bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SuperDet: An Efficient Single-Shot Network for Vehicle Detection in Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Ju Moran , Niu Buniu , Jin Sinian , Liu Zhaoming
Published: March 2023

Vehicle detection in remote sensing images plays an important role for its wide range of applications. However, it is still a challenging task due to their small sizes. In this paper, we propose an efficient single-shot-based detector, called SuperDet, which achieves a combination of a super resolution algorithm with a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN)-based object detector. In SuperDet, there are two interconnected modules, namely, the super resolution module and the vehicle detection module. The super resolution module aims to recover a high resolution sensing image from its low resolution counterpart. With this module, the small vehicles will have a higher resolution, which is helpful for their detection. Taking the higher resolution image as input, the vehicle detection module extracts the features and predicts the location and category of the vehicles. We use a multi-task loss function to train the network in an end-to-end way. To assess the detection performance of SuperDet, we conducted experiments between SuperDet and the classical object detectors on both VEDAI and DOTA datasets. Experimental results indicate that SuperDet outperforms other detectors for vehicle detection in remote sensing images.
A Novel Source Code Clone Detection Method Based on Dual-GCN and IVHFS
Authors: Yang Haixin , Li Zhen , Guo Xinyu
Published: March 2023

Source code clone detection, which can identify code fragments with similar functions, plays a significant role in software development and quality assurance. Existing methods either extract single syntactic or semantic information, or ignore the associated information between code statements in different structures. It is difficult for these methods to effectively detect clone pairs with similar functions. In this paper, we propose a new model based on a dual graph convolutional network (GCN) and interval-valued hesitant fuzzy set (IVHFS), which we named DG-IVHFS. Specifically, we simplified and grouped the abstract syntax tree (AST) of source code to obtain the group representations. The group representations of the AST, as well as the control flow graph (CFG) representations, were transformed into graph structures, and then we applied GCNs on them to learn dependencies between nodes. In addition, we introduced IVHFS into the model for a more comprehensive evaluation of similarity. Our experimental results demonstrated that the precision, recall, and F1-scores of DG-IVHFS on the BigCloneBench and GoogleCodeJam datasets reached 98, 97 and 97% and 98, 93 and 95%, respectively, exceeding current state-of-the-art models. Moreover, our model performed well in terms of time consumption.
Spectrum Sensing Algorithm Based on Self-Supervised Contrast Learning
Authors: Li Xinyu , Zhao Zhijin , Zhang Yupei , Zheng Shilian , Dai Shaogang
Published: March 2023

The traditional spectrum sensing algorithm based on deep learning requires a large number of labeled samples for model training, but it is difficult to obtain them in the actual sensing scene. This paper applies self-supervised contrast learning in order to solve this problem, and a spectrum sensing algorithm based on self-supervised contrast learning (SSCL) is proposed. The algorithm mainly includes two stages: pre-training and fine-tuning. In the pre-training stage, according to the characteristics of communication signals, data augmentation methods are designed to obtain the pre-trained positive sample pairs, and the features of the positive sample pairs of unlabeled samples are extracted by self-supervised contrast learning to obtain the feature extractor. In the fine-tuning stage, the parameters of the feature extraction layer are frozen, and a small number of labeled samples are used to update the parameters of the classification layer, and the features and labels are connected to get the spectrum sensing classifier. The simulation results demonstrate that the SSCL algorithm has better detection performance over the semi-supervised algorithm and the traditional energy detection algorithm. When the number of labeled samples used is only 10% of the supervised algorithm and the SNR is higher than −12 dB, the detection probability of the SSCL algorithm is higher than 97%, which is slightly lower than the supervised algorithm.
Routing Attacks Detection in 6LoWPAN-Based Internet of Things
Authors: Alazab Ammar , Khraisat Ansam , Singh Sarabjot , Bevinakoppa Savitri , Mahdi Osama A.
Published: March 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) has become increasingly popular, and opened new possibilities for applications in various domains. However, the IoT also poses security challenges due to the limited resources of the devices and its dynamic network topology. Routing attacks on 6LoWPAN-based IoT devices can be particularly challenging to detect because of its unique characteristics of the network. In recent years, several techniques have been proposed for detecting routing attacks, including anomaly detection. These techniques leverage different features of network traffic to identify and classify routing attacks. This paper focuses on routing attacks that target the Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (RPL), which are widely used in 6LoWPAN-based IoT systems. The attacks discussed in this paper can be categorized as either inherited from Wireless Sensor Networks or exploiting vulnerabilities unique to RPL (known as RPL-specific attacks). The paper describes various RPL attacks, including Flood Attacks, Data-DoS/DDoS Attacks, Wormhole Attacks, RPL Rank Attacks, Blackhole Attacks, Version Attacks, and Sinkhole Attacks. In this paper, a novel Hybrid Intrusion Detection System (HIDS) that combines a decision tree classifier and a one-class Support Vector Machine classifier is proposed to detect routing attacks. The HIDS draws on the strengths of both a Signature Intrusion Detection System (SIDS) and an Anomaly-based Intrusion Detection System (AIDS) to identify routing attacks with a high degree of accuracy and a low false alarm rate. The routing dataset, which features genuine IoT network traffic and various kinds of routing attacks, was used to test the proposed HIDS. According to the findings, the hybrid IDS proposed in this study outperforms SIDS and AIDS approaches, with higher detection rates and lower false positive rates.
An Aero-Structural Model for Ram-Air Kite Simulations
Authors: Thedens Paul , Schmehl Roland
Published: March 2023

Similar to parafoils, ram-air kites are flexible membrane wings inflated by the apparent wind and supported by a bridle line system. A major challenge in estimating the performance of these wings using a computer model is the strong coupling between the airflow around the wing and the deformation of the membrane structure. In this paper, we introduce a staggered coupling scheme combining a structural finite element solver using a dynamic relaxation technique with a potential flow solver. The developed method proved numerically stable for determining the equilibrium shape of the wing under aerodynamic load and is thus suitable for performance measurement and load estimation. The method was validated with flight data provided by SkySails Power. Measured forces on the tether and steering belt of the robotic kite control pod showed good resemblance with the simulation results. As expected for a potential flow solver, the kite’s glide ratio was overestimated by 10–15%, and the measured tether elevation angle in a neutral flight scenario matched the simulations within 2 degrees. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the proposed aero-structural model can be used for initial designs of ram-air kites with application to airborne wind energy.
Modeling Activities Related to Improving Energy Efficiency in the Public Procurement Process in Poland
Authors: Borowiec Arkadiusz T.
Published: March 2023

The public procurement system in Poland remains highly centralized, although thanks to European Community directives, it is part of European law. Therefore, it has established procedures for sustainable public procurement, including so-called green public procurement. In addition to the Public Procurement Law of 11 September 2019, other provisions introducing specific instruments (e.g., energy labels, environmental labels) should be taken into consideration, as such provisions make it easier for contracting authorities to take environmental aspects into account in tender procedures. Bearing in mind the existing legal regulations, this article features a diagnosis of the degree of use of measures to improve energy efficiency in public procurement procedures and models activities related to improving this situation. For this purpose, surveys were conducted for 120 entities applying the provisions of the Public Procurement Law. Taking into consideration the results obtained in the survey, 15 factors related to the improvement of energy efficiency in tender procedures were selected with the help of 12 purposively selected experts connected with the issues raised in this article. Thanks to their expert knowledge, three key factors determining the wider use of this instrument were modeled by means of the systems theory–based methodology of network thinking. The paper also attempts to indicate the key factors determining the wider use of this instrument, using the network thinking methodology for this purpose. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that these factors include human capital, industry, and the energy crisis. Research on the subject in the Polish literature remains innovative and allows for the formulation of application recommendations for decision makers. The concept of energy efficiency in this paper refers to the ratio of the results obtained to the energy input. Efficient use of energy aims to reduce the amount of energy needed to deliver products and services.
Standard Load Profiles for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Germany Based on Representative, Empirical Data
Authors: Hecht Christopher , Figgener Jan , Li Xiaohui , Zhang Lei , Sauer Dirk Uwe
Published: March 2023

Electric vehicles are becoming dominant in the global automobile market due to their better environmental friendliness compared to internal combustion vehicles. An adequate network of public charging stations is required to fulfil the fast charging demands of EV users. Knowing the shape and amplitude of their power curves is essential for power purchase planning and grid capacity sizing. Based on a large-scale empirical and representative dataset, this paper creates standard load profiles for various power levels, station sizes, and operating environments. It is found that the average power per charge point increases with rated station power, particularly for a rated power above 100 kW, and decreases with the number of charge points per station for AC chargers. For AC chargers, it is revealed how the shape of the power curve largely depends on the environment of a station, with urban settings experiencing the highest average power of 0.71 kW on average leading to an annual energy sale of 6.2 MWh. These findings show that the rated grid capacity can be well below the sum of the rated power of each charge point.
Rocky Area Inhabiting Daddy Long-Legs Spiders, Pholcus Walckenaer, 1805 (Araneae: Pholcidae) in Mountainous Mixed Forests from South Korea
Authors: Jang Chang-Moon , Yoo Jung-Sun , Kim Seung-Tae , Bae Yang-Seop
Published: March 2023

Two new spider species of the genus Pholcus Walckenaer, 1805, Pholcus deokjeok sp. nov. and Pholcus gangneung sp. nov. in the family Pholcidae C. L. Koch, 1850 are newly described from South Korea. The present new species belong to the phungiformes group in the genus. They are found on rock walls in mountainous mixed forests. This work provides diagnoses, detailed descriptions, and taxonomic photographs for these new species. The unusual shaped and strongly sclerotized embolus of P. gangneungsp. nov. in the Pholcus phungiformes group is the first to be reported.
Structural Characterization of Acid DES-Modified Alkaline Lignin and Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Li Penghui , Lu Yuan , Long Guifang , Li Sixian , Li Kongyan , Jiang Bo , Wu Wenjuan
Published: March 2023

Lignin is an abundant and environmentally friendly biopolymer that contains a large number of phenolic hydroxyl functional group. In this paper, alkaline lignin was modified using different acidic DES (choline chloride/p-toluenesulfonic acid and choline chloride/lactic acid) at 130 ℃ (TC-lignin and LC-lignin) and the conformational relationship between the modified products and the antioxidant activity was investigated. Lignin was characterized by 31P NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and its antioxidant activity was evaluated. The results showed that the alkaline lignin products modified by acidic DES formed relatively homogenous dispersions and were characterized by a relatively low molecular weight and a high content of phenolic hydroxyl groups (e.g., TC-lignin, aliphatic-OH: 3.52 mmol/g, G-OH: 4.18 mmol/g, Mw: 3726, Mn: 2053, PDI: 1.81). The antioxidant activity (free radical scavenging rate, 90.35%) of TC-lignin was somewhat higher than that of LC-lignin (free radical scavenging rate, 89.12%) and both were higher than that of the commercially available antioxidant BHT (free radical scavenging rate, 88.79%). More specifically, we discussed the possible mechanisms of antioxidant reactions of lignin model substances in DPPH solutions. In addition, LC-lignin has an excellent UV-blocking capacity due to the specific phenolic hydroxyl and phenyl propane structure. A simple method is proposed for the modification of industrial lignin to make it suitable for use as an antioxidant and UV-resistant product.
Transforming Spent Coffee Grounds’ Hydrolysates with Yeast Lachancea thermotolerans and Lactic Acid Bacterium Lactiplantibacillus plantarum to Develop Potential Novel Alcoholic Beverages
Authors: Liu Yunjiao , Lu Yuyun , Liu Shao-Quan
Published: March 2023

In the present work, the modification of spent coffee grounds (SCG) hydrolysate composition by mixed cultures of a non-Saccharomyces yeast, Lachancea thermotolerans, and a lactic acid bacterium, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, as well as their interactions, were evaluated. It was found that L. plantarum inhibited the growth and survival of L. thermotolerans as compared with that in the yeast alone. On the other hand, the growth and survival of L. plantarum was slowed in sequential fermentation, but not in co-culture. Compared with co-culture, higher ethanol content, less residual sugars, and less acetic and succinic acids were found in sequential fermentation. In addition, lower amounts of caffeine and phenolic acids (e.g., ferulic, caffeic, and p-coumaric acids) were obtained in mixed (co- and sequential) cultures with corresponding levels of volatile phenols relative to the yeast monoculture. Moreover, co-culturing resulted in the highest contents of total alcohols (ethanol excluded) and total esters. Therefore, mixed culturing of L. plantarum and L. thermotolerans presented positive effects on the chemical constituents of fermented SCG hydrolysates, which might be a new alternative approach to valorizing the SCG into novel alcoholic drinks with different ethanol and flavor constituents.
Analysis of Microbial Diversity and Metabolites in Sauerkraut Products with and without Microorganism Addition
Authors: Liu Yueyi , Chen Xiaochun , Li Fuxiang , Shi Huiling , He Mingyi , Ge Jingping , Ling Hongzhi , Cheng Keke
Published: March 2023

The microbial compositions and metabolites of fermented sauerkraut with and without the addition of microorganisms have been compared. The OTU clustering, nonvolatile compounds, volatile compounds and associations between bacterial taxa and metabolites were analyzed by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology, ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), gas chromatography ion mobility mass spectrometry (GC-IMS) and the O2PLS model studies. The results showed that at the phylum level, the microbial species in the four sauerkraut types consisted mainly of the phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, but different modes of microbial addition formed their own unique microbial communities. There were significant differences in the microbial communities among different northeast China sauerkraut samples, and different microbial communities exerted similar effects to inhibit Firmicutes production. At the genus level, sauerkraut without added microorganisms had the lowest microbial diversity. A total of 26 amino acids and 11 organic acids were identified and were more abundant in nonmicrobially fermented sauerkraut; 88 volatile organic compounds were identified in the 4 types of sauerkraut, with the microbially fermented sauerkraut being richer in alcohols, esters and acids. Different brands of sauerkraut contain their own unique flavor compounds. Cystine and tyrosine, ascorbic acid and acetic acid, and alcohols and esters are closely related to a wide range of microorganisms in sauerkraut. Elucidating the correlations among microbiota and metabolites will help guide future improvements in sauerkraut fermentation processes.
Potato Chips Byproducts as Feedstocks for Developing Active Starch-Based Films with Potential for Cheese Packaging
Authors: Peixoto Ana M. , Petronilho Sílvia , Domingues M. Rosário , Nunes Fernando M. , Lopes Joana , Pettersen Marit Kvalvåg , Grøvlen Magnhild S. , Wetterhus Elin M. , Gonçalves Idalina , Coimbra Manuel A.
Published: March 2023

The potato chip industry generates brownish frying residues, which are usually landfilled. While spent frying oil has value as biodiesel, the defatted brownish water-soluble extract (BrE) does not yet have an application. In this work, it was hypothesized that BrE can be a source of compounds for active packaging. BrE is composed of carbohydrates (66.9%), protein (5.7%), and a small amount of phenolics and esterified fatty acids. When incorporated into starch-based formulations and casted, BrE at 5%, 10%, and 15% w/w (dry starch weight) conferred a yellowish coloration while maintaining the transparency of neat films. The BrE increased the films’ traction resistance, elasticity, and antioxidant activity while decreasing their hydrophilicity. Furthermore, starch/15% BrE-based films showed diminished water vapor and good UV-light barrier properties. Their contact with sliced cheese did not change the products’ hardness during storage (14 days). Weight loss of the cheese was observed after 7 days of storage, stabilizing at 6.52%, contrary to the cheese packed in polyamide (PA)/polyethylene (PE), already used in food packaging. The cheese packed in the starch/15% BrE-based films showed a significant yellowish darkening and lower content of volatile oxidation products compared to the PA/PE. Therefore, BrE revealed to have compounds with the potential to tune the performance of starch-based films for food packaging.
Classification of Organic and Conventional Vegetables Using Machine Learning: A Case Study of Brinjal, Chili and Tomato
Authors: Natarajan Sowmya , Ponnusamy Vijayakumar
Published: March 2023

Growing organic food is becoming a challenging task with increasing demand. Food fraud activity has increased considerably with the increase in population growth. Consumers cannot visually distinguish between conventional and organically grown food products. Spectroscopic methodologies are presented to identify chemicals in food, thereby identifying organic and conventional food. Such spectroscopic techniques are laboratory-based, take more time to produce an outcome, and are costlier. Thus, this research designed a portable, low-cost multispectral sensor system to discriminate between organic and conventional vegetables. The designed multispectral sensor system uses a wavelength range (410 nm–940 nm) that includes three bands, namely visible (VIS), ultraviolet (UV) and near-infrared (NIR) spectra, to enhance the accuracy of detection. Tomato, brinjal and green chili samples are employed for the experiment. The organic and conventional discrimination problem is formulated as a classification problem and solved through random forest (RF) and neural network (NN) models, which achieve 92% and 89% accuracy, respectively. A two-stage enhancement mechanism is proposed to improve accuracy. In the first stage, the fuzzy logic mechanism generates additional feature sets. Ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm-based parameter tuning and feature selection are employed in the second stage to enhance accuracy further. This two-stage improvement mechanism results in 100% accuracy in discriminating between organic and conventional vegetable samples. The detected adulterant is displayed on a web page through an IoT-developed application module to be accessed from anywhere.
Genotoxicity Assessment of Nutraceuticals Extracted from Thinned Nectarine (Prunus persica L.) and Grape Seed (Vitis vinifera L.) Waste Biomass
Authors: Musto Giorgia , Schiano Elisabetta , Iannuzzo Fortuna , Tenore Gian Carlo , Novellino Ettore , Stornaiuolo Mariano
Published: March 2023

Agri-food by-products represent a considerable portion of the waste produced in the world and especially when incorrectly disposed of, contribute to air, soil, and water pollution. Recently, recycling of food waste has proven to be an attractive area of research for pharmaceutical companies, that use agri-food by-products (leaves, bark, roots, seeds, second-best vegetables) as alternative raw material for the extraction of bioactive compounds. Developers and producers are however, advised to assess the safety of nutraceuticals obtained from biowaste that, in virtue of its chemical complexity, could undermine the overall safety of the final products. Here, in compliance with EFSA regulations, we use the Ames test (OECD 471) and the micronucleus test (OECD 487) to assess the mutagenicity of two nutraceuticals obtained from food waste. The first consists of grape seeds (Vitis vinifera L.) that have undergone a process of food-grade depolymerization of proanthocyanidins to release more bioavailable flavan-3-ols. The second nutraceutical product consists of thinned nectarines (Prunus persica L. var nucipersica) containing abscisic acid and polyphenols. The results presented here show that these products are, before as well as after metabolization, non-mutagenic, up to the doses of 5 mg and 100 μg per plate for the Ames and micronucleus test, respectively, and can be thus considered genotoxically safe.
Cauchy–Dirichlet Problem to Semilinear Multi-Term Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Vasylyeva Nataliya
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we analyze the well-posedness of the Cauchy–Dirichlet problem to an integro-differential equation on a multidimensional domain Ω⊂Rn in the unknown u=u(x,t), Dtν0(ϱ0u)−Dtν1(ϱ1u)−L1u−∫0tK(t−s)L2u(x,s)ds=f(x,t)+g(u),0<ν1<ν0<1, where Dtνi are the Caputo fractional derivatives, ϱi=ϱi(x,t) with ϱ0≥μ0>0, and Li are uniform elliptic operators with time-dependent smooth coefficients. The principal feature of this equation is related to the integro-differential operator Dtν0(ϱ0u)−Dtν1(ϱ1u), which (under certain assumption on the coefficients) can be rewritten in the form of a generalized fractional derivative with a non-positive kernel. A particular case of this equation describes oxygen delivery through capillaries to tissue. First, under proper requirements on the given data in the linear model and certain relations between ν0 and ν1, we derive a priori estimates of a solution in Sobolev–Slobodeckii spaces that gives rise to providing the Hölder regularity of the solution. Exploiting these estimates and constructing appropriate approximate solutions, we prove the global strong solvability to the corresponding linear initial-boundary value problem. Finally, obtaining a priori estimates in the fractional Hölder classes and assuming additional conditions on the coefficients ϱ0 and ϱ1 and the nonlinearity g(u), the global one-valued classical solvability to the nonlinear model is claimed with the continuation argument method.
Unraveling the Impact of Salbutamol Polytherapy: Clinically Relevant Drug Interactions
Authors: Marques Lara , Vale Nuno
Published: March 2023

The proper drug choice determines the treatment quality for a disease. The pharmacotherapeutic strategy for respiratory diseases often involves the combination of different drugs with different mechanisms of action. Salbutamol is a short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) used as a reliever in the treatment of asthma and is frequently paired with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Indeed, drug–drug interactions (DDI) receive special attention as they are some of the most common causes of adverse effects and can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. DDIs can occur in patients undergoing polytherapy at the pharmacokinetic (PK) or pharmacodynamic (PD) level. Given this, the interaction of salbutamol with other drugs has been extensively explored in terms of PD and PK since its introduction into the pharmaceutical market. To date, more than a thousand salbutamol interactions have been reported. Here, we propose to review some interactions of salbutamol with other drugs such as beta-blockers, anticholinergics, other classes of bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and others, and point out significant gaps in the knowledge of DDI.
Cross-Linking of Oxidized Hydroxypropyl Cellulose in Paper: Influence of Molecular Weight and Polymer Distribution on Paper Wet Strength Development
Authors: Seelinger David , Biesalski Markus
Published: March 2023

With the overarching aim for the development of sustainable, nontoxic wet strength agents for paper, a novel polymer gel system based on oxidized hydroxypropyl cellulose (keto-HPC) cross-linked with polyamines was investigated in detail to gain a deeper insight into the wet strength mechanism. When applied to paper, this wet strength system significantly increases the relative wet strength by using only low amounts of polymer, and it is therefore comparable with established wet strength agents based on fossil resources, such as polyamidoamine epichlorohydrin resins. With the help of ultrasonic treatment, keto-HPC was degraded with respect to its molecular weight and further cross-linked in paper using polymeric amine-reactive counterparts. The resulting polymer-cross-linked paper mechanical properties were analyzed with respect to the dry and wet tensile strength, respectively. In addition, we analyzed the polymer distribution using fluorescence confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). If high-molecular-weight samples are being used for cross-linking, we do find accumulation of the polymer mainly on the surface of the fibers and at fiber crossing points, accompanied with enhancing strong effects on paper’s wet tensile strength. In contrast, if low-molecular-weight (i.e., degraded) keto-HPC is being applied, the macromolecules are capable of entering the inner porous structure of the paper fibers, and almost no accumulation at the fiber crossing points is observed, which also results in a lowered wet paper tensile strength, respectively. This insight into wet strength mechanisms of the keto-HPC/polyamine system can thus lead to new opportunities for the development of alternative biobased wet strength agents where molecular weight dependence of the wet tensile properties allows for a fine tuning of mechanical properties in the wet state.
Blurred Edges: Representation of Space in Transgenerational Memory of the Nazi Euthanasia Program
Authors: Silvestri Erika
Published: March 2023

Maria Fenski was born on 14 August 1905, in Papenburg. At the age of seventeen, she was diagnosed with “dementia” and hospitalized at the Provinzial-Heil-und Pflegeanstalt Osnabrück, where she remained until 16 January 1923. After a marriage, three children, some happy family years, and various commitments to different clinics, she was killed in Neuruppin State Institution in Brandenburg in 1942, as one of the people murdered in the Nazi Euthanasia Program. Her granddaughter, Hannah, produced a series of sixteen paintings dedicated to her grandmother’s story. There are almost no people in Hannah’s artwork, but empty, lonely, symbolic spaces able to create a bond between past and present. The lack of human figures, the use of cold colors and the blurred edges contribute to creating a suspended atmosphere that seems to be full of painful silences and negations. Hannah transferred onto the canvas an echo of the feelings the victims could have felt, living in conditions they could not understand, separated from the world before they were each made to face a solitary death, far from any contact with their families. Analyzing her work, I reflect on the importance of the concept of “Space” in this specific transgenerational transmission of “Aktion T4” family memory.
Coexisting Conditions Modifying Phenotypes of Patients with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Smyk Marta , Geremek Maciej , Ziemkiewicz Kamila , Gambin Tomasz , Kutkowska-Kaźmierczak Anna , Kowalczyk Katarzyna , Plaskota Izabela , Wiśniowiecka-Kowalnik Barbara , Bartnik-Głaska Magdalena , Niemiec Magdalena , Grad Dominika , Piotrowicz Małgorzata , Gieruszczak-Białek Dorota , Pietrzyk Aleksandra , Crowley T. Blaine , Giunta Victoria , McGinn Daniel E. , Zackai Elaine H. , Tran Oanh , Emanuel Beverly S. , McDonald-McGinn Donna M. , Nowakowska Beata A.
Published: March 2023

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is the most common genomic disorder with an extremely broad phenotypic spectrum. The aim of our study was to investigate how often the additional variants in the genome can affect clinical variation among patients with the recurrent deletion. To examine the presence of additional variants affecting the phenotype, we performed microarray in 82 prenatal and 77 postnatal cases and performed exome sequencing in 86 postnatal patients with 22q11.2DS. Within those 159 patients where array was performed, 5 pathogenic and 5 likely pathogenic CNVs were identified outside of the 22q11.2 region. This indicates that in 6.3% cases, additional CNVs most likely contribute to the clinical presentation. Additionally, exome sequencing in 86 patients revealed 3 pathogenic (3.49%) and 5 likely pathogenic (5.81%) SNVs and small CNV. These results show that the extension of diagnostics with genome-wide methods can reveal other clinically relevant changes in patients with 22q11 deletion syndrome.
Droplet Digital PCR Quantification of Selected Intracellular and Extracellular microRNAs Reveals Changes in Their Expression Pattern during Porcine In Vitro Adipogenesis
Authors: Bilinska Adrianna , Pszczola Marcin , Stachowiak Monika , Stachecka Joanna , Garbacz Franciszek , Aksoy Mehmet Onur , Szczerbal Izabela
Published: March 2023

Extracellular miRNAs have attracted considerable interest because of their role in intercellular communication, as well as because of their potential use as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for many diseases. It has been shown that miRNAs secreted by adipose tissue can contribute to the pathophysiology of obesity. Detailed knowledge of the expression of intracellular and extracellular microRNAs in adipocytes is thus urgently required. The system of in vitro differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into adipocytes offers a good model for such an analysis. The aim of this study was to quantify eight intracellular and extracellular miRNAs (miR-21a, miR-26b, miR-30a, miR-92a, miR-146a, miR-148a, miR-199, and miR-383a) during porcine in vitro adipogenesis using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), a highly sensitive method. It was found that only some miRNAs associated with the inflammatory process (miR-21a, miR-92a) were highly expressed in differentiated adipocytes and were also secreted by cells. All miRNAs associated with adipocyte differentiation were highly abundant in both the studied cells and in the cell culture medium. Those miRNAs showed a characteristic expression profile with upregulation during differentiation.
Personalized Systemic Therapies in Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
Authors: Mastrodomenico Luciana , Piombino Claudia , Riccò Beatrice , Barbieri Elena , Venturelli Marta , Piacentini Federico , Dominici Massimo , Cortesi Laura , Toss Angela
Published: March 2023

Hereditary cancer syndromes are inherited disorders caused by germline pathogenic variants (PVs) that lead to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, frequently at an earlier age than in the rest of the population. The germline PVs promote cancer development, growth and survival, and may represent an ideal target for the personalized treatment of hereditary tumors. PARP inhibitors for the treatment of BRCA and PALB2-associated tumors, immune checkpoint inhibitors for tumors associated with the Lynch Syndrome, HIF-2α inhibitor in the VHL-related cancers and, finally, selective RET inhibitors for the treatment of MEN2-associated medullary thyroid cancer are the most successful examples of how a germline PVs can be exploited to develop effective personalized therapies and improve the outcome of these patients. The present review aims to describe and discuss the personalized systemic therapies for inherited cancer syndromes that have been developed and investigated in clinical trials in recent decades.
Autophagy-Related MicroRNA: Tumor miR-125b and Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Spirina Liudmila V. , Kovaleva Irina V. , Chizhevskaya Svetlana Yu. , Chebodaeva Anastasiya V. , Tarasenko Nataliya V.
Published: March 2023

Background: Autophagy is a stress response mechanism that causes cellular components to degrade. Its defects were associated with multiple pathologies, including cancers. Thyroid cancer is known to be the most prevalent form of malignant neoplasm among endocrine tumors. The aim of the study was to seek and comprehensively explore the role of autophagy related genes and proteins play in thyroid cancers through bioinformatics analysis with their detection in the tissue samples. Methods: Bioinformatics analysis was performed to investigate autophagy related proteins and genes involvement in thyroid cancer progression. The experimental verification was done in cancer samples of one hundred and three patients with thyroid pathology included in the study. The miR-125blevel was detected by PCR in real time. Results and discussion: The bioinformatics analysis verified the miR-125b as a regulatory mechanism in autophagy. Its expression in patients with PTC was reduced by 6.75 times in cancer patients compared to the patients with benign tumors. The BRAFV600E mutations were associated with a decrease in hsa-miR-125b expression by 12.67 times compared to tumors with the wild-type gene. Conclusions: Our findings revealed involvement of the autophagy related proteins in cancer progression. The significant mechanisms of regulation are non-coding RNA sequences implicated in a variety of oncogenic processes. We found that miR-125b is a potential maker in thyroid cancer invasion, BRAV600E mutational status and risk of recurrence.
Identification of Circular RNA Profiles in the Liver of Diet-Induced Obese Mice and Construction of the ceRNA Network
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiao , Gu Shuhua , Shen Shunyi , Luo Tao , Zhao Haiyi , Liu Sijia , Feng Jingjie , Yang Maosheng , Yi Laqi , Fan Zhaohan , Liu Yu , Han Rui
Published: March 2023

Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, metabolic, and respiratory diseases, and it has become an important social health problem affecting the health of the population. Obesity is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. In this study, we constructed a diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mouse model and performed deep RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) on liner-depleted RNA extracted from the liver tissues of the mice to explore the underlying mechanisms of obesity. A total of 7469 circular RNAs (circRNAs) were detected, and 21 were differentially expressed (DE) in the high-fat diet (HFD) and low-fat diet (LFD) groups. We then constructed a comprehensive circRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that DE circRNAs associated with lipid metabolic-related pathways may act as miRNA sponges to modulate target gene expression. CircRNA1709 and circRNA4842 may serve as new candidates to regulate the expression of PTEN. This study provides systematic circRNA-associated ceRNA profiling in HFD mouse liver, and the results can aid early diagnosis and the selection of treatment targets for obesity in the future.
Influence of Slow- or Fast-Release Nitrogen in Xaraés Grass under Tropical Conditions
Authors: Rodrigues Carlindo S. , Matos Luís H. A. de , Pina Douglas dos S. , Leite Vagner M. , Silva Paula de A. , Silva Robério R. , Pereira Taiala C. de J. , Alba Henry D. R. , Carvalho Gleidson G. P. de
Published: March 2023

Nitrogen (N) is a nutrient used worldwide in pasture fertilization. However, it is a very volatile element. Furthermore, inappropriate use promotes environmental pollution and economic losses. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of the N source on the productivity and N utilization efficiency in Xaraés grass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés) under tropical conditions. The randomized complete block design was used in a 3 × 2 × 4 factorial scheme: three seasons (rainy, dry, and transition), two N sources (fast-release = conventional urea, and slow-release = treated urea), and four N doses (0, 80, 160, and 240 kg N/ha/year). Forage accumulation per day differed (p < 0.0001) with the season and N dose. The interaction between those showed a positive linear effect (p < 0.0001) during the rainy season and transition. With increasing N doses, there was a linear increase in annual dry matter production and N accumulation. However, the N utilization efficiency (p < 0.0001) was reduced. Nitrogen sources did not affect forage accumulation and N utilization efficiency. Therefore, it is not recommended to replace fast-release nitrogen fertilization (conventional urea source) with a urease inhibitor (slow-release N source), promoting benefits with lower production costs.
A Retrospective Analysis of the Challenges of Urothelial Cancer Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic at a Single Academic Center in Romania
Authors: Barbos Vlad , Feciche Bogdan , Bratosin Felix , Bogdan Iulia , Negrean Rodica Anamaria , Latcu Silviu , Croitor Alexei , Dema Vlad , Bardan Razvan , Cumpanas Alin Adrian
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic caused major changes in the healthcare sector due to adaptations required to hospitalize and treat an impressive number of patients. This retrospective study intended to collect reliable information on urothelial cancer patients in Romania. The primary objective was to compare the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods to observe the differences that occurred in the management of patients with urothelial carcinoma. The secondary objective was to determine the risk factors for urothelial cancer progression in the study cohort correlated with the COVID-19 pandemic. All patients that were diagnosed and treated at our clinic with a diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma (transitional cell carcinoma) during 2019–2021 were included in the current study. A total of 1122 eligible unique cases were identified during the study period. The number of patients who underwent intervention in the pre-pandemic year was 421, followed by a 22.6% decrease in 2020 to 326 cases and a 13.1% increase in 2021 to 375 cases. The proportion of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) cases was significantly higher during the pandemic years, from 30.5% MIBC cases in 2019 to 37.4% in 2020 and 39.4% in 2021, suggesting a delay in presentations during the pandemic. Stage III and IV (TNM) cases were significantly more frequent, even though approximately 40% of all patients were operated on in stage I. The number of cystectomies increased significantly, from 5.2% in 2019 and 4.3% in 2020 to 10.1% in 2021, while the number of elective surgeries decreased, although no significant difference was observed regarding the in-hospital mortality and disease progression at six months. Patients with stage III and IV at presentation had the highest likelihood of disease progression at six months (HR = 5.61). Distant invasion was the second highest risk factor (HR = 5.13), followed by MIBC type (HR = 2.49). Nevertheless, the duration of hospitalization and year of diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic were not significant risk factors for cancer progression at six months. It can be concluded that there was a significant delay in patient presentations in 2020, and we advocate for increased public health awareness for urothelial cancer and increased attention toward the screening and management of these patients in the following years.
Scenario Simulation of the Relationship between Land-Use Changes and Ecosystem Carbon Storage: A Case Study in Dongting Lake Basin, China
Authors: Zhou Wenqiang , Wang Jinlong , Han Yu , Yang Ling , Que Huafei , Wang Rong
Published: March 2023

High-frequency land-use changes caused by rapid economic development have become a key factor in the imbalance of carbon sequestration within regions. How to balance economic development and ecological protection is a difficult issue for regional planning. Studying the relationship between future land-use changes and ecosystem carbon storage (CS) is of important significance for the optimization of regional land-use patterns. The research used the gray prediction model and coupled the patch-generating land-use simulation (PLUS) model and the integrated valuation of ecosystem services and trade-offs (InVEST) model. On this basis, the evolution characteristics and spatial coordination between land-use changes and CS in the Dongting Lake Basin (DLB) in different scenarios in 2030 were simulated. The results show that: (1) The spatial distribution of CS remains stable in different scenarios, while land-use types with high carbon density in the periphery of cities are constantly invaded by construction land, which results in the greatest carbon loss in the urban areas. (2) Compared with the natural evolution scenario (NES), only 195.19 km2 of land-use types with high carbon density are transformed into construction land in the ecological protection scenario (EPS), generating a carbon sink gain of 182.47 × 104 Mg. Conversely, in the economic development scenario (EDS), a total of over 1400 km2 of farmland and ecological land are transformed into construction land, which weakens the carbon sequestration capacity of ecosystems, and more than 147 × 104 Mg of carbon loss occurs in the urban areas. (3) The planned development scenario (PDS) takes ecological protection and economic development both into consideration, which not only generates a carbon sink gain of 121.33 × 104 Mg but also reduces the carbon loss in urban areas by more than 50%. The PDS performs well in both land use and CS growth and can better motivate the effect of land-use changes in increasing the carbon sink, which is also proved by analysis of the coordination between land-use intensity (LUI) and CS. Therefore, the PDS better satisfies the future development demand of DLB and can provide a reference for sustainable land use in the basin.
Strengthening Urban Informal Trading and Improving the Health of Vendors: An Integrated Management Model
Authors: Sepadi Maasago Mercy , Nkosi Vusumuzi
Published: March 2023

Context: Within the urban areas, especially the central business districts, informal trading is growing in large numbers, and the informal vendor’s health is also at risk. Despite various frameworks developed for this industry, there are few guidance and implementation strategies on how to accomplish better-managed informal trading, mostly one that entails better occupational settings. Objective: The goal of the proposed model is to improve the working conditions for informal vendors in South Africa by redesigning the current informal trading management approach, thus ensuring a healthy workplace. An evidence-based approach was used to inform the development of this model. Results: This paper outlines the current challenges of informal vendors in urban areas as per the quantitative health risk assessment study that was conducted in 16 markets amongst 617 informal food vendors in the inner city of Johannesburg, South Africa. The study investigated the respiratory health caused by air pollution and associated risk factors. Findings revealed a lack of infrastructure and higher exposure to air pollution, resulting in respiratory ill-health amongst outdoor vendors as compared to indoor vendors. The vendors were more exposed to particulate matter pollution in the spring and winter seasons as compared to the autumn and summer seasons. Furthermore, the upper respiratory symptoms were statistically significant to the type of work location (indoor/outdoor), type of cooking fuel, duration of work, frequency of hand hygiene, and wearing of protective equipment. An informal vendors’ integrated management model that encompasses a specific informal food vendor’s directorate was developed with five main components: the reviewing of informal vendors’ legislation, the restructuring of designated vending or trading sites, space allocation and occupancy, vendors‘ training and skills development, and the sustainability of vending sites and vendors’ health. Discussion and Conclusions: The status revealed the legislation fragmentation of the informal vendors’ activities. The goal of this informal vendors’ “healthy workplace management model” is to inform government responses to the current challenges of the informal vendors’ sector, as well as to guide policies and actions to reduce ill-health in the industry and to avoid disruptions to informal food supply chains, which are critical in the food sector. This model is explained well and documented for easier implementation in local governments. This paper contributes to the extant literature on street vendors and future management strategies of this trade.
Distress following the COVID-19 Pandemic among Schools’ Stakeholders: Psychosocial Aspects and Communication
Authors: Kaim Arielle , Lev-Ari Shahar , Adini Bruria
Published: March 2023

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments ordered school closures as a containment measure, with Israel being among over 100 countries to do so. This resulted in the abrupt shift to online and remote education for many students. Despite attempts to minimize the effects of disrupted education and create a dynamic virtual learning environment, the literature highlights various challenges including lack of communication with implications of distress faced by key stakeholders (students and their parents, teachers, and principals). In this cross-sectional study, we assess the perceived levels of communication and psychosocial aspects during both distance and frontal learning, as well as the long-term impacts (following over two and a half years of an ongoing pandemic) on distress among the key stakeholders of the Israeli education system— high school students, parents, teachers, and principals. The study findings demonstrate severe implications of distance learning on communication and psychosocial aspects, with lingering long-term impacts on distress, among all stakeholders (particularly among students). This reveals the need for tailored capacity building and resilience intervention programs to be integrated in the long-term response to the current ongoing pandemic to improve well-being and reduce distress among the various stakeholders, with particular attention to those that are most vulnerable and were hit the hardest.