bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Blood Coagulation Using Impedance Spectroscopy: Toward Innovative Biomarkers to Assess Fibrinogenesis and Clot Retraction
Authors: D’Ambrogio Giulia , Zahhaf Omar , Le Minh-Quyen , Gouriou Yves , Josset Laurie , Pialoux Vincent , Lermusiaux Patrick , Capsal Jean-Fabien , Cottinet Pierre-Jean , Schiava Nellie Della
Published: August 2022

This study focused on a coagulation assessment based on the novel technique of blood-impedance-magnitude measurement. With the impedance characterization of recalcified human blood, it was possible to identify two significative biomarkers (i.e., measurable indicators) related to fibrin formation (1st marker) and clot retraction (2nd marker). The confocal microscopy of clotting blood provided a complete visual analysis of all the events occurring during coagulation, validating the significance of the impedance biomarkers. By analyzing the impedance phase angle (Φ) of blood during coagulation, as well as those of the clot and serum expelled after retraction, it was possible to further clarify the origin of the 2nd marker. Finally, an impedance-magnitude analysis and a rotational thromboelastometry test (ROTEM®) were simultaneously performed on blood sampled from the same donor; the results pointed out that the 1st marker was related to clotting time. The developed technique gives rise to a comprehensive and evolutive insight into coagulation, making it possible to progressively follow the whole process in real time. Moreover, this approach allows coagulation to be tested on any materials’ surface, laying the ground for new studies related to contact coagulation, meaning, thrombosis occurring on artificial implants. In a near future, impedance spectroscopy could be employed in the material characterization of cardiovascular prostheses whose properties could be monitored in situ and/or online using effective biomarkers.
Cardiac Acetylation in Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Dubois-Deruy Emilie , El Masri Yara , Turkieh Annie , Amouyel Philippe , Pinet Florence , Annicotte Jean-Sébastien
Published: August 2022

Lysine acetylation is a highly conserved mechanism that affects several biological processes such as cell growth, metabolism, enzymatic activity, subcellular localization of proteins, gene transcription or chromatin structure. This post-translational modification, mainly regulated by lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) and lysine deacetylase (KDAC) enzymes, can occur on histone or non-histone proteins. Several studies have demonstrated that dysregulated acetylation is involved in cardiac dysfunction, associated with metabolic disorder or heart failure. Since the prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes or heart failure rises and represents a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide, cardiac acetylation may constitute a crucial pathway that could contribute to disease development. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms involved in the regulation of cardiac acetylation and its roles in physiological conditions. In addition, we highlight the effects of cardiac acetylation in physiopathology, with a focus on obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart failure. This review sheds light on the major role of acetylation in cardiovascular diseases and emphasizes KATs and KDACs as potential therapeutic targets for heart failure.
Increased Stiffness Downregulates Focal Adhesion Kinase Expression in Pancreatic Cancer Cells Cultured in 3D Self-Assembling Peptide Scaffolds
Authors: Betriu Nausika , Andreeva Anna , Alonso Anna , Semino Carlos E.
Published: August 2022

The focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that participates in integrin-mediated signal transduction and contributes to different biological processes, such as cell migration, survival, proliferation and angiogenesis. Moreover, FAK can be activated by autophosphorylation at position Y397 and trigger different signaling pathways in response to increased extracellular matrix stiffness. In addition, FAK is overexpressed and/or hyperactivated in many epithelial cancers, and its expression correlates with tumor malignancy and invasion potential. One of the characteristics of solid tumors is an over deposition of ECM components, which generates a stiff microenvironment that promotes, among other features, sustained cell proliferation and survival. Researchers are, therefore, increasingly developing cell culture models to mimic the increased stiffness associated with these kinds of tumors. In the present work, we have developed a new 3D in vitro model to study the effect of matrix stiffness in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells as this kind of tumor is characterized by a desmoplastic stroma and an increased stiffness compared to its normal counterpart. For that, we have used a synthetic self-assembling peptide nanofiber matrix, RAD16-I, which does not suffer a significant degradation in vitro, thus allowing to maintain the same local stiffness along culture time. We show that increased matrix stiffness in synthetic 3D RAD16-I gels, but not in collagen type I scaffolds, promotes FAK downregulation at a protein level in all the cell lines analyzed. Moreover, even though it has classically been described that stiff 3D matrices promote an increase in pFAKY397/FAK proteins, we found that this ratio in soft and stiff RAD16-I gels is cell-type-dependent. This study highlights how cell response to increased matrix stiffness greatly depends on the nature of the matrix used for 3D culture.
Detection of Structural Variants by NGS: Revealing Missing Alleles in Lysosomal Storage Diseases
Authors: La Cognata Valentina , Cavallaro Sebastiano
Published: August 2022

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a heterogeneous group of rare multisystem metabolic disorders occurring mostly in infancy and childhood, characterized by a gradual accumulation of non-degraded substrates inside the cells. Although biochemical enzymatic assays are considered the gold standard for diagnosis of symptomatic patients, genotyping is a requirement for inclusion in enzyme replacement programs and is a prerequisite for carrier tests in relatives and DNA-based prenatal diagnosis. The emerging next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are now offering a powerful diagnostic tool for genotyping LSDs patients by providing faster, cheaper, and higher-resolution testing options, and are allowing to unravel, in a single integrated workflow SNVs, small insertions and deletions (indels), as well as major structural variations (SVs) responsible for the pathology. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about the most recurrent and private SVs involving LSDs-related genes, review advantages and drawbacks related to the use of the NGS in the SVs detection, and discuss the challenges to bring this type of analysis in clinical diagnostics.
GLUT3 Promotes Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition via TGF-β/JNK/ATF2 Signaling Pathway in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Song Moon-Young , Lee Da-Young , Yun Sun-Mi , Kim Eun-Hee
Published: August 2022

Glucose transporter (GLUT) 3, a member of the GLUTs family, is involved in cellular glucose utilization and the first step in glycolysis. GLUT3 is highly expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) and it leads to poor prognosis to CRC patient outcome. However, the molecular mechanisms of GLUT3 on the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in metastatic CRC is not yet clear. Here, we identified that activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/activating transcription factor-2 (ATF2) signaling pathway by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) promotes GLUT3-induced EMT in CRC cells. The regulation of GLUT3 expression was significantly associated with EMT-related markers such as E-cadherin, α- smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), vimentin and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1). We also found that GLUT3 accelerated the invasive ability of CRC cells. Mechanistically, TGF-β induced the expression of GLUT3 through the phosphorylation of JNK/ATF2, one of the SMAD-independent pathways. TGF-β induced the expression of GLUT3 by increasing the phosphorylation of JNK, the nuclear translocation of the ATF2 transcription factor, and the binding of ATF2 to the promoter region of GLUT3, which increased EMT in CRC cells. Collectively, our results provide a new comprehensive mechanism that GLUT3 promotes EMT process through the TGF-β/JNK/ATF2 signaling pathway, which could be a potential target for the treatment of metastatic CRC.
miRNAs and isomiRs: Serum-Based Biomarkers for the Development of Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Scheper Mirte , Romagnolo Alessia , Besharat Zein Mersini , Iyer Anand M. , Moavero Romina , Hertzberg Christoph , Weschke Bernhard , Riney Kate , Feucht Martha , Scholl Theresa , Petrak Borivoj , Maulisova Alice , Nabbout Rima , Jansen Anna C. , Jansen Floor E. , Lagae Lieven , Urbanska Malgorzata , Ferretti Elisabetta , Tempes Aleksandra , Blazejczyk Magdalena , Jaworski Jacek , Kwiatkowski David J. , Jozwiak Sergiusz , Kotulska Katarzyna , Sadowski Krzysztof , Borkowska Julita , Curatolo Paolo , Mills James D. , Aronica Eleonora ,   EPISTOP Consortium Members
Published: August 2022

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare multi-system genetic disorder characterized by a high incidence of epilepsy and neuropsychiatric manifestations known as tuberous-sclerosis-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TANDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory non-coding RNAs that regulate the expression of more than 60% of all protein-coding genes in humans and have been reported to be dysregulated in several diseases, including TSC. In the current study, RNA sequencing analysis was performed to define the miRNA and isoform (isomiR) expression patterns in serum. A Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify circulating molecular biomarkers, miRNAs, and isomiRs, able to discriminate the development of neuropsychiatric comorbidity, either ASD, ID, or ASD + ID, in patients with TSC. Part of our bioinformatics predictions was verified with RT-qPCR performed on RNA isolated from patients’ serum. Our results support the notion that circulating miRNAs and isomiRs have the potential to aid standard clinical testing in the early risk assessment of ASD and ID development in TSC patients.
T-Cell Infiltration and Immune Checkpoint Expression Increase in Oral Cavity Premalignant and Malignant Disorders
Authors: Surendran Subin , Aboelkheir Usama , Tu Andrew A. , Magner William J. , Sigurdson S. Lynn , Merzianu Mihai , Hicks Wesley L. , Suresh Amritha , Kirkwood Keith L. , Kuriakose Moni A.
Published: August 2022

The immune cell niche associated with oral dysplastic lesion progression to carcinoma is poorly understood. We identified T regulatory cells (Treg), CD8+ effector T cells (Teff) and immune checkpoint molecules across oral dysplastic stages of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). OPMD and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissue sections (N = 270) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for Treg (CD4, CD25 and FoxP3), Teff (CD8) and immune checkpoint molecules (PD-1 and PD-L1). The Treg marker staining intensity correlated significantly (p < 0.01) with presence of higher dysplasia grade and invasive cancer. These data suggest that Treg infiltration is relatively early in dysplasia and may be associated with disease progression. The presence of CD8+ effector T cells and the immune checkpoint markers PD-1 and PD-L1 were also associated with oral cancer progression (p < 0.01). These observations indicate the induction of an adaptive immune response with similar Treg and Teff recruitment timing and, potentially, the early induction of exhaustion. FoxP3 and PD-L1 levels were closely correlated with CD8 levels (p < 0.01). These data indicate the presence of reinforcing mechanisms contributing to the immune suppressive niche in high-risk OPMD and in OSCC. The presence of an adaptive immune response and T-cell exhaustion suggest that an effective immune response may be reactivated with targeted interventions coupled with immune checkpoint inhibition.
Properties of Leukemic Stem Cells in Regulating Drug Resistance in Acute and Chronic Myeloid Leukemias
Authors: Zhai Xingjian , Jiang Xiaoyan
Published: August 2022

Notoriously known for their capacity to reconstitute hematological malignancies in vivo, leukemic stem cells (LSCs) represent key drivers of therapeutic resistance and disease relapse, posing as a major medical dilemma. Despite having low abundance in the bulk leukemic population, LSCs have developed unique molecular dependencies and intricate signaling networks to enable self-renewal, quiescence, and drug resistance. To illustrate the multi-dimensional landscape of LSC-mediated leukemogenesis, in this review, we present phenotypical characteristics of LSCs, address the LSC-associated leukemic stromal microenvironment, highlight molecular aberrations that occur in the transcriptome, epigenome, proteome, and metabolome of LSCs, and showcase promising novel therapeutic strategies that potentially target the molecular vulnerabilities of LSCs.
The Generation of Dual-Targeting Fusion Protein PD-L1/CD47 for the Inhibition of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Bian Yanlin , Lin Tong , Jakos Tanja , Xiao Xiaodong , Zhu Jianwei
Published: August 2022

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive subset of breast cancer with limited therapeutic options. However, its immune evasion mechanisms, characterized by the over-expression of the immune checkpoint molecules PD-L1 and CD47, can be targeted in order to facilitate cancer elimination by cells of innate and adaptive immunity. In this paper, we describe the design, preparation, and evaluation of three novel dual-targeting fusion proteins that were based on the structure frame of prototype IAB (innate and adaptive dependent bispecific fusion protein) and the “Orcutt-type IgG-scFv” molecular model. Three molecules with different spatial conformations were designed to improve antigen–antibody affinity by the addition of Ag–Ab binding sites from the variable region sequences of the anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) atezolizumab and CV1, a high-affinity receptor of CD47. The results showed that the best-performing among the three proteins designed in this study was protein Pro3; its CV1 N-terminus and Fc domain C-terminus were not sterically hindered. Pro3 was better at boosting T cell proliferation and the engulfment of macrophages than the IAB prototype and, at the same time, retained a level of ADCC activity similar to that of IAB. Through improved design, the novel constructed dual-targeting immunomodulatory protein Pro3 was superior at activating the anti-tumor immune response and has thus shown potential for use in clinical applications.
Sacubitril/Valsartan and Ivabradine Attenuate Left Ventricular Remodelling and Dysfunction in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats: Different Interactions with the Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System
Authors: Simko Fedor , Baka Tomas , Stanko Peter , Repova Kristina , Krajcirovicova Kristina , Aziriova Silvia , Domenig Oliver , Zorad Stefan , Adamcova Michaela , Paulis Ludovit
Published: August 2022

This study investigated whether sacubitril/valsartan and ivabradine are able to prevent left ventricular (LV) fibrotic remodelling and dysfunction in a rat experimental model of spontaneous hypertension (spontaneously hypertensive rats, SHRs) and whether this potential protection is associated with RAAS alterations. Five groups of three-month-old male Wistar rats and SHRs were treated for six weeks as follows: untreated Wistar controls, Wistar plus sacubitril/valsartan, SHR, SHR plus sacubitril/valsartan, and SHR plus ivabradine. The SHRs developed a systolic blood pressure (SBP) increase, LV hypertrophy and fibrosis, and LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction. However, no changes in serum RAAS were observed in SHRs compared with the controls. Elevated SBP in SHRs was decreased by sacubitril/valsartan but not by ivabradine, and only sacubitril/valsartan attenuated LV hypertrophy. Both sacubitril/valsartan and ivabradine reduced LV collagen content and attenuated LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Sacubitril/valsartan increased the serum levels of angiotensin (Ang) II, Ang III, Ang IV, Ang 1-5, Ang 1-7, and aldosterone, while ivabradine did not affect the RAAS. We conclude that the SHR is a normal-to-low serum RAAS model of experimental hypertension. While the protection of the hypertensive heart in SHRs by sacubitril/valsartan may be related to an Ang II blockade and the protective Ang 1-7, the benefits of ivabradine were not associated with RAAS modulation.
Comprehensive Etiologic Analyses in Pediatric Cochlear Implantees and the Clinical Implications
Authors: Lee Chee-Yee , Lin Pei-Hsuan , Tsai Cheng-Yu , Chiang Yu-Ting , Chiou Hong-Ping , Chiang Ko-Yin , Chen Pei-Lung , Hsu Jacob Shu-Jui , Liu Tien-Chen , Wu Hung-Pin , Wu Chen-Chi , Hsu Chuan-Jen
Published: August 2022

Cochlear implantation is the treatment of choice for children with profound sensorineural hearing impairment (SNHI), yet the outcomes of cochlear implants (CI) vary significantly across individuals. To investigate the CI outcomes in pediatric patients with SNHI due to various etiologies, we prospectively recruited children who underwent CI surgery at two tertiary referral CI centers from 2010 to 2021. All patients underwent comprehensive history taking, next generation sequencing (NGS)-based genetic examinations, and imaging studies. The CI outcomes were evaluated using Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP) and Speech Intelligibility Rating (SIR) scores. Of the 160 pediatric cochlear implantees (76 females and 84 males) included in this study, comprehensive etiological work-up helped achieve clinical diagnoses in 83.1% (133/160) of the patients, with genetic factors being the leading cause (61.3%). Imaging studies identified certain findings in 31 additional patients (19.3%). Four patients (2.5%) were identified with congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV), and 27 patients (16.9%) remained with unknown etiologies. Pathogenic variants in the four predominant non-syndromic SNHI genes (i.e., SLC26A4, GJB2, MYO15A, and OTOF) were associated with favorable CI outcomes (Chi-square test, p = 0.023), whereas cochlear nerve deficiency (CND) on imaging studies was associated with unfavorable CI outcomes (Chi-square test, p < 0.001). Our results demonstrated a clear correlation between the etiologies and CI outcomes, underscoring the importance of thorough etiological work-up preoperatively in pediatric CI candidates.
Endothelial Dysfunction, Erectile Deficit and Cardiovascular Disease: An Overview of the Pathogenetic Links
Authors: De Leonardis Federico , Colalillo Gaia , Finazzi Agrò Enrico , Miano Roberto , Fuschi Andrea , Asimakopoulos Anastasios D.
Published: August 2022

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition with multifactorial pathogenesis, quite common among men, especially those above 60 years old. A vascular etiology is the most common cause. The interaction between chronic inflammation, androgens, and cardiovascular risk factors determines macroscopically invisible alterations such as endothelial dysfunction and subsequent atherosclerosis and flow-limiting stenosis that affects both penile and coronary arteries. Thus, ED and cardiovascular disease (CVD) should be considered two different manifestations of the same systemic disorder, with a shared aetiological factor being endothelial dysfunction. Moreover, the penile arteries have a smaller size compared with coronary arteries; thus, for the same level of arteriopathy, a more significant blood flow reduction will occur in erectile tissue compared with coronary circulation. As a result, ED often precedes CVD by 2–5 years, and its diagnosis offers a time window for cardiovascular risk mitigation. Growing evidence suggests, in fact, that patients presenting with ED should be investigated for CVD even if they have no symptoms. Early detection could facilitate prompt intervention and a reduction in long-term complications. In this review, we provide an overview of the pathogenetic mechanisms behind arteriogenic ED and CVD, focusing on the role of endothelial dysfunction as the common denominator of the two disorders. Developed algorithms that may help identify those patients complaining of ED who should undergo detailed cardiologic assessment and receive intensive treatment for risk factors are also analyzed.
Total Internal Reflection Ellipsometry Approach for Bloch Surface Waves Biosensing Applications
Authors: Bužavaitė-Vertelienė Ernesta , Maciulis Vincentas , Anulytė Justina , Tolenis Tomas , Baskys Algirdas , Plikusiene Ieva , Balevičius Zigmas
Published: August 2022

A one-dimensional photonic crystal with an additional TiO2 layer, supporting Bloch surface waves (BSW), was used for enhanced signal sensitivity for the detection of protein interaction. To compare the optical response of BSW and photonic crystals (PC), bovine serum albumin and specific antibodies against bovine serum were used as a model system. The results obtained show the enhanced sensitivity of p- and s-BSW components for the 1D PC sample with an additional TiO2 layer. Furthermore, a higher sensitivity was obtained for the BSW component of p-polarization in the PC sample with an additional TiO2 layer, where the sensitivity of the ellipsometric parameter Ψ was five times higher and that of the Δ parameter was eight times higher than those of the PC sample. The capabilities of BSW excitations are discussed from the sensitivity point of view and from the design of advanced biosensing.
Bio-Strings: A Relational Database Data-Type for Dealing with Large Biosequences
Authors: Lifschitz Sergio , Haeusler Edward H. , Catanho Marcos , de Miranda Antonio B. , Molina de Armas Elvismary , Heine Alexandre , Moreira Sergio G. M. P. , Tristão Cristian
Published: August 2022

DNA sequencers output a large set of very long biological data strings that we should persist in databases rather than basic text file systems. Many different data models and database management systems (DBMS) may deal with both storage and efficiency issues regarding genomic datasets. Specifically, there is a need for handling strings with variable sizes while keeping their biological meaning. Relational database management systems (RDBMS) provide several data types that could be further explored for the genomics context. Besides, they enforce integrity, consistency, and enable good abstractions for more conventional data. We propose the relational text data type to represent and manipulate biological sequences and their derivatives. We present a logical schema for representing the core biological information, which may be inferred from a given biological conceptual data schema and the corresponding function manipulations. We implement and evaluate these stored functions into an actual RDBMS for both efficacy and efficiency. We show that it is possible to enforce basic and complex requirements for the genomic domain. We claim that the well-established relational text data type in RDBMS may appropriately handle the representation and persistency of biological sequences. We base our approach on the idea of domain-specific abstract data types that can store data with semantically defined functions while hiding those details from non-technical end-users.
New Insights into the Molecular Interplay between Human Herpesviruses and Alzheimer’s Disease—A Narrative Review
Authors: Athanasiou Evita , Gargalionis Antonios N. , Anastassopoulou Cleo , Tsakris Athanassios , Boufidou Fotini
Published: August 2022

Human herpesviruses (HHVs) have been implicated as possible risk factors in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. Persistent lifelong HHVs infections may directly or indirectly contribute to the generation of AD hallmarks: amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins, and synaptic loss. The present review focuses on summarizing current knowledge on the molecular mechanistic links between HHVs and AD that include processes involved in Aβ accumulation, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, autophagy, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. A PubMed search was performed to collect all the available research data regarding the above mentioned mechanistic links between HHVs and AD pathology. The vast majority of research articles referred to the different pathways exploited by Herpes Simplex Virus 1 that could lead to AD pathology, while a few studies highlighted the emerging role of HHV 6, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein–Barr Virus. The elucidation of such potential links may guide the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics to counter this devastating neurological disorder that until now remains incurable.
A Paradigm for Targeting Functional Impairment as an Outcome in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Weiss Margaret Danielle
Published: August 2022

Although functional impairment is required for a diagnosis in the DSM 5, the time frame and definition of functional impairment is ambiguous. We present a conceptual review clarifying the difference between functional impairment as a stable trait representing strength or disability in various domains, and functional impairment as secondary to emotional or behavior problems, which is a state sensitive to change with treatment intervention. Functional impairment as a measure of treatment outcome includes both change from baseline and status at the endpoint of treatment. When using a validated measure of function, functional improvement can be defined as the percentage of patients who achieve the Minimal Important Clinical Difference (MCID) and functional remission as the percentage of patients who normalize at treatment endpoint. True treatment remission should be defined as both symptomatic and functional remission.
Comparison of Traditional and Virtual Reality-Based Episodic Memory Performance in Clinical and Non-Clinical Cohorts
Authors: Barnett Michael D. , Chek Carmen J. W. , Shorter Sydni S. , Parsons Thomas D.
Published: August 2022

The California Verbal Learning Test, Second Edition (CVLT-II) and the Virtual Environment Grocery Store (VEGS) use list learning and recognition tasks to assess episodic memory. This study aims to: (1) Replicate prior construct validity results among a new sample of young adults and healthy older adults; (2) Extend this work to a clinical sample of older adults with a neurocognitive diagnosis; (3) Compare CVLT-II and VEGS performance among these groups; and (4) Validate the independence of CVLT and VEGS episodic memory performance measures from executive functioning performance measures. Typically developing young adults (n = 53) and older adults (n = 85), as well as older adults with a neurocognitive diagnosis (n = 18), were administered the CVLT-II, VEGS, and D-KEFS CWIT. Results found that (1) the relationship of the VEGS and CVLT-II measures was highly correlated on all variables, (2) compared to the CVLT-II, participants (particularly older adults) recalled fewer items on the VEGS, and (3) the CVLT-II and VEGS were generally independent of D-KEFS CWIT. It appeared that the VEGS may be more difficult than the CVLT-II, possibly reflecting the word length effect. Performance may have also been impacted by the presence of everyday distractors in the virtual environment.
The Contribution of Cognitive Factors to Compulsive Buying Behaviour: Insights from Shopping Habit Changes during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Nori Raffaella , Zucchelli Micaela Maria , Piccardi Laura , Palmiero Massimiliano , Bocchi Alessia , Guariglia Paola
Published: August 2022

The last decade has seen an increase in compulsive behaviours among young adults worldwide, particularly in 2020, during restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Importantly, even if shopping is an ordinary activity in everyday life, it can become a compulsive behaviour for certain individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of working memory and decision-making style in compulsive behaviour. A total of 105 participants (65 F, 40 M) were recruited online from May 2020 to December 2020. They completed a series of questionnaires to measure shopping compulsive behaviour, decision-making styles, deficits in working memory and online shopping habits. The results show that during the COVID-19 pandemic, people spent much more time shopping online, made more purchases and spent more money than prior to the pandemic. Moreover, both higher working memory deficits and spontaneous decision-making style predicted a greater tendency to engage in compulsive buying. These results suggest the need to develop specific training programs to improve cognitive aspects related to compulsive shopping behaviour.
The Use of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulations for the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder: A Scoping Review
Authors: Adu Medard Kofi , Eboreime Ejemai , Sapara Adegboyega Oyekunbi , Agyapong Vincent Israel Opoku
Published: August 2022

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique that involves the application of magnetic pulses on hyperactive or hypoactive cortical brain areas. rTMS is considered a high therapeutic tool in many neuropsychiatric conditions. Despite its wide and continuous usage for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, information about the use of rTMS in bipolar disorders is limited and not well-established in the literature. Objectives: This scoping review aims to explore the literature available regarding the application of rTMS for the management of bipolar disorders, to garner evidence in support of it uses in the management of bipolar disorders, and for recommendations on future clinical and research work. Method: We electronically conducted a data search in five research databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Psych INFO, SCOPUS, and EMBASE) using all identified keywords across all the databases to identify evidence-based studies. Articles were included if they were published randomized control designs aimed at the use of rTMS in the management of bipolar disorders. Overall, nine studies were eligible for this review. The search results are up to date as of the final date of data search—20 December 2020. Only full-text published articles written in English were reviewed. Review articles on treatment with rTMS for conditions either than bipolar disorders were excluded. Conclusion: The application of rTMS intervention for bipolar disorders looks promising despite the diversity of its outcomes and its clinical significance. However, to be able to draw a definite conclusion on the clinical effectiveness of the technique, more randomized controlled studies with well-defined stimulation parameters need to be conducted with large sample sizes in the future.
Influence of Cotton Knitted Fabric Waste Addition on Concrete Properties
Authors: Bartulović Bruno , Juradin Sandra , Žižić Dujmo , Galić Matea
Published: August 2022

Manufacturing cotton knitted fabric apparel generates a substantial amount of production (pre-consumer) waste. One of the ways to alleviate the environmental impact of this is to use the cotton knitted fabric production waste (CKFW) in concrete, which had the simultaneous benefit of reducing the use of virgin aggregate. The aim of this research was to examine the influence of CKFW on concrete properties, and to explore the possible application of this novel material in the construction industry for the production of precast building elements based on its characteristics. An additional goal was to enhance certain properties of concrete and determine the shortcomings of CKFW concrete. A total of 10 mixes were made and tested. CKFW was used at rates of 1.7% and 3.5% of the total mix volume. All mixtures had the same amount of cement, with three mixes having the addition of silica fume. Crushed limestone was used as the aggregate with different aggregate size combinations. Two types of polycarboxylic ether-based superplasticizer were used. The properties of the fresh mix were determined by the slump method. The ultrasonic pulse velocity, dynamic modulus of elasticity, flexural strength and compressive strength were tested on 28-day-old concrete specimens. The σ–δ diagram is also presented in this paper. We learned that the flexural strength of specimens with CKFW addition was increased by up to 38% but the compressive strength was reduced by up to 20% compared to the reference concrete mix. The CKFW mixtures had higher ductility and permeability. Additionally, silica fume had a positive effect on the concretes with a higher percentage of textiles. The percentages of textile waste used in this study affected the density of concrete in a range of 0–2%. Based on the obtained results, we offer recommendations for further tests and possible applications.
Two Novel Vlasov Models for Bending Analysis of Finite-Length Beams Embedded in Elastic Foundations
Authors: Yue Feng , Wu Ziyan , Fan Zhiqiang , Li Haokai
Published: August 2022

The issue of soil–structure interaction (SSI) is essentially to analyze the influence of complex media on the mechanical behavior of supported structures. With the development of underground space, geological structures and space constraints put forward higher requirements for foundations and buildings. In this paper, the effects of soil heterogeneity and embedment depth on the bending of finite-length beams embedded in two novel Vlasov elastic foundations are investigated. Firstly, the constitutive relations of subsoil are simulated by Gibson and transversely isotropic soils, and the type of elastic foundation is described by the modified Vlasov model. Then, based on variational principles, the governing differential equations for the deformation and attenuation parameters of beams embedded in elastic foundations are derived by taking the variation of the minimum potential energy of the system, and the characteristic coefficient related to the embedment depth is introduced. Finally, the mechanical performance of the beam and foundation is obtained by an iterative technique and the Fourier series method, and an extensive parametric study is performed to examine influence of some basic parameters on the deformation and internal forces of the system. The results show that the mathematical expressions of two refined elastic models are in good agreement with those of the traditional Vlasov foundation after degradation. The iterative technique based on the principles of solid mechanics can be employed to obtain more reliable model parameters. More importantly, with the increase in the embedment depth, the mechanical responses of the beam and subgrade forces decrease. The main reason is that the restraint effect of the soil media around structures, which leads to the reduction of the characteristic coefficient affecting the displacement of beams. Moreover, the heterogeneity of soil, including Gibson characteristics and transverse isotropy, should be considered according to specific working conditions in civil engineering.
Study of Human Visual Comfort Based on Sudden Vertical Illuminance Changes
Authors: Zhang Jiuhong , Lv Kunjie , Zhang Xiaoqian , Ma Mingxiao , Zhang Jiahui
Published: August 2022

Rapid changes in vertical illuminance trigger visual fatigue. Therefore, controlling the illuminance ratio of adjacent spaces can ensure the satisfaction and comfort of users. This study takes reaction time as the measure of adaptation and explores the correlation between visual adaptation and comfort in different light environments. The Landolt C ring was selected as the visual standard for the experimental test, the degree of visual comfort was assessed using a Likert scale, and experimental parameters were formulated according to relevant criteria. By analyzing the subjective visual comfort, visual task performance and physiological evaluations of the participants under different changing illuminance levels, we have concluded that there is a significant correlation between reaction time and visual comfort, and no significant effect of gender on visual comfort. Therefore, under the condition of meeting the required value of illumination standard, the smaller the illuminance ratio of adjacent rooms, the more the comfort and visual acuity of users can be guaranteed, and visual fatigue can also be avoided. The study is a useful resource for improving comfort and pleasure in a light environment as well as for lighting design.
Carbon Mitigation in the Operation of Chinese Residential Buildings: An Empirical Analysis at the Provincial Scale
Authors: Chen Minxia , Lei Jifeng , Xiang Xiwang , Ma Minda
Published: August 2022

The rapidly growing carbon emissions of residential building operations have become an obstacle to China’s commitment to achieving its carbon-neutral goals by 2060, but they also demonstrate great carbon mitigation potential. To help buildings reach carbon neutrality targets, this study decomposes the drivers of carbon emissions and evaluates the changes in carbon mitigation of residential buildings across 30 Chinese provinces from 2000 to 2018. The results indicate that (1) the operational carbon intensity increased in most provinces and the average annual growth rate across the 30 provinces was 4.2%; (2) from 2001 to 2018, North China and Northeast China had the highest average annual carbon mitigation intensity, at 602.7 and 376.9 kg of carbon dioxide per household, respectively. However, Northwest China had the highest carbon mitigation efficiency, with a carbon mitigation rate of 23.5%; and (3) in most cases, the total carbon mitigations of the operational residential buildings assessed at the provincial scale higher than those assessed nationwide, with a difference of 14.4 million tons of carbon dioxide on average. In addition, this study reviewed the energy efficiency codes for residential buildings and summarized effective energy efficiency measures. Overall, this study fills a gap in our understanding of carbon mitigation tools and provides a reference for the evaluation of historical carbon mitigation effects in the operation of residential buildings.
Daily Carbon Assessment Framework: Towards Near Real-Time Building Carbon Emission Benchmarking for Operative and Design Insights
Authors: Zhu Mingyu , James Philip
Published: August 2022

The energy consumption and its related carbon emission of non-domestic complex buildings in an urban context are complicated due to their wide variety of functions and services. A detailed assessment of the carbon emission of such buildings can contribute to decision making for in-operation building management and schematic designs of future proposals. Concurrently, advances in smart meter data analytics and sensor-enabled operational data streams offer the opportunity to investigate this problem at a finer temporal resolution. This research developed a daily carbon emission benchmarking system of a mixed-use building in a UK university. The research period was set at an annual range from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019 and was segmented by strategic periods in line with the operation schedule of the building. The daily benchmark revealed the fluctuation of the building’s energy consumption and associated carbon emissions. Based on this, a digital twin framework was developed to identify the possible time periods when the building is less carbon efficient and potential building characters that can lead to increased carbon emission in the operational stage compared with what originally expected at the design stage. We discuss how these insights can offer actionable knowledge for user groups such as asset managers and architects.
Comparative Analysis of Dynamic Response of Damaged Wharf Frame Structure under the Combined Action of Ship Collision Load and Other Static Loads
Authors: Zhao Mingjie , Wu Guoyin , Wang Kui
Published: August 2022

In the long-term service, the wharf structure can be damaged by ship impact, wave load, and even earthquake, which will affect the safe production and smooth operation of the port. Based on the theory of structural dynamic response analysis and wavelet packet analysis principle, this paper established the damage identification index of the wharf frame structure. Combining with the finite element method and the dynamic response theory of the wharf frame structure, it set up a finite element analysis model of the dynamic response of the wharf frame structure under the action of multiple loads, with the impact load of the ship as the dynamic load under the non-damaged state and the different damaged states. In addition, the characteristic response point location was drawn up. Furthermore, the transient dynamic analysis and damage index analysis of the frame structure in the non-damaged and damaged state were conducted respectively. In addition, the model test and numerical simulation results were combined to compare and analyze the identification of damage indicators, so as to verify the identification effect of the established damage identification indicators on the structural damage, which lays a foundation for the next step of structural damage identification.
Construction for Health; Reversing the Impacts
Authors: Shahnoori Shore , Mohammadi Masi
Published: August 2022

The health of humans and the planet are the most vital contemporary issues and essential components of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Scientists and professionals strive for integrated, evolving, healthy, and sustainable solutions encompassing biodiversity and industrial ecology, while offering viable economic attainments. The building industry, especially construction, is an extensive economic counterpart that largely influences health on various levels. On a practical scale, most direct or indirect impacts on health are related to conventional construction systems (CCSs), particularly their materialisations and implementation methods. Therefore, from a global perspective, emerging technologies or remodelled methods to accomplish sustainable use, reuse, and recycling, and improving the planet’s health to ensure the wellbeing of its inhabitants, are crucial. The current research is part of a broader study on “programmable construction systems” (PCSs), concentrating on “programmable construction materials” (PCMs) for health. Therefore, issues are reviewed, relevancies are addressed, and health-oriented concepts are discussed. Example concepts of formulation and the simplified toolkit creations follow the problems’ sources in a case study, providing insight into the resulting multiscale impacts on real-life practices. The results prove the method’s potential and validate its simplicity and applicability through an abstract examination of a newly built case study. Finally, the summarised outcomes of other extensive studies on societal preferences also confirm the feasibility of the hypothesis (i.e., the healthy materialisation) also from a social perspective.
The Advent of the New Architectural Profession through BIM
Authors: Jeong Dae Yeong , Kim Hee Jin
Published: August 2022

The profession of architecture mainly involves the construction of building information; this is achieved within the knowledge paradigm of our society. Therefore, a shift in the knowledge paradigm can lead to the advent of new architectural professions; the Renaissance and the current era are periods of such shifts. However, during the process of such a shift, it is difficult to notice the essential nature of the change, such as the emergence of a new architectural profession utilizing building information modeling (BIM). This study is unique in that it uses the correlation of building information with knowledge to uncover the essential nature of the architectural profession. Furthermore, Nonaka’s knowledge creation process (SECI) model is used to reveal the knowledge paradigm of our society. The analysis results show that knowledge creation in society has increased explosively since it has become possible—through the printing revolution of the Renaissance period—to share knowledge that previously remained at the experience level. Accordingly, this has led to the advent of an architectural profession involving today’s intellectuals, who can construct and express building information by using conceptualized knowledge rather than experience. Nowadays, machines have emerged as new agents of knowledge processing through the digital revolution, innovatively strengthening connections between information silos. As a result, a new architectural profession has emerged, focused on improving the performance of buildings by using simulations with machine-readable building information as well as with one’s own knowledge. Further, this new architectural profession, by harnessing the newly developed hybrid intelligence of machines and humans, is expected to overcome the former limits of the profession.
A Quantitative Analysis on Key Factors Affecting the Thermal Performance of the Hybrid Air-Based BIPV/T System
Authors: Guo Juanli , Jin Yongyun , Li Zhenyu , Li Meiling
Published: August 2022

Air-based BIPV/T is of significant research interest in reducing energy load and improving indoor comfort. As many factors related to meteorology, geometry and operation contribute to the thermal performance of BIPV/T, especially for one kind of hybrid air-based BIPV/T (HAB-BIPV/T), quantifying the effects of such uncertain parties is essential. In this paper, a numerical analysis was conducted regarding 13 parameters of one HAB-BIPV/T prototype. For each quantity of interest, the kernel density estimate was regarded as an approximation to the probability density function to assess uncertainty propagation. A sequential sensitivity analysis was used to quickly screen (by Morris) and exactly quantify (by Sobol’) the effects of significant variables. The surrogate model based on a back propagation neural network was employed to dramatically reduce the computational cost of Monte Carlo analysis. The results show that the uncertain inputs discussed can induce considerable fluctuations in the three quantities of interest. The most significant parameters on AUI include air inlet height, cavity thickness, air inlet velocity and number of air inlets. The outcomes of this study provide insights into the correlation between various factors and the thermal efficiency of the HAB-BIPV/T as a reference for similar design works.
HOXA11-AS1 Promotes PD-L1-Mediated Immune Escape and Metastasis of Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma by Facilitating PTBP1 and FOSL1 Association
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Liu Qian , Zhang Gehou , Mohammed Diab , Amadou Sani , Tan Guolin , Zhang Xiaowei
Published: August 2022

Background: The metastatic characteristics of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC) lead to many diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, while functional long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can provide effective strategies for its diagnosis and treatment. Methods: RT-qPCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and an immunofluorescence assay were used to detect the related gene expression. Flow cytometry was used to measure the percentage of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. CCK-8 and transwell assays were performed to analyze the role of HOXA11-AS1. The targeted relationship of the FOSL1/PD-L1 promoter was measured by ChIP and dual-luciferase reporter assays. RNA pulldown and RIP assays were used to measure the interaction between HOXA11-AS1, FOSL1, and PTBP1. A tumor xenograft study was used to analyze HOXA11-AS1 function in vivo. Results: HOXA11-AS1, PD-L1, and FOSL1 were upregulated in HSCC, and HOXA11-AS1 positively correlated with PD-L1. HOXA11-AS1 knockdown upregulated CD8+ T cells through an increase in IFN-γ concentration while decreasing the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HSCC cells. FOSL1 bound the PD-L1 promoter, increasing gene expression. HOXA11-AS1 enhanced the stability of FOSL1 mRNA by binding to PTBP1. HOXA11-AS1 or PTBP1 overexpression increased FOSL1 and PD-L1 expression. PD-L1 knockdown arrested the inhibiting function of HOXA11-AS1 overexpression on CD8+ T cell content. HOXA11-AS1 knockdown inhibited immune escape and metastasis through PD-L1 regulation by downregulating FOSL1 in vivo. Conclusion: HOXA11-AS1 promoted PD-L1 expression by upregulating FOSL1 levels through PTBP1, thereby facilitating immune escape, proliferation, and metastasis of HSCC cells.