bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Report: Massive Hepatocellular Carcinoma Complete Surgical Resection After Portal Vein Embolization and Multimodality Therapy
Authors: Lin Qianyi , Chen Dexiong , Li Kangde , Fan Xiaomin , Cai Qi , Lin Weihong , Qin Chunhong , He Tao
Published: April 2022

A high proportion of massive patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not amenable for surgical resection at initial diagnosis, owing to insufficient future liver remnant (FLR) or an inadequate surgical margin. For such patients, portal vein embolization (PVE) is an essential approach to allow liver hypertrophy and prepare for subsequent surgery. However, the conversion resection rate of PVE only is unsatisfactory because of tumor progression while awaiting liver hypertrophy. We report here a successfully treated case of primary massive HCC, where surgical resection was completed after PVE and multimodality therapy, comprising hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC), Lenvatinib plus Sintilimab. A pathologic complete response was achieved. This case demonstrates for the first time that combined PVE with multimodality therapy appears to be safe and effective for massive, potentially resectable HCC and can produce deep pathological remission in a primary tumor.
Three-Dimensional Dispersion of Neutral “Plastic” Particles in a Global Ocean Model
Authors: Huck Thierry , Bajon Raphaël , Grima Nicolas , Portela Esther , Molines Jean-Marc , Penduff Thierry
Published: April 2022

The fate of plastics entering the 3D ocean circulation from rivers discharge is examined through the Lagrangian analysis of neutrally buoyant particles. Particles are released continuously over 1991–2010 at the surface along the coasts according to monthly estimates of rivers plastic waste input. They are advected by daily currents from a state-of-the-art global ocean model at 1/12° resolution. At the end of the simulation (year 2010), particles remaining in the surface layer of 1 m thickness represent less than 2% of the total particles released. These are concentrated in the center of subtropical gyres, mostly in the South Indian Ocean, and the North Pacific, in relation with the large sources from Asia, and in good agreement with previous 2D numerical experiments in the surface layer. These patterns remain similar down to about 30 m depth, this upper layer strongly influenced by Ekman currents trapping about 20% of the total released particles. About 50% of the total released particles remain in the upper 100 m, and up to 90% are found in the upper 400 m at the end of the experiment. Below the mixed layer, they are more widely dispersed horizontally and follow the main global pathways of ocean ventilation of mode and deep water masses. Plastic particles, neutrally buoyant because of their small size or biofouling, are thus expected to be strongly dispersed in the global ocean thermocline following mode waters patterns, and reach the deeper layers following the North Atlantic Deep Water formation path. Two major source regions have a global impact. Particles from the western North Pacific spread over the whole Pacific Ocean poleward of 20°S, whereas particles from Indonesia spread over the whole latitude band from 60°S to 20°S.
Understanding the Role of Overall Appearance and Color in Consumers' Acceptability of Edamame
Authors: Carneiro Renata , Adie Kyle , Yu Dajun , Beverly Mariah , Neill Clinton , Zhang Bo , Kuhar Thomas , Rideout Steven , Reiter Mark , Huang Haibo , O'Keefe Sean , Duncan Susan
Published: April 2022

Appearance properties of vegetables can affect consumers' acceptance toward them as well as purchase intent. Hence, appearance is highly associated with quality of edamame (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), a protein-rich vegetable that is experiencing increased sales in the USA. Edamame is a high-value specialty crop and its production has been promoted in Virginia and other states in the USA where the tobacco production has decreased in the last decade. To support current efforts to develop the edamame industry in the USA, consumer and color data of 10 edamame genotypes grown in Virginia were analyzed in this follow-up study to understand the role of overall appearance and color characteristics in consumers' acceptability of edamame beans. In two consecutive years, untrained adult volunteers used 9-point hedonic scales (1 = “dislike extremely”, 9 = “like extremely”) to evaluate appearance and overall liking of edamame samples (cooked and shelled edamame beans) and our researchers measured the reflective color of the samples with a chroma meter. In the first year, sensory panelists also completed a choice-based conjoint analysis to determine their willingness-to-pay (WTP) for dark vs. light green edamame beans in a salad. Edamame genotypes were significantly different in appearance and overall liking (p < 0.05) and the genotype R14-16195 was the most liked overall. Hedonic scores and color were significantly affected by “year” (p < 0.05), so intentional changes between years (e.g., sample preparation) should be avoided in future studies. Consumers showed higher WTP for dark green edamame beans. Additionally, green intensity (color index) and a* color coordinate were correlated to appearance liking scores (p < 0.05), which suggests color data can support breeding selection criteria and possibly predict consumer acceptability. Employing color measurement as quality control method can help improve harvest procedures, post-harvest handling, and define edamame quality standards for the USA market.
Case Report: A Calculus-Free Ureteral Stent Forgotten for 29 Years
Authors: Tang Cheng , Qu Genyi , Yang Guang , Wang Gang , Xu Yong
Published: April 2022

Ureteral stents are widely used. If ureteral stents remain in place for extended periods, the probability of migration and stone formation increases substantially. However, a 29-year-old ureteral stent that was placed and did not develop calculus is rare. We reported a 45-year-old man admitted with pain in the left side of his waist and abdomen for more than 10 years. He underwent a ureterotomy 29 years prior to admission for left ureteral calculi, and a ureteral stent was placed postoperatively to prevent ureteral strictures. The ureteral stent was not removed in the hospital due to poor compliance on the part of the patient. This left ureteral stent was not visible on computed tomography (CT) and plain films. On ureteroscopy or flexible ureteroscopy, no new calculus was found in the left ureter and kidney. No calculus was found in the stent that is usually easily removed with calculus-removing forceps. This phenomenon is rare, and it highlights the importance of follow-up.
Lung Metastases: Current Surgical Indications and New Perspectives
Authors: Mangiameli Giuseppe , Cioffi Ugo , Alloisio Marco , Testori Alberto
Published: April 2022

Pulmonary metastasectomy is an established treatment that can provide improved long- term survival for patients with metastatic tumor(s) in the lung. In this mini-review, we discuss the state of the art of thoracic surgery in surgical management of lung metastases which actually occurs for a large part of surgical activity in thoracic surgery department. We describe the principles of surgical therapy that have been defined across the time, and that should remain the milestones of lung metastases treatment: a radical surgery and an adequate lymphadenectomy. We then focus on current surgical indications and report the oncological results according to the surgical approach (open vs. mini-invasive), the histological type and number of lung metastases, and in case of re-metastasectomy. Finally, we conclude with a brief overview about the future perspectives in thoracic surgery in treatment of lung metastases.
Leveraging a High-Throughput Screening Method to Identify Mechanisms of Individual Susceptibility Differences in a Genetically Diverse Zebrafish Model
Authors: Wallis Dylan J. , La Du Jane , Thunga Preethi , Elson Daniel , Truong Lisa , Kolluri Siva K. , Tanguay Robyn L. , Reif David M.
Published: April 2022

Understanding the mechanisms behind chemical susceptibility differences is key to protecting sensitive populations. However, elucidating gene-environment interactions (GxE) presents a daunting challenge. While mammalian models have proven useful, problems with scalability to an enormous chemical exposome and clinical translation faced by all models remain; therefore, alternatives are needed. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as an excellent model for investigating GxE. This study used a combined bioinformatic and experimental approach to probe the mechanisms underlying chemical susceptibility differences in a genetically diverse zebrafish population. Starting from high-throughput screening (HTS) data, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using embryonic fish exposed to 0.6 μM Abamectin revealed significantly different effects between individuals. A hypervariable region with two distinct alleles–one with G at the SNP locus (GG) and one with a T and the 16 bp deletion (TT)–associated with differential susceptibility was found. Sensitive fish had significantly lower sox7 expression. Due to their location and the observed expression differences, we hypothesized that these sequences differentially regulate sox7. A luciferase reporter gene assay was used to test if these sequences, alone, could lead to expression differences. The TT allele showed significantly lower expression than the GG allele in MCF-7 cells. To better understand the mechanism behind these expression differences, predicted transcription factor binding differences between individuals were compared in silico, and several putative binding differences were identified. EMSA was used to test for binding differences in whole embryo protein lysate to investigate these TF binding predictions. We confirmed that the GG sequence is bound to protein in zebrafish. Through a competition EMSA using an untagged oligo titration, we confirmed that the GG oligo had a higher binding affinity than the TT oligo, explaining the observed expression differences. This study identified differential susceptibility to chemical exposure in a genetically diverse population, then identified a plausible mechanism behind those differences from a genetic to molecular level. Thus, an HTS-compatible zebrafish model is valuable and adaptable in identifying GxE mechanisms behind susceptibility differences to chemical exposure.
Cangpu Oral Liquid as a Possible Alternative to Antibiotics for the Control of Undifferentiated Calf Diarrhea
Authors: Wang Shengyi , Cui Dongan , Lv Yanan , Yan Zuoting , Zhang Jiyu
Published: April 2022

Antibiotics are essential in the prevention of calf diarrhea epidemics. As more antibiotics become ineffective due to drug-resistant bacteria, attention must be directed toward alternative treatments for calf diarrhea. Natural antibiotic alternatives, such as Chinese herbal medicine, have become a research hotspot in the clinical treatment of diseases such as calf diarrhea due to their characteristics of fewer side effects, low cost, little residue, and no drug resistance. The Cangpu Oral Liquid (CP) was modified from a traditional herbal formula that had been widely used in ancient China to treat gastrointestinal diseases in animals. In order to evaluate the treatment effect of CP on neonatal calf diarrhea, a randomized controlled field trial was performed. Two hundred and forty-six diarrheal Holstein calves of 2–15 days old were selected and randomly divided into two treatment groups receiving either apramycin or CP. 101 out of 123 calves recovered from diarrhea in the CP group, whereas 77 out of 123 calves showed recovery after antibiotic therapy. There were no differences in initial weight between both groups, while the final weight was significantly different (P = 0.892, P = 0.025, respectively). The mean average daily gain (ADG) of calves (211.45 gram/day) in the CP group was significantly higher compared to the antibiotic group (164.56 gram/day) (P = 0.001). The CP group also showed a shorter recovery time from diarrhea (3.90 days vs. 6.62 days, P = 0.001). The current results indicate that the CP has a beneficial clinical effect on the treatment of diarrhea in neonatal calves and is an effective alternative treatment option.
Ultrasensitive Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria by Targeting High Copy Signature Genes
Authors: Dong Qiao , Chen Jingjing , Wei Qingqing , Liu Jinling , Shen Guoshun , Liu Baoshan , Zhang Huan , Wang Yuanzhi , Chen Zeliang
Published: April 2022

Bacterial load in clinical samples is relatively low and difficult to detect. Improvements in assay sensitivity will greatly reduce false negative results and contribute to more accurate diagnoses. In the present study, we present a new strategy to improve the sensitivity of a nucleic acid assay by detecting the presence of a multi-copy gene. By using Brucella as a test model, we screened the genome and identified IS711 as a multiple copy gene. Distribution analysis of insertion sequence IS711 among different species and strains showed that each of the strains have 5 to 13 copies of IS711. Compared with the BMEI1001, BMEI0775 and BMEI0027, the assays of high copy genes IS711 showed higher sensitivity and is an ideal high copy signature gene for Brucella. Detection of clinical samples with assays targeting the signature genes showed that IS711 exist in higher concentrations than BMEI1001, BMEI0775 and BMEI0027. In addition, IS711 assay is more sensitive than other signature genes assay. Analysis of several other pathogenic bacteria successfully identified high copy number genes that could be used as signature genes. Therefore, this strategy of targeting high copy signature genes represents a universal strategy for the ultrasensitive detection of bacteria.
Senescence-Associated miRNAs and Their Role in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Popov Alexey , Mandys Vaclav
Published: April 2022

Replicative senescence is irreversible cell proliferation arrest for somatic cells which can be circumvented in cancers. Cellular senescence is a process, which may play two opposite roles. On the one hand, this is a natural protection of somatic cells against unlimited proliferation and malignant transformation. On the other hand, cellular secretion caused by senescence can stimulate inflammation and proliferation of adjacent cells that may promote malignancy. The main genes controlling the senescence pathways are also well known as tumor suppressors. Almost 140 genes regulate both cellular senescence and cancer pathways. About two thirds of these genes (64%) are regulated by microRNAs. Senescence-associated miRNAs can stimulate cancer progression or act as tumor suppressors. Here we review the role playing by senescence-associated miRNAs in development, diagnostics and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Home Range and Activity Patterns of Free-Ranging Cats: A Case Study from a Chinese University Campus
Authors: Zhang Zhenwei , Li Yuhang , Ullah Sana , Chen Lixin , Ning Sihan , Lu Liangyu , Lin Weiming , Li Zhongqiu
Published: April 2022

Human activities and the available resources influence the home range and activity patterns of free-ranging cats. Our objective in this study was to determine sex and breeding season vs. non-breeding season home range size, as well as activity patterns for unowned free-ranging cats at a university campus in China. Twenty-nine adult cats (fifteen males and fourteen females) were tracked with attached GPS units from October 2018 to June 2020. We considered the effects of sex and breeding status on the home range size of free-ranging cats. Male cats had larger home ranges (95% KDE: 12.60 ± 2.61 ha) than female cats (95% KDE: 5.02 ± 1.34 ha) in the breeding season. There was a seasonal effect on the home range size of male cats; for example, during the non-breeding season, the home range (95% KDE: 6.68 ± 1.22 ha) was smaller than that during the breeding season (95% KDE: 12.60 ± 2.61 ha), while female cats tended to have larger home ranges in the non-breeding season (95% KDE: 7.73 ± 2.77 ha) than in the breeding season (95% KDE: 5.02 ± 1.34 ha). We used the number of activity steps to measure the activity intensity of cats to explore their activity patterns. The mean (±SE) number of steps a cat takes per day was 19,863.96 ± 1627.21. There were two peak periods of activity in a day, 6:00–10:00 and 17:00–21:00. Our study provided a case study of the home range and activity patterns of free-ranging cats living on a Chinese university campus, and the results show that the home range of free-ranging cats is affected by the breeding status and sex, and free-ranging cats have more intense activities at twilight and relatively lower activity intensity in the afternoon. The results provided theoretical support for the management and conservation implications of free-ranging cats in cities.
Unexpected Role of MPO-Oxidized LDLs in Atherosclerosis: In between Inflammation and Its Resolution
Authors: Tangeten Cecilia , Zouaoui Boudjeltia Karim , Delporte Cedric , Van Antwerpen Pierre , Korpak Keziah
Published: April 2022

Inflammation and its resolution are the result of the balance between pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving factors, such as specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). This balance is crucial for plaque evolution in atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) has been related to oxidative stress and atherosclerosis, and MPO-oxidized low-density lipoproteins (Mox-LDLs) have specific characteristics and effects. They participate in foam cell formation and cause specific reactions when interacting with macrophages and endothelial cells. They also increase the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in macrophages and the resulting antioxidant response. Mox-LDLs also drive macrophage polarization. Mox-LDLs are known to be pro-inflammatory particles. However, in the presence of Mox-LDLs, endothelial cells produce resolvin D1 (RvD1), a SPM. SPMs are involved in the resolution of inflammation by stimulating efferocytosis and by reducing the adhesion and recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes. RvD1 also induces the synthesis of other SPMs. In vitro, Mox-LDLs have a dual effect by promoting RvD1 release and inducing a more anti-inflammatory phenotype macrophage, thereby having a mixed effect on inflammation. In this review, we discuss the interrelationship between MPO, Mox-LDLs, and resolvins, highlighting a new perception of the role of Mox-LDLs in atherosclerosis.
The Therapeutic and Prophylactic Potential of Quercetin against COVID-19: An Outlook on the Clinical Studies, Inventive Compositions, and Patent Literature
Authors: Imran Mohd , Thabet Hamdy Khamees , Alaqel Saleh I. , Alzahrani Abdullah R. , Abida Abida , Alshammari Mohammed Kanan , Kamal Mehnaz , Diwan Anupama , Asdaq Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin , Alshehri Sultan
Published: April 2022

Quercetin is a phenolic flavonol compound with established antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immuno-stimulant properties. Recent studies demonstrate the potential of quercetin against COVID-19. This article highlighted the prophylactic/therapeutic potential of quercetin against COVID-19 in view of its clinical studies, inventions, and patents. The literature for the subject matter was collected utilizing different databases, including PubMed, Sci-Finder, Espacenet, Patentscope, and USPTO. Clinical studies expose the potential of quercetin monotherapy, and also its combination therapy with other compounds, including zinc, vitamin C, curcumin, vitamin D3, masitinib, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and ivermectin. The patent literature also examines claims that quercetin containing nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and dietary supplements, alone or in combination with other drugs/compounds, including favipiravir, remdesivir, molnupiravir, navitoclax, dasatinib, disulfiram, rucaparib, tamarixin, iota-carrageenan, and various herbal extracts (aloe, poria, rosemary, and sphagnum) has potential for use against COVID-19. The literature reveals that quercetin exhibits anti-COVID-19 activity because of its inhibitory effect on the expression of the human ACE2 receptors and the enzymes of SARS-CoV-2 (MPro, PLPro, and RdRp). The USFDA designated quercetin as a “Generally Recognized as Safe” substance for use in the food and beverage industries. It is also an inexpensive and readily available compound. These facts increase the possibility and foreseeability of making novel and economical drug combinations containing quercetin to prevent/treat COVID-19. Quercetin is an acidic compound and shows metabolic interaction with some antivirals, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory agents. Therefore, the physicochemical and metabolic drug interactions between quercetin and the combined drugs/compounds must be better understood before developing new compositions.
Flooding Tolerance in Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) Is Mediated by Reactive Oxygen Species and Nitric Oxide
Authors: Park Sul-U , Lee Chan-Ju , Park Sung-Chul , Nam Ki Jung , Lee Kang-Lok , Kwak Sang-Soo , Kim Ho Soo , Kim Yun-Hee
Published: April 2022

Flooding is harmful to almost all higher plants, including crop species. Most cultivars of the root crop sweet potato are able to tolerate environmental stresses such as drought, high temperature, and high salinity. They are, however, relatively sensitive to flooding stress, which greatly reduces yield and commercial value. Previous transcriptomic analysis of flood-sensitive and flood-resistant sweet potato cultivars identified genes that were likely to contribute to protection against flooding stress, including genes related to ethylene (ET), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide (NO) metabolism. Although each sweet potato cultivar can be classified as either tolerant or sensitive to flooding stress, the molecular mechanisms of flooding resistance in ET, ROS, and NO regulation-mediated responses have not yet been reported. Therefore, this study characterized the regulation of ET, ROS, and NO metabolism in two sweet potato cultivars—one flood-tolerant cultivar and one flood-sensitive cultivar—under early flooding treatment conditions. The expression of ERFVII genes, which are involved in low oxygen signaling, was upregulated in leaves during flooding stress treatments. In addition, levels of respiratory burst oxidase homologs and metallothionein-mediated ROS scavenging were greatly increased in the early stage of flooding in the flood-tolerant sweet potato cultivar compared with the flood-sensitive cultivar. The expression of genes involved in NO biosynthesis and scavenging was also upregulated in the tolerant cultivar. Finally, NO scavenging-related MDHAR expressions and enzymatic activity were higher in the flood-tolerant cultivar than in the flood-sensitive cultivar. These results indicate that, in sweet potato, genes involved in ET, ROS, and NO regulation play an important part in response mechanisms against flooding stress.
A Secure Communication Method Based on Message Hash Chain
Authors: Han Mingxuan , Jiang Wenbao
Published: April 2022

Traditional network communication methods lack endogenous security mechanisms, which is the root cause of network security problems, e.g., spoofing identity and address forgery. This paper proposes a secure communication method based on the message hash chain, referred to as the chain communication method or MHC method. We use the message hash chain to ensure that the transmission process is immutable, non-repudiation, reliability, and the integrity and synchronization of the message. At the same time, we can sign and authenticate data streams in batches through chain signature and authentication technology, which can significantly reduce the overhead of signature and authentication, thereby improving the efficiency of secure message transmission. This paper formally proves the security of the message hash chain, conducts an in-depth analysis of the reliability of the MHC method, and conducts relevant experimental tests. The results show that the average transmission efficiency of the MHC method applied at the network layer is about 70% lower than that of the IP protocol communication method without a security mechanism. However, it is about 5% higher than the average transmission efficiency of the non-repudiation IPSec protocol communication method. The average transmission efficiency of the MHC method is about 23.5 times higher than that of the IP protocol communication method with the packet-by-packet signature. It is easier to ensure the non-repudiation of the data stream.
Evaluation of the Impact of Fines on the Performance of Sub-Base Materials
Authors: Farooq Khalid , Mujtaba Hassan , Munir Shojat , Ashiq Syed Zishan , Kazmi Syed Minhaj Saleem , Munir Muhammad Junaid
Published: April 2022

The study aims to evaluate the change in the behavior of sub-base materials being used in road pavements through blending fines of different types in different amounts. Fines are added in aggregate samples as part of gradations proposed by the American Association for State and Highway Transportation Official (AASHTO). Composite samples conforming to AASHTO gradations B and C were prepared by mixing coarse aggregates in varying proportions, ranging from 0 to 15%. Laboratory tests—including aggregate quality tests (abrasion test, flakiness index and elongation Index), physical tests (particle size analysis and specific gravity), and strength test (modified Proctor, California bearing ratio, and permeability test)—were performed on the control as well as the modified samples. It was observed that the material with 0% fines yielded the highest CBR values (greater than 98%) and coefficient of permeability of 4.4 × 10−4 cm/s. However, with the increasing of the fines up to 15%, a substantial reduction in CBR value up to 10% and coefficient of permeability to 1.62 × 10−7 cm/s was noticed. Based on these results, the modulus of rigidity (MR) and the corresponding structural numbers were determined for each layer. Conclusively, the required thickness of the base course was increased from 11 cm for the samples with 0% fines to 24 cm (118%) for the samples with the addition of 15% fines according to the AASHTO Design method.
Solar Charging of Electric Vehicles: Experimental Results
Authors: Robisson Bruno , Guillemin Sylvain , Marchadier Laurie , Vignal Gérald , Mignonac Alexandre
Published: April 2022

Sales of electric vehicles, for commercial use and personal use, keep rising. In parallel of the development of the associated Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI), systems for controlling the charging of EVs will have to be developed in order to reduce the impact of such a development on the power grid. In this paper, we present a supervision system that controls the electric vehicle charging of employees of CEA Cadarache research center. The EVCI of Cadarache, set up in 2016, is constituted of more than 80 22-kW AC charging points spread over 30 zones. This EVCI currently supplies more than 376 vehicles including taxis, service vehicles as well as employees’ vehicles. This infrastructure is one of the largest private EVCIs in the region. The supervision system controls electric vehicle (EV) charging in real-time according to two objectives: respecting user preferences, by fully charging the EV battery, and synchronizing the power consumption of a fraction of the EVCI, i.e., 24 charging points, with the power production of a solar photovoltaic plant. This paper details the supervision system that is used to carry out these experiments and presents experimental results. These results show that it is technically feasible to increase (up to 60 percentage points) the self-production ratio while satisfying EV users.
A Filter Pruning Method of CNN Models Based on Feature Maps Clustering
Authors: Wu Zhihong , Li Fuxiang , Zhu Yuan , Lu Ke , Wu Mingzhi , Zhang Changze
Published: April 2022

The convolutional neural network (CNN) has been widely used in the field of self-driving cars. To satisfy the increasing demand, the deeper and wider neural network has become a general trend. However, this leads to the main problem that the deep neural network is computationally expensive and consumes a considerable amount of memory. To compress and accelerate the deep neural network, this paper proposes a filter pruning method based on feature maps clustering. The basic idea is that by clustering, one can know how many features the input images have and how many filters are enough to extract all features. This paper chooses Retinanet and WIDER FACE datasets to experiment with the proposed method. Experiments demonstrate that the hierarchical clustering algorithm is an effective method for filtering pruning, and the silhouette coefficient method can be used to determine the number of pruned filters. This work evaluates the performance change by increasing the pruning ratio. The main results are as follows: Firstly, it is effective to select pruned filters based on feature maps clustering, and its precision is higher than that of a random selection of pruned filters. Secondly, the silhouette coefficient method is a feasible method for finding the best clustering number. Thirdly, the detection speed of the pruned model improves greatly. Lastly, the method we propose can be used not only for Retinanet, but also for other CNN models. Its effect will be verified in future work.
Modelling and Parametric Analysis of a Brine Treatment Unit Using a High-Temperature Heat Pump and a Vacuum Evaporator
Authors: Gkountas Apostolos , Bakalis Panteleimon , Ntavou Erika , Skiadopoulos Anastasios , Manolakos Dimitris
Published: April 2022

The brine produced from desalination systems is a highly concentrated mixture, including cleansing chemicals from the water treatment processes that can possibly degrade ecosystems in discharge areas. Evaporation is a widely used method for the treatment of high salinity mixtures; however, it requires careful monitoring of the temperature and pressure in order to protect the equipment from the highly corrosive environment of the brine discharge. The proposed brine treatment system is based on the principle of vacuum evaporation with the use of a high-temperature heat pump, which is classified as “green technology”. In this study, a thermodynamic analysis of a vacuum evaporation system with a nominal freshwater production capacity of 160 L/h has been carried out, employing a numerical tool to model the flash evaporator and the heat pump. The analysis focuses on the parameters that present the most significant impact on the system’s efficiency and water production, such as the recirculation ratio, the set-point temperature of the heat pump and the pressure difference provided by the vacuum pump. The results show that, for the constant vacuum pressure difference, the water production increases with the increase in the set-point temperature and the recirculation ratio, but leads to the reduced COP of the heat pump and to an elevated specific energy consumption. Moreover, it is shown that an increased vacuum pressure difference leads to increased water production, but reduces the COP. Finally, the minimum specific energy consumption of 150 kWh/m3 of produced freshwater can be achieved for a set-point at 75 °C and vacuum of 0.21 bar, leading to a levelized cost of water about 11 €/m3.
Atmospheric Deposition of Benzo[a]pyrene: Developing a Spatial Pattern at a National Scale
Authors: Hůnová Iva , Kurfürst Pavel , Vlasáková Leona , Schreiberová Markéta , Škáchová Hana
Published: April 2022

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), an indicator of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the atmosphere, is an important ambient air pollutant with significant human health and environmental effects. In the Czech Republic (CR), BaP, together with aerosol and ambient ozone, ranks (with respect to limit value exceedances and resulting population exposure) among the most problematic air pollutants. The aim of this study is to develop atmospheric deposition patterns of BaP in three years, namely 2012, 2015 and 2019, reflecting different BaP ambient levels. With respect to the available measurements, we accounted for dry deposition fluxes, neglecting wet contribution. We assumed, nevertheless, that the real atmospheric deposition is dominated by dry pathways in our conditions, which is supported by measurements from the rural site of Košetice. The dry deposition spatial pattern was constructed using an inferential approach, with two input layers, i.e., annual mean ambient air BaP concentrations, and deposition velocity of 0.89 cm·s−1. Though our results show an overall decrease in BaP loads over the years, the BaP deposition fluxes, in particular in the broader Ostrava region, remain very high. The presented maps can be considered an acceptable approximation of total BaP deposition and are useful for further detailed analysis of airborne BaP impacts on the environment.
Comparison of Microglial Morphology and Function in Primary Cerebellar Cell Cultures on Collagen and Collagen-Mimetic Hydrogels
Authors: Balion Zbigniev , Svirskienė Nataša , Svirskis Gytis , Inokaitis Hermanas , Cėpla Vytautas , Ulčinas Artūras , Jelinskas Tadas , Eimont Romuald , Paužienė Neringa , Valiokas Ramūnas , Jekabsone Aistė
Published: April 2022

Neuronal-glial cell cultures are usually grown attached to or encapsulated in an adhesive environment as evenly distributed networks lacking tissue-like cell density, organization and morphology. In such cultures, microglia have activated amoeboid morphology and do not display extended and intensively branched processes characteristic of the ramified tissue microglia. We have recently described self-assembling functional cerebellar organoids promoted by hydrogels containing collagen-like peptides (CLPs) conjugated to a polyethylene glycol (PEG) core. Spontaneous neuronal activity was accompanied by changes in the microglial morphology and behavior, suggesting the cells might play an essential role in forming the functional neuronal networks in response to the peptide signalling. The present study examines microglial cell morphology and function in cerebellar cell organoid cultures on CLP-PEG hydrogels and compares them to the cultures on crosslinked collagen hydrogels of similar elastomechanical properties. Material characterization suggested more expressed fibril orientation and denser packaging in crosslinked collagen than CLP-PEG. However, CLP-PEG promoted a significantly higher microglial motility (determined by time-lapse imaging) accompanied by highly diverse morphology including the ramified (brightfield and confocal microscopy), more active Ca2+ signalling (intracellular Ca2+ fluorescence recordings), and moderate inflammatory cytokine level (ELISA). On the contrary, on the collagen hydrogels, microglial cells were significantly less active and mostly round-shaped. In addition, the latter hydrogels did not support the neuron synaptic activity. Our findings indicate that the synthetic CLP-PEG hydrogels ensure more tissue-like microglial morphology, motility, and function than the crosslinked collagen substrates.
Carbonic Anhydrase VIII (CAVIII) Gene Mediated Colorectal Cancer Growth and Angiogenesis through Mediated miRNA 16-5p
Authors: Hsieh Mingli , Huang Pei-Ju , Chou Pei-Yu , Wang Shih-Wei , Lu Hsi-Chi , Su Wei-Wen , Chung Yuan-Chiang , Wu Min-Huan
Published: April 2022

Carbonic anhydrase VIII (CAVIII) is a member of the CA family, while CA8 is the oncogene. Here we observed increased expression of CAVIII with high expression in colorectal cancer tissues. CAVIII is also expressed in more aggressive types of human colorectal cancer cells. Upregulated CAVIII expression in SW480 cell lines increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and reduced miRNA16-5p. Conversely, knockdown of the CAVIII results in VEGF decline by up-regulated miRNA16-5p. Moreover, the collection of different grades of CAVIII expression CRC cells supernatant co-culture with endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) promotes the ability of tube formation in soft agar and migration in the Transwell experiment, indicating that CAVIII might facilitate cancer-cell-released VEGF via the inhibition of miRNA16-5p signaling. Furthermore, in the xenograft tumor angiogenesis model, knockdown of CAVIII significantly reduced tumor growth and tumor-associated angiogenesis. Taken together, our results prove that the CAVIII/miR-16-5p signaling pathway might function as a metastasis suppressor in CRC. Targeting CAVIII/miR-16-5p may provide a strategy for blocking its metastasis.
Levosimendan Ameliorates Cardiopulmonary Function but Not Inflammatory Response in a Dual Model of Experimental ARDS
Authors: Rissel René , Gosling Moritz , Kamuf Jens , Renz Miriam , Ruemmler Robert , Ziebart Alexander , Hartmann Erik K.
Published: April 2022

The calcium sensitiser levosimendan, which is used as an inodilator to treat decompensated heart failure, may also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. We examined whether treatment with levosimendan improves cardiopulmonary function and is substantially beneficial to the inflammatory response in acute respiratory response syndrome (ARDS). Levosimendan was administered intravenously in a new experimental porcine model of ARDS. For comparison, we used milrinone, another well-known inotropic agent. Our results demonstrated that levosimendan intravenously improved hemodynamics and lung function in a porcine ARDS model. Significant beneficial alterations in the inflammatory response and lung injury were not detected.
Empagliflozin Reduces the Progression of Hepatic Fibrosis in a Mouse Model and Inhibits the Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells via the Hippo Signalling Pathway
Authors: Heo Yu-Jung , Lee Nami , Choi Sung-E , Jeon Ja-Young , Han Seung-Jin , Kim Dae-Jung , Kang Yup , Lee Kwan-Woo , Kim Hae-Jin
Published: April 2022

Hepatic fibrosis is the excessive production and deposition of the extracellular matrix, resulting in the activation of the fibrogenic phenotype of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The Hippo/Yes-associated protein (YAP) signalling pathway is a highly conserved kinase cascade that is critical in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival, and controls stellate cell activation. Empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter type-2 inhibitor, is an antidiabetic drug that may prevent fibrotic progression by reducing hepatic steatosis and inflammation. However, little is known about its mechanism of action in liver fibrosis. In this study, we used male C57 BL/6 J mice fed a choline-deficient, l-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD) as a model for hepatic fibrosis. For 5 weeks, the mice received either a vehicle or empagliflozin based on their assigned group. Empagliflozin attenuated CDAHFD-induced liver fibrosis. Thereafter, we identified the Hippo pathway, along with its effector, YAP, as a key pathway in the mouse liver. Hippo signalling is inactivated in the fibrotic liver, but empagliflozin treatment activated Hippo signalling and decreased YAP activity. In addition, empagliflozin downregulated the expression of pro-fibrogenic genes and activated Hippo signalling in HSCs. We identified a mechanism by which empagliflozin ameliorates liver fibrosis.
Cord Blood Advanced Lipoprotein Testing Reveals an Interaction between Gestational Diabetes and Birth-Weight and Suggests a New Early Biomarker of Infant Obesity
Authors: Algaba-Chueca Francisco , Maymó-Masip Elsa , Ballesteros Mónica , Guarque Albert , Majali-Martínez Alejandro , Freixes Olga , Amigó Núria , Fernández-Veledo Sonia , Vendrell Joan , Megía Ana
Published: April 2022

Abnormal lipid metabolism is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and is observed in neonates with abnormal fetal growth. However, the underlying specific changes in the lipoprotein profile remain poorly understood. Thus, in the present study we used a novel nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based approach to profile the umbilical cord serum lipoproteins. Two-dimensional diffusion-ordered 1H-NMR spectroscopy showed that size, lipid content, number and concentration of particles within their subclasses were similar between offspring born to control (n = 74) and GDM (n = 62) mothers. Subsequent data stratification according to newborn birth-weight categories, i.e., small (n = 39), appropriate (n = 50) or large (n = 49) for gestational age (SGA, AGA and LGA, respectively), showed an interaction between GDM and birth-weight categories for intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL)-cholesterol content and IDL- and low-density lipoproteins (LDL)-triglyceride content, and the number of medium very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and LDL particles specifically in AGA neonates. Moreover, in a 2-year follow-up study, we observed that small LDL particles were independently associated with offspring obesity at 2 years (n = 103). Collectively, our data demonstrate that GDM disturbs triglyceride and cholesterol lipoprotein content across birth-weight categories, with AGA neonates born to GDM mothers displaying a profile more similar to that of adults with dyslipidemia. Furthermore, an altered fetal lipoprotein pattern was associated with the development of obesity at 2 years.
Is L-Glutamate Toxic to Neurons and Thereby Contributes to Neuronal Loss and Neurodegeneration? A Systematic Review
Authors: AL-Nasser Maryam N. , Mellor Ian R. , Carter Wayne G.
Published: April 2022

L-glutamate (L-Glu) is a nonessential amino acid, but an extensively utilised excitatory neurotransmitter with critical roles in normal brain function. Aberrant accumulation of L-Glu has been linked to neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. To investigate this further, we systematically reviewed the literature to evaluate the effects of L-Glu on neuronal viability linked to the pathogenesis and/or progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). A search in PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection was conducted to retrieve studies that investigated an association between L-Glu and pathology for five NDDs: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington’s disease (HD). Together, 4060 studies were identified, of which 71 met eligibility criteria. Despite several inadequacies, including small sample size, employment of supraphysiological concentrations, and a range of administration routes, it was concluded that exposure to L-Glu in vitro or in vivo has multiple pathogenic mechanisms that influence neuronal viability. These mechanisms include oxidative stress, reduced antioxidant defence, neuroinflammation, altered neurotransmitter levels, protein accumulations, excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, intracellular calcium level changes, and effects on neuronal histology, cognitive function, and animal behaviour. This implies that clinical and epidemiological studies are required to assess the potential neuronal harm arising from excessive intake of exogenous L-Glu.
Emotional Context Shapes the Serial Position Curve
Authors: Giovannelli Fabio , Innocenti Iglis , Santarnecchi Emiliano , Tatti Elisa , Cappa Stefano F. , Rossi Simone
Published: April 2022

Emotional contexts affect memory processes. However, the impact of contextual priming as a function of the emotional valence on the recall of neutral information is not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to evaluate how a conditioning of emotional context during encoding may influence the subsequent memory of otherwise neutral materials in a well-established phenomenon as the serial position effect. Participants performed a free recall task for neutral words in three conditions: (i) word list alone; (ii) word list coupled with positive or neutral images; and (iii) word list coupled with negative or neutral images. Images were presented before each word stimulus. In three different experiments, the emotional context during the word list presentation was manipulated separately for primacy and recency clusters, and for the middle words (‘middlecy’). Emotional context affects free recall of neutral stimuli, changing the serial position curve effect across conditions. Namely, emotional images presented in the primacy and recency clusters worsen accuracy, whereas their occurrence in the ‘middlecy’ cluster reduces the oblivion. The present findings show that the typical pattern related to the serial position curve for neutral information can be shaped by the conditioning of emotional context. Findings have implications in medical-legal contexts in the case of the recollection of events with high emotional content.
The Cost of Imagined Actions in a Reward-Valuation Task
Authors: Sellitto Manuela , Terenzi Damiano , Starita Francesca , di Pellegrino Giuseppe , Battaglia Simone
Published: April 2022

Growing evidence suggests that humans and other animals assign value to a stimulus based not only on its inherent rewarding properties, but also on the costs of the action required to obtain it, such as the cost of time. Here, we examined whether such cost also occurs for mentally simulated actions. Healthy volunteers indicated their subjective value for snack foods while the time to imagine performing the action to obtain the different stimuli was manipulated. In each trial, the picture of one food item and a home position connected through a path were displayed on a computer screen. The path could be either large or thin. Participants first rated the stimulus, and then imagined moving the mouse cursor along the path from the starting position to the food location. They reported the onset and offset of the imagined movements with a button press. Two main results emerged. First, imagery times were significantly longer for the thin than the large path. Second, participants liked significantly less the snack foods associated with the thin path (i.e., with longer imagery time), possibly because the passage of time strictly associated with action imagery discounts the value of the reward. Importantly, such effects were absent in a control group of participants who performed an identical valuation task, except that no action imagery was required. Our findings hint at the idea that imagined actions, like real actions, carry a cost that affects deeply how people assign value to the stimuli in their environment.
Factors Related to Hemifacial Spasm Recurrence in Patients Undergoing Microvascular Decompression—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Menna Grazia , Battistelli Marco , Rapisarda Alessandro , Izzo Alessandro , D’Ercole Manuela , Olivi Alessandro , Montano Nicola
Published: April 2022

There is a lack of knowledge about the factors associated with the recurrence of hemifacial spam (HFS) following an initially successful microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the pertinent literature and carry out a meta-analysis of factors linked to HFS recurrence in patients undergoing initially successful MVD treatment. An online literature search was launched on the PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases. The following data were collected: sex, age at surgery, affected side, reported improvement after surgery, presence of post-operatory facial weakness, symptom duration, offender vessels, and data obtained from intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. Upon full-text review, eight articles were included, studying 1105 patients, of which 64 (5.7%) reported recurrence after MVD surgery for hemifacial spasm. There was a statistically significant increased incidence of HFS recurrence in patients with the persistence of lateral spread response (LSR after surgery (OR 9.44 (95% CI 1.69–52.58) p 0.01), while those patients experiencing a shorter disease duration before going to surgery were significantly less prone to experiencing disease recurrence (OR 0.11 (95% CI 0.03–0.46) p 0.002). The remaining examined factors did not result as significantly associated with the risk of recurrence. The funnel plots were largely symmetrical for each variable studied. Taken together, the results of our meta-analysis seem to suggest that short-term symptom duration is a protective factor against HFS recurrence after MVD surgery, while LSR persistence is a negative prognostic factor. Well-designed randomized controlled clinical trials with a long follow-up are expected to further explore therapeutic alternatives for HFS recurrence.