bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resource Profiling and Performance Modeling for Distributed Scientific Computing Environments
Authors: Hossain Md Azam , Hwang Soonwook , Kim Jik-Soo
Published: May 2022

Scientific applications often require substantial amount of computing resources for running challenging jobs potentially consisting of many tasks from hundreds of thousands to even millions. As a result, many institutions collaborate to solve large-scale problems by creating virtual organizations (VOs), and integrate hundreds of thousands of geographically distributed heterogeneous computing resources. Over the past decade, VOs have been proven to be a powerful research testbed for accessing massive amount of computing resources shared by several organizations at almost no cost. However, VOs often suffer from providing exact dynamic resource information due to their scale and autonomous resource management policies. Furthermore, shared resources are inconsistent, making it difficult to accurately forecast resource capacity. An effective VO’s resource profiling and modeling system can address these problems by forecasting resource characteristics and availability. This paper presents effective resource profiling and performance prediction models including Adaptive Filter-based Online Linear Regression (AFOLR) and Adaptive Filter-based Moving Average (AFMV) based on the linear difference equation combining past predicted values and recent profiled information, which aim to support large-scale applications in distributed scientific computing environments. We performed quantitative analysis and conducted microbenchmark experiments on a real multinational shared computing platform. Our evaluation results demonstrate that the proposed prediction schemes outperform well-known common approaches in terms of accuracy, and actually can help users in a shared resource environment to run their large-scale applications by effectively forecasting various computing resource capacity and performance.
Patient and Clinician Experiences When Using a CO2 Laser for Cavity Preparations: Lessons learned from Prospective Clinical Research
Authors: Schuster Gregory , Cohn Marc , Agostini-Walesch Gina , Carroll Alexander , Mitchell John C.
Published: May 2022

This prospective clinical study evaluated the experiences and preferences of both patients and clinicians when performing class I–V cavity preparation procedures using a 9300 nm CO2 laser without anesthetic. A total of 233 procedures were performed on 103 patients. Following treatment, patients were asked to describe discomfort/pain levels and preferences for future treatment with either laser treatment or traditional therapy. Additionally, clinicians were asked to rate their experiences with the procedures in three technical domains: speed, ease-of-use, and precision. In total, 98% of patients preferred laser treatment to traditional therapy and 93% of all procedures performed were completed with no anesthesia. Younger patients and patients receiving multiple restorations reported significantly higher discomfort, though discomfort scores were very low overall (below 3 on a 10-point pain scale). While there were significant differences in clinician experiences, each clinician reported having generally high satisfaction using the laser with respect to speed, ease of use, and precision. In conclusion, the 9300 nm CO2 laser provides clinicians a viable option for cavity preparations in dentistry as evidenced by high rates of anesthesia-free procedures with low reported discomfort, the fact that nearly all patients would opt for laser use on future cavity preparations, and generally positive experiences reported by clinicians.
New Hybrid Techniques for Business Recommender Systems
Authors: Pande Charuta , Witschel Hans Friedrich , Martin Andreas
Published: May 2022

Besides the typical applications of recommender systems in B2C scenarios such as movie or shopping platforms, there is a rising interest in transforming the human-driven advice provided, e.g., in consultancy via the use of recommender systems. We explore the special characteristics of such knowledge-based B2B services and propose a process that allows incorporating recommender systems into them. We suggest and compare several recommender techniques that allow incorporating the necessary contextual knowledge (e.g., company demographics). These techniques are evaluated in isolation on a test set of business intelligence consultancy cases. We then identify the respective strengths of the different techniques and propose a new hybridisation strategy to combine these strengths. Our results show that the hybridisation leads to substantial performance improvement over the individual methods.
Advances in Optical Fiber Communications
Authors: Rizzelli Giuseppe
Published: May 2022

Given the increasing importance of a globally interconnected world, driven by modern digital services and the need for fast and reliable access to digital resources, communications networks are one of the key infrastructures in today’s society [...]
The December 2021 Marshall Fire: Predictability and Gust Forecasts from Operational Models
Authors: Fovell Robert G. , Brewer Matthew J. , Garmong Richard J.
Published: May 2022

We analyzed meteorological conditions that occurred during the December 2021 Boulder, Colorado, downslope windstorm. This event is of particular interest due to the ignition and spread of the Marshall Fire, which quickly became the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history. Observations indicated a rapid onset of fast winds with gusts as high as 51 m/s that generally remained confined to the east-facing slopes and foothills of the Rockies, similar to previous Boulder windstorms. After about 12 h, the windstorm shifted into a second, less intense phase. Midtropospheric winds above northwestern Colorado weakened prior to the onset of strong surface winds and the event strength started waning as stronger winds moved back into the area. Forecasts from NOAA high-resolution operational models initialized more than a few hours prior to windstorm onset did not simulate the start time, development rate and/or maximum strength of the windstorm correctly, and day-ahead runs even failed to develop strong downslope windstorms at all. Idealized modeling confirmed that predictability was limited by errors on the synoptic scale affecting the midtropospheric wind conditions representing the Boulder windstorm’s inflow environment. Gust forecasts for this event were critically evaluated.
European Grid Dataset of Actual Evapotranspiration, Water Availability and Effective Precipitation
Authors: Nistor Mărgărit-Mircea , Satyanaga Alfrendo , Dezsi Ştefan , Haidu Ionel
Published: May 2022

The sustainability of a territory is closely related to its resources. Due to climate change, the most precious natural resource, water, has been negatively affected by climatic conditions in terms of quantity and quality. CLIMAT datasets of 1 km2 spatial resolution were used and processed in the ArcGIS environment to generate maps of actual evapotranspiration, water availability, and effective precipitation for the periods of 1961–1990 (1990s), 2011–2040 (2020s), and 2041–2070 (2050s). The product is of paramount importance for the analysis of the actual situation in Europe indicating high water availability in the Alps Range, the Carpathians Mountains, Northern European countries, and the British Islands. On the other hand, low water availability has been evidenced in the Southern and Eastern European areas. For the future period (2050s), the monthly potential evapotranspiration is expected to increase by 30%. The climate models also show an increase in the actual evapotranspiration between past and future periods by 40%. The changes in water availability and effective precipitation between the past (1990s) and future (2050s) indicate decreases of 10%. The most affected areas by climate change are located within the Mediterranean areas, the Iberian Peninsula, and Eastern Europe.
Electronic Structure of Lr+ (Z = 103) from Ab Initio Calculations
Authors: Ramanantoanina Harry , Borschevsky Anastasia , Block Michael , Laatiaoui Mustapha
Published: May 2022

The four-component relativistic Dirac–Coulomb Hamiltonian and the multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) model were used to provide the reliable energy levels and spectroscopic properties of the Lr+ ion and the Lu+ homolog. The energy spectrum of Lr+ is very similar to that of the Lu+ homolog, with the multiplet manifold of the 7s2, 6d17s1 and 7s17p1 configurations as the ground and low-lying excited states. The results are discussed in light of earlier findings utilizing different theoretical models. Overall, the MRCI model can reliably predict the energy levels and properties and bring new insight into experiments with superheavy ions.
Hibernation with Rhythmicity in the Retina, Brain, and Plasma but Not in the Liver of Hibernating Giant Spiny Frogs (Quasipaa spinosa)
Authors: Xie Zhigang , Ahmad Ibrahim M. , Zuo Lirong , Wang Hui , Li Dongming
Published: May 2022

Hibernation in ectotherms is well known, however, it is unclear how the circadian clock regulates endocrine and antioxidative defense systems of aquatic hibernators. Using the giant spiny frog (Quasipaa spinosa), we studied mRNA expression levels of (1) circadian core clock (Bmal1, Clock, Cry1 and Per2), clock-controlled (Ror-α, Mel-1c and AANAT), and antioxidant enzyme (AOE) (SOD1, SOD2, CAT and GPx) genes in retina, brain, and liver; and (2) plasma melatonin (MT) and corticosterone (CORT) levels, over a 24-hour period at six intervals pre-hibernation and during hibernation. Our results showed that brain Bmal1, Cry1, Per2 and Mel-1c were rhythmic pre-hibernation and Clock and Ror-α during hibernation. However, the retina Bmal1, Clock and Mel-1c, and plasma MT became rhythmic during hibernation. All brain AOEs (SOD1, SOD2, CAT and GPx) were rhythmic pre-hibernation and became non-rhythmic but upregulated, except SOD1, during hibernation. However, plasma CORT and liver clocks and AOEs were non-rhythmic in both periods. The mRNA expression levels of AOEs closely resembled those of Ror-α but not plasma MT oscillations. In the hibernating aquatic frogs, these modulations of melatonin, as well as clock and clock-controlled genes and AOEs might be fundamental for them to remain relatively inactive, increase tolerance, and escape hypoxia, and to prepare for arousal.
Scratching the Surface—An Overview of the Roles of Cell Surface GRP78 in Cancer
Authors: Chen Jack , Lynn Edward G. , Yousof Tamana R. , Sharma Hitesh , MacDonald Melissa E. , Byun Jae Hyun , Shayegan Bobby , Austin Richard C.
Published: May 2022

The 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) is considered an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident molecular chaperone that plays a crucial role in protein folding homeostasis by regulating the unfolded protein response (UPR) and inducing numerous proapoptotic and autophagic pathways within the eukaryotic cell. However, in cancer cells, GRP78 has also been shown to migrate from the ER lumen to the cell surface, playing a role in several cellular pathways that promote tumor growth and cancer cell progression. There is another insidious consequence elicited by cell surface GRP78 (csGRP78) on cancer cells: the accumulation of csGRP78 represents a novel neoantigen leading to the production of anti-GRP78 autoantibodies that can bind csGRP78 and further amplify these cellular pathways to enhance cell growth and mitigate apoptotic cell death. This review examines the current body of literature that delineates the mechanisms by which ER-resident GRP78 localizes to the cell surface and its consequences, as well as potential therapeutics that target csGRP78 and block its interaction with anti-GRP78 autoantibodies, thereby inhibiting further amplification of cancer cell progression.
Adverse Events and Tolerability of Combined Durvalumab and Tremelimumab versus Durvalumab Alone in Solid Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fahmy Omar , Ahmed Osama A. A. , Khairul-Asri Mohd Ghani , Alhakamy Nabil A. , Alharbi Waleed S. , Fahmy Usama A. , El-Moselhy Mohamed A. , Fresta Claudia G. , Caruso Giuseppe , Caraci Filippo
Published: May 2022

Background: Recently, the combination of durvalumab and tremelimumab, two immune checkpoint inhibitors, for the treatment of different types of cancers has been considered; however, its overall effects, including its safety, are still unclear and need to be further investigated. Objectives: The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the safety and tolerability of this combination of drugs. Methods: A systematic review of the literature, based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement, was conducted by employing online electronic databases and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Meeting Library. The selection of eligible publications was made following a staged screening and selection process. The software RevMan 5.4 was used to run the quantitative analysis and forest plots, while the Cochrane tool was employed for risk of bias assessment. Results: From the retrieved 157 results, 9 randomized controlled trials involving 3060 patients were included. By comparing the combination of durvalumab and tremelimumab vs. durvalumab monotherapy, it was observed that: adverse events (AEs) ≥ Grade 3 incidence was 32.6% (536/1646) vs. 23.8% (336/1414) (Z = 2.80; p = 0.005; risk ratio (RR) = 1.44), reduced appetite incidence was 10.8% (154/1427) vs. 8.3% (108/1305) (Z = 2.26; p = 0.02; RR = 1.31), diarrhea was reported in 15.6% (229/1473) vs. 8.1% (110/1352) (Z = 5.90; p < 0.00001; RR = 1.91), rash incidence was equal to 11.1% (160/1441) vs. 6.5% (86/1320) (Z = 4.35; p <0.0001; RR = 1.75), pruritis was 13.6% (201/1473) vs. 7.7% (104/1352) (Z = 5.35; p < 0.00001; RR = 1.83), fever was 10.5% (42/399) vs. 6.6% (22/330) (Z = 2.27; p = 0.02; RR = 1.77), discontinuation rate was 18% (91/504) vs. 3% (36/434) (Z = 4.78; p < 0.00001; RR = 2.41), and death rate was 2.6% (13/504) vs. 0.7% (3/434) (Z = 1.90; p = 0.06; RR = 2.77). Conclusions: It was observed that the combined (durvalumab and tremelimumab) vs. monotherapy (durvalumab) is associated with a higher risk of treatment discontinuation, mortality, fever, diarrhea, rash, pruritis, and reduced appetite. This information is relevant and should be disclosed, especially to patients that are currently enrolled in clinical trials considering this combined therapy.
Are Mushrooms Parametric?
Authors: Ozkan Dilan , Morrow Ruth , Zhang Meng , Dade-Robertson Martyn
Published: May 2022

Designing with biological materials as a burgeoning approach in the architecture field requires the development of new design strategies and fabrication methods. In this paper, we question if designers can use a parametric design approach while working with living materials. The research uses fungi as a biomaterial probe to experiment with the parametric behavior of living systems. Running design experiments using fungi helps to understand the extent to which biological systems can be considered parametric and, if so, what kind of parametric systems they are. Answering these questions provides a method to work with complex biological systems and may lead to new approaches of fabricating materials by tuning the environmental parameters of biological growth.
Cell-Membrane Biomimetic Indocyanine Green Liposomes for Phototheranostics of Echinococcosis
Authors: Xiong Xinxin , Li Jun , Gao Duyang , Sheng Zonghai , Zheng Hairong , Liu Wenya
Published: May 2022

Echinococcosis is an important zoonotic infectious disease that seriously affects human health. Conventional diagnosis of echinococcosis relies on the application of large-scale imaging equipment, which is difficult to promote in remote areas. Meanwhile, surgery and chemotherapy for echinococcosis can cause serious trauma and side effects. Thus, the development of simple and effective treatment strategies is of great significance for the diagnosis and treatment of echinococcosis. Herein, we designed a phototheranostic system utilizing neutrophil-membrane-camouflaged indocyanine green liposomes (Lipo-ICG) for active targeting the near-infrared fluorescence diagnosis and photothermal therapy of echinococcosis. The biomimetic Lipo-ICG exhibits a remarkable photo-to-heat converting performance and desirable active-targeting features by the inflammatory chemotaxis of the neutrophil membrane. In-vitro and in-vivo studies reveal that biomimetic Lipo-ICG with high biocompatibility can achieve in-vivo near-infrared fluorescence imaging and phototherapy of echinococcosis in mouse models. Our research is the first to apply bionanomaterials to the phototherapy of echinococcosis, which provides a new standard for the convenient and noninvasive detection and treatment of zoonotic diseases.
Chiral Liquid Crystal Microdroplets for Sensing Phospholipid Amphiphiles
Authors: Norouzi Sepideh , Martinez Gonzalez Jose A. , Sadati Monirosadat
Published: May 2022

Designing simple, sensitive, fast, and inexpensive readout devices to detect biological molecules and biomarkers is crucial for early diagnosis and treatments. Here, we have studied the interaction of the chiral liquid crystal (CLC) and biomolecules at the liquid crystal (LC)-droplet interface. CLC droplets with high and low chirality were prepared using a microfluidic device. We explored the reconfiguration of the CLC molecules confined in droplets in the presence of 1,2-diauroyl-sn-glycero3-phosphatidylcholine (DLPC) phospholipid. Cross-polarized optical microscopy and spectrometry techniques were employed to monitor the effect of droplet size and DLPC concentration on the structural reorganization of the CLC molecules. Our results showed that in the presence of DLPC, the chiral LC droplets transition from planar to homeotropic ordering through a multistage molecular reorientation. However, this reconfiguration process in the low-chirality droplets happened three times faster than in high-chirality ones. Applying spectrometry and image analysis, we found that the change in the chiral droplets’ Bragg reflection can be correlated with the CLC–DLPC interactions.
Quantitative Determination of Ethylene Using a Smartphone-Based Optical Fiber Sensor (SOFS) Coupled with Pyrene-Tagged Grubbs Catalyst
Authors: Yang Xin , Leong Justin Lee Kee , Sun Mingtai , Jing Linzhi , Zhang Yuannian , Wang Tian , Wang Suhua , Huang Dejian
Published: May 2022

For rapid and portable detection of ethylene in commercial fruit ripening storage rooms, we designed a smartphone-based optical fiber sensor (SOFS), which is composed of a 15 mW 365 nm laser for fluorescence signal excitation and a bifurcated fiber system for signal flow direction from probe to smartphone. Paired with a pyrene-tagged Grubbs catalyst (PYG) probe, our SOFS showed a wide linearity range up to 350 ppm with a detection limit of 0.6 ppm. The common gases in the warehouse had no significant interference with the results. The device is portable (18 cm × 8 cm × 6 cm) with an inbuilt power supply and replaceable optical fiber sensor tip. The images are processed with a dedicated smartphone application for RGB analysis and ethylene concentration. The device was applied in detection of ethylene generated from apples, avocados, and bananas. The linear correlation data showed agreement with data generated from a fluorometer. The SOFS provides a rapid, compact, cost-effective solution for determination of the fruit ethylene concentration dynamic during ripening for better fruit harvest timing and postharvest management to minimize wastage.
Neurorehabilitation through Hippotherapy on Neurofunctional Sequels of Stroke: Effect on Patients’ Functional Independence, Sensorimotor/Cognitive Capacities and Quality of Life, and the Quality of Life of Their Caregivers—A Study Protocol
Authors: Viruega Hélène , Imbernon Carole , Chausson Nicolas , Altarcha Tony , Aghasaryan Manvel , Soumah Djibril , Lescieux Edwige , Flamand-Roze Constance , Simon Olivier , Bedin Arnaud , Smadja Didier , Gaviria Manuel
Published: May 2022

Background: Stroke is a high burden illness and the second leading cause of worldwide disability with generally poor recovery rates. Robust benefits of hippotherapy, a novel neurorehabilitation approach, in functional recovery following various severe neurological disabling conditions has been shown. In the present study, we will analyze the effect of a hippotherapy program on the outcome of post-stroke patients in the first year post-stroke. Method: A randomized controlled clinical trial on the effectiveness of hippotherapy (4 weeks/18 weeks hippotherapy/conventional neurorehabilitation) versus conventional neurorehabilitation alone (22 weeks) will be conducted over 48 weeks. In the treated group, one-hour daily hippotherapy sessions will be exclusively conducted during the hippotherapy’s cycles, alternated with periods of conventional neurorehabilitation. A test battery will measure both the functional and psychological outcomes. The primary endpoint will be the patient’s functional independence. The secondary endpoints will measure the sensorimotor function, autonomy, and quality of life, as well as the caregivers’ quality of life. Results and conclusion: Individual brain connectome, life history and personality construct influence the brain’s functional connectivity and are central to developing optimal tailored neurorehabilitation strategies. According to our current practice, hippotherapy allows the enhancement of substantial neuroplastic changes in the injured brain with significant neurological recovery. The protocol aims to confirm those issues. Trial registration in ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04759326 accessed on 19 February 2021.
Risk of Migraine in Europeans with Low Melanin Levels—A Population Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Kobus Magdalena , Żądzińska Elżbieta , Sitek Aneta , Pełka Jacek , Rożniecki Jacek J. , Antoszewski Bogusław
Published: May 2022

Populations with a relatively low concentration of melanin, e.g., inhabitants of Europe, North America, and Australia, are the most vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV radiation. Individuals with fair phototype are at greatest risk of developing skin cancer. Several neurological studies present that light skin may modify the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. However, the relationship between migraine and skin pigmentation has not been investigated yet. The objective of this study is to provide evidence of the relationship between skin pigmentation and migraine prevalence in adults. We examined a group of 148 adults (33 men, 115 women) with migraine and a control group of 107 adults (43 men, 64 women). Parameters of skin pigmentation (melanin index, erythema index, CIElab, and RGB scales) were measured using a DSM II Cortex Technology dermospectrophotometer. Risk of migraine in lightly pigmented adults was elevated. Individuals with a low melanin index had over 3-fold increased risk of migraine (women: OR 3.53, men: OR 3.73). Fair phototype, which results from lightly pigmented skin, was associated with migraine prevalence. Migraineurs should take extra care to protect their skin from the negative effects of solar radiation.
Influences on Apartment Design: A History of the Spatial Layout of Apartment Buildings in Sydney and Implications for the Future
Authors: Yang Hyungmo , Oldfield Philip , Easthope Hazel
Published: May 2022

This paper traces the history of apartment design with an emphasis on spatial layout. It charts the events that have influenced apartment design in Sydney, Australia and provides a framework for understanding how changes in society, the economy, regulations, and architectural paradigms have influenced apartment layouts over time. Through a review of historical and contemporary apartment plan drawings in Sydney, we identify four chronologically distinct eras: layouts reflecting physically separate rooms and a healthier living condition (1900–1935); layouts following function (1935–1961); layouts enhancing interaction between family members (1961–2002); and layouts for independent life and to satisfy minimum regulatory requirements (2002–the present). We then consider these distinct eras in relation to political, economic, and social influences at the time. We propose that prior to 1961, changes in social paradigms and architectural thinking and the development of technologies were the main drivers of apartment layouts. After 1961, changes in the economy, the housing market, and regulations appear to have had more influence. This historical analysis provides insights into factors contributing to current apartment layouts and how different social, economic, and regulatory levers may influence them in future. These insights will be useful to both practitioners and academics in international jurisdictions considering how to encourage improved apartment spatial layouts in future.
Thermal Characteristics of Fireproof Plaster Compositions in Exposure to Various Regimes of Fire
Authors: Gravit Marina , Shabunina Daria , Antonov Sergey , Danilov Andrey
Published: May 2022

The problems of the fire safety of oil and gas facilities are particularly relevant due to the increasing complexity of technological processes and production. Experimental studies of steel structures with three different types of plasters are presented to determine the time taken to reach the critical temperature and loss of bearing capacity (R) of the sample, as a result of reaching a rate of deformation growth of more than 10 mm/min and the appearance of the ultimate vertical deformation. The simulation of the heating of steel structures showed a good correlation with the results of the experiment. The consumption of the plaster composition for the steel column was predicted, which allowed a 38% reduction in the consumption of fireproofing. It was found that to obtain the required fire resistance limit, it is necessary to consider the fire regime and apply plaster compositions with a thickness of 30–35 mm, depending on their thermal characteristics. The dependence of thermal conductivity and temperature on density is obtained, showing that the use of plaster compositions with a density of 200 to 600 kg/m3 is optimal to ensure a higher fire resistance limit. It is shown that the values of thermal conductivity of plaster compositions at 1000 °C are higher by 8–10% if the structure is exposed to a hydrocarbon fire regime. It is shown that the values of the heat capacity of plaster compositions at 1000 °C are higher by 10–15% if the structure is exposed to a standard fire regime.
Interface Management Performance Assessment Framework for Sustainable Prefabricated Construction
Authors: Zhang Shengxi , Li Zhongfu , Li Long , Yuan Mengqi
Published: May 2022

Prefabricated construction (PC) has been regarded as a sustainable construction method for its inherent advantages such as energy savings, emissions reductions, and cleaner and safer working environments. However, PC development has been hindered by its inherent weaknesses of fragmentation and discontinuity. Effective interface management (IM) is regarded as integral to PC project success for its appropriate management of numerous interfaces with high complexity and uncertainty among the organization, information, and logistics. Although some researchers mentioned the effectiveness of IM for PC projects, systematic assessment methods for IM performance are missing. This study aims to systematically develop a framework to assess the IM performance of PC projects to address this gap. Through a comprehensive literature review, nineteen indicators of IM performance were identified and grouped into four categories. By combining the objective weighting method of an ordered weighted averaging (OWA) operator with the set pair analysis (SPA) method of uncertainty assessment, a nineteen-indicator assessment model was developed. Finally, a case study was constructed using the proposed framework, and the feasibility and applicability of the OWA-SPA model were proved. The assessment results provided by the assessment model could guide project managers for better IM and serve as a valuable reference for researchers in the construction industry.
Experimental Investigation of h-Type Supporting System for Excavation beneath Existing Underground Space
Authors: Xiao Yang , Wang Xiangge , Yu Feng , Wang Zijun
Published: May 2022

A double-row pile support system combined with existing and additional support piles offers an effective solution for further excavation beneath existing underground space. A large-scale test chamber was therefore built to simulate the whole construction process of underground space extension. Several parallel tests are conducted through observation, data monitoring, and analysis to study the influence of several parameters on an h-type support system containing double-row piles. The relevant parameters include pile row spacing, pile length ratio, pile-head constraint, and in-service foundation pile. The tests reveal that a significant load-transfer effect is generated between the pile rows, and increasing the spacing between pile rows within a certain range can lead to a more reasonable distribution of bending moments and pile force. The displacement of the pile top and its rate of increase are directly proportional to excavation depth, and additional excavation to the bottom of the back-row piles tends to be a critical point, after which the deformation will be significant. The stability of the system varies inversely with the reduction in pile length ratio, but is positively related to the existing pile-head constraint. Furthermore, in-service foundation piles can result in increased bending moments and reduced displacement of the pile top. Finally, the rationality of the model test results was verified according to the numerical simulation and the stability of the double-row piles support system was calculated.
Health Anxiety and Its Relationship to Thyroid-Hormone-Suppression Therapy in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Zoltek Maximilian , Andersson Therese M.-L. , Axelsson Erland , Hedman Christel , Ihre Lundgren Catharina
Published: May 2022

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has a good prognosis; however, patients often need lifelong follow up, and they face potential side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate health anxiety among DTC patients and its relationship to TSH suppression. In 2020, patients from a previous cohort who were from Stockholm completed the 14-item Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI-14; 0–42; 18 being the threshold for clinical significance) and a study-specific questionnaire. Clinical information was also retrieved from medical records. Linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between the TSH levels and the SHAI-14, while adjusting for potential confounders. In total, 146 (73%) patients were included. A total of 24 respondents (16%) scored 18 or more on the SHAI-14, and the mean score was 11.3. Patients with TSH levels of 0.1–0.5 (mE/L) scored, on average, 3.28 points more (p-value 0.01) on the SHAI-14 compared to patients with TSH levels > 0.5. There was no statistically significant difference between patients with TSH levels < 0.1 and TSH levels > 0.5. Thus, we found no linear relationship between the TSH values and health anxiety. Clinically significant levels of health anxiety are slightly higher than those in the general population, but do not appear to be a major psychiatric comorbidity among patients with DTC.
Treatment Sequences in Patients with Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Cetuximab Followed by Immunotherapy or Vice Versa
Authors: Yang Chuan-Chien , Lien Ching-Feng , Hwang Tzer-Zen , Wang Chih-Chun , Wang Chien-Chung , Shih Yu-Chen , Yeh Shyh-An , Hsieh Meng-Che
Published: May 2022

Background: The prognosis was poor when patients had recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC). Herein, we conducted an observational study of cetuximab followed by immunotherapy (Cet-IO) versus immunotherapy followed by cetuximab (IO-Cet) in patients with R/M HNSCC. Methods: Patients who were diagnosed with R/M HNSCC and treated with a sequential cetuximab-containing regimen and immunotherapy-containing regimen were enrolled in our study. Kaplan-Meier curves were estimated for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 75 patients were enrolled in our study for oncologic outcomes evaluation, with 40 patients in Cet-IO and 35 patients in IO-Cet. The median PFS1 was 5.1 months in Cet-IO and 4.5 months in IO-Cet (p = 0.777) and the median PFS2 was 16.5 months in Cet-IO and 11.4 months in IO-Cet (p = 0.566). The median OS was 23.7 months versus 22.8 months in Cet-IO and IO-Cet, respectively (p = 0.484). The overall response rate (ORR) were 73% in Cet-IO versus 37% in IO-Cet (p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the treatment sequences, Cet-IO or IO-Cet, were insignificantly different with survival. Conclusion: Both Cet-IO and IO-Cet are effective in R/M HNSCC patients with insignificant survival differences. The higher ORR of Cet-IO might render it to be considered in patients with large tumor burdens and urgent needs for treatment responses. Further prospective studies are merited to validate our conclusions.
Safety Profile and Issues of Subcutaneous Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Children with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Endaryanto Anang , Nugraha Ricardo Adrian
Published: May 2022

This study aims to evaluate safety issues of house dust mite subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) among allergic rhinitis (AR) children. A retrospective cohort study was done between 2015 and 2020 to investigate the side effects of SCIT among AR children caused by a house dust mite allergy. Among 1098 patients who received house dust mite subcutaneous immunotherapy injections, 284 patients (25.87%) had side effects (SE). SE were found to be 699 times higher or in 2.27% of the 30,744 subcutaneous immunotherapy injections. A total of 17.9% of the patients had local SE during SCIT administration. Systemic side effects occurred in 8.38% of children receiving SCIT and in 0.53% of the total population who received SCIT injections. Only 2/92 (2.18%) of patients suffered an allergic reaction within 30 minutes of injection and these patients responded well to antiallergic medication. Severe anaphylaxis occurred in 0.091% of the 1098 patients in the SCIT group and in 0.0033% of the 30,774 SCIT injections. Systemic SE after SCIT occurred in 8.38% of patients receiving SCIT or 0.53% of the total number of SCIT injections. Anaphylactic episodes occurred in 16 patients (1.46%) and 15 patients (1.37%) who had first and second episodes. One severe attack was found and it was resolved with adrenaline. This study demonstrates that in pediatric patients with AR who received HDM SCIT for 18 months with high adherence, some experienced significant local SE and systemic SE caused by SCIT, but this did not interfere with the course of AR treatment or the effectiveness of SCIT.
FKBP51, AmotL2 and IQGAP1 Involvement in Cilastatin Prevention of Cisplatin-Induced Tubular Nephrotoxicity in Rats
Authors: González-Fernández Rebeca , González-Nicolás María Ángeles , Morales Manuel , Ávila Julio , Lázaro Alberto , Martín-Vasallo Pablo
Published: May 2022

The immunophilin FKBP51, the angiomotin AmotL2, and the scaffoldin IQGAP1 are overexpressed in many types of cancer, with the highest increase in leucocytes from patients undergoing oxaliplatin chemotherapy. Inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of nephrotoxicity induced by platinum analogs. Cilastatin prevents renal damage caused by cisplatin. This functional and confocal microscopy study shows the renal focal-segmental expression of TNFα after cisplatin administration in rats, predominantly of tubular localization and mostly prevented by co-administration of cilastatin. FKBP51, AmotL2 and IQGAP1 protein expression increases slightly with cilastatin administration and to a much higher extent with cisplatin, in a cellular- and subcellular-specific manner. Kidney tubule cells expressing FKBP51 show either very low or no expression of TNFα, while cells expressing TNFα have low levels of FKBP51. AmotL2 and TNFα seem to colocalize and their expression is increased in tubular cells. IQGAP1 fluorescence increases with cilastatin, cisplatin and joint cilastatin-cisplatin treatment, and does not correlate with TNFα expression or localization. These data suggest a role for FKBP51, AmotL2 and IQGAP1 in cisplatin toxicity in kidney tubules and in the protective effect of cilastatin through inhibition of dehydropeptidase-I.
Code Red in the Supply Center: The Impact of Immune Activation on Hematopoiesis
Authors: MacNamara Katherine C. , Nolte Martijn A.
Published: May 2022

This Special Issue entitled “The Impact of Immune Activation on Hematopoiesis” aims to bring together review and primary articles focused on distinct types of immune activation that impact hematopoiesis [...]
Regulation of Oxidative Phosphorylation of Liver Mitochondria in Sepsis
Authors: Eyenga Pierre , Rey Benjamin , Eyenga Lilia , Sheu Shey-Shing
Published: May 2022

The link between liver dysfunction and decreased mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in sepsis has been clearly established in experimental models. Energy transduction is plastic: the efficiency of mitochondrial coupling collapses in the early stage of sepsis but is expected to increase during the recovery phases of sepsis. Among the mechanisms regulating the coupling efficiency of hepatic mitochondria, the slipping reactions at the cytochrome oxidase and ATP synthase seem to be a determining element, whereas other regulatory mechanisms such as those involving proton leakage across the mitochondrial membrane have not yet been formally proven in the context of sepsis. If the dysfunction of hepatic mitochondria is related to impaired cytochrome c oxidase and ATP synthase functions, we need to consider therapeutic avenues to restore their activities for recovery from sepsis. In this review, we discussed previous findings regarding the regulatory mechanism involved in changes in the oxidative phosphorylation of liver mitochondria in sepsis, and propose therapeutic avenues to improve the functions of cytochrome c oxidase and ATP synthase in sepsis.
Relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Mental Health in Chinese Adolescents: Differences among Girls and Boys
Authors: Jiang Weiwei , Ji Mingxia , Chi Xinli , Sun Xiaojiao
Published: May 2022

The negative effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on individual mental health have been widely demonstrated, yet fewer studies have examined the impact of ACEs on depression and anxiety of Chinese adolescents and their sex differences. This cross-sectional study surveyed 12421 adolescents aged 10–17 in Hechi City, Guangxi Province, to measure their levels of ACEs, depression symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. The results found that: (1) Girls were more likely to experience ACEs than boys (37.67% vs. 32.25%, χ2 = 39.97, p < 0.001). (2) Emotion-related ACEs were more likely to occur among girls, while physical maltreatment, violence, and family dysfunction related ACEs were more likely to occur among boys. (3) Adolescents with ACEs were more likely to develop depression (OR = 4.40) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 4.60) than those without ACEs; adolescents who have encountered “peer isolation” and “emotional neglect” are most likely to develop depression (OR = 6.09/5.04) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 6.14/4.94). (4) The dose-response relationship between the level of ACE exposure and the risk of depression/anxiety symptoms was significant (p < 0.05), i.e., the risk increased as ACE level increased. (5) Girls were more likely to develop depression and anxiety symptoms than boys with the same ACE level. This study deepens the understanding of the prevalence of ACEs, the effect of ACEs on depression and anxiety symptoms, and their sex differences among Chinese adolescents in the underdeveloped regions of China. It provides more empirical support for future work on adolescent mental health protection.
Biventricular Conversion for Hypoplastic Left Heart Variants: An Update
Authors: Greenleaf Christopher , Salazar Jorge
Published: May 2022

Ongoing concerns with single-ventricle palliation morbidity and poor outcomes from primary biventricular strategies for neonates with borderline left heart structures have led some centers to attempt alternative strategies to obviate the need for ultimate Fontan palliation and limit the risk to the child during the vulnerable neonatal period. In certain patients who are traditionally palliated toward single-ventricle circulation, biventricular circulation is possible. This review aims to delineate the current knowledge regarding converting certain patients with borderline left heart structures from single-ventricle palliation toward biventricular circulation.
Photodynamic Therapy for Treatment of Disease in Children—A Review of the Literature
Authors: Mazur Anna , Koziorowska Katarzyna , Dynarowicz Klaudia , Aebisher David , Bartusik-Aebisher Dorota
Published: May 2022

Photodynamic therapy is a mode of treatment whereby local irradiation of an administered photosensitizer with light of a specific wavelength generates cytotoxic reactive oxygen species. Despite the upward trend in the popularity of this method in adults, it is not yet commonly used in the treatment of children. Due to certain limitations, underdeveloped treatment regimens and potential side effects, the use of photodynamic therapy in the pediatric population is still in the initial phases of evaluation in clinical trials. Method: This study is a review of articles in English from the databases PubMed and Web of Science retrieved by applying the search term “photodynamic therapy in children” from 2000–2020. Results: Based on the literature review, we analyze selected pediatric clinical cases in which photodynamic therapy was used for treatment in children. Examples of photodynamic therapy for treatment of dermatological diseases, diseases of the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, halitosis, eye diseases and brain tumors are described. The paper describes the effectiveness of anti-cancer photodynamic therapy, including its use in antibacterial therapy. Conclusions: The results of the analysis suggest the potential of photodynamic therapy for the treatment of various diseases in children.
Subtilisin of Leishmania amazonensis as Potential Druggable Target: Subcellular Localization, In Vitro Leishmanicidal Activity and Molecular Docking of PF-429242, a Subtilisin Inhibitor
Authors: Gomes Pollyanna Stephanie , Carneiro Monique Pacheco Duarte , Machado Patrícia de Almeida , de Andrade-Neto Valter Viana , da Fonseca-Martins Alessandra Marcia , Goundry Amy , Pereira da Silva João Vitor Marques , Gomes Daniel Claudio Oliveira , Lima Ana Paula Cabral de Araujo , Ennes-Vidal Vítor , Sodero Ana Carolina Rennó , De-Simone Salvatore Giovanni , de Matos Guedes Herbert L.
Published: May 2022

Subtilisin proteases, found in all organisms, are enzymes important in the post-translational steps of protein processing. In Leishmania major and L. donovani, this enzyme has been described as essential to their survival; however, few compounds that target subtilisin have been investigated for their potential as an antileishmanial drug. In this study, we first show, by electron microscopy and flow cytometry, that subtilisin has broad localization throughout the cytoplasm and membrane of the parasite in the promastigote form with foci in the flagellar pocket. Through in silico analysis, the similarity between subtilisin of different Leishmania species and that of humans were determined, and based on molecular docking, we evaluated the interaction capacity of a serine protease inhibitor against both life cycle forms of Leishmania. The selected inhibitor, known as PF-429242, has already been used against the dengue virus, arenaviruses, and the hepatitis C virus. Moreover, it proved to have antilipogenic activity in a mouse model and caused hypolipidemia in human cells in vitro. Here, PF-429242 significantly inhibited the growth of L. amazonensis promastigotes of four different strains (IC50 values = 3.07 ± 0.20; 0.83 ± 0.12; 2.02 ± 0.27 and 5.83 ± 1.2 µM against LTB0016, PH8, Josefa and LV78 strains) whilst having low toxicity in the host macrophages (CC50 = 170.30 µM). We detected by flow cytometry that there is a greater expression of subtilisin in the amastigote form; however, PF-429242 had a low effect against this intracellular form with an IC50 of >100 µM for intracellular amastigotes, as well as against axenic amastigotes (94.12 ± 2.8 µM for the LV78 strain). In conclusion, even though PF-429242 does not affect the intracellular forms, this drug will serve as a tool to explore pharmacological and potentially leishmanicidal targets.
Effects of Luteolin on Human Breast Cancer Using Gene Expression Array: Inferring Novel Genes
Authors: Wang Shih-Ho , Wu Chin-Hu , Tsai Chin-Chuan , Chen Tai-Yu , Tsai Kuen-Jang , Hung Chao-Ming , Hsu Chia-Yi , Wu Chia-Wei , Hsieh Tsung-Hua
Published: May 2022

Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) is often used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cancer; however, the downstream regulatory genes and signaling pathways mediating its effects on breast cancer remain unclear. The present study aimed to explore the effects of luteolin, the main biologically active compound of T. officinale, on gene expression profiles in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The results revealed that luteolin effectively inhibited the proliferation and motility of the MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. The mRNA expression profiles were determined using gene expression array analysis and analyzed using a bioinformatics approach. A total of 41 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found in the luteolin-treated MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. A Gene Ontology analysis revealed that the DEGs, including AP2B1, APP, GPNMB and DLST, mainly functioned as oncogenes. The human protein atlas database also found that AP2B1, APP, GPNMB and DLST were highly expressed in breast cancer and that AP2B1 (cut-off value, 75%) was significantly associated with survival rate (p = 0.044). In addition, a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed that the DEGs were involved in T-cell leukemia virus 1 infection and differentiation. On the whole, the findings of the present study provide a scientific basis that may be used to evaluate the potential benefits of luteolin in human breast cancer. Further studies are required, however, to fully elucidate the role of the related molecular pathways.
Reconstitution of the Climate in the Municipality of Guimarães (Northern Portugal): A Regional Approach Based on Historical Information and the Record of Measured Data
Authors: Nunes Leonel J.R.
Published: May 2022

Climate change is a global phenomenon that has become a focus of concern for society, mainly due to its impacts on daily lives. Despite being a global issue that affects the entire planet, these effects are not felt in the same way in all regions, so the analysis of processes from a regional or local perspective allows a better adaptation of populations to the new reality, as well as being used as a supporting tool for decision making when implementing mitigation measures. For the present analysis, a region in Northern Portugal was chosen, which is in the Mediterranean region, considered one of the hot spots for climate change. In this region of Entre Douro e Minho, more specifically in the municipality of Guimarães, the climate of the last centuries was reconstructed based on documentary information and recent data collected and modeled for the region under study. The results show a successive alternation of hot and dry periods with colder and wetter ones, where climate instability seems to be the dominant trend over the last thousand years. Currently, with the advent of a new period of climatic instability, which, unlike the periods verified previously, now have an anthropic origin, there is a tendency for a new period to occur, in which conditions will tend to be hotter and drier. Knowing this trend in advance allows informed decisions to be made to mitigate some problems that can be associated with these conditions, such as the increase in the risk of wildfires, the proliferation of invasive species, the decrease in agriculture and forests productivity, or even the occurrence of extreme weather events.