bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Morphing Deployable Mechanism for Re-Entry Capsule Aeroshell
Authors: Dimino Ignazio , Vendittozzi Cristian , Reis Silva William , Ameduri Salvatore , Concilio Antonio
Published: February 2023

Morphing technology is increasingly emerging as a novel and alternative approach for performing the controlled re-entry and precise landing of space vehicles by using adaptive aeroshell structure designs. This work is intended as a preliminary conceptual design of an innovative shape-changing mechanism for the controlled re-entry and safe recovery of CubeSat class systems aimed at recovering payloads and data from LEO at low cost for post flight inspections and experimentations. Such an adaptive and mechanically deployable aeroshell consists of a multi-hinge assembly based on a set of finger-like articulations having two-modal capabilities. The deployable surface can be modulated by a single translational actuator in order to adapt the lift-to-drag ratio for guided entry. Furthermore, once deployed, the system can activate eight small movable aerodynamic flaps that can be individually morphed via an SMA-based actuation to enhance the capsule maneuverability during the re-entry trajectory, by using exclusively aerodynamic forces to guarantee additional precision in landing. Multi-body simulations on retraction/deployment of the system are addressed to investigate the most critical aspects for actual implementation of the concept. Additionally, the morphing behavior and the control effect of the shape memory alloy actuation are preliminary assessed through parametric analysis. This paper is framed within a scientific cooperation between Italy and Brazil in the framework of the SPLASH project, funded in part for the Italian side by a grant from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), and by CONFAP through the involved State Funding Agencies (FAPs) for the Brazilian side.
Giovanna Garzoni Miniaturist at the Savoy Court: Imaging and Materials Investigations to Discover the Painting Technique
Authors: Gargano Marco , Interlenghi Matteo , Cavaleri Tiziana , Salvatore Christian , Ludwig Nicola , Castiglioni Isabella
Published: February 2023

The exhibition “The Ladies of Art”, held at the Palazzo Reale in Milan in 2021, focused on the history of women artists during the 16th and 17th centuries. As part of the exhibition, a series of diagnostic analyses have been carried out on two paintings, thanks to the collaboration of several research institutions. The considered artworks consist of two paintings on parchments, realized by Giovanna Garzoni at the Savoy Court in the 17th century. Diagnostic analyses were performed using different, complementary, and non-invasive techniques: high-resolution multiband imaging, hyperspectral imaging, optical microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, and FORS spectrometry, combined with advanced post-processing techniques, in order to map and distinguish the pigments and the underdrawing of both the paintings. This research is the first conducted on these paintings and one of the few on the entire works of this important miniaturist. The results showed an incredibly meticulous painting technique, with a detailed metal point underdrawing and painstaking brushstrokes to describe the details with a high degree of realism. Precious materials, such as gold and lapislazuli, were identified and mapped. The findings of this work represent a new contribution of knowledge, which helps to lessen the lack of information for systematic studies on the artistic production of G. Garzoni.
MDIFL: Robust Federated Learning Based on Malicious Detection and Incentives
Authors: Wu Ruolan , Chen Yuling , Tan Chaoyue , Luo Yun
Published: February 2023

Federated Learning (FL) is an emerging distributed framework that enables clients to conduct distributed learning and globally share models without requiring data to leave the local. In the FL process, participants are required to contribute data resources and computing resources for model training. However, the traditional FL lacks security guarantees and is vulnerable to attacks and damages by malicious adversaries. In addition, the existing incentive methods lack fairness to participants. Therefore, accurately identifying and preventing malicious nodes from doing evil, while effectively selecting and incentivizing participants, plays a vital role in improving the security and performance of FL. In this paper, we propose a Robust Federated Learning Based on Malicious Detection and Incentives (MDIFL). Specifically, MDIFL first uses a gradient similarity to calculate reputation, thereby maintaining the reputation of participants and identifying malicious opponents, and then designs an effective incentive mechanism based on contract theory to achieve collaborative fairness. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed MDIFL can not only preferentially select and effectively motivate high-quality participants, but also correctly identify malicious adversaries, achieve fairness, and improve model performance.
Neural Network-Based Reference Block Quality Enhancement for Motion Compensation Prediction
Authors: Chu Yanhan , Yuan Hui , Jiang Shiqi , Fu Congrui
Published: February 2023

Inter prediction is a crucial part of hybrid video coding frameworks, and it is used to eliminate redundancy in adjacent frames and improve coding performance. During inter prediction, motion estimation is used to find the reference block that is most similar to the current block, and the following motion compensation is used to shift the reference block fractionally to obtain the prediction block. The closer the reference block is to the original block, the higher the coding efficiency is. To improve the quality of reference blocks, a quality enhancement network (RBENN) that is dedicated to reference blocks is proposed. The main body of the network consists of 10 residual modules, with two convolution layers for preprocessing and feature extraction. Each residual module consists of two convolutional layers, one ReLU activation, and a shortcut. The network uses the luma reference block as input before motion compensation, and the enhanced reference block is then filtered by the default fractional interpolation. Moreover, the proposed method can be used for both conventional motion compensation and affine motion compensation. Experimental results showed that RBENN could achieve a −1.35% BD rate on average under the low-delay P (LDP) configuration compared with the latest H.266/VVC.
Investigation of Annealing Process Effects on the Response and Stability of Sprayed Co2SnO4 Film under Ethanol Vapor
Authors: Labidi Ahmed
Published: February 2023

The ethanol (C2H5OH) vapor detection properties of a layer of cubic spinel cobalt stannate as-prepared Co2SnO4 (denoted as CTOas), elaborated by a low-cost spray pyrolysis method, were investigated before and after an annealing process. The response of layers under ethanol vapors of different concentrations exhibited a stable behavior in a dry atmosphere at the optimum working temperatures. The elaborated nanomaterials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), direct current measurement (DC) and impedance spectroscopy techniques (AC). After the annealing process of pure CTOas, an n-type to p-type conductivity switch was observed and attributed to Co3O4 apparition in the Co2SnO4 structure. The layer’s ethanol response increased and became more stable after annealing. The stability was measured over a period of three months. DC and AC investigations allowed us to propose a detection mechanism involving grain boundary regions in a Co2SnO4/Co3O4 composite obtained after annealing (denoted as CTOann). According to its stable and receivable sensing response, the Co2SnO4/Co3O4 composite could be considered as a promising novel sensitive layer for ethanol gas sensors.
Development of a Multiple RGB-D Sensor System for ADHD Screening and Improvement of Classification Performance Using Feature Selection Method
Authors: Lee Deok-Won , Lee Sang-hyub , Ahn Dong Hyun , Lee Ga Hyun , Jun Kooksung , Kim Mun Sang
Published: February 2023

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mixed behavioral disorder that exhibits symptoms, such as carelessness and hyperactivity–impulsivity. To date, existing ADHD diagnosis methods rely on observations by observers, such as parents and teachers, which limits the ability to reflect objective evaluation. In this study, to overcome this limitation, we proposed a multiple RGB-D sensor system that can objectively measure the amount of action and attention of children playing a robot-led game. In addition, a classifier was developed to classify children into ADHD, ADHD risk, and normal groups using the multilayer perceptron and data obtained through sensors. The effectiveness of the developed system for ADHD screening was verified. In this study, the priority of abnormal behavior indicators designed for ADHD screening was measured, the features with the highest priority were selected using a feature selection method. Eight hundred and twenty-eight children participated and were classified into the ADHD, ADHD risk, and normal groups, and the results were compared with the diagnosis by clinicians. The proposed system achieved sensitivity of 97.06% and 100%, and specificity of 96.42% and 94.68% in the ADHD and ADHD risk groups, respectively.
Chemical Composition and Palatability of Nutraceutical Dog Snacks
Authors: Kępińska-Pacelik Jagoda , Biel Wioletta , Mizielińska Małgorzata , Iwański Robert
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate self-produced nutraceutical treats, taking into account the nutritional preferences of dogs, and to analyze the proximate composition, macrominerals and trace elements content. Four variants of snacks were prepared—two extruded and two baked. The snacks consisted of wholegrain buckwheat flour, wholegrain spelt flour, banded cricket meal, dried hemp inflorescences, dry spirulina biomass, linseed (in the case of baked snacks) and guar gum (in the case of extruded snacks). The proximate composition was determined according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods. Mineral and heavy metal content was analyzed by colorimetry and mass spectrometry. The extruded and baked snacks were analyzed with a scanning electron microscope. The two-bowl test was used as the palatability test. It should be mentioned that when comparing baked snacks to the extruded ones, spaces between starch granules and protein were less visible in the baked snacks but air bubbles were observed suggesting a higher expansion. The mean level of crude fat was twice as high in the baked snacks compared to the extruded snacks. In the case of total carbohydrates, the extruded snacks had a higher content compared to the baked. The analyses showed differences in terms of magnesium content. The average content of trace elements was significantly higher in baked snacks than in the extruded snacks. Dogs preferred the baked variant and the difference between the buckwheat flour content also influenced their preferences—variants richer in buckwheat were chosen less often. This could probably be related to the bitterness in the variant with a higher content of buckwheat flour, which translated into less frequent selection of this variant by dogs. Treats containing insect meal and spirulina can be used in dog nutrition due to their good nutritional value and potential health benefits.
Uncertainty of Estimated Rainflow Damage in Stationary Random Loadings and in Those Stationary per partes
Authors: Marques Julian M. E. , Benasciutti Denis , Papuga Jan , Růžička Milan
Published: February 2023

The uncertainty of rainflow fatigue damage is evaluated for stationary loadings and for non-stationary switching loadings with a finite number of stationary states. The approach is based on confidence intervals constructed after direct analysis of stress-time histories. The accuracy of confidence intervals is verified first by numerical simulations, and then by experimental data measured in a mountain bike traveling under various driving and road surface conditions, yielding stationary and non-stationary switching loadings. Stationarity and non-stationarity of loading records is checked by a statistical method (run test). In experiments, a small set of records (validation set) is also collected and used to approximate the expected damage, which serves for verification purposes. Not only do numerical and experimental results confirm the correctness of the proposed confidence interval for damage, but they also emphasize its usefulness in real engineering applications.
Asymptotic Solutions for Equatorial Waves on Venus
Authors: Peralta Javier
Published: February 2023

The atmosphere of Venus exhibits equatorial planetary-scale waves that are suspected to play an important role in its complex atmospheric circulation. Due to its particularly long sidereal day (243 terrestrial days against 24 h for the Earth), the Venusian waves must be described with the momentum equations for a cyclostrophic regime, but efforts to derive analytical wave solutions have been scarce. Following a classic approach for the terrestrial quasi-geostrophic regime, I present analytical solutions for equatorial waves in the atmosphere of Venus, assuming a single layer of a homogeneous incompressible fluid with a free surface and focusing on two asymptotic cases described by the ratio of their non-dimensional frequency and zonal wavenumber. One of the dispersion relations that has been obtained describes waves on a small spatial scale propagating upstream relative to the zonal flow, which is associated with a Rossby-type wave called “centrifugal”. The solutions for the other asymptotic case were interpreted as inertio-surface waves, which describe planetary-scale waves that can propagate “upstream” and “downstream” relative to the zonal winds and have null group velocity. These new wave solutions stress relevant differences between waves in geostrophic and cyclostrophic regimes and may be applicable to Saturn’s moon, Titan, and Venus-like exoplanets.
Boundary Value Problems for Fractional Differential Equations of Caputo Type and Ulam Type Stability: Basic Concepts and Study
Authors: Agarwal Ravi P. , Hristova Snezhana , O’Regan Donal
Published: February 2023

Boundary value problems are very applicable problems for different types of differential equations and stability of solutions, which are an important qualitative question in the theory of differential equations. There are various types of stability, one of which is the so called Ulam-type stability, and it is a special type of data dependence of solutions of differential equations. For boundary value problems, this type of stability requires some additional understanding, and, in connection with this, we discuss the Ulam-Hyers stability for different types of differential equations, such as ordinary differential equations and generalized proportional Caputo fractional differential equations. To propose an appropriate idea of Ulam-type stability, we consider a boundary condition with a parameter, and the value of the parameter depends on the chosen arbitrary solution of the corresponding differential inequality. Several examples are given to illustrate the theoretical considerations.
Performing Wash Trading on NFTs: Is the Game Worth the Candle?
Authors: Bonifazi Gianluca , Cauteruccio Francesco , Corradini Enrico , Marchetti Michele , Montella Daniele , Scarponi Simone , Ursino Domenico , Virgili Luca
Published: February 2023

Wash trading is considered a highly inopportune and illegal behavior in regulated markets. Instead, it is practiced in unregulated markets, such as cryptocurrency or NFT (Non-Fungible Tokens) markets. Regarding the latter, in the past many researchers have been interested in this phenomenon from an “ex-ante” perspective, aiming to identify and classify wash trading activities before or at the exact time they happen. In this paper, we want to investigate the phenomenon of wash trading in the NFT market from a completely different perspective, namely “ex-post”. Our ultimate goal is to analyze wash trading activities in the past to understand whether the game is worth the candle, i.e., whether these illicit activities actually lead to a significant profit for their perpetrators. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper in the literature that attempts to answer this question in a “structured” way. The efforts to answer this question have enabled us to make some additional contributions to the literature in this research area. They are: (i) a framework to support future “ex-post” analyses of the NFT wash trading phenomenon; (ii) a new dataset on wash trading transactions involving NFTs that can support further future investigations of this phenomenon; (iii) a set of insights of the NFT wash trading phenomenon extracted at the end of an experimental campaign.
Exploring the Role of Visual Guidance in Motor Imagery-Based Brain-Computer Interface: An EEG Microstate-Specific Functional Connectivity Study
Authors: Wang Tianjun , Chen Yun-Hsuan , Sawan Mohamad
Published: February 2023

Motor imagery-based brain–computer interfaces (BCI) have been widely recognized as beneficial tools for rehabilitation applications. Moreover, visually guided motor imagery was introduced to improve the rehabilitation impact. However, the reported results to support these techniques remain unsatisfactory. Electroencephalography (EEG) signals can be represented by a sequence of a limited number of topographies (microstates). To explore the dynamic brain activation patterns, we conducted EEG microstate and microstate-specific functional connectivity analyses on EEG data under motor imagery (MI), motor execution (ME), and guided MI (GMI) conditions. By comparing sixteen microstate parameters, the brain activation patterns induced by GMI show more similarities to ME than MI from a microstate perspective. The mean duration and duration of microstate four are proposed as biomarkers to evaluate motor condition. A support vector machine (SVM) classifier trained with microstate parameters achieved average accuracies of 80.27% and 66.30% for ME versus MI and GMI classification, respectively. Further, functional connectivity patterns showed a strong relationship with microstates. Key node analysis shows clear switching of key node distribution between brain areas among different microstates. The neural mechanism of the switching pattern is discussed. While microstate analysis indicates similar brain dynamics between GMI and ME, graph theory-based microstate-specific functional connectivity analysis implies that visual guidance may reduce the functional integration of the brain network during MI. Thus, we proposed that combined MI and GMI for BCI can improve neurorehabilitation effects. The present findings provide insights for understanding the neural mechanism of microstates, the role of visual guidance in MI tasks, and the experimental basis for developing new BCI-aided rehabilitation systems.
Transcriptome Profile Reveals Differences between Remote and Ischemic Myocardium after Acute Myocardial Infarction in a Swine Model
Authors: Pulido María , de Pedro María Ángeles , Álvarez Verónica , Marchena Ana María , Blanco-Blázquez Virginia , Báez-Díaz Claudia , Crisóstomo Verónica , Casado Javier G. , Sánchez-Margallo Francisco Miguel , López Esther
Published: February 2023

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the consequence of an acute interruption of myocardial blood flow delimiting an area with ischemic necrosis. The loss of cardiomyocytes initiates cardiac remodeling in the myocardium, leading to molecular changes in an attempt to recover myocardial function. The purpose of this study was to unravel the differences in the molecular profile between ischemic and remote myocardium after AMI in an experimental model. To mimic human myocardial infarction, healthy pigs were subjected to occlusion of the mid-left anterior descending coronary artery, and myocardial tissue was collected from ischemic and remote zones for omics techniques. Comparative transcriptome analysis of both areas was accurately validated by proteomic analysis, resulting in mitochondrion-related biological processes being the most impaired mechanisms in the infarcted area. Moreover, Immune system process-related genes were up-regulated in the remote tissue, mainly due to the increase of neutrophil migration in this area. These results provide valuable information regarding differentially expressed genes and their biological functions between ischemic and remote myocardium after AMI, which could be useful for establishing therapeutic targets for the development of new treatments.
Exploring Neurocognitive Deterioration in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Franzoni Ferdinando , Cammisuli Davide Maria , Scarfò Giorgia , Castelnuovo Gianluca
Published: February 2023

Oxidative stress (OS) contributes to cerebral biochemical impairment and is defined as the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant potential of neuronal cells pertaining brain activity [...]
CXCL12 and CXCR4 as Novel Biomarkers in Uric Acid-Induced Inflammation and Patients with Gouty Arthritis
Authors: Kim Seong-Kyu , Choe Jung-Yoon , Park Ki-Yeun
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand CXCL12 in patients with gout and uric acid-induced inflammation. A total of 40 patients with intercritical gout and 27 controls were consecutively enrolled. The serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-18, CXCL12, and CXCR4 were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The gene and protein expressions for these target molecules were measured in human U937 cells incubated with monosodium urate (MSU) crystals using a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Patients with intercritical gout showed higher serum IL-1β, IL-18, and CXCL12 levels, but not the serum CXCR4 level, than in the controls.The serum CXCR4 level in gout patients was associated with the serum IL-18 level, uric acid level, and uric acid/creatinine ratio (r = 0.331, p = 0.037; r = 0.346, p = 0.028; and r = 0.361, p = 0.022, respectively). U937 cells treated with MSU crystals significantly induced the CXCL12 and CXCR4 mRNA and protein expression in addition to IL-1β and IL-18. In cells transfected with IL-1β siRNA or IL-18 siRNA, the CXCL12 and CXCR4 expression was downregulated compared with the non-transfected cells in MSU crystal-induced inflammation. In this study, we revealed that CXCL12 and CXCR4 were involved in the pathogenesis of uric acid-induced inflammation and gouty arthritis.
Epigenetic Regulators of DNA Cytosine Modification: Promising Targets for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Jung Inkyung , An Jungeun , Ko Myunggon
Published: February 2023

Epigenetic modifications are crucial regulators of gene expression that critically impact cell lineage differentiation, survival, and proliferation, and dysregulations are commonly observed in various cancers. The aberrantly modified epigenome confers unique features on tumor cells, including sustained proliferative potential, resistance to growth-suppressive or cell death signals, augmented replicative immortality, invasion, and metastasis. As a result, epigenetic abnormalities exhibit significant impacts on all stages of oncogenesis from its onset to progression to metastasis. Among various epigenetic mechanisms in mammals, DNA cytosine methylation–demethylation is recurrently disrupted in cancers. Due to its inherent reversibility, targeting DNA methylation dynamics has gained tremendous attention as a promising therapeutic option that can ameliorate the effects of cancer-specific epigenetic abnormalities by restoring normal conditions. Various small molecules targeting DNA (de)methylation regulators have been developed as potential cancer therapeutics, some of which are approved for usage in clinics. Clinical trials of many other molecules are underway for both hematological malignancies and solid tumors. In this review, we discuss the DNA methylation/demethylation pathway as a promising target for therapeutic intervention in cancer and highlight the development of various epigenetic drugs targeting DNA-modifying enzymes such as DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes.
Breaking a Vicious Circle: Lymphangiogenesis as a New Therapeutic Target in Wound Healing
Authors: Renò Filippo , Sabbatini Maurizio
Published: February 2023

The lymphatic system is of fundamental importance in maintaining a fluid balance in the body and tissue homeostasis; it drains protein-rich lymph from the interstitial space and facilitates the release of cells that mediate the immune response. When one tissue is damaged, more cells and tissues work to repair the damaged site. Blood and lymph vessels are particularly important for tissue regeneration and healing. Angiogenesis is the process of the formation of new blood vessels and is induced by angiogenic factors such as VEGF-A; VEGF-C/D-induced lymphangiogenesis and both occur simultaneously during wound healing. After the inflammatory phase, lymphatic vessels suppress inflammation by aiding in the drainage of inflammatory mediators; thus, disorders of the lymphatic system often result in chronic and disabling conditions. It has recently been clarified that delayed wound healing, as in diabetes, can occur as a consequence of impaired lymphangiogenesis. In this review, we have highlighted recent advances in understanding the biology underlying lymphangiogenesis and its key role in wound healing, and the possibility of its pharmacological modulation as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of chronic wounds.
Emerging Therapy for Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: From Molecular Mechanism to Clinical Practice
Authors: Hsuan Chin-Feng , Teng Sean I. F. , Hsu Chih-Neng , Liao Daniel , Chang Allen Jiun-Wei , Lee Hsiao-Lin , Hee Siow-Wey , Chang Yi-Cheng , Chuang Lee-Ming
Published: February 2023

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is characterized by abnormal myocardial structure or performance in the absence of coronary artery disease or significant valvular heart disease in patients with diabetes mellitus. The spectrum of diabetic cardiomyopathy ranges from subtle myocardial changes to myocardial fibrosis and diastolic function and finally to symptomatic heart failure. Except for sodium–glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors and possibly bariatric and metabolic surgery, there is currently no specific treatment for this distinct disease entity in patients with diabetes. The molecular mechanism of diabetic cardiomyopathy includes impaired nutrient-sensing signaling, dysregulated autophagy, impaired mitochondrial energetics, altered fuel utilization, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, advanced glycation end-products, inflammation, impaired calcium homeostasis, abnormal endothelial function and nitric oxide production, aberrant epidermal growth factor receptor signaling, the activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and sympathetic hyperactivity, and extracellular matrix accumulation and fibrosis. Here, we summarize several important emerging treatments for diabetic cardiomyopathy targeting specific molecular mechanisms, with evidence from preclinical studies and clinical trials.
Multi-Scopic Cognitive Memory System for Continuous Gesture Learning
Authors: Dou Wenbang , Chin Weihong , Kubota Naoyuki
Published: February 2023

With the advancement of artificial intelligence technologies in recent years, research on intelligent robots has progressed. Robots are required to understand human intentions and communicate more smoothly with humans. Since gestures can have a variety of meanings, gesture recognition is one of the essential issues in communication between robots and humans. In addition, robots need to learn new gestures as humans grow. Moreover, individual gestures vary. Because catastrophic forgetting occurs in training new data in traditional gesture recognition approaches, it is necessary to preserve the prepared data and combine it with further data to train the model from scratch. We propose a Multi-scopic Cognitive Memory System (MCMS) that mimics the lifelong learning process of humans and can continuously learn new gestures without forgetting previously learned gestures. The proposed system comprises a two-layer structure consisting of an episode memory layer and a semantic memory layer, with a topological map as its backbone. The system is designed with reference to conventional continuous learning systems in three ways: (i) using a dynamic architecture without setting the network size, (ii) adding regularization terms to constrain learning, and (iii) generating data from the network itself and performing relearning. The episode memory layer clusters the data and learns their spatiotemporal representation. The semantic memory layer generates a topological map based on task-related inputs and stores them as longer-term episode representations in the robot’s memory. In addition, to alleviate catastrophic forgetting, the memory replay function can reinforce memories autonomously. The proposed system could mitigate catastrophic forgetting and perform continuous learning by using both machine learning benchmark datasets and real-world data compared to conventional methods.
A Novel Peptide-Based Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies
Authors: Bulut Aliye , Temur Betul Z. , Kirimli Ceyhun E. , Gok Ozgul , Balcioglu Bertan K. , Ozturk Hasan U. , Uyar Neval Y. , Kanlidere Zeynep , Kocagoz Tanil , Can Ozge
Published: February 2023

The need for rapidly developed diagnostic tests has gained significant attention after the recent pandemic. Production of neutralizing antibodies for vaccine development or antibodies to be used in diagnostic tests usually require the usage of recombinant proteins representing the infectious agent. However, peptides that can mimic these recombinant proteins may be rapidly utilized, especially in emergencies such as the recent outbreak. Here, we report two peptides that mimic the receptor binding domain of the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and investigate their binding behavior against the corresponding human immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M (IgG and IgM) antibodies in a clinical sample using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor. These peptides were immobilized on a QCM sensor surface, and their binding behavior was studied against a clinical serum sample that was previously determined to be IgG and IgM-positive. It was determined that designed peptides bind to SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a clinical sample. These peptides might be useful for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using different methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or lateral flow assays. A similar platform might prove to be useful for the detection and development of antibodies in other infections.
What Drives Animal Fluency Performance in Cantonese-Speaking Chinese Patients with Adult-Onset Psychosis?
Authors: Hui Christy Lai-Ming , See Sally Hiu-Wah , Chiu Tsz-Ching , Pintos Andrea Stephanie , Kroyer Johanna M. , Suen Yi-Nam , Lee Edwin Ho-Ming , Chan Sherry Kit-Wa , Chang Wing-Chung , Elvevåg Brita , Chen Eric Yu-Hai
Published: February 2023

Among the numerous studies investigating semantic factors associated with functioning in psychotic patients, most have been conducted on western populations. By contrast, the current cross-sectional study involved native Cantonese-speaking Chinese participants. Using the category fluency task, we compared performance between patients and healthy participants and examined clinical and sociodemographic correlates. First-episode psychosis patients (n = 356) and gender- and age-matched healthy participants (n = 35) were asked to generate as many ‘animals’ as they could in a minute. As expected, patients generated fewer correct responses (an average of 15.5 vs. 22.9 words), generated fewer clusters (an average of 3.7 vs. 5.4 thematically grouped nouns), switched less between clusters (on average 8.0 vs. 11.9 switches) and, interestingly, produced a larger percentage of Chinese zodiac animals than healthy participants (an average of 37.7 vs. 24.2). However, these significant group differences in the clusters and switches disappeared when the overall word production was controlled for. Within patients, education was the strongest predictor of category fluency performance (namely the number of correct responses, clusters, and switches). The findings suggest that an overall slowness in patients may account for the group differences in category fluency performance rather than any specific abnormality per se.
Electrophysiological and Neuropsychological Indices of Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Insomnia and Severe Benzodiazepine Use Disorder
Authors: Castelnovo Anna , Miano Silvia , Ferri Raffaele , Raggi Alberto , Maestri Michelangelo , Bottasini Valentina , Anelli Matteo , Zucconi Marco , Castronovo Vincenza , Ferini-Strambi Luigi , Manconi Mauro
Published: February 2023

Benzodiazepine (BDZ) misuse is a growing health problem, with 1–2% of patients under BDZ treatment meeting the criteria for use disorder or dependence. Although BDZ addiction potential has been known for decades, much remains unknown its effects on brain functions. The aim of this study was to assess the neuropsychological and neurophysiological profile of a group of chronic insomniacs taking long-term high doses of benzodiazepine. We recruited 17 consecutive patients admitted to our third-level Sleep Medicine Unit for drug discontinuation (7 males, mean age 49.2 ± 11.2 years, mean education 13.7 ± 3.9 years, mean daily diazepam-equivalent BDZ: 238.1 ± 84.5 mg) and 17 gender/age-matched healthy controls (7 males, mean age 46.8 ± 14.1 years, mean education 13.5 ± 4.5 years). We performed a full neuropsychological evaluation of all subjects and recorded their scalp event-related potentials (Mismatch-Passive Oddball-Paradigm and Active Oddball P300 Paradigm). Patients with chronic insomnia and BDZ use disorder showed a profound frontal lobe executive dysfunction with significant impairment in the cognitive flexibility domain, in face of a preserved working, short and long-term memory. In patients, P300 amplitude tended to be smaller, mainly over the frontal regions, compared to controls. BDZ use disorder has a severe cognitive impact on chronic insomnia patients. Long-term high-dose BDZ intake should be carefully evaluated and managed by clinicians in this specific patient population, especially in relation to risky activities.
Mental Fatigue Is Associated with Subjective Cognitive Decline among Older Adults
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Sun McKenna Angela , Sun Qiuzi , Mei Hua , Rao Hengyi , Liu Jianghong
Published: February 2023

Both Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) and mental fatigue are becoming increasingly prevalent as global demographics shifts indicate our aging populations. SCD is a reversible precursor for Alzheimer’s disease, and early identification is important for effective intervention strategies. We aim to investigate the association between mental fatigue—as well as other factors—and SCD. A total of 707 old adults (aged from 60 to 99) from Shanghai, China, participated in this study and completed self-reported instruments covering their cognitive and mental status as well as demographic information. Mental fatigue status was assessed by using four items derived from the functional impairment syndrome of the Old Adult Self Report (OASR). SCD was assessed by using the Memory/Cognition syndrome of OASR. A total of 681 old adults were included in the current study. The means of SCD significantly differed between each group of factors (age, gender, and mental fatigue). The general linear regression models showed that SCD increased with age, females scored higher than males, and SCD was positively associated with mental fatigue factors including difficulty getting things done, poor task performance, sleeping more, and a lack of energy among old adults. The study also found that SCD is negatively associated with the high-income group among young-old (aged from 60 to 75) males and associated with good marital/living status with the companion of spouses/partners among young-old females. These results suggest that gender, income level, marital/living status, and mental fatigue are crucial factors in preventing SCD among old adults and are pivotal in developing early intervention strategies to preserve the mental health of an increasingly aging population.
A Comparative Study of Acoustic Regulations for Hospital Bedrooms in Selected Countries in Europe
Authors: Rasmussen Birgit , Carrascal Teresa , Secchi Simone
Published: February 2023

Regulatory acoustic requirements for hospitals exist in several countries in Europe, but many countries have either no or few regulatory limits or only recommendations. The purpose of limit values is to ensure optimal acoustic conditions for the patients under treatment and for the personnel for the various tasks taking place in many different rooms, e.g., bedrooms, examination and treatment rooms, corridors, stairwells, waiting and reception areas, canteens, offices, all with different acoustic needs. In addition, some rooms require special considerations such as psychiatric rooms and noisy MR-scanning rooms. The extent of limit values varies considerably between countries. Some specify few, others specify several criteria. The findings from a comparative study carried out by the authors in selected countries in various geographical parts of Europe show a diversity of acoustic descriptors and limit values. This paper includes updated criteria for reverberation time, airborne and impact sound insulation, noise from traffic and from service equipment for hospital bedrooms. The discrepancies between countries are discussed, aiming at potential learning and implementation of improved limits. In addition to regulations or guidelines, some countries have hospitals included in national acoustic classification schemes with different acoustic quality levels. Indications of such class criteria are included in the paper.
Important Cells and Factors from Tumor Microenvironment Participated in Perineural Invasion
Authors: Chen Zirong , Fang Yan , Jiang Weihong
Published: February 2023

Perineural invasion (PNI) as the fourth way for solid tumors metastasis and invasion has attracted a lot of attention, recent research reported a new point that PNI starts to include axon growth and possible nerve “invasion” to tumors as the component. More and more tumor–nerve crosstalk has been explored to explain the internal mechanism for tumor microenvironment (TME) of some types of tumors tends to observe nerve infiltration. As is well known, the interaction of tumor cells, peripheral blood vessels, extracellular matrix, other non-malignant cells, and signal molecules in TME plays a key role in the occurrence, development, and metastasis of cancer, as to the occurrence and development of PNI. We aim to summarize the current theories on the molecular mediators and pathogenesis of PNI, add the latest scientific research progress, and explore the use of single-cell spatial transcriptomics in this invasion way. A better understanding of PNI may help to understand tumor metastasis and recurrence and will be beneficial for improving staging strategies, new treatment methods, and even paradigm shifts in our treatment of patients.
Detection Efficacy of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT in Biochemical Recurrence of Prostate Cancer with Very Low PSA Levels: A 7-Year, Two-Center “Real-World” Experience
Authors: Burgard Caroline , Hoffmann Manuela A. , Frei Madita , Buchholz Hans-Georg , Khreish Fadi , Marlowe Robert J. , Schreckenberger Mathias , Ezziddin Samer , Rosar Florian
Published: February 2023

In biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer (BCR), prompt tumor localization guides early treatment, potentially improving patient outcomes. Gallium-68 prostate-specific membrane antigen-11 positron emission tomography/computed tomography (68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT) detection rates of lesions suspicious for prostate cancer are well known to rise along with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration. However, published data are limited regarding very low values (≤0.2 ng/mL). We retrospectively analyzed ~7-year “real-world” experience in this setting in a large post-prostatectomy cohort (N = 115) from two academic clinics. Altogether 44 lesions were detected in 29/115 men (25.2%) (median [minimum–maximum] 1 [1–4]/positive scan). The apparent oligometastatic disease was found in nine patients (7.8%) at PSA as low as 0.03 ng/mL. Scan positivity rates were highest when PSA was >0.15 ng/mL, PSA doubling time was ≤12 months, or the Gleason score was ≥7b (in 83 and 107 patients, respectively, with available data); these findings were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.04), except regarding PSA level (p = 0.07). Given the benefits of promptly localizing recurrence, our observations suggest the potential value of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT in the very low PSA BCR setting, especially in cases with more rapid PSA doubling time or with high-risk histology.
Successful Lifetime/Long-Term Medical Treatment of Acid Hypersecretion in Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES): Myth or Fact? Insights from an Analysis of Results of NIH Long-Term Prospective Studies of ZES
Authors: Ito Tetsuhide , Ramos-Alvarez Irene , Jensen Robert T.
Published: February 2023

Analysis of the efficacy/pharmacology of long-term/lifetime medical treatment of acid hypersecretion in a large cohort of ZES patients in a prospective study. This study includes the results from all 303 patients with established ZES who were prospectively followed and received acid antisecretory treatment with either H2Rs or PPIs, with antisecretory doses individually titrated by the results of regular gastric acid testing. The study includes patients treated for short-term periods (<5 yrs), patients treated long-term (>5 yrs), and patients with lifetime treatment (30%) followed for up to 48 years (mean 14 yrs). Long-term/lifelong acid antisecretory treatment with H2Rs/PPIs can be successfully carried out in all patients with both uncomplicated and complicated ZES (i.e., with MEN1/ZES, previous Billroth 2, severe GERD). This is only possible if drug doses are individually set by assessing acid secretory control to establish proven criteria, with regular reassessments and readjustments. Frequent dose changes both upward and downward are needed, as well as regulation of the dosing frequency, and there is a primary reliance on the use of PPIs. Prognostic factors predicting patients with PPI dose changes are identified, which need to be studied prospectively to develop a useful predictive algorithm that could be clinically useful for tailored long-term/lifetime therapy in these patients.
Scanxiety among Adults with Cancer: A Scoping Review to Guide Research and Interventions
Authors: Derry-Vick Heather M. , Heathcote Lauren C. , Glesby Nina , Stribling Judy , Luebke Matthew , Epstein Andrew S. , Prigerson Holly G.
Published: February 2023

Background: Scan-related anxiety (“scanxiety”) is distressing to people living with and beyond cancer. We conducted a scoping review to promote conceptual clarity, identify research practices and gaps, and guide intervention strategies for adults with a current or prior cancer diagnosis. Methods: Following a systematic search, we screened 6820 titles and abstracts, evaluated 152 full-text articles, and selected 36 articles. Definitions, study designs, measurement methods, correlates, and consequences of scanxiety were extracted and summarized. Results: The reviewed articles included individuals living with current cancer (n = 17) and those in the post-treatment phase (n = 19), across a breadth of cancer types and disease stages. In five articles, authors explicitly defined scanxiety. Multiple components of scanxiety were described, including those related to scan procedures (e.g., claustrophobia, physical discomfort) and scan results (e.g., implications for disease status and treatment), suggesting varied intervention approaches may be needed. Twenty-two articles used quantitative methods, nine used qualitative methods, and five used mixed methods. In 17 articles, symptom measures specifically referenced cancer scans; 24 included general measures without reference to scans. Scanxiety tended to be higher among those with lower education levels, less time since diagnosis, and greater baseline anxiety levels (three articles each). Although scanxiety often decreased immediately pre- to post-scan (six articles), participants reported the waiting period between scan and results to be particularly stressful (six articles). Consequences of scanxiety included poorer quality of life and somatic symptoms. Scanxiety promoted follow-up care for some patients yet hindered it for others. Conclusions: Scanxiety is multi-faceted, heightened during the pre-scan and scan-to-results waiting periods, and associated with clinically meaningful outcomes. We discuss how these findings can inform future research directions and intervention approaches.
Association of Computed Tomography Measures of Muscle and Adipose Tissue and Progressive Changes throughout Treatment with Clinical Endpoints in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Khan Azim , Welman Christopher J. , Abed Afaf , O’Hanlon Susan , Redfern Andrew , Azim Sara , Lopez Pedro , Singh Favil , Khattak Adnan
Published: February 2023

To investigate the association between skeletal muscle mass and adiposity measures with disease-free progression (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced lung cancer receiving immunotherapy, we retrospectively analysed 97 patients (age: 67.5 ± 10.2 years) with lung cancer who were treated with immunotherapy between March 2014 and June 2019. From computed tomography scans, we assessed the radiological measures of skeletal muscle mass, and intramuscular, subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue at the third lumbar vertebra. Patients were divided into two groups based on specific or median values at baseline and changes throughout treatment. A total number of 96 patients (99.0%) had disease progression (median of 11.3 months) and died (median of 15.4 months) during follow-up. Increases of 10% in intramuscular adipose tissue were significantly associated with DFS (HR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.95) and OS (HR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.95), while increases of 10% in subcutaneous adipose tissue were associated with DFS (HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.95). These results indicate that, although muscle mass and visceral adipose tissue were not associated with DFS or OS, changes in intramuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissue can predict immunotherapy clinical outcomes in patients with advanced lung cancer.