bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
[4+2]-Cycloaddition to 5-Methylidene-Hydantoins and 5-Methylidene-2-Thiohydantoins in the Synthesis of Spiro-2-Chalcogenimidazolones
Authors: Shybanov Dmitry E. , Kukushkin Maxim E. , Hrytseniuk Yanislav S. , Grishin Yuri K. , Roznyatovsky Vitaly A. , Tafeenko Viktor A. , Skvortsov Dmitry A. , Zyk Nikolai V. , Beloglazkina Elena K.
Published: March 2023

Novel hydantion and thiohydantoin-based spiro-compounds were prepared via theDiels–Alder reactions between 5-methylidene-hydantoins or 5-methylidene-2-thiohydantoins and 1,3-dienes (cyclopentadiene, cyclohexadiene, 2,3-dimethylbutadiene, isoprene). It was shown that the cycloaddition reactions proceed regioselectively and stereoselectively with the formation of exo-isomers in the reactions with cyclic dienes andthe less sterically hindered products in the reactions with isoprene. Reactions of methylideneimidazolones with cyclopentadiene proceed viaco-heating the reactants; reactions with cyclohexadiene, 2,3-dimethylbutadiene, and isoprene require catalysis by Lewis acids. It was demonstrated that ZnI2 is an effective catalyst in the Diels–Alder reactions of methylidenethiohydantoins with non-activated dienes. The possibility of alkylation and acylation of the obtained spiro-hydantoinsat the N(1)nitrogen atoms with PhCH2Cl or Boc2O and the alkylation of the spiro-thiohydantoinsat the S atoms with MeI or PhCH2Cl in high yields have been demonstrated. The preparativetransformation of spiro-thiohydantoins into corresponding spiro-hydantoinsin mild conditions by treating with 35% aqueous H2O2 or nitrile oxide has been carried out. The obtained compounds show moderate cytotoxicity in the MTT test on MCF7, A549, HEK293T, and VA13 cell lines. Some of the tested compounds demonstrated some antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli (E. coli) BW25113 DTC-pDualrep2 but were almost inactive against E. coli BW25113 LPTD-pDualrep2.
Sepsis-Associated Muscle Wasting: A Comprehensive Review from Bench to Bedside
Authors: Yoshihara Ikumi , Kondo Yutaka , Okamoto Ken , Tanaka Hiroshi
Published: March 2023

Sepsis-associated muscle wasting (SAMW) is characterized by decreased muscle mass, reduced muscle fiber size, and decreased muscle strength, resulting in persistent physical disability accompanied by sepsis. Systemic inflammatory cytokines are the main cause of SAMW, which occurs in 40–70% of patients with sepsis. The pathways associated with the ubiquitin–proteasome and autophagy systems are particularly activated in the muscle tissues during sepsis and may lead to muscle wasting. Additionally, expression of muscle atrophy-related genes Atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 are seemingly increased via the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. In clinical settings, electrical muscular stimulation, physiotherapy, early mobilization, and nutritional support are used for patients with sepsis to prevent or treat SAMW. However, there are no pharmacological treatments for SAMW, and the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. Therefore, research is urgently required in this field.
Ovarian Cancer and Glutamine Metabolism
Authors: Fasoulakis Zacharias , Koutras Antonios , Ntounis Thomas , Prokopakis Ioannis , Perros Paraskevas , Chionis Athanasios , Sapantzoglou Ioakeim , Katrachouras Alexandros , Konis Kyriakos , Samara Athina A. , Valsamaki Asimina , Palios Vasileios-Chrysovalantis , Symeonidis Panagiotis , Nikolettos Konstantinos , Pagkalos Athanasios , Sotiriou Sotirios , Theodora Marianna , Antsaklis Panos , Daskalakis Georgios , Kontomanolis Emmanuel N.
Published: March 2023

Cancer cells are known to have a distinct metabolic profile and to exhibit significant changes in a variety of metabolic mechanisms compared to normal cells, particularly glycolysis and glutaminolysis, in order to cover their increased energy requirements. There is mounting evidence that there is a link between glutamine metabolism and the proliferation of cancer cells, demonstrating that glutamine metabolism is a vital mechanism for all cellular processes, including the development of cancer. Detailed knowledge regarding its degree of engagement in numerous biological processes across distinct cancer types is still lacking, despite the fact that such knowledge is necessary for comprehending the differentiating characteristics of many forms of cancer. This review aims to examine data on glutamine metabolism and ovarian cancer and identify possible therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer treatment.
The Influence of Light and Color in Digital Paintings of Environmental Issues on Emotions and Cognitions
Authors: Hosap Witthaya , Khundam Chaowanan , Preeyawongsakul Patibut , Vorachart Varunyu , Noël Frédéric
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to examine the use of light and color in digital paintings and their effect on audiences’ perceptions of environmental issues. Five digital paintings depicting environmental issues have been designed. Digital painting techniques created black-and-white, monochrome, and color images. Each image used utopian and dystopian visualization concepts to communicate hope and despair. In the experiment, 225 volunteers representing students in colleges were separated into three independent groups: the first group was offered black-and-white images, the second group was offered monochromatic images, and the third group was offered color images. After viewing each image, participants were asked to complete questionnaires about their emotions and cognitions regarding environmental issues, including identifying hope and despair and the artist’s perspective at the end. The analysis showed no differences in emotions and cognitions among participants. However, monochromatic images were the most emotionally expressive. The results indicated that the surrounding atmosphere of the images created despair, whereas objects inspired hope. Artists should emphasize the composition of the atmosphere and the objects in the image to convey the concepts of utopia and dystopia to raise awareness of environmental issues.
Structural and Biological Properties of Heteroligand Copper Complexes with Diethylnicotinamide and Various Fenamates: Preparation, Structure, Spectral Properties and Hirshfeld Surface Analysis
Authors: Piroš Milan , Schoeller Martin , Koňariková Katarína , Valentová Jindra , Švorc Ľubomír , Moncoľ Ján , Valko Marian , Švorec Jozef
Published: March 2023

Herein, we discuss the synthesis, structural and spectroscopic characterization, and biological activity of five heteroligand copper(II) complexes with diethylnicotinamide and various fenamates, as follows: flufenamate (fluf), niflumate (nifl), tolfenamate (tolf), clonixinate (clon), mefenamate (mef) and N, N-diethylnicotinamide (dena). The complexes of composition: [Cu(fluf)2(dena)2(H2O)2] (1), [Cu(nifl)2(dena)2] (2), [Cu(tolf)2(dena)2(H2O)2] (3), [Cu(clon)2(dena)2] (4) and [Cu(mef)2(dena)2(H2O)2] (5), were synthesized, structurally (single-crystal X-ray diffraction) and spectroscopically characterized (IR, EA, UV-Vis and EPR). The studied complexes are monomeric, forming a distorted tetragonal bipyramidal stereochemistry around the central copper ion. The crystal structures of all five complexes were determined and refined with an aspheric model using the Hirshfeld atom refinement method. Hirshfeld surface analysis and fingerprint plots were used to investigate the intermolecular interactions in the crystalline state. The redox properties of the complexes were studied and evaluated via cyclic voltammetry. The complexes exhibited good superoxide scavenging activity as determined by an NBT assay along with a copper-based redox-cycling mechanism, resulting in the formation of ROS, which, in turn, predisposed the studied complexes for their anticancer activity. The ability of complexes 1–4 to interact with calf thymus DNA was investigated using absorption titrations, viscosity measurements and an ethidium-bromide-displacement-fluorescence-based method, suggesting mainly the intercalative binding of the complexes to DNA. The affinity of complexes 1–4 for bovine serum albumin was determined via fluorescence emission spectroscopy and was quantitatively characterized with the corresponding binding constants. The cytotoxic properties of complexes 1–4 were studied using the cancer cell lines A549, MCF-7 and U-118MG, as well as healthy MRC-5 cells. Complex 4 exhibited moderate anticancer activity on the MCF-7 cancer cells with IC50 = 57 μM.
Virulence of Metarhizium rileyi Is Determined by Its Growth and Antioxidant Stress and the Protective and Detoxifying Enzymes of Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Pang Jixin , Peng Yuejin , Di Teng , Du Guangzu , Chen Bin
Published: March 2023

Spodoptera frugiperda is one of the most destructive crop pests in the world. Metarhizium rileyi is an entomopathogenic fungus specific for noctuid pests and is a very promising prospect in biological control against S. frugiperda. Two M. rileyi strains (XSBN200920 and HNQLZ200714) isolated from infected S. frugiperda were used to evaluate the virulence and biocontrol potential to different stages and instars of S. frugiperda. The results showed that XSBN200920 was significantly more virulent than HNQLZ200714 to eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults of S. frugiperda. In the larvae infected with the two M. rileyi strains, the activity of three protective enzymes (including peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)) and two detoxifying enzymes (including glutathione-S transferase (GST) and carboxylesterase (CarE)) increased firstly and then decreased. The expression levels of protective enzymes and detoxification enzymes in larvae treated with XSBN200920 were greater than with HNQLZ200714. Furthermore, antioxidant stress-related gene (MrSOD and MrCAT family genes) expression in the two strains was measured by RT-qPCR (real-time quantitative PCR). The expression of these genes was significantly higher in the XSBN200920 strain compared to HNQLZ200714. There were also significant differences in the sensitivity of the two strains to the growth of different carbon and nitrogen sources and oxidative stress agents. In addition, the activity expression of antioxidant enzymes on the third day of culturing in XSBN200920 was significantly higher than with HNQLZ200714. In summary, the high virulence of M. rileyi XSBN200920 was not only determined by the expression levels of protective and detoxifying enzymes of the host but also regulated by the growth of entomogenic fungi and the resistance to the oxidative stress against S. frugiperda at different stages and instars. This study provides a theoretical fundament for the systematic control of Spodoptera frugiperda using Metarhizium rileyi.
Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Programs—From Proof-of-Concept Trials to National Intervention and Beyond
Authors: Tuomilehto Jaakko , Uusitupa Matti , Gregg Edward W. , Lindström Jaana
Published: March 2023

The prevention of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in high-risk people with lifestyle interventions has been demonstrated by several randomized controlled trials. The intervention effect has sustained up to 20 years in post-trial monitoring of T2D incidence. In 2000, Finland launched the national T2D prevention plan. For screening for high T2D risk, the non-laboratory Finnish Diabetes Risk Score was developed and widely used, also in other countries. The incidence of drug-treated T2D has decreased steadily since 2010. The US congress authorized public funding for a national diabetes prevention program (NDPP) in 2010. It was built around a 16-visit program that relies on referral from primary care and self-referral of persons with either prediabetes or by a diabetes risk test. The program uses a train-the-trainer program. In 2015 the program started the inclusion of online programs. There has been limited implementation of nationwide T2D prevention programs in other countries. Despite the convincing results from RCTs in China and India, no translation to the national level was introduced there. T2D prevention efforts in low-and middle-income countries are still limited, but results have been promising. Barriers to efficient interventions are greater in these countries than in high-income countries, where many barriers also exist. Health disparities by socioeconomic status exist for T2D and its risk factors and form a challenge for preventive interventions. It seems that a stronger commitment to T2D prevention is needed, such as the successful WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which legally binds the countries to act.
Breast Reconstruction after Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Treatment: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Lee Won-Seob , Kim Tae-Gon , Lee Jun-Ho , Kim Il-Kug
Published: March 2023

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a T-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that occurs in patients with at least one prior textured breast implant. BIA-ALCL has a relatively good prognosis when treated promptly. However, data on the methods and timing of the reconstruction process are lacking. Herein, we report the first case of BIA-ALCL in Republic of Korea in a patient who underwent breast reconstruction using implants and an acellular dermal matrix (ADM). A 47-year-old female patient was diagnosed with BIA-ALCL stage IIA (T4N0M0) and underwent bilateral breast augmentation using textured breast implants. She then underwent removal of both breast implants, total bilateral capsulectomy, adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. There was no evidence of recurrence at 28 months postoperatively; therefore, the patient wished to undergo breast reconstruction surgery. A smooth surface implant was used to consider the patient’s desired breast volume and body mass index. The right breast was reconstructed with a smooth surface implant and an ADM in the prepectoral plane. Breast augmentation was performed on the left breast using a smooth surface implant. The patient was satisfied with the results and recovered fully with no complications.
Determinants of Operative Time in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Stitz Daniel J. , Guo Allen A. , Lam Patrick H. , Murrell George A. C.
Published: March 2023

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs have been reported to take between 72 and 113 min to complete. This team has adopted its practice to reduce rotator cuff repair times. We aimed to determine (1) what factors reduced operative time, and (2) whether arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs could be performed in under 5 min. Consecutive rotator cuff repairs were filmed with the intent of capturing a <5-min repair. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 2232 patients who underwent primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair by a single surgeon was performed using Spearman’s correlations and multiple linear regression. Cohen’s f2 values were calculated to quantify effect size. Video footage of a 4-min arthroscopic repair was captured on the 4th case. Backwards stepwise multivariate linear regression found that an undersurface repair technique (f2 = 0.08, p < 0.001), fewer surgical anchors (f2 = 0.06, p < 0.001), more recent case number (f2 = 0.01, p < 0.001), smaller tear size (f2 = 0.01, p < 0.001), increased assistant case number (f2 = 0.01, p < 0.001), female sex (f2 = 0.004, p < 0.001), higher repair quality ranking (f2 = 0.006, p < 0.001) and private hospital (f2 = 0.005, p < 0.001) were independently associated with a faster operative time. Use of the undersurface repair technique, reduced anchor number, smaller tear size, increased surgeon and assistant surgeon case number, performing repairs in a private hospital and female sex independently lowered operative time. A <5-min repair was captured.
New Staging System and Prognostic Model for Malignant Phyllodes Tumor Patients without Distant Metastasis: A Development and Validation Study
Authors: Ruan Zhaohui , Quan Qi , Wang Qianyu , Jiang Jiaxin , Peng Roujun
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To build a new staging system and new prognostic models for MPTB. Methods: We performed a comprehensive analysis of the data from the SEER database. Results: We discussed the characteristics of MPTB by comparing 1085 MPTB cases with 382,718 invasive ductal carcinoma cases. We established a new stage- and age-stratification system for MPTB patients. Furthermore, we built two prognostic models for MPTB patients. The validity of these models was confirmed through multifaceted and multidata verification. Conclusions: Our study provided a staging system and prognostic models for MPTB patients, which can not only help to predict patient outcomes, but also enhance the understanding of the prognostic factors associated with MPTB.
Conservative Bladder Management and Medical Treatment in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Authors: Ong Hueih Ling , Chiang I-Ni , Hsu Lin-Nei , Chin Cheih-Wen , Shao I-Hung , Jang Mei-Yu , Juan Yung-Shun , Wang Chung-Cheng , Kuo Hann-Chorng
Published: March 2023

To review the available data on non-surgical management for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) in patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) and provide the most updated knowledge for readers. We categorized the bladder management approaches into storage and voiding dysfunction separately; both are minimally invasive, safe, and efficacious procedures. The main goals for NLUTD management are to achieve urinary continence; improve quality of life; prevent urinary tract infections and, last but not least, preserve upper urinary tract function. Annual renal sonography workups and regular video urodynamics examinations are crucial for early detection and further urological management. Despite the extensive data on NLUTD, there are still relatively few novel publications and there is a lack of high-quality evidence. There is a paucity of new minimally invasive and prolonged efficacy treatments for NLUTD, and a partnership between urologists, nephrologists and physiatrists is required to promote and ensure the health of SCI patients in the future.
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Modifies P-Wave Terminal Force in Lead V1-Associated Prognosis in Acute Ischemic Stroke or TIA Patients
Authors: Wu Yueyang , Lv Wei , Li Jiejie , Yang Xiaomeng , Meng Xia , Li Zixiao , Pan Yuesong , Jiang Yong , Yan Hongyi , Huang Xinying , Liu Liping , Zhao Xingquan , Wang Yilong , Li Hao , Wang Yongjun
Published: March 2023

Little is known about the role of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in the relationship between P-wave terminal force in lead V1 (PTFV1) and stroke prognosis. We aimed to investigate how hsCRP influences the effect of PTFV1 on ischemic stroke recurrence and mortality. In this study, patients enrolled in the Third China National Stroke Registry, which enrolled consecutive patients who had suffered an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack in China, were analyzed. After excluding patients with atrial fibrillation, 8271 patients with PTFV1 and hsCRP measurements were included in this analysis. Cox regression analyses were used to assess the association between PTFV1 and stroke prognosis according to different inflammation statuses stratified by an hsCRP level of 3 mg/L. A total of 216 (2.6%) patients died, and 715 (8.6%) patients experienced ischemic stroke recurrence within 1 year. In patients with hsCRP levels ≥ 3 mg/L, elevated PTFV1 was significantly associated with mortality (HR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.05–2.92; p = 0.03), while in those with hsCRP levels < 3 mg/L, such an association did not exist. In contrast, in patients with hsCRP levels < 3 mg/L and those with hsCRP levels ≥ 3 mg/L, elevated PTFV1 remained significantly associated with ischemic stroke recurrence. The predictive role of PTFV1 towards mortality but not ischemic stroke recurrence differed in terms of hsCRP levels.
Cure of Alzheimer’s Dementia Requires Addressing All of the Affected Brain Cell Types
Authors: Fessel Jeffrey
Published: March 2023

Multiple genetic, metabolic, and environmental abnormalities are known to contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). If all of those abnormalities were addressed it should be possible to reverse the dementia; however, that would require a suffocating volume of drugs. Nevertheless, the problem may be simplified by using available data to address, instead, the brain cells whose functions become changed as a result of the abnormalities, because at least eleven drugs are available from which to formulate a rational therapy to correct those changes. The affected brain cell types are astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, neurons, endothelial cells/pericytes, and microglia. The available drugs include clemastine, dantrolene, erythropoietin, fingolimod, fluoxetine, lithium, memantine, minocycline, pioglitazone, piracetam, and riluzole. This article describes the ways by which the individual cell types contribute to AD’s pathogenesis and how each of the drugs corrects the changes in the cell types. All five of the cell types may be involved in the pathogenesis of AD; of the 11 drugs, fingolimod, fluoxetine, lithium, memantine, and pioglitazone, each address all five of the cell types. Fingolimod only slightly addresses endothelial cells, and memantine is the weakest of the remaining four. Low doses of either two or three drugs are suggested in order to minimize the likelihood of toxicity and drug–drug interactions (including drugs used for co-morbidities). Suggested two-drug combinations are pioglitazone plus lithium and pioglitazone plus fluoxetine; a three-drug combination could add either clemastine or memantine. Clinical trials are required to validate that the suggest combinations may reverse AD.
Identification of Novel Risk Variants of Non-Syndromic Cleft Palate by Targeted Gene Panel Sequencing
Authors: Dąbrowska Justyna , Biedziak Barbara , Bogdanowicz Agnieszka , Mostowska Adrianna
Published: March 2023

Non-syndromic cleft palate (ns-CP) has a genetically heterogeneous aetiology. Numerous studies have suggested a crucial role of rare coding variants in characterizing the unrevealed component of genetic variation in ns-CP called the “missing heritability”. Therefore, this study aimed to detect low-frequency variants that are implicated in ns-CP aetiology in the Polish population. For this purpose, coding regions of 423 genes associated with orofacial cleft anomalies and/or involved with facial development were screened in 38 ns-CP patients using the next-generation sequencing technology. After multistage selection and prioritisation, eight novel and four known rare variants that may influence an individual’s risk of ns-CP were identified. Among detected alternations, seven were located in novel candidate genes for ns-CP, including COL17A1 (c.2435-1G>A), DLG1 (c.1586G>C, p.Glu562Asp), NHS (c.568G>C, p.Val190Leu—de novo variant), NOTCH2 (c.1997A>G, p.Tyr666Cys), TBX18 (c.647A>T, p.His225Leu), VAX1 (c.400G>A, p.Ala134Thr) and WNT5B (c.716G>T, p.Arg239Leu). The remaining risk variants were identified within genes previously linked to ns-CP, confirming their contribution to this anomaly. This list included ARHGAP29 (c.1706G>A, p.Arg569Gln), FLNB (c.3605A>G, Tyr1202Cys), IRF6 (224A>G, p.Asp75Gly—de novo variant), LRP6 (c.481C>A, p.Pro161Thr) and TP63 (c.353A>T, p.Asn118Ile). In summary, this study provides further insights into the genetic components contributing to ns-CP aetiology and identifies novel susceptibility genes for this craniofacial anomaly.
Metabolic Health, Obesity, and Intraocular Pressure
Authors: Jung Younhea , Kim Gyoung Nyun , Oh Eun Byeol , Ohn Kyoung , Moon Jung Il
Published: March 2023

Obesity has been associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP), but the results are inconsistent. Recently, a subgroup of obese individuals with good metabolic profiles were suggested to have better clinical outcomes than normal-weight individuals with metabolic diseases. The relationships between IOP and different combinations of obesity and metabolic health status have not been investigated. Therefore, we investigated the IOP among groups with different combinations of obesity status and metabolic health status. We examined 20,385 adults aged 19 to 85 years at the Health Promotion Center of Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital between May 2015 and April 2016. Individuals were categorized into four groups according to obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2) and metabolic health status (defined based on prior medical history or abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high blood pressure, or high fasting blood glucose levels upon medical examination). ANOVA and ANCOVA were performed to compare the IOP among the subgroups. The IOP of the metabolically unhealthy obese group (14.38 ± 0.06 mmHg) was the highest, followed by that of the metabolically unhealthy normal-weight group (MUNW, 14.22 ± 0.08 mmHg), then, the metabolically healthy groups (p < 0.001; 13.50 ± 0.05 mmHg and 13.06 ± 0.03 mmHg in the metabolically healthy obese (MHO) and metabolically healthy normal-weight groups, respectively). Subjects who were metabolically unhealthy showed higher IOP compared to their counterparts who were metabolically healthy at all BMI levels, and there was a linear increase in IOP as the number of metabolic disease components increased, but no difference between normal-weight vs. obese individuals. While obesity, metabolic health status, and each component of metabolic disease were associated with higher IOP, those who were MUNW showed higher IOP than those who were MHO, which indicates that metabolic status has a greater impact than obesity on IOP.
Stage IV Colorectal Cancer Management and Treatment
Authors: Hernandez Dominguez Oscar , Yilmaz Sumeyye , Steele Scott R.
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Up to 50% of patients with CRC develop metastatic CRC (mCRC). Surgical and systemic therapy advances can now offer significant survival advantages. Understanding the evolving treatment options is essential for decreasing mCRC mortality. We aim to summarize current evidence and guidelines regarding the management of mCRC to provide utility when making a treatment plan for the heterogenous spectrum of mCRC. (2) Methods: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed and current guidelines written by major cancer and surgical societies were reviewed. The references of the included studies were screened to identify additional studies that were incorporated as appropriate. (3) Results: The standard of care for mCRC primarily consists of surgical resection and systemic therapy. Complete resection of liver, lung, and peritoneal metastases is associated with better disease control and survival. Systemic therapy now includes chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy options that can be tailored by molecular profiling. Differences between colon and rectal metastasis management exist between major guidelines. (4) Conclusions: With the advances in surgical and systemic therapy, as well as a better understanding of tumor biology and the importance of molecular profiling, more patients can anticipate prolonged survival. We provide a summary of available evidence for the management of mCRC, highlighting the similarities and presenting the difference in available literature. Ultimately, a multidisciplinary evaluation of patients with mCRC is crucial to selecting the appropriate pathway.
Recycled Glass Polypropylene Composites from Transportation Manufacturing Waste
Authors: Vaidya Uday , Wasti Sanjita , Tekinalp Halil , Hassen Ahmed Arabi , Ozcan Soydan
Published: March 2023

In recent years there has been growing interest in developing recycling technologies for composites manufacturing scrap, process waste and end-of-life parts. The focus of this work was to establish processing routes and mechanical property bounds for glass-polypropylene (PP-GF) scrap from the production of parts for truck trailers, automobiles, and rail cars. This study considered PP-GF scrap and demonstrated extrusion-compression molding (ECM) as a viable route for the closed-loop manufacture of composite parts. The results were promising in terms of the strength and modulus retention of the PP-GF recyclate. The tensile strength and modulus was the highest for 50% and 66% recycled content, compared with 100% and 83% recycle content. The flexural strength and modulus of the 100% and 83% recycled compositions was higher than the 66% and 50% recycled content, respectively. The impact energy absorption of the PP-GF recyclate at at all fiber loadings was superior in absorbing energy compared with the incumbent (benchmark) plywood. This work is useful to designers seeking to incorporate recycled materials in their products.
A Hybrid Approach to Surface Engineering Based on Laser Texturing and Coating
Authors: Barili Matilde , Lutey Adrian H. A. , Sciancalepore Corrado , Romoli Luca
Published: March 2023

A hybrid approach based on laser texturing and surface coating for the combined modification of surface topography and chemistry has been proposed to provide a versatile approach for the development of functional surfaces. The experimental procedure comprised nanosecond pulsed laser texturing of AISI 304 stainless steel substrates followed by the deposition of thin (<1 µm) coatings with two different technologies, sol–gel deposition and PE-CVD, with the aim of independently modifying the surface topography and chemical composition. Laser texturing with different scanning strategies achieved a variety of surface morphologies with an arithmetic mean height (Sa) in the range 0.2–6.4 µm. Coatings were then deposited on laser-textured substrates to quantify the deposition effectiveness and the influence of the coating type and parameters on the resulting surface topography and chemistry. Sol–gel deposition was found to be more effective with a polymeric interlayer, improving adhesion between the coating and the textured surface; however, this also led to an increase in Sa of approximately 0.5 µm. Conversely, PE-CVD was effective in modifying the surface chemistry while inducing no measurable differences in surface morphology, effectively decoupling the texturing and coating processes. Analysis of the surface chemistry showed a higher concentration of silicon for PE-CVD than sol–gel deposition and therefore a more pronounced effect on the surface chemical composition.
Categorizing Shallow Marine Soundscapes Using Explained Clusters
Authors: Parcerisas Clea , Roca Irene T. , Botteldooren Dick , Devos Paul , Debusschere Elisabeth
Published: March 2023

Natural marine soundscapes are being threatened by increasing anthropic noise, particularly in shallow coastal waters. To preserve and monitor these soundscapes, understanding them is essential. Here, we propose a new method for semi-supervised categorization of shallow marine soundscapes, with further interpretation of these categories according to concurrent environmental conditions. The proposed methodology uses a nonlinear mapping of short-term spectrograms to a two-dimensional space, followed by a density-based clustering algorithm to identify similar sound environments. A random forest classifier, based on additional environmental data, is used to predict their occurrence. Finally, explainable machine learning tools provide insight into the ecological explanation of the clusters. This methodology was tested in the Belgian part of the North Sea, and resulted in clearly identifiable categories of soundscapes that could be explained by spatial and temporal environmental parameters, such as distance to the shore, bathymetry, tide or season. Classifying soundscapes facilitates their identification, which can be useful for policy making or conservation programs. Soundscape categorization, as proposed in this work, could be used to monitor acoustic trends and patterns in space and time that might provide useful indicators of biodiversity and ecosystem functionality change.
Fusarium Photoreceptors
Authors: Pardo-Medina Javier , Limón M. Carmen , Avalos Javier
Published: March 2023

Light is an important modulating signal in fungi. Fusarium species stand out as research models for their phytopathogenic activity and their complex secondary metabolism. This includes the synthesis of carotenoids, whose induction by light is their best known photoregulated process. In these fungi, light also affects other metabolic pathways and developmental stages, such as the formation of conidia. Photoreceptor proteins are essential elements in signal transduction from light. Fusarium genomes contain genes for at least ten photoreceptors: four flavoproteins, one photolyase, two cryptochromes, two rhodopsins, and one phytochrome. Mutations in five of these genes provide information about their functions in light regulation, in which the flavoprotein WcoA, belonging to the White Collar (WC) family, plays a predominant role. Global transcriptomic techniques have opened new perspectives for the study of photoreceptor functions and have recently been used in Fusarium fujikuroi on a WC protein and a cryptochrome from the DASH family. The data showed that the WC protein participates in the transcriptional control of most of the photoregulated genes, as well as of many genes not regulated by light, while the DASH cryptochrome potentially plays a supporting role in the photoinduction of many genes.
Identification of Mycoparasitism-Related Genes against the Phytopathogen Botrytis cinerea via Transcriptome Analysis of Trichoderma harzianum T4
Authors: Wang Yaping , Zhu Xiaochong , Wang Jian , Shen Chao , Wang Wei
Published: March 2023

Trichoderma harzianum is a well-known biological control agent (BCA) that is effective against a variety of plant pathogens. In previous studies, we found that T. harzianum T4 could effectively control the gray mold in tomatoes caused by Botrytis cinerea. However, the research on its biocontrol mechanism is not comprehensive, particularly regarding the mechanism of mycoparasitism. In this study, in order to further investigate the mycoparasitism mechanism of T. harzianum T4, transcriptomic sequencing and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of T. harzianum T4 at 12, 24, 48 and 72 h of growth in the cell wall of B. cinerea (BCCW) or a sucrose medium. A total of 2871 DEGs and 2148 novel genes were detected using transcriptome sequencing. Through GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, we identified genes associated with mycoparasitism at specific time periods, such as encoding kinases, signal transduction proteins, carbohydrate active enzymes, hydrolytic enzymes, transporters, antioxidant enzymes, secondary metabolite synthesis, resistance proteins, detoxification genes and genes associated with extended hyphal longevity. To validate the transcriptome data, RT-qCPR was performed on the transcriptome samples. The RT-qPCR results show that the expression trend of the genes was consistent with the RNA-Seq data. In order to validate the screened genes associated with mycoparasitism, we performed a dual-culture antagonism test on T. harzianum and B. cinerea. The results of the dual-culture RT-qPCR showed that 15 of the 24 genes were upregulated during and after contact between T. harzianum T4 and B. cinerea (the same as BCCW), which further confirmed that these genes were involved in the mycoparasitism of T. harzianum T4. In conclusion, the transcriptome data provided in this study will not only improve the annotation information of gene models in T. harzianum T4 genome, but also provide important transcriptome information regarding the process of mycoparasitism at specific time periods, which can help us to further understand the mechanism of mycoparasitism, thus providing a potential molecular target for T. harzianum T4 as a biological control agent.
Community Leadership at a Hindu Non-Profit Organization Leads to Outperforming in Indian Microfinance Market
Authors: Ashta Arvind , Parekh Nadiya
Published: March 2023

There are isolated streams of research in spiritual capital, spiritual leadership, and community leadership. We put together these three notions and indicate that taken together, a spiritual leader with a community leadership style can use his spiritual capital to boost both the social and financial performance of the organization and reduce risk. We document a case where a Hindu non-profit organization is more resilient compared to the other top Indian firms which are for-profit organisations. This challenges the popular belief that creating sustainable organizations with social impact requires a purely business logic. This case study reports the results of interviews with the top management of the organization explaining how religion is related to management inputs, the social business model, and financial performance outcomes. We add to the meager literature on Hinduism in social business leadership. We generate five propositions that expand the extant theoretical conceptualization of community leadership with a case example from a non-profit Hindu spiritual leadership domain. They serve as lessons that managers can reflect on while working with their community and building trust.
Systematic Review: Landscape Characteristics Correlated with Physical Activity of the Elderly People
Authors: Li Dan , Xu Haiyun , Kang Yue , Steemers Koen
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Green and open spaces are conducive to physical activity for the elderly. However, it is unclear how different landscape characteristics relate to the physical activity of the elderly. (2) Methods: following the PRISMA method, this study reviewed the existing literature on the landscape characteristics correlated with the elderly’s physical activity (PA) from Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. We conducted a systematic full-text review of 25 eligible reports and studies related to the linkage between the characteristics of green and open spaces and the elderly’s physical activity (PA); (3) Results: Nature/greenery, safety, road/path conditions, aesthetics, PA facilities, accessibility, amenity, water, and elderly accessibility facilities were found to be positively associated with elderly’s PA. Pavement conditions (gravel), the presence of water, poor maintenance, neighborhood aesthetics, and GVI are negatively correlated with the elderly’s PA; (4) Conclusions: We close the paper by making a few recommendations for future policy-making, practice, and research. It is suggested that the landscape characteristics be applied in evidence-based policy-making and design, and in tackling health inequality. Future research should be more specific about the impact of site-scale factors, include landscape characteristics specifically needed by the elderly to conduct PA, and involve a wider scope of green and open space on top of neighborhood green and open space and parks. Additionally, these studies should take into consideration different cultural settings and geographical scales to reveal the different effects of various aspects of green and open space.
The Governance of Land Use: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Krawchenko Tamara , Tomaney John
Published: March 2023

How land is used is connected to some of the most important issues of our time: sustainable development, economic development, reducing territorial inequalities and the rights of future generations, to name but a few. There is growing recognition that a wide range of policies shape how land is used and managed beyond that of land use and environmental planning systems. From fiscal and tax incentives to industry subsidies and infrastructure or transportation program design, a myriad of incentives and disincentives shape the decisions and interventions that play out across our land, often leading to adverse outcomes, such as a loss of agricultural land, environmental degradation, high housing prices or costlier services. This paper shares a conceptual framework for the governance of land use encompassing a range of policies and other factors across scales that shape how land is used and managed. This framework encourages consideration of the incentives, disincentives and complementarities across a range of policies and practices and the need for stronger alignment to meet land management goals.
Morality, Voluntary Laws, and State Neutrality
Authors: Benbaji Yitzhak
Published: March 2023

Kantian political philosophies stress that a state ought to be “neutral” (Rawls), “minimal” (Nozick), or “public” (Ripstein’s Kant), as part of its duty to respect its citizens’ freedom to pursue whatever ends these citizens find valuable. States are under duty merely to secure citizens’ independence from each other and from the state. In contrast, Kantian morality contends that individuals are subject to a duty to pursue certain “obligatory” ends, viz., ends that emerge from the intrinsic value of personhood and autonomy. In some cases, hindering one’s freedom is necessary for promoting these ends. This essay describes circumstances in which a legal right to interfere with one’s property and body in promoting obligatory ends is justified, even though such a right compromises states’ neutrality. This description sheds a new light on the relation between the optimal legal system (“Right”) and morality (“Virtue”) and between justice and truth.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Nociceptive Condition Comorbid with Neuropathic or Nociplastic Pain
Authors: Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Nijs Jo , Cagnie Barbara , Gerwin Robert D. , Plaza-Manzano Gustavo , Valera-Calero Juan A. , Arendt-Nielsen Lars
Published: March 2023

Myofascial pain syndrome is featured by the presence of myofascial trigger points (TrPs). Whether TrPs are primary or secondary phenomena or if they relate to central or peripheral nervous system disorders is controversial. Referred pain, a cardinal sign of TrPs, is a central phenomenon driven by peripheral input. In 2021, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) proposed a clinical criteria and grading system for classifying patients with pain on nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic phenotypes. Myofascial TrP pain has been traditionally categorized as a nociceptive phenotype; however, increasing evidence supports that this condition could be present in patients with predominantly nociplastic pain, particularly when it is associated with an underlying medical condition. The clinical response of some therapeutic approaches for managing TrPs remains unclear. Accordingly, the ability to classify myofascial TrP pain into one of these phenotypes would likely be critical for producing more successful clinical treatment outcomes by a precision medicine approach. This consensus paper presents evidence supporting the possibility of subgrouping individuals with myofascial TrP pain into nociceptive, nociplastic, or mixed-type phenotype. It is concluded that myofascial pain caused by TrPs is primarily a nociceptive pain condition, is unlikely to be classified as neuropathic or nociplastic, but can be present in patients with predominantly neuropathic or nociplastic pain. In the latter cases, management of the predominant central pain problem should be a major treatment goal, but the peripheral drive from TrPs should not be ignored, since TrP treatment has been shown to reduce sensitization-associated symptomatology in nociplastic pain conditions, e.g., fibromyalgia.
The Prognostic Role of Spot Urinary Sodium and Chloride in a Cohort of Hospitalized Advanced Heart Failure Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Xanthopoulos Andrew , Christofidis Charalambos , Pantsios Chris , Magouliotis Dimitrios , Bourazana Angeliki , Leventis Ioannis , Skopeliti Niki , Skoularigki Evangelia , Briasoulis Alexandros , Giamouzis Grigorios , Triposkiadis Filippos , Skoularigis John
Published: March 2023

Recent studies have demonstrated the prognostic value of spot urinary sodium (UNa+) in acutely decompensated chronic HF (ADCHF) patients. However, data on the prognostic role of UNa+ and spot urinary chloride (UCl−) in patients with advanced HF are limited. In the present prospective pilot study, we examined the predictive value of UNa+ and UCl− concentration at baseline, at 2 h and at 24 h after admission for all-cause mortality and HF rehospitalization up to 3 months post-discharge. Consecutive advanced HF patients (n = 30) admitted with ADCHF and aged > 18 years were included in the study. Loop diuretics were administered based on the natriuresis-guided algorithm recommended by the recent HF guidelines. Exclusion criteria were cardiogenic shock, acute coronary syndrome, estimated glomerular filtration rate < 15 mL/min/1.73 m2, severe hepatic dysfunction (Child–Pugh category C), and sepsis. UNa+ at baseline (Area Under the Curve (AUC) = 0.75, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) (0.58–0.93), p = 0.019) and at 2 h after admission (AUC = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.64–0.96, p = 0.005) showed good and excellent discrimination, respectively. UCl− at 2 h after admission (AUC = 0.75, 95%CI (0.57–0.93), p = 0.017) demonstrated good discrimination. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, UNa+ at 2 h (p = 0.02) and dose of loop diuretics at admission (p = 0.03) were the only factors independently associated with the study outcome. In conclusion, UNa+ and UCl− may have a prognostic role in hospitalized advanced HF patients.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of the Intestine: How to Prevent Motion Artifacts in Open and Laparoscopic Surgery?
Authors: Ryabkov Maksim , Sizov Mikhail , Bederina Evgeniya , Zarubenko Polina , Peretyagin Peter , Moiseev Alexander , Vorobiev Aleksander , Gladkova Natalia , Zaitsev Vladimir , Kiseleva Elena
Published: March 2023

(1) Introduction. The problem that limits the intraoperative use of OCTA for the intestinal circulation diagnostics is the low informative value of OCTA images containing too many motion artifacts. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency and safety of the developed unit for the prevention of the appearance of motion artifacts in the OCTA images of the intestine in both open and laparoscopic surgery in the experiment; (2) Methods. A high-speed spectral-domain multimodal optical coherence tomograph (IAP RAS, Russia) operating at a wavelength of 1310 nm with a spectral width of 100 μm and a power of 2 mW was used. The developed unit was tested in two groups of experimental animals—on minipigs (group I, n = 10, open abdomen) and on rabbits (group II, n = 10, laparoscopy). Acute mesenteric ischemia was modeled and then 1 h later the small intestine underwent OCTA evaluation. A total of 400 OCTA images of the intact and ischemic small intestine were obtained and analyzed. The quality of the obtained OCTA images was evaluated based on the score proposed in 2020 by the group of Magnin M. (3) Results. Without stabilization, OCTA images of the intestine tissues were informative only in 32–44% of cases in open surgery and in 14–22% of cases in laparoscopic surgery. A vacuum bowel stabilizer with a pressure deficit of 22–25 mm Hg significantly reduced the number of motion artifacts. As a result, the proportion of informative OCTA images in open surgery increased up to 86.5% (Χ2 = 200.2, p = 0.001), and in laparoscopy up to 60% (Χ2 = 148.3, p = 0.001). (4) Conclusions. The used vacuum tissue stabilizer enabled a significant increase in the proportion of informative OCTA images by significantly reducing the motion artifacts.