of the inorganic accelerators were calculated: the relationship between the hydration degree was αAS + NN > αAS + NB > αAS + CB > αAS + CN > αAS. In addition, the reaction of C3A with NaBr and NaNO3 was used to analyze the products in an ettringite phase, i.e., Ca4Al2O6Br210·H2O, 3CaOAl2O3Ca(NO3)2X·H2O. The formation of these phases was detected in the hydration products of the cement paste hydration for 12 h, 24 h, and 28 d. Combined with the mass loss of the ettringite phase at 90–120 °C, determined using TG/DTG, the synergetic acceleration mechanism of the inorganic accelerators was comprehensively inferred.
Partially Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Crystals Co-Doped with Neodymium, Cerium, Terbium, Erbium or Ytterbium Oxides
Authors: Borik Mikhail A. , Kulebyakin Alexey V. , Lomonova Elena E. , Milovich Filipp O. , Myzina Valentina A. , Ryabochkina Polina A. , Tabachkova Natalia Y. , Sidorova Natalia V. , Chislov Artem S.
Published: December 2021

In this work, we studied the phase composition, local structure and mechanical characteristics of ZrO2 crystals partially stabilized with Y2O3 and co-doped with Nd2O3, CeO2, Er2O3, Tb2O3 and Yb2O3. Crystals were grown by directional melt crystallization in a cold container. The phase composition and structure of crystals were studied by X-ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy. The study of the features of the incorporation of rare-earth cations with different ionic radii into the transformable (t) and nontransformable (t’) tetragonal phases was carried out by the method of selective laser spectroscopy and time-resolved spectroscopy. Mechanical characteristics such as microhardness and fracture toughness were studied by the indentation method. It is shown that the phase composition and structure of crystals at the same total concentration of doping oxides depends on the degree of substitution of Y3+ cations by rare-earth cations. Rare earth ions of the beginning of the lanthanide series predominantly occupy positions in the nontransformable tetragonal phase of crystals based on zirconium dioxide. Ions of the end of a series of lanthanides do not show selectivity when entering the transformable (t) phase and nontransformable (t’) phase. The study of the mechanical characteristics of the crystals showed that the values of fracture toughness increase with an increase in the ionic radius of the rare earth element of the co-doped oxide, while the values of the microhardness of the crystals slightly decrease.
Cumulative Effective Dose from Medical Imaging in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Łukawska Agata , Ślósarz Dominika , Zimoch Aneta , Serafin Karol , Poniewierka Elżbieta , Kempiński Radosław
Published: December 2021

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic and relapsing disorders usually requiring numerous medical imaging. IBD patients might be exposed to a large dose of radiation. As a cumulative effective dose (CED) ≥ 50 mSv is considered significant for stochastic risks of cancer, it is important to monitor the radiation exposure of IBD patients. In the present work, we aimed to quantify the mean CED in IBD patients and identify factors associated with exposure to high doses of diagnostic radiation. A retrospective chart view of patients with IBD hospitalized between 2015 and 2019 was performed. A total of 65 patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and 98 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) were selected. Of all imaging studies performed, 73% were with doses of ionizing radiation. Mean CED (SD) amounted to 19.20 (15.64) millisieverts (mSv) and 6.66 (12.39) mSv, respectively, in patients with CD and UC (p < 0.00001). Only 1.84% of the patients received CED ≥ 50 mSv. We identified three factors associated with CED in the IBD patients: number of surgical procedures, and number and length of hospitalization. CD patients with strictures or penetrating disease and UC patients with extensive colitis were more likely to receive higher radiation doses.
Prenatally Diagnosed Infantile Myofibroma of Sartorius Muscle—A Differential for Soft Tissue Masses in Early Infancy
Authors: Popa Ștefan , Apostol Dan , Bîcă Ovidiu , Benchia Diana , Sârbu Ioan , Ciongradi Carmen Iulia
Published: December 2021

Background: Infantile myofibromatosis (IM) is a soft tissue disease with solitary or multiple benign tumors, and an etiology still unknown. IM is a mesenchymal disorder of early infancy and is more frequent in males. IM may present as a solitary lesion of the skin, bone, muscle, subcutaneous tissue, located at the head, neck, and trunk, with good prognosis; or, as a multicentric form, with or without visceral involvement (heart, lung, gastrointestinal tract, kidney), with a poor prognosis. The definitive diagnosis of IM is confirmed by pathology. Treatment may be conservative, surgical, or chemotherapeutical. Case presentation: A two months old female patient, prenatally diagnosed at 30 weeks, presenting with a tumor on the antero-internal aspect of the left thigh. She was admitted due to rapid postnatal evolution, and the patient required surgery for tumor resection. Previously, clinically, biological and imaging investigations were performed, but the final diagnosis was histological and by immunostaining. The patient had a favorable postoperative outcome. Conclusions: Despite its low frequency, IM should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses at an early age. The clinical form (solitary or multicentric), location, and visceral involvement will dictate the treatment and prognosis.
Opportunistic Colonoscopy Cancer Screening Pays off in Romania—A Single-Centre Study
Authors: Rațiu Iulia , Lupușoru Raluca , Vora Prateek , Popescu Alina , Sporea Ioan , Goldiș Adrian , Dănilă Mirela , Miuțescu Bogdan , Barbulescu Andreea , Hnatiuc Madalina , Diaconescu Razvan , Tăban Sorina , Lazar Fulger , Șirli Roxana
Published: December 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed cancer in men (after prostate and lung cancers) and in women (after breast and lung cancer). It is the second cause of cancer death in men (after lung cancer) and the third one in women (after breast and lung cancers). It is estimated that, in EU-27 countries in 2020, colorectal cancer accounted for 12.7% of all new cancer diagnoses and 12.4% of all deaths due to cancer. Our study aims to assess the opportunistic colorectal cancer screening by colonoscopy in a private hospital. A secondary objective of this study is to analyse the adenoma detection rate (ADR), polyp detection rate (PDR), and colorectal cancer (CRC) detection rate. We designed a retrospective single-centre study in the Gastroenterology Department of Saint Mary Hospital. The study population includes all individuals who performed colonoscopies in 2 years, January 2019–December 2020, addressed to our department by their family physician or came by themselves for a colonoscopy. One thousand seven hundred seventy-eight asymptomatic subjects underwent a colonoscopy for the first time. The mean age was 59.0 ± 10.9, 59.5% female. Eight hundred seventy-three polyps were found in 525 patients. Five hundred and twenty-five had at least one polyp, 185 patients had two polyps, 87 had three polyps, and 40 patients had more than three polyps. The PDR was 49.1%, ADR 39.0%, advanced adenomas in 7.9%, and carcinomas were found in 5.4% of patients. In a country without any colorectal cancer screening policy, polyps were found in almost half of the 1778 asymptomatic patients evaluated in a single private center, 39% of cases adenomas, and 5.4% colorectal cancer. Our study suggests starting screening colonoscopy at the age of 45. A poor bowel preparation significantly impacted the adenoma detection rate.
Drone Magnetometry in Mining Research. An Application in the Study of Triassic Cu–Co–Ni Mineralizations in the Estancias Mountain Range, Almería (Spain)
Authors: Porras Daniel , Carrasco Javier , Carrasco Pedro , Alfageme Santiago , Gonzalez-Aguilera Diego , Lopez Guijarro Rafael
Published: December 2021

The use of drones in mining and geological exploration is under rapid development, especially in the field of magnetic field prospection. In part, this is related to the advantages presented for over ground surveys, allowing for high-density data acquisition with low loss of resolution, while being particularly useful in scenarios where vegetation, topography, and access are limiting factors. This work analyzes results of a drone magnetic survey acquired across the old mines of Don Jacobo, where Copper-Cobalt-Nickel stratabound mineralizations were exploited in the Estancias mountain range of the Betic Cordillera, Spain. The survey carried out used a vapor magnetometer installed on a Matrice 600 Pro Hexacopter. Twenty-four parallel survey lines were flown with a speed of 5 m/s, orthogonal to the regional strike of the geological structure, and mineralization with 50 m line separation and 20 m flight height over the ground was studied. The interpretation of the magnetic data allows us to reveal and model two high magnetic susceptibility bodies with residual magnetization, close to the old mines and surface mineral shows. These bodies could be related to potential unexploited mineralized areas whose formation may be related to a normal fault placed to the south of the survey area. Our geophysical survey provides essential data to improve the geological and mining potential of the area, allowing to design future research activities.
Integration of Forest Growth Component in the FEST-WB Distributed Hydrological Model: The Bonis Catchment Case Study
Authors: Feki Mouna , Ravazzani Giovanni , Ceppi Alessandro , Pellicone Gaetano , Caloiero Tommaso
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the FEST-FOREST model is presented. A FOREST module is written in the FORTRAN-90 programming language, and was included in the FEST-WB distributed hydrological model delivering the FEST-FOREST model. FEST-FOREST is a process-based dynamic model allowing the simulation at daily basis of gross primary production (GPP) and net primary production (NPP) together with the carbon allocation of a homogeneous population of trees (same age, same species). The model was implemented based on different equations from literature, commonly used in Eco-hydrological models. This model was developed within the framework of the INNOMED project co-funded under the ERA-NET WaterWorks2015 Call of the European Commission. The aim behind the implementation of the model was to simulate in a simplified mode the forest growth under different climate change and management scenarios, together with the impact on the water balance at the catchment. On a first application of the model, the results are considered very promising when compared to field measured data.
Soil Nitrogen and Sulfur Leaching in a Subtropical Forest at a Transition State under Decreasing Atmospheric Deposition
Authors: Ke Piaopiao , Si Gaoyue , Luo Yao , Cheng Zhenglin , Yu Qian , Duan Lei
Published: December 2021

Anthropogenic emissions of nitrogen- (N) and sulfur (S)-containing pollutants have declined across China in recent years. However, the responses of N and S depositions and dynamics in soil remain unclear in subtropical forests. In this study, the wet and throughfall depositions of dissolved inorganic N (DIN) and SO42− were continuously monitored in a mildly polluted subtropical forest in Southeast China in 2017 and 2018. Moreover, these solutes in soil water along the soil profile were monitored in 2018. Throughfall deposition of DIN and S decreased by 59% and 53% in recent 3 years, respectively, which can be majorly attributed to the decreases in wet depositions of NO3− and SO42−. Meanwhile, NH4+ deposition remained relatively stable at this site. Even though N deposition in 2018 was below the N saturation threshold for subtropical forests, significant N leaching still occurred. Excess export of N occurred in the upper soil layer (0–15 cm), reaching 6.86 ± 1.54 kg N/ha/yr, while the deeper soil (15–30 cm) was net sink of N as 8.29 ± 1.71 kg N/ha/yr. Similarly, S was excessively exported from the upper soil with net flux of 14.7 ± 3.15 kg S/ha/yr, while up to 6.37 ± 3.18 kg S/ha/yr of S was retained in the deeper soil. The significant N and S leaching under declined depositions suggested that this site possibly underwent a transition state, recovering from historically high acid deposition. Furthermore, the rainfall intensity remarkably regulated leaching and retention of SO42− and DIN at this site. The impacts of climate changes on N and S dynamics require further long-term monitoring in subtropical forests.
Root Growth Was Enhanced in China Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) after Mechanical Disturbance by Ice Storm
Authors: Li Zhaojia , Zhao Houben , Zhou Guangyi , Qiu Zhijun , Wang Xu , Wu Zhongmin
Published: December 2021

Accurate estimation of forest biomass and its growth potential could be important in assessing the mitigation potential of forest for climate change. However, severe mechanical disturbance such as stem breakage imposed significant changes to tree individuals in biomass structure, which could bring new inaccuracy to biomass estimation. In order to investigate the influence of severe mechanical disturbance on tree biomass accumulation and to construct accurate models for biomass and carbon storage estimation, this paper analyzed the relationship between tree size and biomass for China fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) which suffered stem breakage from, and survived, an ice storm. The performance of independent variables diameter (D) and height (H) of China fir, were also compared in biomass estimation. The results showed that D as an independent variable was adequate in biomass estimation for China fir, and tree height was not necessary in this case. Root growth was faster in China fir which had suffered breakage in the main stem by the ice storm, than China fir which were undamaged for at least 7 years after the mechanical disturbance, which, in addition to biomass loss in stem, caused changes in the allocation pattern of the damaged trees. This suggests biomass models constructed before severe mechanical disturbance would be less suitable in application for a subsequent period, and accurate estimations of biomass and forest carbon storage would take more effort.
Data Mining Methods to Detect Airborne Pollen of Spring Flowering Arboreal Taxa
Authors: González-Fernández Estefanía , Álvarez-López Sabela , Piña-Rey Alba , Fernández-González María , Rodríguez-Rajo Francisco Javier
Published: December 2021

Variations in the airborne pollen load are among the current and expected impacts on plant pollination driven by climate change. Due to the potential risk for pollen-allergy sufferers, this study aimed to analyze the trends of the three most abundant spring-tree pollen types, Pinus, Platanus and Quercus, and to evaluate the possible influence of meteorological conditions. An aerobiological study was performed during the 1993–2020 period in the Ourense city (NW Spain) by means of a Hirst-type volumetric sampler. Meteorological data were obtained from the ‘Ourense’ meteorological station of METEOGALICIA. We found statistically significant trends for the Total Pollen in all cases. The positive slope values indicated an increase in pollen grains over the pollen season along the studied years, ranging from an increase of 107 to 442 pollen grains. The resulting C5.0 Decision Trees and Rule-Based Models coincided with the Spearman’s correlations since both statistical analyses showed a strong and positive influence of temperature and sunlight on pollen release and dispersal, as well as a negative influence of rainfall due to washout processes. Specifically, we found that slight rainfall and moderate temperatures promote the presence of Pinus pollen in the atmosphere and a marked effect of the daily thermal amplitude on the presence of high Platanus pollen levels. The percentage of successful predictions of the C5.0 models ranged between 62.23–74.28%. The analysis of long-term datasets of pollen and meteorological information provides valuable models that can be used as an indicator of potential allergy risk in the short term by feeding the obtained models with weather prognostics.
Impact of Climate Change on the Hydrology of the Forested Watershed That Drains to Lake Erken in Sweden: An Analysis Using SWAT+ and CMIP6 Scenarios
Authors: Jiménez-Navarro Inmaculada C. , Jimeno-Sáez Patricia , López-Ballesteros Adrián , Pérez-Sánchez Julio , Senent-Aparicio Javier
Published: December 2021

Precipitation and temperature around the world are expected to be altered by climate change. This will cause regional alterations to the hydrological cycle. For proper water management, anticipating these changes is necessary. In this study, the basin of Lake Erken (Sweden) was simulated with the recently released software SWAT+ to study such alterations in a short (2026–2050), medium (2051–2075) and long (2076–2100) period, under two different climate change scenarios (SSP2-45 and SSP5-85). Seven global climate models from the latest projections of future climates that are available (CIMP 6) were compared and ensembled. A bias-correction of the models’ data was performed with five different methods to select the most appropriate one. Results showed that the temperature is expected to increase in the future from 2 to 4 °C, and precipitation from 6% to 20%, depending on the scenario. As a result, water discharge would also increase by about 18% in the best-case scenario and by 50% in the worst-case scenario, and the surface runoff would increase between 5% and 30%. The floods and torrential precipitations would also increase in the basin. This trend could lead to soil impoverishment and reduced water availability in the basin, which could damage the watershed’s forests. In addition, rising temperatures would result in a 65% reduction in the snow water equivalent at best and 92% at worst.
Mixed Visual and Machine Grading to Select Eucalyptus grandis Poles into High-Strength Classes
Authors: Brunetti Michele , Aminti Giovanni , Wessels C. Brand , Nocetti Michela
Published: December 2021

Before round timber can be profitably used in construction, it needs structural characterization. The visual grading of Eucalyptus grandis poles was integrated with additional parameters developed by multivariate regression analysis. Acoustic velocity and dynamic modulus of elasticity were combined with density and pole diameter in the estimation of bending strength and stiffness. The best models achieved were used to group the visually graded material into qualitative structural classes. Overall, dynamic modulus of elasticity was the best single predictor; and adding density and diameter to the model improved the estimation of strength but not of stiffness. The developed parameters separated the material into two classes with very distinct mechanical properties. The models including velocity as a parameter did not perform as well. The strength grading of Eucalyptus grandis poles can be effectively improved by combining visual parameters and nondestructive measurements. The determination of the dynamic modulus of elasticity as a grading parameter should be preferred over that of acoustic velocity.
Monitoring of Biopolymer Production Process Using Soft Sensors Based on Off-Gas Composition Analysis and Capacitance Measurement
Authors: Hrnčiřík Pavel
Published: December 2021

This paper focuses on the design of soft sensors for on-line monitoring of the biotechnological process of biopolymer production, in which biopolymers are accumulated in bacteria as an intracellular energy storage material. The proposed soft sensors for on-line estimation of the biopolymer concentration represent an interesting alternative to the traditional off-line analytical techniques of limited applicability for real-time process control. Due to the complexity of biochemical reactions, which make it difficult to create reasonably complex first-principle mathematical models, a data-driven approach to the design of soft sensors has been chosen in the presented study. Thus, regression methods were used in this design, including multivariate statistical methods (PLS, PCR). This approach enabled the creation of soft sensors using historical process data from fed-batch cultivations of the Pseudomonas putida KT2442 strain used for the production of medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHAs). Specifically, data from on-line measurements of off-gas composition analysis and culture medium capacitance were used as input to the soft sensors. The resulting soft sensors allow not only on-line estimation of the biopolymer concentration, but also the concentration of the cell biomass of the production bacterial culture. For most of these soft sensors, the estimation error did not exceed 5% of the measurement range. In addition, soft sensors based on capacitance measurement were able to accurately detect the end of the production phase. This study thus offers an innovative and practically relevant contribution to the field of monitoring of bioprocesses used for the production of medium-chain-length biopolymers.
The Effect of Incubation Temperature, Substrate and Initial pH Value on Plantaricin Activity and the Relative Transcription of pln Genes of Six Sourdough Derived Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strains
Authors: Syrokou Maria K. , Stasinopoulou Panagiota , Paramithiotis Spiros , Bosnea Loulouda , Mataragas Marios , Papadopoulos Georgios K. , Skandamis Panagiotis N. , Drosinos Eleftherios H.
Published: December 2021

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of sourdough related parameters on the growth and plantaricin activity of six Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains against a mixture of 5 Listeria monocytogenes strains and to analyze the transcriptomic response of their pln genes. Parameters included 3 substrates (MRS broth, mMRS broth, WFE), 3 temperatures (20, 30, 37 °C), 2 initial pH values (5.0, 6.0), 2 NaCl concentrations (0.0, 1.8%) and 12 time points (ranging from 0 to 33 h). The transcriptomic response of the plantaricin genes to the aforementioned parameters was assessed after 21 h of growth. In general, plantaricin activity was strain dependent with that of Lp. plantarum strains LQC 2422, 2441, 2485 and 2516, harboring four pln genes, namely, pln423 (plαA), plαΒ, plαC and plαD, reaching 2560 AU/mL. However, strains LQC 2320 and 2520, in which 18 pln genes were detected, namely, plNC8a, plNC8b, plNC8c, plnL, plnR, plnJ, plnK, plnE, plnF, plnH, plnS, plnY, plNC8-IF, plNC8-HK, plnD, plnI, plnM and plnG, exhibited plantaricin activity barely reaching 160 AU/mL. Substrate, temperature, initial pH value and strains significantly affected plantaricin activity, while NaCl had only a marginal effect. Similarly, growth substrate and temperature had a more pronounced effect than initial pH value on gene transcription. A strong correlation between the transcription of the genes belonging to the same locus was observed; however, only a weak correlation, if any, was observed between plantaricin activity and the transcription of the genes assessed.
Turbulent Premixed Flame Modeling Using the Algebraic Flame Surface Wrinkling Model: A Comparative Study between OpenFOAM and Ansys Fluent
Authors: Kutkan Halit , Guerrero Joel
Published: December 2021

Hereafter, we used the Algebraic Flame Surface Wrinkling (AFSW) model to conduct numerical simulations of the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) high-pressure, turbulent premixed Bunsen flame experiments. We implemented the AFSW model in OpenFOAM and in Ansys Fluent, and we compared the outcome of both solvers against the experimental results. We also highlight the differences between both solvers. All the simulations were performed using a two-dimensional axisymmetric model with the standard k−ϵ turbulence model with wall functions. Two different fuel/air mixtures were studied, namely, a 100%CH4 volumetric ratio and a 60%CH4+ 40%H2 volumetric ratio. The thermophysical and transport properties of the mixture were calculated as a function of temperature using the library Cantera (open-source suite of tools for problems involving chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport processes), together with the GRI-Mech 3.0 chemical mechanism. It was found that the outcome of the AFSW model implemented in both solvers was in good agreement with the experimental results, quantitatively and qualitatively speaking. Further assessment of the results showed that, as much as the chemistry, the turbulence model and turbulent boundary/initial conditions significantly impact the flame shape and height.
A Measurement of Visual Complexity for Heterogeneity in the Built Environment Based on Fractal Dimension and Its Application in Two Gardens
Authors: Ma Lan , He Shaoying , Lu Mingzhen
Published: December 2021

In this study, a fractal dimension-based method has been developed to compute the visual complexity of the heterogeneity in the built environment. The built environment is a very complex combination, structurally consisting of both natural and artificial elements. Its fractal dimension computation is often disturbed by the homogenous visual redundancy, which is textured but needs less attention to process, so that it leads to a pseudo-evaluation of visual complexity in the built environment. Based on human visual perception, the study developed a method: fractal dimension of heterogeneity in the built environment, which includes Potts segmentation and Canny edge detection as image preprocessing procedure and fractal dimension as computation procedure. This proposed method effectively extracts perceptually meaningful edge structures in the visual image and computes its visual complexity which is consistent with human visual characteristics. In addition, an evaluation system combining the proposed method and the traditional method has been established to classify and assess the visual complexity of the scenario more comprehensively. Two different gardens had been computed and analyzed to demonstrate that the proposed method and the evaluation system provide a robust and accurate way to measure the visual complexity in the built environment.
The Evolution and Expression Profiles of EC1 Gene Family during Development in Cotton
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Chen Wei , Yao Jinbo , Li Yan , Yeboah Akwasi , Zhu Shouhong , Zhang Yongshan
Published: December 2021

Fertilization is essential to sexual reproduction of flowering plants. EC1 (EGG CELL 1) proteins have a conserved cysteine spacer characteristic and play a crucial role in double fertilization process in many plant species. However, to date, the role of EC1 gene family in cotton is fully unknown. Hence, detailed bioinformatics analysis was explored to elucidate the biological mechanisms of EC1 gene family in cotton. In this study, we identified 66 genes in 10 plant species in which a total of 39 EC1 genes were detected from cotton genome. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the identified EC1 genes into three families (I-III) and all of them contain Prolamin-like domains. A good collinearity was observed in the synteny analysis of the orthologs from cotton genomes. Whole-genome duplication was determined to be one of the major impetuses for the expansion of the EC1 gene family during the process of evolution. qRT-PCR analysis showed that EC1 genes were highly expressed in reproductive tissues under multiple stresses, signifying their potential role in enhancing stress tolerance or responses. Additionally, gene interaction networks showed that EC1 genes may be involved in cell stress and response transcriptional regulator in the synergid cells and activate the expression of genes required for pollen tube guidance. Our results provide novel functional insights into the evolution and functional elucidation of EC1 gene family in cotton.
The Neglected Contribution of Streptomycin to the Tuberculosis Drug Resistance Problem
Authors: Rocha Deisy M. G. C. , Viveiros Miguel , Saraiva Margarida , Osório Nuno S.
Published: December 2021

The airborne pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis is responsible for a present major public health problem worsened by the emergence of drug resistance. M. tuberculosis has acquired and developed streptomycin (STR) resistance mechanisms that have been maintained and transmitted in the population over the last decades. Indeed, STR resistant mutations are frequently identified across the main M. tuberculosis lineages that cause tuberculosis outbreaks worldwide. The spread of STR resistance is likely related to the low impact of the most frequent underlying mutations on the fitness of the bacteria. The withdrawal of STR from the first-line treatment of tuberculosis potentially lowered the importance of studying STR resistance. However, the prevalence of STR resistance remains very high, could be underestimated by current genotypic methods, and was found in outbreaks of multi-drug (MDR) and extensively drug (XDR) strains in different geographic regions. Therefore, the contribution of STR resistance to the problem of tuberculosis drug resistance should not be neglected. Here, we review the impact of STR resistance and detail well-known and novel candidate STR resistance mechanisms, genes, and mutations. In addition, we aim to provide insights into the possible role of STR resistance in the development of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.