bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Metacognitive and Psychological Factors in Learning-Induced Plasticity of Resting State Networks
Authors: Chirokoff Valentine , Di Scala Georges , Swendsen Joel , Dilharreguy Bixente , Berthoz Sylvie , Chanraud Sandra
Published: June 2022

While resting-state networks are able to rapidly adapt to experiences and stimuli, it is currently unknown whether metacognitive processes such as confidence in learning and psychological temperament may influence this process. We explore the neural traces of confidence in learning and their variability by: (1) targeting rs-networks in which functional connectivity (FC) modifications induced by a learning task were associated either with the participant’s performance or confidence in learning; and (2) investigating the links between FC changes and psychological temperament. Thirty healthy individuals underwent neuropsychological and psychometric evaluations as well as rs-fMRI scans before and after a visuomotor associative learning task. Confidence in learning was positively associated with the degree of FC changes in 11 connections including the cerebellar, frontal, parietal, and subcortical areas. Variability in FC changes was linked to the individual’s level of anxiety sensitivity. The present findings indicate that reconfigurations of resting state networks linked to confidence in learning differ from those linked to learning accuracy. In addition, certain temperament characteristics appear to influence these reconfigurations.
Future Treatment of Neuropathic Pain in Spinal Cord Injury: The Challenges of Nanomedicine, Supplements or Opportunities?
Authors: Forte Giuseppe , Giuffrida Valentina , Scuderi Angelica , Pazzaglia Mariella
Published: June 2022

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common chronic condition that severely affects patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It impairs the overall quality of life and is considered difficult to treat. Currently, clinical management of NP is often limited to drug therapy, primarily with opioid analgesics that have limited therapeutic efficacy. The persistence and intractability of NP following SCI and the potential health risks associated with opioids necessitate improved treatment approaches. Nanomedicine has gained increasing attention in recent years for its potential to improve therapeutic efficacy while minimizing toxicity by providing sensitive and targeted treatments that overcome the limitations of conventional pain medications. The current perspective begins with a brief discussion of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying NP and the current pain treatment for SCI. We discuss the most frequently used nanomaterials in pain diagnosis and treatment as well as recent and ongoing efforts to effectively treat pain by proactively mediating pain signals following SCI. Although nanomedicine is a rapidly growing field, its application to NP in SCI is still limited. Therefore, additional work is required to improve the current treatment of NP following SCI.
A Preliminary Evaluation of “GenDAI”, an AI-Assisted Laboratory Diagnostics Solution for Genomic Applications
Authors: Krause Thomas , Jolkver Elena , Bruchhaus Sebastian , Mc Kevitt Paul , Kramer Michael , Hemmje Matthias
Published: June 2022

Genomic data enable the development of new biomarkers in diagnostic laboratories. Examples include data from gene expression analyses or metagenomics. Artificial intelligence can help to analyze these data. However, diagnostic laboratories face various technical and regulatory challenges to harness these data. Existing software for genomic data is usually designed for research and does not meet the requirements for use as a diagnostic tool. To address these challenges, we recently proposed a conceptual architecture called “GenDAI”. An initial evaluation of “GenDAI” was conducted in collaboration with a small laboratory in the form of a preliminary study. The results of this pre-study highlight the requirement for and feasibility of the approach. The pre-study also yields detailed technical and regulatory requirements, use cases from laboratory practice, and a prototype called “PlateFlow” for exploring user interface concepts.
Shen Qi Wan Ameliorates Learning and Memory Impairment Induced by STZ in AD Rats through PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Huang Junhao , Xu Zhiwei , Chen Hongshu , Lin Yiyou , Wei Jiale , Wang Sichen , Yu Hongxia , Huang Shuo , Zhang Yehui , Li Changyu , Zhou Xiaojie
Published: June 2022

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of neurodegenerative disease, and increasing evidence shows that insulin signaling has crucial roles in AD initiation and progression. In this study, we explored the effect and underlying mechanism of SQW, a representative formula for tonifying the kidney and promoting yang, on improving the cognitive function in a streptozotocin-induced model of AD rats. We investigated memory impairment in the AD rats by using the Morris water test. HE and Nissl staining were employed to observe the histomorphological changes in the hippocampal. Expression levels of NeuN and proteins related to Tau and apoptosis were measured using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, respectively. Additionally, we performed RNA sequencing, and the selected hub genes were then validated by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of PI3K/AKT pathway-related proteins were detected by Western blot. We found that SQW treatment significantly alleviated learning and memory impairment, pathological damage, and apoptosis in rats, as evidenced by an increased level of NeuN and Bcl-2, and decreased phosphorylation of Tau, Bax, and Caspase-3 protein expression. SQW treatment reversed the expression of insulin resistance-related genes (Nr4a1, Lpar1, Bdnf, Atf2, and Ppp2r2b) and reduced the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Our results demonstrate that SQW could contribute to neuroprotection against learning and memory impairment in rats induced by STZ through activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Bone Turnover Marker (BTM) Changes after Denosumab in Giant Cell Tumors of Bone (GCTB): A Phase II Trial Correlative Study
Authors: Palmerini Emanuela , Pazzaglia Laura , Cevolani Luca , Pratelli Loredana , Pierini Michela , Quattrini Irene , Carretta Elisa , Manara Maria Cristina , Pasello Michela , Frega Giorgio , Paioli Anna , Longhi Alessandra , Cesari Marilena , Hakim Rossella , Ibrahim Toni , Campanacci Laura , Staals Eric Lodewijk , Donati Davide Maria , Benassi Maria Serena , Scotlandi Katia , Ferrari Stefano
Published: June 2022

Background: Giant cell tumors of bone (GCTB) are osteolytic tumors. Denosumab, a RANK-L inhibitor, is approved for GCTB. Data on serum bone turnover marker (sBTM) changes are lacking. We present a phase II correlative study on sBTMs in GCTB patients treated with denosumab. Methods: All GCTB patients receiving denosumab within a multicentre, open-label, phase 2 study were enrolled. Serum levels of carboxyterminal-crosslinked-telopeptide of type I collagen (s-CTX), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone-alkaline phosphatase (bALP), parathyroid hormone (sPTH), and osteocalcin (OCN) were prospectively assessed (baseline, T0, 3 months, T1, 6 months, T2). The primary endpoint was assessment of sBTM changes after denosumab; the secondary endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS) and sBTM correlation. Results: In 54 cases, sBTMs decreased during denosumab treatment except for sPTH. With a median follow-up of 59 months, 3-year DFS was 65% (%CI 52–79), with a significantly worse outcome for patients with high (≥500 UI/mL) s-CTX at baseline, as compared to low s-CTX (<500 UI/mL) (3-year DFS for high CTX 45% (95%CI 23–67) vs. 75% (95%CI 59–91) for low s-CTX. Higher median ALP and s-CTX were found for patients with tumor size ≥ 5 cm (p = 0.0512; p = 0.0589). Conclusion: Denosumab induces ALP/OCN and s-CTX reduction. High baseline s-CTX identifies a group of patients at higher risk of progression of the disease.
Metastatic Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma in the Era of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Therapies and Ongoing Trials
Authors: Zhuang Tony Zibo , Case Katherine , Olsen Timothy Anders , Brown Jacqueline T. , Carthon Bradley C. , Kucuk Omer , Goldman Jamie , Harris Wayne , Bilen Mehmet Asim , Nazha Bassel
Published: June 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are now the bedrock for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Clear cell RCC (ccRCC) represents the most common subtype of this malignancy. Herein, we explore the therapeutic landscape of ccRCC by discussing the standard of care whose backbone consists of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (VEGF). For ccRCC, pembrolizumab-axitinib, pembrolizumab-lenvatinib, and avelumab-axitinib or nivolumab-cabozantinib are now FDA-approved frontline options for all risk groups while nivolumab-ipilimumab is reserved for intermediate- and poor-risk groups. Monotherapy with pembrolizumab or nivolumab is a potential option for patients who are unable to take VEGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors. While outcomes have improved with the adoption of ICI therapies, many patients develop therapy-resistant disease, creating an unmet need for further investigation. The efficacy of novel therapies as well as novel combinations in the post-ICI era is unclear. This review summarizes the most significant clinical trials involving dual ICI/ICI and ICI/VEGFR therapies, in addition to other selected combination therapies that are likely to inform management in the near future.
Young-Onset Gastrointestinal Adenocarcinoma Incidence and Survival Trends in the Northern Territory, Australia, with Emphasis on Indigenous Peoples
Authors: Shepherdson Mia , Leemaqz Shalem , Singh Gurmeet , Ryder Courtney , Ullah Shahid , Canuto Karla , Young Joanne P. , Price Timothy J. , McKinnon Ross A. , Pandol Stephen J. , Roberts Claire T. , Barreto Savio George
Published: June 2022

Background and Aims: A concerning rise in incidence of young-onset cancers globally led to the examination of trends in incidence and survival of gastrointestinal (GI) adenocarcinomas in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia, over a 28-year period, with a special emphasis on Indigenous peoples. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis of a prospective longitudinal database, NT Cancer Registry (1990–2017), includes all reported cases of GI (oesophagus, gastric, small intestinal, pancreas, colon, and rectum) adenocarcinomas. Poisson regression was used to estimate incidence ratio ratios, and survival was modelled using Cox proportional hazard models separately for people aged 18–50 years and >50 years. Results: A total of 1608 cases of GI adenocarcinoma were recorded during the time of the study. While the overall incidence in people 18–50 years remained unchanged over this time (p = 0.51), the rate in individuals aged >50 years decreased (IRR = 0.65 (95% CI 0.56–0.75; p < 0.0001)). Incidence rates were significantly less in females >50 years (IRR = 0.67 95% CI 0.59–0.75; p < 0.0001), and their survival was significantly better (HR = 0.84 (95%CI 0.72–0.98; p < 0.03)) compared to males. Overall survival across all GI subsites improved in both age cohorts, especially between 2010 and 2017 (HR = 0.45 (95%CI 0.29–0.72; p < 0.0007) and HR = 0.64 (95%CI 0.52–0.78; p < 0.0001), respectively) compared to 1990–1999, driven by an improvement in survival in colonic adenocarcinoma alone, as the survival remained unchanged in other GI subsites. The incidence was significantly lower in Indigenous patients compared to non-Indigenous patients, in both age cohorts (18–50 years IRR = 0.68 95% CI 0.51–0.91; p < 0.009 and >50 years IRR = 0.48 95% CI 0.40–0.57; p < 0.0001). However, Indigenous patients had worse survival rates (18–50 years HR = 2.06 95% CI 1.36–3.11; p < 0.0007 and >50 years HR = 1.66 95% CI 1.32–2.08; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: There is a trend towards an increased incidence of young-onset GI adenocarcinomas in the NT. Young Indigenous patients have lower incidence but worse survival across all GI subsites, highlighting significant health inequities in life expectancy. Targeted, culturally safe Indigenous community-focussed programs are needed for early detection and patient-centred management of GI adenocarcinomas.
A Laboratory-Friendly CTC Identification: Comparable Double-Immunocytochemistry with Triple-Immunofluorescence
Authors: Sulaiman Raed , De Pradip , Aske Jennifer C. , Lin Xiaoqian , Dale Adam , Vaselaar Ethan , Koirala Nischal , Ageton Cheryl , Gaster Kris , Plorde Joshua , Solomon Benjamin , Thaemert Bradley , Meyer Paul , Espaillat Luis Rojas , Starks David , Dey Nandini
Published: June 2022

The source of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in the peripheral blood of patients with solid tumors are from primary cancer, metastatic sites, and a disseminated tumor cell pool. As 90% of cancer-related deaths are caused by metastatic progression and/or resistance-associated treatment failure, the above fact justifies the undeniable predictive and prognostic value of identifying CTC in the bloodstream at stages of the disease progression and resistance to treatment. Yet enumeration of CTC remains far from a standard routine procedure either for post-surgery follow-ups or ongoing adjuvant therapy. The most compelling explanation for this paradox is the absence of a convenient, laboratory-friendly, and cost-effective method to determine CTC. We presented a specific and sensitive laboratory-friendly parallel double-detection format method for the simultaneous isolation and identification of CTC from peripheral blood of 91 consented and enrolled patients with various malignant solid tumors of the lung, endometrium, ovary, esophagus, prostate, and liver. Using a pressure-guided method, we used the size-based isolation to capture CTC on a commercially available microfilter. CTC identification was carried out by two expression marker-based independent staining methods, double-immunocytochemistry parallel to standard triple-immunofluorescence. The choice of markers included specific markers for epithelial cells, EpCAM and CK8,18,19, and exclusion markers for WBC, CD45. We tested the method’s specificity based on the validation of the staining method, which included positive and negative spiked samples, blood from the healthy age-matched donor, healthy age-matched leucopaks, and blood from metastatic patients. Our user-friendly cost-effective CTC detection technique may facilitate the regular use of CTC detection even in community-based cancer centers for prognosis, before and after surgery.
The Machine-Learning-Mediated Interface of Microbiome and Genetic Risk Stratification in Neuroblastoma Reveals Molecular Pathways Related to Patient Survival
Authors: Li Xin , Wang Xiaoqi , Huang Ruihao , Stucky Andres , Chen Xuelian , Sun Lan , Wen Qin , Zeng Yunjing , Fletcher Hansel , Wang Charles , Xu Yi , Cao Huynh , Sun Fengzhu , Li Shengwen , Zhang Xi , Zhong Jiang
Published: June 2022

Currently, most neuroblastoma patients are treated according to the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) risk group assignment; however, neuroblastoma’s heterogeneity renders only a few predictors for treatment response, resulting in excessive treatment. Here, we sought to couple COG risk classification with tumor intracellular microbiome, which is part of the molecular signature of a tumor. We determine that an intra-tumor microbial gene abundance score, namely M-score, separates the high COG-risk patients into two subpopulations (Mhigh and Mlow) with higher accuracy in risk stratification than the current COG risk assessment, thus sparing a subset of high COG-risk patients from being subjected to traditional high-risk therapies. Mechanistically, the classification power of M-scores implies the effect of CREB over-activation, which may influence the critical genes involved in cellular proliferation, anti-apoptosis, and angiogenesis, affecting tumor cell proliferation survival and metastasis. Thus, intracellular microbiota abundance in neuroblastoma regulates intracellular signals to affect patients’ survival.
Innate Immune Cell Death in Neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rajesh Yetirajam , Kanneganti Thirumala-Devi
Published: June 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder molecularly characterized by the formation of amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and type 2 microtubule-associated protein (Tau) abnormalities. Multiple studies have shown that many of the brain’s immunological cells, specifically microglia and astrocytes, are involved in AD pathogenesis. Cells of the innate immune system play an essential role in eliminating pathogens but also regulate brain homeostasis and AD. When activated, innate immune cells can cause programmed cell death through multiple pathways, including pyroptosis, apoptosis, necroptosis, and PANoptosis. The cell death often results in the release of proinflammatory cytokines that propagate the innate immune response and can eliminate Aβ plaques and aggregated Tau proteins. However, chronic neuroinflammation, which can result from cell death, has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases and can worsen AD. Therefore, the innate immune response must be tightly balanced to appropriately clear these AD-related structural abnormalities without inducing chronic neuroinflammation. In this review, we discuss neuroinflammation, innate immune responses, inflammatory cell death pathways, and cytokine secretion as they relate to AD. Therapeutic strategies targeting these innate immune cell death mechanisms will be critical to consider for future preventive or palliative treatments for AD.
Point of Care Ultrasound Identification of Multiple Rib Fractures in a Pediatric Patient with Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type 3
Authors: Quek Samuel Enci , James Vigil , Castillo Leodivica , Tan Ronald Ming Ren , Ong Gene Yong-Kwang
Published: June 2022

Patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) are at an increased risk of pathological rib fractures even if there is no history of trauma. Early and accurate identification of such fractures are crucial for appropriate management. We present a case of a child with OI type 3 with multiple rib fractures who presented with transient cyanosis and increased work of breathing without a history of significant trauma. The patient’s chest radiographs were reported to have a single, new right posterior fourth rib fracture and an old, healing anterior fourth rib fracture. A point-of-care ultrasound performed by the attending pediatric emergency physician revealed additional findings of refracture over the old right anterior fourth rib fracture site and a new left posterior third rib fracture. These findings of multiple and bilateral rib fractures better account for the patient’s initial presentation. This case highlights the added advantages of ultrasound over conventional chest radiographs in the evaluation and diagnosis of a tachypnoeic pediatric patient with underlying metabolic bone disease and a complex skeletal structure with multiple pathological rib fractures but no chest tenderness.
ALARA in Pediatric Electrophysiology Laboratory
Authors: Singh Harinder R.
Published: June 2022

The effects of radiation on patients and the providers are dose-dependent and cumulative. Pediatric patients are not only more sensitive to radiation but also may undergo more procedures and diagnostic tests throughout their lifetime. As providers, the endeavor is to cause no harm and it behooves us to either eliminate or minimize the radiation exposure to patients without affecting the efficacy and outcomes of the diagnostic or therapeutic modalities. Pediatric electrophysiologists have taken the lead in attempting to minimize the radiation exposure to patients and staff with innovative and advanced techniques. The techniques range from minimizing the exposure to radiation with better understanding and applications of the physics associated with fluoroscopic imaging to using alternative imaging modalities that do not use radiation.
Hemin with Peroxidase Activity Can Inhibit the Oxidative Damage Induced by Ultraviolet A
Authors: Hui Wenli , Yang Zhipeng , Fang Ke , Wu Mengdi , Mu Wenhua , Zhao Cong , Xue Dan , Zhu Tengteng , Li Xiao , Gao Ming , Lu Yunhua , Yan Kunping
Published: June 2022

Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), a highly reactive substance that contains oxygen, induced by ultraviolet A (UVA) cause oxidative damage to skin. We confirmed that hemin can catalyze the reaction of tyrosine (Tyr) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Catalysis was found to effectively reduce or eliminate oxidative damage to cells induced by H2O2 or UVA. The scavenging effects of hemin for other free-radical ROS were also evaluated through pyrogallol autoxidation, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH·)-scavenging assays, and phenanthroline–Fe2+ assays. The results show that a mixture of hemin and tyrosine exhibits strong scavenging activities for H2O2, superoxide anion (O2−·), DPPH·, and the hydroxyl radical (·OH). Furthermore, the inhibition of oxidative damage to human skin keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells induced by H2O2 or UVA was evaluated. The results show that catalysis can significantly reduce the ratio of cell apoptosis and death and inhibit the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), as well as accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, the resistance to apoptosis was found to be enhanced. These results show that the mixture of hemin and tyrosine has a significantly protective effect against oxidative damage to HaCaT cells caused by UVA, suggesting it as a protective agent for combating UVA damage.
Current and Future Perspectives of Cell-Free DNA in Liquid Biopsy
Authors: Liu Shicai , Wang Jinke
Published: June 2022

A liquid biopsy is a minimally invasive or non-invasive method to analyze a range of tumor material in blood or other body fluids, including circulating tumor cells (CTCs), cell-free DNA (cfDNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and exosomes, which is a very promising technology. Among these cancer biomarkers, plasma cfDNA is the most widely used in clinical practice. Compared with a tissue biopsy of traditional cancer diagnosis, in assessing tumor heterogeneity, a liquid biopsy is more reliable because all tumor sites release cfDNA into the blood. Therefore, a cfDNA liquid biopsy is less invasive and comprehensive. Moreover, the development of next-generation sequencing technology makes cfDNA sequencing more sensitive than a tissue biopsy, with higher clinical applicability and wider application. In this publication, we aim to review the latest perspectives of cfDNA liquid biopsy clinical significance and application in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. We introduce the sequencing techniques and challenges of cfDNA detection, analysis, and clinical applications, and discuss future research directions.
Facile Fabrication of F-Doped SnO2 Nanomaterials for Improved Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Xiao Linfeng , Liao Runhua , Yang Shu , Qiu Yang , Wang Meng , Zhang Zheng , Du Jie , Xie Zhixiang
Published: June 2022

Non-metal doping introduces structural defects, which alter the metal oxide band gap, resulting in high photocatalytic performance. Herein, a F doped SnO2 was synthesized via a simple solvothermal method. Through adjusting the solvothermal time, surfactants and F doping ratio, the optimal sample was prepared. In addition, the as-prepared nano-powder was characterized and analyzed by X-Ray-Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Disperse Spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrum (FT-IR). Interestingly, the results of photocatalytic degradation showed that the degradation rate of rhodamine B (Rh B) reached 92.9% in 25 min after a 5-hour solvent heat treatment with polyethylene glycol (PEG) surfactant and F doping ratio of n(F):n(Sn) = 1:15. Through the study of photocatalytic performance, we found that F-doped SnO2 has high photocatalytic activity during a short time and its development potential in the field of photocatalysis, which provides a strong support for our further study of its practical application.
Investigation of Thermal Shock Behavior of Multilayer Thermal Barrier Coatings with Superior Erosion Resistance Prepared by Atmospheric Plasma Spraying
Authors: Yang Zining , Yang Kai , Wang Weize , Yang Ting , Fang Huanjie , Qiang Linya , Zhang Xiancheng , Zhang Chengcheng
Published: June 2022

Gadolinium zirconate (GZ) has become a promising thermal barrier coating (TBC) candidate material for high-temperature applications because of its excellent high-temperature phase stability and low thermal conductivity compared to yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The double-ceramic-layered (DCL) coating comprised of GZ and YSZ was confirmed to possess better durability. However, the particle-erosion resistance of GZ is poor due to its low fracture toughness. In this study, a novel erosion-resistant layer, an Al2O3-GdAlO3 (AGAP) amorphous layer, was deposited as the top layer to resist erosion. Three triple-ceramic-layer (TCL) coatings comprised of an Al2O3-GAP layer as the top layer, a GZ layer, a GZ/YSZ composite layer, and a rare-earth-doped gadolinium zirconate (GSZC) layer as the intermediate layer, and a YSZ layer as the base layer. For comparison, an AGAP-YSZ DCL coating without a middle layer was prepared as well. Under the erosion speed of 200 m/s, only a small amount of spallation occurred on the surface of the Al2O3-GAP layer, indicating a superior particle-erosion resistance. In the thermal shock test, the Al2O3-GAP layer experienced glass transition and the glass transition temperature was close to 1500 °C. The hardness of the Al2O3-GAP coating after glass transition increased ~170% compared to the as-sprayed Al2O3-GAP coating. Moreover, The DCL TBC and TCL TBCs exhibited different failure mechanisms, which illustrated the necessity of the middle layer. The finite element model (FEM) simulation also shows that the introduction of the GZ layer can obviously reduce the thermal stress at the TC/BC interface. In terms of coating with a modified GZ layer, the AGAP-GZ/YSZ-YSZ coating and AGAP-GSZC-YSZ coating showed a similar failure model to the AGAP-GZ-YSZ coating, and the AGAP-GSZC-YSZ coating exhibited better thermal shock resistance.
Functional Nanomaterial-Based Flexible Electronics
Authors: Mo Runwei
Published: June 2022

With the rapid development of society, the growing interest in flexible electronics has led to remarkable progress in recent advances in the manufacture of flexible electronics [...]
Fabrication of Carboxylated Carbon Nanotube Buckypaper Composite Films for Bovine Serum Albumin Detection
Authors: Lee Kuo-Jung , Lee Ming-Husan , Shih Yung-Hui , Wang Chao-Ping , Lin Hsun-Yu , Jian Sheng-Rui
Published: June 2022

The salient point of this study is to fabricate carbon nanotube (CNT) buckypaper composite films prepared through the methods of pumping filtration and spin coating. Firstly, carboxylated CNTs were used to make the original buckypaper specimen and further modify the buckypaper surface by incorporating different surface modifiers. Then, all of original (unmodified) and modified buckypaper composite films had different concentrations of bovine serum albumin (BSA) added, and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) electrochemical measurement was used to measure the characteristics of the various buckypaper composite films, after adding different concentrations of BSA. The experimental results show that the contact angles for four modified specimens are smaller than that of the original unmodified S–BP specimen (62°). These results indicate that the four modifiers used in this study can improve the hydrophilic properties of the original, unmodified S–BP specimen, and benefit the subsequent bonding of a modified specimen with aqueous BSA. In addition to the improvement of the hydrophilic properties of the modified specimen, which affects the bonding with BSA, the bonding type produced by the modifier also plays an essential role in the bonding between specimen and BSA. Therefore, the S–BP–EDC/NHS and S–BP–TA specimens have better linear dependence between log (BSA concentration) and oxidation current data.
SARS-CoV-2 Detection Limits in Swab and Gargle Samples by Comparing Antigen and RT-qPCR Testing
Authors: Kheiroddin Parastoo , Borchers Natascha , Cibali Ezgi , Würfel Thea , Nowosadtko Sarah , Kabesch Michael , Ambrosch Andreas
Published: June 2022

Background: Antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 testing are rapid and inexpensive but usually have lower sensitivity than RT-qPCR and are only validated for nasopharyngeal/throat swabs; the latter are considered the gold standard in terms of material collection but are not tolerated by patients with frequent sampling. The present study, therefore, investigates the extent to which SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing is comparable to RT-qPCR from an easily obtained gargle solution compared to nasopharyngeal swabs. Methods: The performance of a high-quality POC fluorescence immune antigen test in single nasal swab samples and gargle samples compared to RT-qPCR was investigated (total n = 620 samples (gargle samples = 309, and nasal swabs = 311)). Findings: In our setting, the detection of SARS-CoV2 with an antigen test was reliable up to a Ct value of 30 for single nasal swab samples and was reduced to Ct:20 for single gargle samples. The overall antigen-test sensitivity is 83.92% (swab samples) and 75.72% (gargle samples). Interpretation: Antigen tests showed reliable results up to a detection limit of Ct: 30 with only nasal swab samples but not gargle samples. If the use of gargle samples is preferred due to their advantages, such as painless testing, easy handling, and the lack of a need to involve trained personnel for sample taking, reliable results can only be achieved with RT-qPCR.
Current Technologies and Target Crops: A Review on Australian Protected Cropping
Authors: Chavan Sachin G. , Chen Zhong-Hua , Ghannoum Oula , Cazzonelli Christopher I. , Tissue David T.
Published: June 2022

Protected cropping offers a way to bolster food production in the face of climate change and deliver healthy food sustainably with fewer resources. However, to make this way of farming economically viable, we need to consider the status of protected cropping in the context of available technologies and corresponding target horticultural crops. This review outlines existing opportunities and challenges that must be addressed by ongoing research and innovation in this exciting but complex field in Australia. Indoor farm facilities are broadly categorised into the following three levels of technological advancement: low-, medium- and high-tech with corresponding challenges that require innovative solutions. Furthermore, limitations on indoor plant growth and protected cropping systems (e.g., high energy costs) have restricted the use of indoor agriculture to relatively few, high value crops. Hence, we need to develop new crop cultivars suitable for indoor agriculture that may differ from those required for open field production. In addition, protected cropping requires high start-up costs, expensive skilled labour, high energy consumption, and significant pest and disease management and quality control. Overall, protected cropping offers promising solutions for food security, while reducing the carbon footprint of food production. However, for indoor cropping production to have a substantial positive impact on global food security and nutritional security, the economical production of diverse crops will be essential.
Compressive Strength Enhancement in Early Age Acid Activated Mortars: Mechanical Properties and Analysis
Authors: Huang Guodong , Li Dawei , Cui Yi , Feng Jiacheng , Gao Qi , Lu Tianyang , Zhang Yuting , Zhu Jielei
Published: June 2022

To increase the hydration reaction rate and the amount of hydration products, different types and proportions of acids were mixed into mortars. The effects of the acid type and content on the early compressive strength of cement-based materials and the strengthening mechanism were assessed via X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectrum analyses. The addition of acetic acid or hydrochloric acid significantly increased the compressive strength of mortars at 1 d and 3 d, and slightly increased it at 28 d. With increasing acetic acid content, the strengthening effect increased first and then decreased with the best content at 4%. With increasing hydrochloric acid content, the strengthening effect decreased gradually with the best content at 2%.
Development of a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Numerical Approach of Thermoelectric Module for Power Generation
Authors: Qasim Mohammed A. , Velkin Vladimir I. , Shcheklein Sergey E.
Published: June 2022

The recent innovations in thermoelectric generating materials have led to exceptional technologies that generate power from excess and lost heat. These technologies have proven to be of significant environmental and economic importance, especially with global warming issues and escalating fuel prices. This study developed a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model for a thermoelectric generator (TEG) consisting of five TEG modules embedded between two aluminum blocks. The upper block collects solar energy and heats the hot side of the modules. The lower block has an internal M-shaped water channel to cool the cold side of the modules. The model predictions were compared with the authors’ previously published experimental results to assess its validity and reliability. A parametric study was conducted to investigate the effects of various solar collector block thicknesses and different water flow velocities on the TEG-generated voltage and efficiency. The results show excellent agreement between the model predictions and the experimental data. Moreover, the parametric study revealed a slight inverse relationship between the thickness of the solar-collecting mass, the efficiency of the system, and an increase in the heat flux. However, the relationship was proportional to the velocity of water flow.
Sunitinib-Induced Elevation of Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)—Exploring Its Possible Clinical Relevance in Cancer Patients
Authors: Rihacek Michal , Selingerova Iveta , Kocak Ivo , Kocakova Ilona , Rihackova Eva , Valik Dalibor , Sterba Jaroslav
Published: June 2022

Sunitinib is a broad-spectrum multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor mainly used as second-line therapy for non-resectable gastrointestinal stromal or first-line treatment option of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), and as an “off-label” option in pediatric oncology. It has been previously reported that sunitinib elevates the mean corpuscular volume of erythrocytes (MCV) in treated subjects. The aim of this study was to assess time-dependent changes of this effect and evaluate its possible clinical relevance. In this study, 179 adult and 21 pediatric patients with solid tumors treated with sunitinib were retrospectively analyzed. The laboratory and treatment-related data were collected for each treatment period. The regression model with a broken-line relationship was used to fit time dependence of the MCV. In the adult group, the MCV was increasing during the first 21.6 weeks (median) of treatment in a median level of 99.8 fL, where it stabilized. MCV increase was faster in the patients who suffered from treatment-related adverse events (21.3 vs. 24.6 weeks, p = 0.010). In the pediatric cohort, the MCV dynamics were similar to adults. In conclusion, MCV changes during sunitinib treatment in pediatric and adult patients may be of clinical utility in monitoring sunitinib treatment course.
Cancer Patients’ Experiences with Telehealth before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in British Columbia
Authors: Izadi-Najafabadi Sara , McQuarrie Lisa , Peacock Stuart , Halperin Ross , Lambert Leah , Mitton Craig , McTaggart-Cowan Helen
Published: June 2022

Background: Patients have had their cancer care either postponed or changed to telehealth visits to reduce exposure to COVID-19. However, it is unclear how these changes may have affected their experiences. We aim to identify patient characteristics that affect telehealth experiences and evaluate their preferences for using telehealth in the future. Methods: Patients who completed the Outpatient Cancer Care (OCC) Patient Experience Survey were invited to participate. They comepleted the modified OCC Survey, which focused on telehealth during the pandemic. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to identify patient characteristics that influenced telehealth experiences and preferences for future telehealth use. Results: Perceived ease of participation in telehealth is a significant predictor of the change in patients’ ratings of their telehealth experience. We found that cancer patients had lower preferences for using telehealth in the future if they were older, female, or non-white; resided in an urban area; had no previous telehealth experience; had lower education; and had poorer mental health. Conclusions: To optimize cancer care and improve equitable access to high-quality telehealth care during the pandemic and beyond, clinicians and policymakers will need to consider patients’ self-reported experiences and their personal characteristics.
Opportunities to Improve Eco-Agriculture through Transboundary Governance in Transfrontier Conservation Areas
Authors: Chitakira Munyaradzi , Nhamo Luxon , Torquebiau Emmanuel , Magidi James , Ferguson Willem , Mpandeli Sylvester , Mearns Kevin , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe
Published: June 2022

Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) are critical biodiversity areas for the conservation and sustainable use of biological and cultural resources while promoting regional peace, cooperation, and socio-economic development. Sustainable management of TFCAs is dependent on the availability of an eco-agriculture framework that promotes integrated management of conservation mosaics in terms of food production, environmental protection or the conservation of natural resources, and improved human livelihoods. As a developmental framework, eco-agriculture is significantly influenced by existing legal and governance structures at all levels; this study assessed the impact of existing legal and governance frameworks on eco-agriculture implementation in the Lubombo TFCA that cuts across the borders between Mozambique, Eswatini, and South Africa. The assessment used a mixed research method, including a document review, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Although the three countries have no eco-agriculture policies, biodiversity practices are directly or indirectly affected by some policies related to environmental protection, agriculture improvement, and rural development. The assessment found that South Africa has the most comprehensive policies related to eco-agriculture; Mozambican policies mainly focus on equity and involvement of disadvantaged social groups, while Eswatini is conspicuous for explicitly making it the responsibility of each citizen to protect and safeguard the environment. The protection of conservation areas is critical to preserving natural habitats and ensuring the continued provision of ecosystem services. The lack of transboundary governance structures results in the Lubombo TFCA existing as a treaty on paper, as there are no clear processes for transboundary cooperation and collaboration.
Species Composition of Aquatic (Nepomorpha) and Semiaquatic (Gerromorpha) Heteroptera (Insecta: Hemiptera) in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi Province, Thailand
Authors: Attawanno Sajeemat , Vitheepradit Akekawat
Published: June 2022

The species composition of aquatic (Nepomorpha) and semiaquatic (Gerromorpha) Heteroptera were examined from protected and unprotected study sites in three streams associated with Kaeng Krachan National Park. At each stream, both quantitative and qualitative sampling methods were used during seven collecting events (November 2018 to June 2020). A total of 11 families, representing 33 genera and 60 species, were collected in this study, with more Nepomorpha families but higher species richness in Gerromorpha. The species richness of both protected and unprotected sampling sites were lowest during the fifth sampling event. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in richness between protected and unprotected sampling sites for any sampling event based on a paired t-test analysis. Based on an nMDS analysis, the patterns of species composition of aquatic and semiaquatic heteropterans were unclear among protected and unprotected sampling sites. The use of aquatic and semiaquatic Heteroptera as bioindicators for habitat quality is still uncertain. Additional physiochemical characters of the water and physical characters of the stream may lead to a clearer picture of the relationship between aquatic and semiaquatic Heteroptera and stream habitat quality.
Environmental DNA-Based Methods in Biodiversity Monitoring of Protected Areas: Application Range, Limitations, and Needs
Authors: Pascher Kathrin , Švara Vid , Jungmeier Michael
Published: June 2022

Novel methods for species detection based on collection of environmental DNA (eDNA) are not only important in biodiversity assessment in a scientific context, but are also increasingly being applied in conservation practice. The eDNA-based biodiversity detection methods have significant potential for regular use in biodiversity status assessments and conservation actions in protected areas (PAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) worldwide. Species detection based on DNA from environmental samples, such as water, sediment, soil, air, or organic material, has a broad application scope with precise, comprehensive, and rapid species identification. Here, we provide an overview of the application range of eDNA-based methods for biodiversity monitoring in PAs, evaluate environmental assessments in which this technology has already been implemented for nature conservation, and examine the challenges that can hamper further application in real world practice. Based on the outcomes of two projects, practical experience, and current scientific literature focusing on their application, we conclude that eDNA-based species detection methods provide promising novel approaches that have strong potential as supplement methods, or in some cases even as substitutes for the conventional monitoring methods used for PAs. This advancement is expected to affect decision-making in biodiversity conservation efforts in PAs and OECMs.
A Coronary Artery Disease Monitoring Model Built from Clinical Data and Alpha-1-Antichymotrypsin
Authors: Chang Chen-Chi , Tsai I-Jung , Shen Wen-Chi , Chen Hung-Yi , Hsu Po-Wen , Lin Ching-Yu
Published: June 2022

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common subtypes of cardiovascular disease. The progression of CAD initiates from the plaque of atherosclerosis and coronary artery stenosis, and eventually turns into acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or stable CAD. Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (AACT) has been highly associated with cardiac events. In this study, we proposed incorporating clinical data on AACT levels to establish a model for estimating the severity of CAD. Thirty-six healthy controls (HCs) and 162 CAD patients with stenosis rates of <30%, 30–70%, and >70% were included in this study. Plasma concentration of AACT was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and associations were conducted. Further, five machine learning models, including decision tree, random forest, support vector machine, XGBoost, and lightGBM were implemented. The lightGBM model obtained a sensitivity of 81.4%, a specificity of 67.3%, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.822 for identifying CAD patients with a stenosis rate of <30% versus >30%. In this study, we provided a demonstration of a monitoring model with clinical data and AACT.
Prognostic Nomograms for Hospital Survival and Transplant-Free Survival of Patients with Hepatorenal Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Song Yi , Wang Yu , Zang Chaoran , Yang Xiaoxi , Li Zhenkun , Wu Lina , Li Kang
Published: June 2022

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a life-threatening complication of cirrhosis with a poor prognosis. To develop novel and effective nomograms which could numerically predict both the hospital survival and transplant-free survival of HRS, we retrospectively enrolled a cohort of 149 patients. A backward stepwise method based on the smallest Akaike information criterion value was applied to select the covariates to be included in the Cox proportional hazards models. The Harrell C-index, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), Brier score, and Kaplan–Meier curves with the log-rank test were used to assess nomograms. The bootstrapping method with 1000 resamples was performed for internal validation. The nomogram predicting hospital survival included prothrombin activity, HRS clinical pattern, Child–Pugh class, and baseline serum creatinine. The C-index was 0.72 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.65–0.78), and the adjusted C-index was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.66–0.79). The nomogram predicting transplant-free survival included sex, prothrombin activity, HRS clinical pattern, model for end-stage liver disease–Na score, and peak serum creatinine. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.69–0.79), and the adjusted C-index was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.68–0.79). The AUC and Brier score at 15, 30, and 45 days calculated from the hospital survival nomogram and those at 6, 12, and 18 months calculated from the transplant-free survival nomogram revealed good predictive ability. The two models can be used to identify patients at high risk of HRS and promote early intervention treatment.
Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia Complicated with Venous Thromboembolic Disease—Diagnostic and Therapeutic Considerations
Authors: Jankowska Ewa , Bartoszuk Iwona , Lewandowska Katarzyna , Dybowska Małgorzata , Opoka Lucyna , Tomkowski Witold , Szturmowicz Monika
Published: June 2022

Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia (AEP) is a rare idiopathic disease caused by an accumulation of eosinophils in the pulmonary alveoli and interstitial tissue of the lungs. The onset of symptoms is acute; some patients develop respiratory failure. The diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, diffuse interstitial infiltrates in the lungs on imaging studies, and eosinophilia exceeding 25% on bronchoalveolar lavage or pleural fluid smear. Smokers are primarily at increased risk for the disease. We present a case of venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) that developed in the course of AEP in a previously healthy male smoker. Complete remission of the disease was achieved with anticoagulation therapy combined with a low dose of steroids. Surprisingly, further diagnostics revealed the presence of thrombophilia: antithrombin (AT) deficiency and increased homocysteine level. According to our knowledge, this is the first case of VTE diagnosed in the course of AEP combined with thrombophilia.
Alignment of the Cervix with the Vagina in Uterine Retroversion: A Possible Risk Factor in Uterine Prolapse
Authors: Appelbaum Alan H. , Tirandaz Mehran , Ricci Giuseppe , Levi D’Ancona Roberto
Published: June 2022

Multiple observational studies have found an association of uterine prolapse with uterine retroversion. Mechanisms proposed to explain this apparent association assume that the cervix of a retroverted uterus will usually insert at the apex of the vagina, with resultant alignment of the cervix with the vagina. The angle of the axis of the cervix with the axis of the vagina was measured by two readers on 323 sagittal pelvic MRI scans and sagittal reconstructions of pelvic CT scans performed for clinical purposes. One reader observed and recorded the anatomic relations of the uterus that differed by insertion site and version: 44 of 49 retroverted uteri (89.8%) inserted at the vaginal apex, and 13 of 274 anteverted uteri (4.7%) inserted at the vaginal apex. This difference was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) by the Chi square test. The urinary bladder, vaginal walls, and rectum were inferiorly related to anteriorly inserted anteverted uteri. Only the vaginal lumen and the rectum at a shallow oblique angle were inferiorly related to apically inserted retroverted uteri. Most retroverted uteri insert at the apex of the vagina. Apically inserted retroverted uteri appear to receive less support from adjacent structures than anteriorly inserted anteverted uteri.