bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships between the Water Uptake and Nutrient Status of Rubber Trees in a Monoculture Rubber Plantation
Authors: Song Huixian , Miao Zhuojun , Jiang Guomei , Zhang Yulong , Lu Fupeng , Deng Fujia , Xie Enhong , Wu Junen , Zhao Fan
Published: August 2022

Rubber cultivation is primarily rainfed agriculture, which means that water supplies are not stable in most rubber cultivated areas. Therefore, improving the water use of rubber trees through fertilization management seems to be a breakthrough for enhancing the growth and latex yield of rubber trees and carrying out the intensive management of rubber agriculture. However, the relationships among the nutrient status of rubber trees, their water uptake, and soil resources, including water and nutrients, remain unclear. To address this issue, we measured C, N, P, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations in soil and leaves, stems, and roots in a monoculture rubber plantation and distinguished the water uptake depths based on stable isotope analysis throughout the year. We found that the rubber trees primarily absorbed water from the 5–50 cm depth layer, and soil water and nutrients (usually N, P, K) decreased with depth. In addition, the water uptake depth of rubber trees exhibited positive correlations with the nutrient status of their tissues. The more water the rubber trees absorb from the intermediate soil layer, the more nutrients they contain. Therefore, applying fertilizer to intermediate soil layers, especially those rich in C content, could greatly promote rubber tree growth.
Comparative Analysis of Soil Fertility, Productivity and Sustainability of Organic Farming in Central Europe—Part 1: Effect of Medium Manifestations on Conversion, Fertilizer Types and Cropping Systems
Authors: Kolbe Hartmut
Published: August 2022

Organic farming systems have become widespread in recent decades due to their popularity with consumers and their beneficial effects on the environment and biodiversity. Through the increasing number of available studies from farm surveys and comparable results from long-term field trials, the various real existing forms and intensities of agricultural management were subjected to a closer examination in this review. In this paper, the mean characteristics and the range of variation in crop productivity, crop quality and soil fertility as well as the importance and the extent of environmental impacts are comparatively analyzed. From widespread cultivation systems and forms of nutrient management from Central Europe with a focus on Germany, the following fields of influence were investigated and conclusions for the future optimal design of organic cultivation methods were listed: site, soil conditions, climate, phases of conversion and consolidation, crop rotations and farm structures, application of organic and mineral fertilizer types.
Microstructural and Mechanical Characterization of the Aging Response of Wrought 6156 (Al-Mg-Si) Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Alexopoulos Nikolaos D. , Robson Joseph D. , Stefanou George , Stergiou Vasileios , Karanika Alexandra , Kourkoulis Stavros K.
Published: August 2022

The impact of the artificial aging response on the microstructure and tensile mechanical properties of aluminum alloy 6156 was investigated. Specimens were artificially aged at three different artificial aging temperatures and for various holding times to investigate all possible aging conditions, including the under-aged (UA), peak-aged (PA) and over-aged (OA) tempers. Microstructural investigation as well as tensile tests were performed immediately after the isothermal artificial aging heat treatment. An almost 50% increase in yield stress (around 340 MPa) was noticed in the PA temper and this was attributed to the precipitation of β′ and Q′ phases, consistent with the modelling predictions. This high yield stress value is accompanied by high values of elongation at fracture (>10%) that is essential for damage tolerance applications. The lack of large or interconnected grain boundary precipitates contributes to this high elongation. Slanted fracture was noticed for both UA and PA tempers, exhibiting a typical ductile and shear fracture mechanism. At the OA temper, coarsening of the precipitates along with broadening of the precipitate free zones resulted in a reduction in the strengthening effectiveness of the precipitates, and a small increase in the tensile ductility of approximately 12% was noticed.
Antibacterial and Antifungal Alkaloids from Asian Angiosperms: Distribution, Mechanisms of Action, Structure-Activity, and Clinical Potentials
Authors: Sulaiman Mazdida , Jannat Khoshnur , Nissapatorn Veeranoot , Rahmatullah Mohammed , Paul Alok K. , de Lourdes Pereira Maria , Rajagopal Mogana , Suleiman Monica , Butler Mark S. , Break Mohammed Khaled Bin , Weber Jean-Frédéric , Wilairatana Polrat , Wiart Christophe
Published: August 2022

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi requires the development of antibiotics and antifungal agents. This review identified natural products isolated from Asian angiosperms with antibacterial and/or antifungal activities and analyzed their distribution, molecular weights, solubility, and modes of action. All data in this review were compiled from Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, ChemSpider, PubChem, and a library search from 1979 to 2022. One hundred and forty-one antibacterial and/or antifungal alkaloids were identified during this period, mainly from basal angiosperms. The most active alkaloids are mainly planar, amphiphilic, with a molecular mass between 200 and 400 g/mol, and a polar surface area of about 50 Å2, and target DNA and/or topoisomerase as well as the cytoplasmic membrane. 8-Acetylnorchelerythrine, cryptolepine, 8-hydroxydihydrochelerythrine, 6-methoxydihydrosanguinarine, 2′-nortiliacorinine, pendulamine A and B, rhetsisine, sampangine, tiliacorine, tryptanthrin, tylophorinine, vallesamine, and viroallosecurinine yielded MIC ≤ 1 µg/mL and are candidates for the development of lead molecules.
Scoping Review of National Antimicrobial Stewardship Activities in Eight African Countries and Adaptable Recommendations
Authors: Kamere Nduta , Garwe Sandra Tafadzwa , Akinwotu Oluwatosin Olugbenga , Tuck Chloe , Krockow Eva M. , Yadav Sara , Olawale Agbaje Ganiyu , Diyaolu Ayobami Hassan , Munkombwe Derick , Muringu Eric , Muro Eva Prosper , Kaminyoghe Felix , Ayotunde Hameedat Taiye , Omoniyei Love , Lawal Mashood Oluku , Barlatt Shuwary Hughric Adekule , Makole Tumaini J. , Nambatya Winnie , Esseku Yvonne , Rutter Victoria , Ashiru-Oredope Diane
Published: August 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health problem threatening safe, effective healthcare delivery in all countries and settings. The ability of microorganisms to become resistant to the effects of antimicrobials is an inevitable evolutionary process. The misuse and overuse of antimicrobial agents have increased the importance of a global focus on antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). This review provides insight into the current AMS landscape and identifies contemporary actors and initiatives related to AMS projects in eight African countries (Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia), which form a network of countries participating in the Commonwealth Partnerships for Antimicrobial Stewardship (CwPAMS) programme. We focus on common themes across the eight countries, including the current status of AMR, infection prevention and control, AMR implementation strategies, AMS, antimicrobial surveillance, antimicrobial use, antimicrobial consumption surveillance, a one health approach, digital health, pre-service and in-service AMR and AMS training, access to and supply of medicines, and the impact of COVID-19. Recommendations suitable for adaptation are presented, including the development of a national AMS strategy and incorporation of AMS in pharmacists’ and other healthcare professionals’ curricula for pre-service and in-service training.
Regulation of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis by Drought and UV-B Radiation in Wild Tomato (Solanum peruvianum) Fruit
Authors: Tapia Gerardo , Castro Monserrat , Gaete-Eastman Carlos , Figueroa Carlos R.
Published: August 2022

Anthocyanins are plant pigments derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway which are produced in many different species, contributing to defense against stresses by their antioxidant properties. Cultivated tomatoes cannot synthesize flavonoids; however, wild tomatoes such as Solanum chilense and Solanum lycopersicoides have anthocyanin pigmented skin. Other wild tomato species such as Solanum peruvianum have been poorly studied concerning anthocyanin accumulation in the fruit. This research is the first to address the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis mediated by drought stress and light radiation in S. peruvianum fruit. Transcript accumulation of SpAN2, encoding for a key MYB type transcription factor for the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis, was induced in the fruit of plants exposed to drought treatment. In addition, fruit peel accumulates a greater anthocyanin content in water deficit-treated plants. The expression of SpAN2 was also regulated according to sunlight exposure, reaching a higher expression during maximal daily UV radiation and under controlled UV-B treatments. Similar results were observed for the expression of the late flavonoid biosynthetic gene dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (SpDFR). These results suggest that SpAN2 and SpDFR are involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis under drought stress and UV radiation in S. peruvianum.
Addition of oh8dG to Cardioplegia Attenuated Myocardial Oxidative Injury through the Inhibition of Sodium Bicarbonate Cotransporter Activity
Authors: Ji Min Jeong , Son Kuk Hui , Hong Jeong Hee
Published: August 2022

The biomarker 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (oh8dG) is derived from oxidized nucleic acids or products of oxidant-mediated DNA damage. Enhanced sodium bicarbonate cotransporter (NBC) activity is caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in ventricular myocytes. Thus, we hypothesized that cardioplegia-solution-mediated ROS generation may be involved in the regulation of NBC activity in cardiomyocytes and that oh8dG treatment may modulate ROS and associated NBC activity. Langendorff-free cardioplegia-arrested cardiac strips and cardiomyocytes were isolated to determine the NBC activity and effects of oh8dG on oxidative-stress-mediated cardiac damage markers. We first determined the histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution mediated NBC activity in cardiac strips and cells. The oh8dG treatment attenuated NBC activity in the electroneutral or electrogenic form of NBC. Additionally, exposure to HTK solution induced ROS, whereas co-administration of oh8dG attenuated ROS-mediated NBC activity, reduced ROS levels, and decreased the expression of apoptotic markers and fibrosis-associated proteins in cardiac cells. The oh8dG-administrated cardiac tissues were also protected from enhanced HTK-induced damage markers, heat shock protein 60 and polyADP-ribose. Our results show that oh8dG has a protective role against myocardial oxidative damage and provides a useful treatment strategy for restoring cardiac function.
Research on the Analytical Conversion Method of Q-s Curves for Self-Balanced Test Piles in Layered Soils
Authors: Ou Xiaoduo , Chen Guangyuan , Bai Lu , Jiang Jie , Zeng Yuchu , Chen Hailiang
Published: August 2022

An analytical conversion method was developed for the self-balanced test results of monopile bearing capacity in layered soils to realize the better applicability of the self-balanced test theory for the bearing capacity test of foundation piles. To the additional settlement of the lower pile bottom brought on by the negative friction of the upper pile soil during the loading process in layered soils, the interaction effect between the upper piles and lower piles is first taken into account. To accurately convert the results of the self-balanced test pile into the traditional static load test curve form and solve the ultimate bearing capacity, the displacements and internal forces at micro-segment piles in each layer of soil were obtained using the finite difference method. Then, for verification, conventional static test piles and indoor model tests were conducted in a multi-layered ground foundation. The outcome demonstrates that the simplified conversion method’s bearing capacity of the test pile is greater than that of the traditional static pressure test, the analytical conversion method’s Q-s curve is relatively similar to the results of the conventional static load test, and the accuracy of the analytical conversion results is increased by about 9.3 percent. At the same time, the analytical conversion method was applied to the self-balanced test project of bored cast-in-place piles in Wutong Garden, Laibin, Guangxi, China, and the accurate bearing capacity and internal force deformation characteristics were obtained. The accuracy of the calculation result is improved by 12% compared with that of the simple conversion calculation result. Therefore, it can be widely promoted and applied in self-balanced pile bearing capacity test projects.
Switching Learning Methods during the Pandemic: A Quasi-Experimental Study on a Master Course
Authors: Barletta Vita Santa , Cassano Fabio , Marengo Agostino , Pagano Alessandro , Pange Jenny , Piccinno Antonio
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic marked an important breakthrough in human progress: from working habits to social life, the world population’s behaviours changed according to the new lifestyle requirements. In this changing environment, university courses and learning methods evolved along with other “remote” working activities. For this quasi-experimental study, we discuss the effectiveness of the changes made by the LUMSA University in Rome, comparing two different groups of students who attended a master’s course with blended and fully remote methodologies. Here, we focused our attention on the paradigm shift, comparing the data gathered during the blended course in the 2019/2020 academic year with data gathered during the same course, but conducted fully online, in the academic year 2020/2021. Considering the sample size and type, the group comparison was made using a non-parametric test (U-test). The statistical analysis results suggest that there was no substantial difference between the students’ performance, confirming that the course changes made to adapt to the pandemic situation were successful and that learning effectiveness was preserved.
Research on the Design of Coal Mine Microseismic Monitoring Network Based on Improved Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Wang Kaikai , Tang Chun’an , Ma Ke , Ma Tianhui
Published: August 2022

The quality of a mine’s microseismic network layout directly affects the location accuracy of the microseismic network. Introducing the microseismic probability factor Fe, the microseismic importance factor FQ, and the effective range factor FV, an improved particle swarm algorithm with bacterial foraging algorithm is proposed to optimize the mine’s microseismic network layout and evaluation system based on the D-value optimization design theory. Through numerical simulation experiments, it is found that the system has the advantages of fast optimization speed and good network layout effect. Combined with the system application at Xiashijie Coal Mine in Tongchuan City, Shaanxi Province, the method in this paper successfully optimizes the layout of the 20-channel network, ensuring that the positioning error of key monitoring areas is controlled within 20 m, and the minimum measurable magnitude can reach −3.26. Finally, it is verified by blasting tests that the maximum spatial positioning accuracy of the site is within 12.2 m, and the positioning capability of the site network is more accurately evaluated. The relevant research can provide a reference for the layout of the microseismic monitoring network for similar projects.
Privacy-by-Design and Minimization within a Small Electronic Health Record: The Health360 Case Study
Authors: Conte Raffaele , Sansone Francesco , Tonacci Alessandro , Pala Anna Paola
Published: August 2022

Electronic health records are playing an important role in todays’ clinical research, with the possibility to collect a wide amount of data from different sources, not only within a structured clinical setting, but also making best use of new portable technologies, such as smartphones, sensors and Internet-of-Things, as an unprecedented spring of data. In this way, even in small clinical centers, often featuring limited financial availabilities, not only clinicians can have a complete, timely outlook on patients’ health, but also data scientists could use such information to build and train tailored models in the broader perspective of “p4 medicine”. However, all this should align with the strict regulations and needs concerning data privacy and security, safeguarding the rights of the individual and the confidentiality of information related to their healthcare status. Here, we present a case study dealing with Health360, a platform designed to fill in this gap, representing the ideal solution for small clinical centers, where usability and cost-affordability are key characteristics for such a system, to collect multimodal data from various sources actually employed in the framework of neuromuscular conditions. The platform, designed under the Software-as-a-Service paradigm, actually collects data from different clinical centers active in the field of neuromuscular diseases, and therefore was designed to grant access to the data to specific professionals depending on their roles. At the same time, to the benefit of data scientists, Health360 enables joint data processing, with the management of authorization principles for various health professionals from different clinical centers, which is regulated by the data minimization principle, based on the accessing profile. Under such premises, we present here the approach followed for the implementation of the platform, managing the trade-off between the need from various professionals for accessing the complete dataset and the privacy requirements, as well as confidentiality maintenance for sensitive data of patients enrolled on the project.
Fast Calculation of Acoustic Field Distribution for Ultrasonic Transducers Using Look-Up Table Method
Authors: Wu Ji , Tu Kefeng , Liang Li , Wang Shuaihua , Wang Zi , Lv Guoqiang
Published: August 2022

The point source superposition method based on the Rayleigh integral model is time-consuming for calculating the three-dimensional spatial sound field. In this paper, the look-up table method is introduced into the calculation of the acoustic field to reduce the computational effort. Based on the region of synchronous vibration on the transducer, a sub-regional look-up table method is proposed. Simulations demonstrate that both the acoustic field look-up table (ALUT) method and the acoustic field sub-regional look-up table (ASLUT) method have the same acoustic field calculation results as the point source method. Regarding the cost of time, the acoustic field look-up table method takes only one third of the time of the point source method, and the acoustic field sub-region look-up table method takes only one eighteenth of the time of the point source method, with the possibility of further reduction. Both the ALUT and ASLUT methods significantly reduce the calculation time for different types of transducers, which is beneficial for the study of planar sound source devices.
PRRGNVis: Multi-Level Visual Analysis of Comparison for Predicted Results of Recurrent Geometric Network
Authors: Wang Yanfen , Feng Li , Wang Quan , Xu Yang , Guo Dongliang
Published: August 2022

The structure of a protein determines its function, and the advancement of machine learning has led to the rapid development of protein structure prediction. Protein structure comparison is crucial for inferring the evolutionary relationship of proteins, drug discovery, and protein design. In this paper, we propose a multi-level visual analysis method to improve the protein structure comparison between predicted and actual structures. Our method takes the predicted results of the Recurrent Geometric Network (RGN) as the main research object and is mainly designed following three levels of protein structure visualization on RGN. Firstly, at the prediction accuracy level of the RGN, we use the Global Distance Test—Total Score (GDT_TS) as the evaluation standard, then compare it with distance-based root mean square deviation (dRMSD) and Template Modeling Score (TM-Score) to analyze the prediction characteristics of the RGN. Secondly, the distance deviation, torsion angle, and other attributes are used to analyze the difference between the predicted structure and the actual structure at the structural similarity level. Next, at the structural stability level, the Ramachandran Plot and PictorialBar combine to be improved to detect the quality of the predicted structure and analyze whether the amino acid residues conform to the theoretical configuration. Finally, we interactively analyze the characteristics of the RGN with the above visualization effects and give reasons and reasonable suggestions. By case studies, we demonstrate that our method is effective and can also be used to analyze other predictive network results.
Target Recognition and Navigation Path Optimization Based on NAO Robot
Authors: Jin Yingrui , Wen Shengjun , Shi Zhaoyuan , Li Hengyi
Published: August 2022

The NAO robot integrates sensors, vision systems, and control systems. Its monocular vision system is adopted to locate the target object in the three-dimensional space of robots. Firstly, a positioning model based on monocular vision is established according to the principle of small hole perspective. Then, the position coordinates of the target center are obtained in the image coordinate system. In the model mentioned above, the relationship between position coordinates and image coordinates is established at a certain space height. According to this relationship, the two-dimensional coordinates in the image are converted into the three-dimensional coordinates in the robot coordinate system. After getting the target location, we establish the navigation map and find the optimal path under the unknown environment. Based on the simultaneous localization and the mapping (SLAM) theory, the sonar sensor of the NAO robot is used to detect the distance between the robot and the obstacles or between the robot and the end landmark. Moreover, the sonar sensor and the camera are used to distinguish the obstacle and the landmark. After the navigation map is built, the bi-directional parallel search strategy and the simulated annealing algorithm are introduced to improve the traditional artificial bee colony algorithm, and the improved artificial bee colony algorithm is proposed to find an optimal path in the navigation map. Finally, the experimental results show that based on the built environment map, the robot can find an optimal path from the origin to the landmark on the premise of avoiding obstacles.
Analysis of Pre-Monsoon Convective Systems over a Tropical Coastal Region Using C-Band Polarimetric Radar, Satellite and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Jash Dharmadas , Resmi Eruthiparambil Ayyappan , Unnikrishnan Chirikandath Kalath , Sumesh Ramesh Kala , Kumar Sumit , Sukumar Nita
Published: August 2022

Analysis of pre-monsoon convective systems over the southern peninsular India has been performed using C-band radar and numerical simulation. Statistics on the radar polarimetric measurements show that the distribution of differential reflectivity (Zdr) and specific differential phase (Kdp) have much higher spread over convective regions. The distribution of Kdp is almost uniform across the vertical over the stratiform regions. The mean profile of Zdr over stratiform regions shows a distinct local maxima near melting level. A comprehensive analysis has been done on an isolated deep convective system on 13 May 2018. Plan position indicator (PPI) diagrams and satellite measured cloud top temperature demonstrate that pre-monsoon deep convective systems can develop very rapidly within a very short span of time over the region. Heavy precipitation near the surface is reflected in the high value of Kdp (>5° km−1). High values of Zdr (>3 dB) were measured at lower levels indicating the oblate shape of bigger raindrops. A fuzzy logic-based hydrometeor identification algorithm has been applied with five variables (Zh, Zdr, ρhv, Kdp, and T) to understand the bulk microphysical properties at different heights within the storm. The presence of bigger graupel particles near the melting layer indicates strong updrafts within the convective core regions. The vertical ice hydrometeor signifies the existence of a strong electric field causing them to align vertically. Numerical simulation with the spectral bin microphysics (SBM) scheme could produce most of the features of the storm reasonably well. In particular, the simulated reflectivity, graupel mixing ratio and rainfall were in good agreement with the observed values.
A Single Fast Test for Semicircular Canal Dehiscence—oVEMP n10 to 4000 Hz—Depends on Stimulus Rise Time
Authors: Curthoys Ian S. , Burgess Ann M. , Manzari Leonardo , Pastras Christopher J.
Published: August 2022

As previously reported, a single test measuring oVEMP n10 to 4000 Hz stimuli (bone-conducted vibration (BCV) or air-conducted sound (ACS)) provides a definitive diagnosis of semicircular canal dehiscence (SCD) in 22 CT-verified patients, with a sensitivity of 1.0 and specificity of 1.0. This single short screening test has great advantages of speed, minimizing testing time, and the exposure of patients to stimulation. However, a few studies of the 4000 Hz test for SCD have reported sensitivity and specificity values which are slightly less than reported previously. We hypothesized that the rise time of the stimulus is important for detecting the oVEMP n10 to 4000 Hz, similarly to what we had shown for 500 and 750 Hz BCV. We measured oVEMP n10 in 15 patients with CT-verified SCD in response to 4000 Hz ACS or BCV stimuli with rise times of 0, 1, and 2 ms. As a result, increasing the rise time of the stimulus reduced the oVEMP n10 amplitude. This outcome is expected from the physiological evidence of guinea pig primary vestibular afferents, which are activated by sound or vibration. Therefore, for clinical VEMP testing, short rise times are optimal (preferably 0 ms).
Some Generalized Results on Grey Number Operations Based on Liu-Lin Axioms of Greyness Degree and Information Content
Authors: Gürler İbrahim , Çakır Ozan , Gündüzyeli Bora
Published: August 2022

In this manuscript, with grounding in Liu–Lin axioms of greyness degree and information content, we provide new results that relate to these concepts in consideration of a number of mathematical operations over a sequence of grey numbers. In particular, we derive greyness degree results of summation, conic combination, and convex combination of a sequence, as well as inverse of a number and normalization of a number over a sequence. Then, we turn our attention to prove information content results for the union and intersection of a sequence. We illustrate our results by using a simple Monte Carlo simulation in the multi-attribute decision-making context, and by using an interesting dice-rolling experiment. Through our analysis, we also provide some new definitions, such as for conic combination, convex combination, normalization, and union and intersection operations. The novelty of the derived results in this study is that they can help researchers and practitioners of grey systems in tracking probable intensifications and reductions in the greyness degree in successive application steps of their working methods. Moreover, researchers are provided with two results to calculate information content for the union and intersection of grey numbers in an uncomplicated manner.
Large-Scale Oil Palm Trees Detection from High-Resolution Remote Sensing Images Using Deep Learning
Authors: Wibowo Hery , Sitanggang Imas Sukaesih , Mushthofa Mushthofa , Adrianto Hari Agung
Published: August 2022

Tree counting is an important plantation practice for biological asset inventories, etc. The application of precision agriculture in counting oil palm trees can be implemented by detecting oil palm trees from aerial imagery. This research uses the deep learning approach using YOLOv3, YOLOv4, and YOLOv5m in detecting oil palm trees. The dataset consists of drone images of an oil palm plantation acquired using a Fixed Wing VTOL drone with a resolution of 5cm/pixel, covering an area of 730 ha labeled with an oil palm class of 56,614 labels. The test dataset covers an area of 180 ha with flat and hilly conditions with sparse, dense, and overlapping canopy and oil palm trees intersecting with other vegetations. Model testing using images from 24 regions, each of which covering 12 ha with up to 1000 trees (for a total of 17,343 oil palm trees), yielded F1-scores of 97.28%, 97.74%, and 94.94%, with an average detection time of 43 s, 45 s, and 21 s for models trained with YOLOv3, YOLOv4, and YOLOv5m, respectively. This result shows that the method is sufficiently accurate and efficient in detecting oil palm trees and has the potential to be implemented in commercial applications for plantation companies.
Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase as Promising Tool for Management of Gastrointestinal Neoplasms
Authors: Pozzi Valentina , Campagna Roberto , Sartini Davide , Emanuelli Monica
Published: August 2022

Gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasms include esophageal, gastric, colorectal, hepatic, and pancreatic cancers. They are characterized by asymptomatic behavior, being responsible for diagnostic delay. Substantial refractoriness to chemo- and radiotherapy, exhibited by late-stage tumors, contribute to determine poor patient outcome. Therefore, it is of outmost importance to identify new molecular targets for the development of effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, we focused on the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), which catalyzes the N-methylation reaction of nicotinamide and whose overexpression has been reported in numerous neoplasms, including GI cancers. The aim of this review was to report data illustrating NNMT involvement in these tumors, highlighting its contribution to tumor cell phenotype. Cited works clearly demonstrate the interesting potential use of enzyme level determination for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes. NNMT was also found to positively affect cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasiveness, contributing to sustain in vitro and in vivo tumor growth and metastatic spread. Moreover, enzyme upregulation featuring tumor cells was significantly associated with enhancement of resistance to treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs. Taken together, these results strongly suggest the possibility to target NNMT for setup of molecular-based strategies to effectively treat GI cancers.
Beneficial Effects of Empagliflozin Are Mediated by Reduced Renal Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Expressing Human C-Reactive Protein
Authors: Malínská Hana , Hüttl Martina , Marková Irena , Miklánková Denisa , Hojná Silvie , Papoušek František , Šilhavý Jan , Mlejnek Petr , Zicha Josef , Hrdlička Jaroslav , Pravenec Michal , Vaněčková Ivana
Published: August 2022

Gliflozins (inhibitors of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2) show many beneficial actions beyond their antidiabetic effects. The underlying mechanisms of these additional protective effects are still not well understood, especially under non-diabetic conditions. Therefore, we analyzed the effects of empagliflozin in young (3-month-old) and adult (12-month-old) male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) expressing human C-reactive protein (CRP) in the liver. SHR-CRP rats are a non-diabetic model of metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and organ damage. Empagliflozin was given in a daily dose of 10 mg/kg body weight for 8 weeks. Both age groups of SHR-CRP rats treated with empagliflozin had lower body weight, decreased weight of fat depots, reduced ectopic fat accumulation in the liver and kidneys, and decreased levels of plasma insulin and β-hydroxybutyrate. Empagliflozin effectively reduced ectopic renal fat accumulation, and was associated with decreased inflammation. Exclusively in young rats, decreased microalbuminuria after empagliflozin treatment was accompanied by attenuated oxidative stress. In adult animals, empagliflozin also improved left ventricle function. In conclusion, in young animals, the beneficial renoprotective effects of empagliflozin could be ascribed to reduced lipid deposition in the kidney and the attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation. In contrast, hepatic lipid metabolism was ameliorated in adult rats.
The Silent Period for Small Fiber Sensory Neuropathy Assessment in a Mixed Cohort of Transthyretin-Mediated Amyloidosis
Authors: Cambieri Chiara , Libonati Laura , Moret Federica , Tartaglia Giorgio , Garibaldi Matteo , Chimenti Cristina , Inghilleri Maurizio , Ceccanti Marco
Published: August 2022

Background: Transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (ATTR) is a rare multisystemic disease involving the peripheral nervous system and heart. Autonomic and small fiber involvement is one of the hallmarks of ATTR, and many tools have been proposed to assess this aspect. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate cutaneous and mixed nerve silent periods (CSP and MnSP) as instruments for small fiber assessment. Methods: A total of 21 ATTR patients, 20 healthy controls, and 18 asymptomatic carriers underwent a sensory conduction study from the right sural and non-dominant ulnar nerves. A motor conduction study from the right deep peroneal and non-dominant ulnar nerves, with their F waves, CSPs, and MnSPs, was performed. Results: The amplitudes of the sural and ulnar sensory nerves and of the peroneal and ulnar motor nerves were reduced in ATTR patients compared to the other groups. F waves from the ulnar and peroneal nerves showed no differences between the three groups. The CSP and MnSP latency, but not amplitude, were increased in both the ulnar and peroneal nerves of ATTR patients. Conclusions: ATTR patients showed axonal involvement of large sensory and motor nerve fibers and demyelinating features of small sensory fibers.
Implementing Affordance-Based Design Review Method Using Virtual Reality in Architectural Design Studio
Authors: Agirachman Fauzan Alfi , Shinozaki Michihiko , Koerniawan Mochamad Donny , Indraprastha Aswin
Published: August 2022

In recent years, researchers in the architecture field have explored VR technology for various purposes in the architectural design process. Current efforts have supported the growing knowledge of VR utilization, specifically for the architectural design review process. In this study, we adapt the affordance concept from the ecological psychology study to add further evidence on VR utilization for the design review process. This study aims to develop an affordance-based design review method in architectural design by utilizing immersive VR technology. It sits at the crossroads of architecture design, virtual reality, and affordance research. This project aimed to create an affordance-based review method framework, a VR system to support the method, test both the method and the VR system, and assess the VR system’s effectiveness as a companion system for the affordance-based design method process. The study was conducted in the scope of architectural education settings only. It used a third-year architectural design studio course as a case. This study confirms that the affordance-based design review method using virtual reality helps students improve their design work. The method reveals the presence of positive and negative affordances in their work. It also shows the differences between a student and supervisor in perceiving the affordances for reviewing design works.
Managing Strategies to Revitalize Urban Cultural Heritage after Wars: The Center of the Old City of Mosul as a Case Study
Authors: Ali Safaaaldeen Hussein , Sherzad Mohammed Fareed , Alomairi Ahmed Hameed
Published: August 2022

This research deals with the process of reviving urban heritage, especially in old cities after the war, due to their symbolic and moral values in society. By studying the reality of the city and its destructed heritage features, there was a local need to study the integrated strategies of the urban heritage revival process to reach indicators that are drawn from international experiences and the curricula and studies of international organizations (ICOMOS, World Bank, UN-Habitat, IOM) that interested in cultural heritage and to use these indicators in evaluating local projects in the center of the old city of Mosul which was chosen as a case study for this research, due to its historical and civilizational importance, which has contributed greatly to the formation of the city of Mosul through the ages, and as this city has witnessed deliberate sabotage of its urban heritage due to the terrorist acts witnessed before its liberation.
Estimating Functional and Physical Service Life of Timber Buildings Concerning Thermal Performance Simulations
Authors: Prieto Andrés , Silva Ana , Tori Felipe , Carpio Manuel
Published: August 2022

Currently, the cities in southern region of Chile present extremely high levels of atmospheric pollution. One of the main reasons for that is the adoption of inadequate thermal envelopes, which are not adapted to the buildings’ climatic and environmental surrounding conditions. Usually, the existing buildings do not have any type of thermal insulation, which causes excessive heating of spaces, in a region where the main source of heat is firewood. Thus, there is a need to intervene, improving the thermal energy performance of timber buildings, but will it be possible to make technically informed decisions that consider buildings’ service life? In this study, 72 buildings in the cities of Valdivia and Niebla (South Chile) have been analysed based on in-situ visual inspections. Concerning the novelty of the study, two methodologies have been used to define the end of their physical and functional service life, establishing a hierarchical scale concerning the priority of intervention in timber buildings. After that, three different thermal energy insulation performance scenarios have been modelled in terms of evaluating current conditions, basic thermal rehabilitation, or deep thermal rehabilitation. A more effective and profound intervention in terms of thermal performance leads to better habitability conditions for the buildings’ occupants in the context of South Chile, increasing their comfort between 36% to 46% of the year, when compared with current conditions. This kind of innovative analyses are extremely significant for the implementation of preventive maintenance programs focused not only on the restoration of the physical or functional service life of building stocks, but also considering their thermal energy performance in order to improve the habitability of the buildings for their occupants, and reducing both atmospheric pollutants and firewood consumption in the South of the country.
Genomic and Epigenomic Characterization of Tumor Organoid Models
Authors: Nam Chehyun , Ziman Benjamin , Sheth Megha , Zhao Hua , Lin De-Chen
Published: August 2022

Tumor organoid modeling has been recognized as a state-of-the-art system for in vitro research on cancer biology and precision oncology. Organoid culture technologies offer distinctive advantages, including faithful maintenance of physiological and pathological characteristics of human disease, self-organization into three-dimensional multicellular structures, and preservation of genomic and epigenomic landscapes of the originating tumor. These features effectively position organoid modeling between traditional cell line cultures in two dimensions and in vivo animal models as a valid, versatile, and robust system for cancer research. Here, we review recent advances in genomic and epigenomic characterization of tumor organoids and the novel findings obtained, highlight significant progressions achieved in organoid modeling of gene–drug interactions and genotype–phenotype associations, and offer perspectives on future opportunities for organoid modeling in basic and clinical cancer research.
Immunotherapy for Aggressive and Metastatic Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors (PitNETs): State-of-the Art
Authors: Feola Tiziana , Carbonara Francesca , Verrico Monica , Di Crescenzo Rosa Maria , Gianno Francesca , Colonnese Claudio , Arcella Antonietta , de Alcubierre Dario , Tomao Silverio , Esposito Vincenzo , Giangaspero Felice , Minniti Giuseppe , Jaffrain-Rea Marie-Lise
Published: August 2022

Background: Aggressive and metastatic PitNETs are challenging conditions. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are currently considered in cases resistant to temozolomide (TMZ). However, clinical experience is essentially limited to case reports, with variable outcomes. Material and Methods: The effects of ICIs on 12 aggressive/metastatic PitNETs from the literature were reviewed and analyzed according to tumor characteristics, with the additional description of a silent-Pit1 metastatic tumor responding to pembrolizumab. Results: Most cases were metastatic (10/13: 6 corticotroph, 3 lactotroph, 1 silent Pit1); 3 were aggressive (2 corticotroph, 1 lactotroph). ICIS was used either as monotherapy or in combination. At last follow-up on ICI, a complete response (CR) was present in 3 cases and a partial response (PR) in 2 cases (4/5 metastatic). One sustained stable disease (SD) was reported. Progressive disease (PD) was observed in 7 cases, 3 of them after initial SD (n = 1) or PR (n = 3), with 2 reported deaths. PDL1 expression was studied in 10 cases and was high (>95%) in 2 Pit1-derived metastatic PitNETs (1 CR and 1 remarkable PR) but absent/low (<1%) in the remaining cases (including 1 CP and 2 PR). Elevated tumor mutation burden could be informative in corticotroph PitNETs, especially in mismatch repair-deficient tumors. Conclusion: Significant benefits from ICIs were documented in about half of TMZ-resistant PitNETS. High PDL1 expression was associated with remarkable responses but may be dispensable. Based on their acceptable tolerance and awaiting recognized predictors of response, ICIs may be considered a valuable option for such patients.
The Prognostic Value of Liquid Biopsies for Benefit of Salvage Radiotherapy in Relapsed Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Bogdanova Natalia V. , Radmanesh Hoda , Ramachandran Dhanya , Knoechelmann Anne Caroline , Christiansen Hans , Derlin Thorsten , von Klot Christoph Alexander Joachim , Merten Roland , Henkenberens Christoph
Published: August 2022

To assess the prognostic value of “liquid biopsies” for the benefit of salvage RT in oligometastatic prostate cancer relapse, we enrolled 44 patients in the study between the years 2016 and 2020. All the patients were diagnosed as having an oligometastatic prostate cancer relapse on prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted PET-CT and underwent irradiation at the Department of Radiotherapy at the Hannover Medical School. Tumor cells and total RNA, enriched from the liquid biopsies of patients, were processed for the subsequent quantification analysis of relative transcript levels in real-time PCR. In total, 54 gene transcripts known or suggested to be associated with prostate cancer or treatment outcome were prioritized for analysis. We found significant correlations between the relative transcript levels of several investigated genes and the Gleason score, PSA (prostate-specific antigen) value, or UICC stage (tumor node metastasis -TNM classification of malignant tumors from Union for International Cancer Control). Furthermore, a significant association of MTCO2, FOXM1, SREBF1, HOXB7, FDXR, and MTRNR transcript profiles was found with a temporary and/or long-term benefit from RT. Further studies on larger patients cohorts are necessary to prove our preliminary findings for establishing liquid biopsy tests as a predictive examination method prior to salvage RT.
Platelet Activation in Ovarian Cancer Ascites: Assessment of GPIIb/IIIa and PF4 in Small Extracellular Vesicles by Nano-Flow Cytometry Analysis
Authors: Bortot Barbara , Mangogna Alessandro , Peacock Ben , Lees Rebecca , Valle Francesco , Brucale Marco , Tassinari Sara , Romano Federico , Ricci Giuseppe , Biffi Stefania
Published: August 2022

In ovarian cancer, ascites represent the microenvironment in which the platelets extravasate to play their role in the disease progression. We aimed to develop an assay to measure ascites’ platelet activation. We enriched small extracellular vesicles (EVs) (40–200 nm) from ascites of high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer patients (n = 12) using precipitation with polyethylene glycol, and we conducted single-particle phenotyping analysis by nano-flow cytometry after labelling and ultra-centrifugation. Atomic force microscopy single-particle nanomechanical analysis showed heterogeneous distributions in the size of the precipitated particles and their mechanical stiffness. Samples were fluorescently labelled with antibodies specific to the platelet markers GPIIb/IIIa and PF4, showing 2.6 to 18.16% of all particles stained positive for the biomarkers and, simultaneously, the EV membrane labelling. Single-particle phenotyping analysis allowed us to quantify the total number of non-EV particles, the number of small-EVs and the number of platelet-derived small-EVs, providing a platelet activation assessment independent of the ascites volume. The percentage of platelet-derived small-EVs was positively correlated with platelet distribution width to platelet count in sera (PDW/PLT). Overall, we presented a high-throughput method that can be helpful in future studies to determine the correlation between the extent of platelet activation in ascites and disease status.
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of In Vivo and In Vitro SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Lesson from Human Sperm
Authors: Luddi Alice , Luongo Francesca Paola , Dragoni Filippo , Fiaschi Lia , Vicenti Ilaria , Lupetti Pietro , Gentile Mariangela , Paccagnini Eugenio , Haxhiu Alesandro , Ponchia Rosetta , Governini Laura , Zazzi Maurizio , Piomboni Paola
Published: August 2022

Despite the major target of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, being the respiratory system, clinical evidence suggests that the male reproductive system may represent another viral target organ. Revealing the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on testis and sperm is a priority for reproductive biology, as well as for reproductive medicine. Here, we confirmed that the SARS-CoV-2 receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is highly expressed on human testis and ejaculated sperm; moreover, we provide evidence for the expression of the co-receptors transmembrane protease/serine (TMPRSS2), Basigin (BSG), and Catepsin L (CTSL). Human sperm were readily infected, both in vivo and in vitro, by SARS-CoV-2, as demonstrated by confocal and electron microscopy. The demonstration that the seminiferous epithelium and sperm support SARS-CoV-2 viral replication suggests the possibility that the spermatogenetic process may be detrimentally affected by the virus, and at the same time, supports the need to implement safety measures and guidelines to ensure specific care in reproductive medicine.