bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Dynamic Evaluation of Sci-tech Journals Based on Time Series Model
Authors: Ma Yan , Han Yingkun , Chen Mengshi , Che Yongqiang
Published: December 2022

As science and technology continue to advance, sci-tech journals are developing rapidly, and the quality of these journals affects the development and progress of particular subjects. Whether sci-tech journals can be evaluated and predicted comprehensively and dynamically from multiple angles based on the current qualitative and quantitative evaluations of sci-tech journals is related to a rational adjustment of journal resource allocation and development planning. In this study, we propose a time series analysis task for the comprehensive and dynamic evaluation of sci-tech journals, construct a multivariate short-time multi-series time series dataset that contains 18 journal evaluation metrics, and build models based on machine learning and deep learning methods commonly used in the field of time series analysis to carry out training and testing experiments on the dataset. We compare and analyze the experimental results to confirm the generalizability of these methods for the comprehensive dynamic evaluation of journals and find the LSTM model built on our dataset produced the best performance (MSE: 0.00037, MAE: 0.01238, accuracy based on 80% confidence: 72.442%), laying the foundation for subsequent research on this task. In addition, the dataset constructed in this study can support research on the co-analysis of multiple short time series in the field of time series analysis.
HPoC: A Lightweight Blockchain Consensus Design for the IoT
Authors: Nie Zixiang , Zhang Maosheng , Lu Yueming
Published: December 2022

The research topics of this paper are the data security of the edge devices and terminals of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the consensus design of a lightweight blockchain for the Internet of Things. These devices have self-organization capabilities to overcome the bandwidth delay and service-congestion problems caused by excessive concentration in existing scenarios, but they face the challenges of limited computing, storage, and communication resources. As a result, a non- financial lightweight blockchain consensus design with low energy consumption, low latency, and greater stability should be investigated. We propose a hierarchical proof-of-capability (HPoC) consensus mechanism combined with the asynchronous proof-of-work (PoW) mechanism for improving the computing capacity, storage capacity, and communication capacity of IoT edge devices that can generate blocks with low latency, low power consumption, and strong stability in resource-constrained edge device nodes, while ensuring that the security of the edge devices is enhanced asynchronously. We simulated a smart-home scenario, with the number of device nodes ranging from 15 to 75, and conducted comparative experiments between HPoC and PoW based on different difficulty bits. The experimental results showed that HPoC is a consensus mechanism with scalability and stability that can flexibly adjust time consumption and accurately select nodes with strong capabilities to generate blocks in heterogeneous devices.
A Deep-Learning-Based Bridge Damaged Object Automatic Detection Model Using a Bridge Member Model Combination Framework
Authors: Hong Sung-Sam , Hwang Cheol-Hoon , Chung Su-Wan , Kim Byung-Kon
Published: December 2022

More bridges today require maintenance with age, owing to increasing structural loads from traffic and natural disasters. Routine inspection for damages, including in the aftermath of special events, is conducted by experts. To address the limitations of human inspection, deep-learning-based analysis of bridge damage is being actively conducted. However, such models exhibit deteriorated performance in classifying multiple classes. Most existing algorithms do not use in situ images. Hence, the results of the model training do not accurately reflect the actual damage. This study utilizes an extant method and proposes a new model of combination training by bridge member. By integrating the two approaches, we propose a bridge damaged-object-detection deep-combination framework (BDODC-F). To ensure variety in the type of damaged objects and enhanced model performance, a deep-learning-based super-resolution module is employed. For performance improvement and optimization, a deep-learning combination model based on individual training by bridge member is proposed. The BDODC-F improved the mean average precision by 191.6% and 112.21% in the combination model. We expect the framework to aid engineers in the automated detection and identification of bridge damage.
Computation Offloading and Trajectory Control for UAV-Assisted Edge Computing Using Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Qi Huamei , Zhou Zheng
Published: December 2022

Task offloading has attracted widespread attention in accelerating applications and reducing energy consumption. However, in areas with surging traffic (nucleic acid testing, concerts, etc.), the limited resources of fixed-base stations cannot meet user requirements. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can effectively serve as temporary-base stations or aerial access points for mobile devices (MDs). In the UAV-assisted MEC system, we intend to jointly optimize the trajectory and user association to maximize computational efficiency. This problem is a non-convex fractional problem; therefore, it is not feasible to use only a traditional method, such as Dinkelbach’s method, for solving a fractional problem. Therefore, to facilitate online decision making for this joint optimization problem, we introduce deep reinforcement learning (DRL) and propose a double-layer cycle algorithm for maximizing computation efficiency (DCMCE). Specifically, in the outer loop, we model the trajectory planning problem as a Markov decision process, and use deep reinforcement learning to output the best trajectory. In the inner loop, we use Dinkelbach’s method to simplify the fraction problem, and propose a priority function to optimize user association to maximize computational efficiency. Simulation results show that DCMCE achieves higher computational efficiency than the baseline scheme.
Effect of Primary Spruce Lamella Aging on the Bending Characteristics of Glulam Beams
Authors: Reinprecht Ladislav , Ciglian Dávid , Iždinský Ján , Sedliačik Ján
Published: December 2022

Glued laminated (glulam) beams are used in the roofs, ceilings and walls of buildings as well as in bridges and towers. At present, with the limitation of tree harvesting, the production of glulam beams from recycled wood sources is implemented with the proviso that their mechanical properties and resistance to pests, fire and weathering will not be aggravated. This work deals with the primary effect of aging Norway spruce wood (Picea abies Karst. L.) lamellas on the moduli of rupture (MOR) and elasticity (MOE) in bending of three-layer glulam beams composed of sound and aged lamellas and polyurethane (PUR) glue. Three methods of lamella aging were used: (A) natural, lasting 60 years in the form of roof trusses with a greater or lesser degree of bio-attack by woodworm (Anobium punctatum De Geer); (B) artificial, caused by increased temperatures from 160 to 220 °C for 4 h; (C) artificial, caused by 2% water solutions of inorganic preservatives, namely, CuSO4 × 5H2O, ZnCl2, H3BO3 or (NH4)2SO4, for 28 days. The lowest MOR values were determined for glulam beams in which all three lamellas or two surface lamellas had a greater degree of bio-attack (60.5 MPa, a decrease of 25.9%) or were exposed to primary aging at 220 °C (62.6 MPa, a decrease of 23.3%). On the contrary, the exposure of lamellas to 160 or 180 °C did not significantly influence the MOR of beams (76.0–82.7 MPa, an average decrease of 1.6%). The MOE of glulam beams ranged from 7540 to 10,432 MPa without an obvious influence of the method of lamella aging or their location in the beams. Linear correlations between the MOR or MOE of glulam beams and the shear strength (σ) of glued joints, if both composite types consisted of similarly aged lamellas, were only slightly significant or insignificant.
Laboratory Flame Smoke Detection Based on an Improved YOLOX Algorithm
Authors: Luo Maolin , Xu Linghua , Yang Yongliang , Cao Min , Yang Jing
Published: December 2022

Fires in university laboratories often lead to serious casualties and property damage, and traditional sensor-based fire detection techniques suffer from fire warning delays. Current deep learning algorithms based on convolutional neural networks have the advantages of high accuracy, low cost, and high speeds in processing image-based data, but their ability to process the relationship between visual elements and objects is inferior to Transformer. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved YOLOX target detection algorithm combining Swin Transformer architecture, the CBAM attention mechanism, and a Slim Neck structure applied to flame smoke detection in laboratory fires. The experimental results verify that the improved YOLOX algorithm has higher detection accuracy and more accurate position recognition for flame smoke in complex situations, with APs of 92.78% and 92.46% for flame and smoke, respectively, and an mAP value of 92.26%, compared with the original YOLOX algorithm, SSD, Faster R-CNN, YOLOv4, and YOLOv5. The detection accuracy is improved, which proves the effectiveness and superiority of this improved YOLOX target detection algorithm in fire detection.
Effect of Citrate- and Gold-Stabilized Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Head and Neck Tumor Cell Lines during Combination Therapy with Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Schreiber Christoph , Franzen Tim , Hildebrand Laura , Stein René , Friedrich Bernhard , Tietze Rainer , Fietkau Rainer , Distel Luitpold V.
Published: December 2022

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. They are associated with alcohol and tobacco consumption, as well as infection with human papillomaviruses (HPV). Therapeutic options include radiochemotherapy, surgery or chemotherapy. Nanoparticles are becoming more and more important in medicine. They can be used diagnostically, but also therapeutically. In order to provide therapeutic alternatives in the treatment of HNSCC, the effect of citrate-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Citrate-SPIONs) and gold-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Au-SPIONs) in combination with ionizing irradiation (IR) on two HPV positive and two HPV negative HNSCC and healthy fibroblasts and keratinocytes cell lines were tested. Effects on apoptosis and necrosis were analyzed by using flow cytometry. Cell survival studies were performed with a colony formation assay. To better understand where the SPIONs interact, light microscopy images and immunofluorescence studies were performed. The HNSCC and healthy cell lines showed different responses to the investigated SPIONs. The cytotoxic effects of SPIONs, in combination with IR, are dependent on the type of SPIONs, the dose administered and the cell type treated. They are independent of HPV status. Reasons for the different cytotoxic effect are probably the different compositions of the SPIONs and the related different interaction of the SPIONs intracellularly and paramembranously, which lead to different strong formations of double strand breaks.
Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Asymptomatic Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Jaekel Anke K. , Winterhagen Franziska I. , Zeller Federico L. , Butscher Anna-Lena , Knappe Franziska K. , Schmitz Franziska , Hauk Christopher , Stein Johannes , Kirschner-Hermanns Ruth K. M. , Knüpfer Stephanie C.
Published: December 2022

Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) in asymptomatic patients with MS has been described in preliminary studies, but specific investigations of this topic are rare. Many authors advise early diagnosis and treatment of NLUTD in patients with MS. In contrast, clinical practice and different guidelines recommend neuro-urological diagnostics only in the presence of symptoms. Our aim was to investigate the characteristics of NLUTD and the correlations of clinical parameters with NLUTD in asymptomatic patients with MS. We evaluated bladder diaries, urodynamic findings, and therapy proposals. Correlations of the voided volume, voiding frequency, urinary tract infections, and uroflowmetry including post-void residual with the urodynamic findings were determined. In our study, 26% of the patients were asymptomatic. Of these, 73.7% had urodynamic findings indicative of NLUTD, 21.1% had detrusor overactivity, 13.2% had detrusor underactivity, 13.2% detrusor overactivity and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, and 57.9% had radiologically abnormal findings of the bladder. No patients presented low bladder compliance or renal reflux. Clinical parameters from the bladder diary and urinary tract infections were found to be correlated with NLUTD, and the absence of symptoms did not exclude NLUTD in patients with MS. We observed that urinary tract damage is already present in a relevant proportion. Based on our results, we recommend that patients with MS be screened for NLUTD regardless of the subjective presence of urinary symptoms or the disease stage.
Gold Leaf-Based Microfluidic Platform for Detection of Essential Oils Using Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Sinha Ankita , Stavrakis Adrian K. , Simić Mitar , Kojić Sanja , Stojanović Goran M.
Published: December 2022

Drug delivery systems are engineered platforms for the controlled release of various therapeutic agents. This paper presents a conductive gold leaf-based microfluidic platform fabricated using xurography technique for its potential implication in controlled drug delivery operations. To demonstrate this, peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils (EOs) were selected as target fluids, which are best known for their medicinal properties in the field of dentistry. The work takes advantage of the high conductivity of the gold leaf, and thus, the response characteristics of the microfluidic chip are studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) upon injecting EOs into its micro-channels. The effect of the exposure time of the chip to different concentrations (1% and 5%) of EOs was analyzed, and change in electrical resistance was measured at different time intervals of 0 h (the time of injection), 22 h, and 46 h. It was observed that our fabricated device demonstrated higher values of electrical resistance when exposed to EOs for longer times. Moreover, eucalyptus oil had stronger degradable effects on the chip, which resulted in higher electrical resistance than that of peppermint. 1% and 5% of Eucalyptus oil showed an electrical resistance of 1.79 kΩ and 1.45 kΩ at 10 kHz, while 1% and 5% of peppermint oil showed 1.26 kΩ and 1.07 kΩ of electrical resistance at 10 kHz respectively. The findings obtained in this paper are beneficial for designing suitable microfluidic devices to expand their applications for various biomedical purposes.
State-of-the-Art Fluorescent Probes: Duplex-Specific Nuclease-Based Strategies for Early Disease Diagnostics
Authors: Ashraf Ghazala , Zhong Zi-Tao , Asif Muhammad , Aziz Ayesha , Iftikhar Tayyaba , Chen Wei , Zhao Yuan-Di
Published: December 2022

Precision healthcare aims to improve patient health by integrating prevention measures with early disease detection for prompt treatments. For the delivery of preventive healthcare, cutting-edge diagnostics that enable early disease detection must be clinically adopted. Duplex-specific nuclease (DSN) is a useful tool for bioanalysis since it can precisely digest DNA contained in duplexes. DSN is commonly used in biomedical and life science applications, including the construction of cDNA libraries, detection of microRNA, and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) recognition. Herein, following the comprehensive introduction to the field, we highlight the clinical applicability, multi-analyte miRNA, and SNP clinical assays for disease diagnosis through large-cohort studies using DSN-based fluorescent methods. In fluorescent platforms, the signal is produced based on the probe (dyes, TaqMan, or molecular beacon) properties in proportion to the target concentration. We outline the reported fluorescent biosensors for SNP detection in the next section. This review aims to capture current knowledge of the overlapping miRNAs and SNPs’ detection that have been widely associated with the pathophysiology of cancer, cardiovascular, neural, and viral diseases. We further highlight the proficiency of DSN-based approaches in complex biological matrices or those constructed on novel nano-architectures. The outlooks on the progress in this field are discussed.
Role for Astrocytes in mGluR-Dependent LTD in the Neocortex and Hippocampus
Authors: Lalo Ulyana , Pankratov Yuriy
Published: December 2022

Astroglia are an active element of brain plasticity, capable to release small molecule gliotransmitters by various mechanisms and regulate synaptic strength. While importance of glia-neuron communications for long-term potentiation has been rather widely reported, research into role for astrocytes in long-depression (LTD) is just gaining momentum. Here, we explored the role for astrocytes in the prominent form of synaptic plasticity—mGluR-dependent LTD. We found out the substantial contribution of the Group I receptors, especially mGluR1 subtype, into Ca2+-signaling in hippocampal and neocortical astrocytes, which can be activated during synaptic stimulation used for LTD induction. Our data demonstrate that mGluR receptors can activate SNARE-dependent release of ATP from astrocytes which in turn can directly activate postsynaptic P2X receptors in the hippocampal and neocortical neurons. The latter mechanism has recently been shown to cause the synaptic depression via triggering the internalisation of AMPA receptors. Using mouse model of impaired glial exocytosis (dnSNARE mice), we demonstrated that mGluR-activated release of ATP from astrocytes is essential for regulation of mGluR-dependent LTD in CA3-CA1 and layer 2/3 synapses. Our data also suggest that astrocyte-related pathway relies mainly on mGluR1 receptors and act synergistically with neuronal mechanisms dependent mainly on mGluR5.
The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Educators’ Performance in Higher Education Sector
Authors: Khassawneh Osama , Mohammad Tamara , Ben-Abdallah Rabeb , Alabidi Suzan
Published: December 2022

The significance of emotions in the classroom has been thoroughly explored, but discussions on educators’ abilities to recognize, regulate, and manage their emotions are still ongoing. This paper aims to look at the concept of emotional intelligence (EI) and how professors in higher education can use it to achieve better results in the form of emotional intelligence competencies (EIC). A total of 312 educators from 25 higher education institutes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) participated in this study. In sampling the Emotional Intelligence Competencies for this study, we adopted Costa and Faria’s (2015) EQ test, administered to the respondent. The Reuven Bar-On emotional intelligence scale was created and standardized to gather data. Using structural equation modeling, the validity and utility of a proposed model for EI-based teaching competencies and their relationship to critical strengths were evaluated (SEM). The findings show that EIC significantly impacts educator behavior, which in turn improves student success. In order to ensure successful instruction and remarkable performance, the study provides valuable recommendations to higher education institutes about the importance of recruiting new instructors with high skills in EI and providing training sessions for existing educators to improve their EI skills.
A Review of Ant Nests and Their Implications for Architecture
Authors: Yang Guanghong , Zhou Wei , Qu Wenjun , Yao Wu , Zhu Peng , Xu Jing
Published: December 2022

This paper discusses the latest progress in research on ant nests and explores innovative scientific concepts associated with underground ant nests from the perspective of bionics. The methods used by scholars to study the structure of ant nests and the interaction between the structure itself and the individual ants are investigated. The structural characteristics of the ant nest, its internal environment and ventilation characteristics are discussed in detail. In addition, this paper presents an innovative project in which the effect of underground ant nests on soil geotechnical properties and the effect of calcined ant nest soil powder, from the perspective of civil engineering, are addressed. Practical examples of the application of the structural and inter-relational aspects of subterranean ant nests in the field of architectural bionics are also provided, from the perspectives of construction, morphology, function and material. This review attempts to integrate civil engineering, architecture and biology, enlighten architects and biologists on converging their thinking, provide new ideas regarding underground ant colony nests, and provide references for long-term human habitation.
Flexural Performance of RC Beams Strengthened with Pre-Stressed Iron-Based Shape Memory Alloy (Fe-SMA) Bars: Numerical Study
Authors: Khalil Ahmed , Elkafrawy Mohamed , Abuzaid Wael , Hawileh Rami , AlHamaydeh Mohammad
Published: December 2022

The iron-based shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA) has promising applications in strengthening and repairing aged steel-reinforced concrete structural elements. Fe-SMA bars can produce pre-stressing forces on reinforced concrete members by activating their shape memory phenomenon upon heating. This study aims to numerically evaluate the impact of pre-stressed Fe-SMA bars on the structural behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams at the serviceability and ultimate stages. Nonlinear finite element (FE) models were developed to predict the response of RC beams externally strengthened with Fe-SMAs. The model shows to correlate well with published experimental results. A parametric investigation was also carried out to examine the effect of various concrete grades, pre-stressing levels, and Fe-SMA bars’ diameter on load-deflection behavior. In light of the innovative nature of the Fe-SMA strengthening technique, a comparison investigation was established between RC beams strengthened with Fe-SMA bars against different pre-stressing systems, such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars, glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars, and steel strands. The numerical findings showed a significant increase in the beams’ load-carrying capacity with larger Fe-SMA bars’ diameter. Specifically, using 12 mm Fe-SMA bars instead of 6 mm increased the beam’s strength by 73%. However, a 14% reduction in ductility was recorded for that case. Moreover, the pre-stressing level of Fe-SMA bars and concrete grade showed a negligible effect on the ultimate strength of the examined beams. Moreover, increasing the pre-stressing level and concrete strength significantly enhanced the load-deflection response in the serviceability stage. Furthermore, using 2T22 mm of Fe-SMA bars resulted in a better structural performance of RC beams compared to other techniques with 2T12 mm, with a comparable cost. Thus, it can be concluded that using Fe-SMA bars embedded in a shotcrete layer attached to the beam’s soffit is a viable and promising strengthening strategy. Nevertheless, further experimental investigations are recommended to further ascertain the reported findings of this numerical investigation.
Thyroid Carcinoma: A Review for 25 Years of Environmental Risk Factors Studies
Authors: Kruger Eva , Toraih Eman A. , Hussein Mohammad H. , Shehata Shaimaa A. , Waheed Amani , Fawzy Manal S. , Kandil Emad
Published: December 2022

Environmental factors are established contributors to thyroid carcinomas. Due to their known ability to cause cancer, exposure to several organic and inorganic chemical toxicants and radiation from nuclear weapons, fallout, or medical radiation poses a threat to global public health. Halogenated substances like organochlorines and pesticides can interfere with thyroid function. Like phthalates and bisphenolates, polychlorinated biphenyls and their metabolites, along with polybrominated diethyl ethers, impact thyroid hormones biosynthesis, transport, binding to target organs, and impair thyroid function. A deeper understanding of environmental exposure is crucial for managing and preventing thyroid cancer. This review aims to investigate the relationship between environmental factors and the development of thyroid cancer.
HER3 Alterations in Cancer and Potential Clinical Implications
Authors: Kilroy Mary Kate , Park SoYoung , Feroz Wasim , Patel Hima , Mishra Rosalin , Alanazi Samar , Garrett Joan T.
Published: December 2022

In recent years, the third member of the HER family, kinase impaired HER3, has become a target of interest in cancer as there is accumulating evidence that HER3 plays a role in tumor growth and progression. This review focuses on HER3 activation in bladder, breast, colorectal, and lung cancer disease progression. HER3 mutations occur at a rate up to ~10% of tumors dependent on the tumor type. With patient tumors routinely sequenced for gene alterations in recent years, we have focused on HER3 mutations in bladder, breast, colon, and lung cancers particularly in response to targeted therapies and the potential to become a resistance mechanism. There are currently several HER3 targeting drugs in the pipeline, possibly improving outcomes for cancer patients with tumors containing HER3 activation and/or alterations.
Epidemiology of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Silling Steffi , Kreuter Alexander , Gambichler Thilo , Meyer Thomas , Stockfleth Eggert , Wieland Ulrike
Published: December 2022

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a ubiquitous virus replicating in human dermal fibroblasts. MCPyV DNA can be detected on healthy skin in 67–90% of various body sites, and intact virions are regularly shed from the skin. Infection occurs early in life, and seropositivity increases from 37 to 42% in 1- to 6-year-olds to 92% in adults. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but very aggressive neuroendocrine tumor of the skin. It develops mainly on sun-exposed areas as a fast-growing, reddish nodule. Two MCC entities exist: about 80% of MCC are MCPyV-associated. Tumorigenesis is driven by viral integration into the host genome and MCPyV oncogene expression. In MCPyV-negative MCC, UV radiation causes extensive DNA damage leading to the deregulation of the cell cycle. In recent decades, MCC incidence rates have increased worldwide, e.g., in the United States, from 0.15 in 1986 to 0.7/100,000 in 2016. Risk factors for the development of MCC include male sex, older age (>75 years), fair skin, intense UV exposure, and immunosuppression. Projections suggest that due to aging populations, an increase in immunosuppressed patients, and enhanced UV exposure, MCC incidence rates will continue to rise. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to reducing high MCC morbidity and mortality.
Prognostic, Diagnostic, and Clinicopathological Significance of Circular RNAs in Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Jiajia , Ye Ziping , Hu Xiaolin , Hou Sicong , Hang Qinglei
Published: December 2022

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor with a high mortality rate. It is urgent to find optimal molecular targets for the early diagnosis and treatment of PC. Here, we aimed to systematically analyze the prognostic, diagnostic, and clinicopathological significance of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in PC. Relevant studies were screened through PubMed, Web of Science, and other databases. The prognostic value of PC-associated circRNAs was assessed using the composite hazard ratio (HR), the diagnostic performance was assessed using the area under the summary receiver operator characteristic (SROC) curve (AUC), and the correlation with clinicopathological characteristics using the composite odds ratio (OR) was explored. In our study, 48 studies were included: 34 for prognosis, 11 for diagnosis, and 30 for correlation with clinicopathological characteristics. For prognosis, upregulated circRNAs were associated with poorer overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.02) and disease-free survival/progression-free survival (HR = 1.84) while downregulated circRNAs were associated with longer OS (HR = 0.55). Notably, the combination of circRNAs, including hsa_circ_0064288, hsa_circ_0000234, hsa_circ_0004680, hsa_circ_0071036, hsa_circ_0000677, and hsa_circ_0001460, was associated with worse OS (HR = 2.35). For diagnosis, the AUC was 0.83, and the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.79 and 0.73, respectively. For clinicopathologic characteristics, upregulated circRNAs were associated with poorer tumor differentiation, more nerve and vascular invasion, higher T stage, lymphatic metastasis, distant metastasis, advanced TNM stage, and higher preoperative CA19-9 level. In contrast, downregulated circRNAs were negatively associated with PC differentiation and lymphatic metastasis. Overall, our results showed that circRNAs are closely related to the prognosis and clinicopathological characteristics of PC patients and could be utilized for early diagnosis; thus, they are promising biomarkers for clinical application in PC.
Liver Microenvironment Response to Prostate Cancer Metastasis and Hormonal Therapy
Authors: Buxton Alison K. , Abbasova Salma , Bevan Charlotte L. , Leach Damien A.
Published: December 2022

Prostate cancer-associated deaths arise from disease progression and metastasis. Metastasis to the liver is associated with the worst clinical outcomes for prostate cancer patients, and these metastatic tumors can be particularly resistant to the currently widely used chemotherapy and hormonal therapies, such as anti-androgens which block androgen synthesis or directly target the androgen receptor. The incidence of liver metastases is reportedly increasing, with a potential correlation with use of anti-androgen therapies. A key player in prostate cancer progression and therapeutic response is the microenvironment of the tumor(s). This is a dynamic and adaptive collection of cells and proteins, which impart signals and stimuli that can alter biological processes within prostate cancer cells. Investigation in the prostate primary site has demonstrated that cells of the microenvironment are also responsive to hormones and hormonal therapies. In this review, we collate information about what happens when cancer moves to the liver: the types of prostate cancer cells that metastasize there, the response of resident mesenchymal cells of the liver, and how the interactions between the cancer cells and the microenvironment may be altered by hormonal therapy.
Regulation of Chromatin Accessibility by the Farnesoid X Receptor Is Essential for Circadian and Bile Acid Homeostasis In Vivo
Authors: Hassan Haider M. , Onabote Oladapo , Isovic Majdina , Passos Daniel T. , Dick Frederick A. , Torchia Joseph
Published: December 2022

The Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily and is an essential bile acid (BA) receptor that regulates the expression of genes involved in the metabolism of BAs. FXR protects the liver from BA overload, which is a major etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma. Herein, we investigated the changes in gene expression and chromatin accessibility in hepatocytes by performing RNA-seq in combination with the Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq) using a novel FXR knockout mouse model (Fxrex5Δ: Nr1h4ex5Δ/ex5Δ) generated through CRISPR/Cas9. Consistent with previous Fxr knockout models, we found that Fxrex5Δ mice develop late-onset HCC associated with increased serum and hepatic BAs. FXR deletion was associated with a dramatic loss of chromatin accessibility, primarily at promoter-associated transcription factor binding sites. Importantly, several genes involved in BA biosynthesis and circadian rhythm were downregulated following loss of FXR, also displayed reduced chromatin accessibility at their promoter regions. Altogether, these findings suggest that FXR helps to maintain a transcriptionally active state by regulating chromatin accessibility through its binding and recruitment of transcription factors and coactivators.
Role of SAMITAL in the Prevention and Treatment of Chemo-Radiotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Carcinoma: A Phase 2, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial (ROSAM)
Authors: Fasanaro Elena , Del Bianco Paola , Groff Elena , Riva Antonella , Petrangolini Giovanna , Busato Fabio , Stritoni Paola , Scarzello Giovanni , Loreggian Lucio , De Salvo Gian Luca
Published: December 2022

Background: In patients affected by head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, the onset of severe oral mucositis is a decisive factor in completing concurrent chemo-radiotherapy, and few interventions have demonstrated a modest benefit. The primary aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the role of SAMITAL in reducing the incidence of severe mucositis induced by concurrent chemo-radiotherapy; the secondary aims were the tolerability and patient-reported quality of life measures. Methods: Patients were randomized to receive SAMITAL granules for oral suspension of 20 mL, four-time daily or matching placebo in a 1:1 fashion using a stratified-block randomization scheme by disease site and type of chemotherapy. The SAMITAL/placebo was dispensed at the baseline visit and at each weekly visit following radiotherapy initiation. Patients were subjected to weekly endoscopic evaluations to assess the presence of mucositis. In addition, patient-reported outcomes were measured. Results: Among the 116 patients treated with a median total dose of 66 Gy, 59 were randomized to SAMITAL and 57 to placebo. Overall, the incidence of severe mucositis was 51.7%, with 45.8% in the SAMITAL and 57.9% in the placebo arm (OR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.3–1.3). After chemo-radiotherapy, patients randomized to SAMITAL reported significantly lower xerostomia, coughing and swallowing scores and a better quality of life. Conclusion: SAMITAL did not significantly reduce the incidence of severe mucositis in all studied populations. However, the lower rate of mucositis, together with a significantly better quality of life, suggested that a clinical benefit existed. This trial is registered with the EU Clinical Trials Register database, number 2012-002046-20, and with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01941992.
Management of Patients with Recurrent and Metachronous Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer in the Era of PSMA PET
Authors: Sabbagh Ali , Mohamad Osama , Lichter Katie E. , Hope Thomas A.
Published: December 2022

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) scans have higher sensitivity and specificity for detecting lymph nodes or metastatic disease relative to conventional imaging in prostate cancer staging. Since its FDA approval and incorporation into treatment guidelines, the use of PSMA PET has increased in patients undergoing initial staging, those with recurrence after initial definitive treatment, and patients with metastatic disease. Although the early detection of metastatic lesions is changing disease management, it is unclear whether this impact on management translates into clinical benefit. This review will summarize evidence pertaining to the change in patient management due to PSMA PET use and will discuss the implications of PSMA PET on treatment decisions in prostate cancer, particularly in the settings of biochemical recurrence and metachronous oligometastatic disease.
Efficacy and Tolerance of IMRT Boost Compared to IORT Boost in Early Breast Cancer: A German Monocenter Study
Authors: Schumacher Luisa , Tio Joke , Eich Hans Theodor , Reinartz Gabriele
Published: December 2022

The aim of this retrospective study is to compare the two boost subgroups, IORT or IMRT, in terms of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), cosmesis, and acute and late toxicity. It shall be shown whether and which of the boost techniques offers better results with respect to the facial points, since there are already many studies on applying boost to the tumor bed after/during breast conserving surgery, and there are few which compare the different techniques. For this comparison, two subgroups of 76 patients each (n = 152), treated between 2002 and 2015, were enrolled in the study. In one subgroup, the 9 Gy boost was intraoperatively administered after complete removal of the primary tumor, while the other subgroup received the boost of 8.4 Gy percutaneously and simultaneously integrated into the tumor bed after breast conserving surgery. Both subgroups have subsequently undergone whole breast irradiation (WBI) of 50.4/50 Gy in 1.8–2 Gy per fraction. OS and the incidence of late toxicity did not differ between the two subgroups and no risk factor was found regarding PFS. Acute toxicities initially occurred significantly less (p < 0.001) in the IORT subgroup; however, after WBI took place, this difference vanished. Therefore, boost application by means of IORT or IMRT can be considered equivalent.
Real-World Use of Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor in Patients with Breast Cancer from Alberta, Canada
Authors: Ding Philip Q. , Newcomer Brandt J. , Cheung Winson Y.
Published: December 2022

Background: There are limited published data in the Canadian healthcare system on the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) among patients with breast cancer. This study characterized real-world G-CSF use during the period surrounding the introduction of filgrastim biosimilar. Methods: Electronic medical records were reviewed retrospectively for patients with breast cancer who received moderately or highly myelosuppressive (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy from 2008 to 2019 in Alberta, Canada. Trends in G-CSF usage were plotted to elucidate temporal variations and multivariable regression models were constructed to identify clinical factors associated with G-CSF use. Results: We included 6662 patients in our analyses. G-CSF was used in 57.1% of patients during their treatment trajectory. Among the 3801 patients who were treated with G-CSF, the majority received pegfilgrastim only (91.5%; n = 3477) versus filgrastim only (5.7%; n = 217). G-CSF use increased linearly more than two-fold over the 11-year study period. Predictors of G-CSF use included younger age, south zone of residence, higher neighborhood education, inferior disease stage, highly neutropenic risk chemotherapy, and more recent chemotherapy initiation. Conclusions: Despite increasing G-CSF usage over time, an appreciable proportion of patients for whom G-CSF prophylaxis is recommended did not receive it. G-CSF use could be further optimized to align with supportive care clinical guidelines and reduce the impact of neutropenia and its associated complications.
Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Reaction by the Pd/Fe-N-C Catalyst and Application in a Zn–Air Battery
Authors: Chen Jiabao , Wang Zhongqing , Yang Chunxiang , Zou Guangchao , Liu Shuhua , Sun Zhiran , Wang Lei , Li Rui , Qu Konggang , Kang Wenjun , Li Haibo
Published: December 2022

Developing a non-platinum catalyst that effectively catalyzes the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is highly significant for metal–air batteries. Metal and nitrogen co-doped carbons (M-N-Cs) have emerged as alternative candidates to platinum. In this work, dual-metal Pd/Fe-N-C electrocatalysts were synthesized by the one-step pyrolysis of phytic acid, melamine, and Pd/Fe-based salts. The Pd/Fe-N-C catalyst exhibited a good catalytic ability during the ORR process and outperformed the commercial Pt/C catalyst as regards mass activity, catalytic stability, and methanol tolerance. It was found that Pd-Nx is the active center, and the synergistic effect from the Fe component introduction endowed the Pd/Fe-N-C with an excellent catalytic performance towards the ORR. When assembled into a Zn–air battery, its specific capacity was ~775 mAh gZn−1. Meanwhile, the peak power density could reach 3.85 W mgPd−1, i.e., 3.4 times that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst (1.13 W mgPt−1). This implies that the Pd/Fe-N-C catalyst has potential applications in metal–air batteries.
Catalysis in Plastics for the 21st Century
Authors: Redshaw Carl , Solan Gregory A.
Published: December 2022

For this Special Issue, which is part of the Organic and Polymer Chemistry Section, we would like to present the following editorial message [...]
Editorial: Special Issue on “Catalytic Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization”
Authors: Carlucci Claudia
Published: December 2022

The valorization of waste materials is a viable alternative to traditional disposal systems, including in the field of renewable energy, biofuels and biomass [...]
Lignin Electrolysis at Room Temperature on Nickel Foam for Hydrogen Generation: Performance Evaluation and Effect of Flow Rate
Authors: Khalid Mohmmad , De Biswajit Samir , Singh Aditya , Shahgaldi Samaneh
Published: December 2022

Water electrolysis is a thermodynamically energy-intensive process. One approach employed to make water electrolysis kinetically favorable is replacing the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode by facile electrooxidation of biomass-feedstocks such as ethanol, methanol, glycerol, and lignin due to the presence of readily oxidizable functional groups. In this work, we report a simplistic approach for hydrogen generation by lignin electrolysis, utilizing a low-cost nickel foam as both anode and cathode sandwiched with hydroxide ion (OH-) exchange membrane in a 3D printed reactor. The performance of the lignin electrolysis was analyzed under various flow rates of anolyte (lignin)/catholyte (KOH) in the anode and cathode chambers. The lignin electrolysis outcompetes traditional water electrolysis by achieving higher current density in the applied voltage range from 0 to 2.5 V at room temperature. The charge transfer resistance for the lignin electrolysis is lower than that of the water electrolysis characterized by impedance spectroscopy. The enhanced current density from the lignin electrolysis at low overvoltage has been presumed from the oxidation of reactive functional groups present in the lignin, facilitating faster electron transfer. Moreover, the hydrogen production rate calculated from the chronoamperometry test of the lignin electrolysis is 2.7 times higher than that of water electrolysis. Thus, the electrochemical oxidation of lignin can potentially lower the capital cost of renewable hydrogen production.
Brief Review on High-Temperature Electrochemical Hydrogen Sensors
Authors: Gorbova Elena , Balkourani Georgia , Molochas Costas , Sidiropoulos Dimitrios , Brouzgou Angeliki , Demin Anatoly , Tsiakaras Panagiotis
Published: December 2022

Hydrogen sensors, especially those operating at high temperatures, are essential tools for the emerging hydrogen economy. Monitoring hydrogen under process conditions to control the reactions for detecting confined species is crucial to the safe, widespread use and public acceptance of hydrogen as fuel. Hydrogen sensors must have a sensitivity ranging from traces of hydrogen (parts per million (ppm)) up to levels near the lower explosive limit (LEL = 4% H2 in the air) for safety reasons. Furthermore, they need to operate in cryogenic, ambient, and high-temperature environments. Herein, emphasis is given to hydrogen sensors based on solid oxide electrolytes (operating at high temperatures), in particular oxygen ion and proton conductors. The review is devoted to potentiometric, amperometric, and combined amperometric-potentiometric hydrogen sensors. Experimental results already reported in the international literature are presented and analyzed to reveal the configuration, principle of operation, and the applied solid electrolytes and electrodes of the high-temperature hydrogen sensors. Additionally, an amperometric sensor able to detect hydrogen and steam in atmospheric air through a two-stage procedure is presented and thoroughly discussed. The discussion reveals that high-temperature hydrogen sensors face different challenges in terms of the electrodes and solid electrolytes to be used, depending on the operating principle of each sensor type.
Real-Time Characterization of Clonal Fate Decisions in Complex Leukemia Samples by Fluorescent Genetic Barcoding
Authors: Maetzig Tobias , Lieske Anna , Dörpmund Nicole , Rothe Michael , Kleppa Marc-Jens , Dziadek Violetta , Hassan Jacob Jalil , Dahlke Julia , Borchert Dorit , Schambach Axel
Published: December 2022

Clonal heterogeneity in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) forms the basis for treatment failure and relapse. Attempts to decipher clonal evolution and clonal competition primarily depend on deep sequencing approaches. However, this prevents the experimental confirmation of the identified disease-relevant traits on the same cell material. Here, we describe the development and application of a complex fluorescent genetic barcoding (cFGB) lentiviral vector system for the labeling and subsequent multiplex tracking of up to 48 viable AML clones by flow cytometry. This approach allowed the visualization of longitudinal changes in the in vitro growth behavior of multiplexed color-coded AML clones for up to 137 days. Functional studies of flow cytometry-enriched clones documented their stably inherited increase in competitiveness, despite the absence of growth-promoting mutations in exome sequencing data. Transplantation of aliquots of a color-coded AML cell mix into mice revealed the initial engraftment of similar clones and their subsequent differential distribution in the animals over time. Targeted RNA-sequencing of paired pre-malignant and de novo expanded clones linked gene sets associated with Myc-targets, embryonic stem cells, and RAS signaling to the foundation of clonal expansion. These results demonstrate the potency of cFGB-mediated clonal tracking for the deconvolution of verifiable driver-mechanisms underlying clonal selection in leukemia.
Cfap91-Dependent Stability of the RS2 and RS3 Base Proteins and Adjacent Inner Dynein Arms in Tetrahymena Cilia
Authors: Bicka Marta , Joachimiak Ewa , Urbanska Paulina , Osinka Anna , Konopka Anna , Bulska Ewa , Wloga Dorota
Published: December 2022

Motile cilia and eukaryotic flagella are specific cell protrusions that are conserved from protists to humans. They are supported by a skeleton composed of uniquely organized microtubules—nine peripheral doublets and two central singlets (9 × 2 + 2). Microtubules also serve as docking sites for periodically distributed multiprotein ciliary complexes. Radial spokes, the T-shaped ciliary complexes, repeat along the outer doublets as triplets and transduce the regulatory signals from the cilium center to the outer doublet-docked dynein arms. Using the genetic, proteomic, and microscopic approaches, we have shown that lack of Tetrahymena Cfap91 protein affects stable docking/positioning of the radial spoke RS3 and the base of RS2, and adjacent inner dynein arms, possibly due to the ability of Cfap91 to interact with a molecular ruler protein, Ccdc39. The localization studies confirmed that the level of RS3-specific proteins, Cfap61 and Cfap251, as well as RS2-associated Cfap206, are significantly diminished in Tetrahymena CFAP91-KO cells. Cilia of Tetrahymena cells with knocked-out CFAP91 beat in an uncoordinated manner and their beating frequency is dramatically reduced. Consequently, CFAP91-KO cells swam about a hundred times slower than wild-type cells. We concluded that Tetrahymena Cfap91 localizes at the base of radial spokes RS2 and RS3 and likely plays a role in the radial spoke(s) positioning and stability.