bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Levels of VEGF-A and Its Receptors in Patients in Different Phases of Hemorrhagic and Ischemic Strokes
Authors: Babkina Anastasiya S. , Yadgarov Mikhail Ya. , Ostrova Irina V. , Zakharchenko Vladislav E. , Kuzovlev Artem N. , Grechko Andrey V. , Lyubomudrov Maxim A. , Golubev Arkady M.
Published: October 2022

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are important regulators of angiogenesis, neuroprotection, and neurogenesis. Studies have indicated the association of VEGF dysregulation with the development of neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases. We studied the changes in serum levels of VEGF-A, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2 in patients at various phases of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Quantitative assessment of VEGF-A, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2 in serum of patients with hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke was performed by enzyme immunoassay in the hyper-acute (1–24 h from the onset), acute (up to 1–7 days), and early subacute (7 days to 3 months) phases of stroke, and then compared with the control group and each other. Results of our retrospective study demonstrated different levels of VEGF-A and its receptors at various phases of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. In ischemic stroke, increased VEGFR-2 level was found in the hyper-acute (p = 0.045) and acute phases (p = 0.024), while elevated VEGF-A and reduced VEGFR-1 levels were revealed in the early subacute phase (p = 0.048 and p = 0.012, respectively). In hemorrhagic stroke, no significant changes in levels of VEGF-A and its receptors were identified in the hyper-acute phase. In the acute and early subacute phases there was an increase in levels of VEGF-A (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively) and VEGFR-2 (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively). Serum levels of VEGF-A and its receptors in patients with hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke indicate different pathogenic pathways depending on the phase of the disease.
The Signaling Pathways Induced by Exosomes in Promoting Diabetic Wound Healing: A Mini-Review
Authors: Wang Yanying , Zhu Jiayan , Chen Jing , Xu Ruojiao , Groth Thomas , Wan Haitong , Zhou Guoying
Published: October 2022

Impaired healing of diabetic wounds harms patients’ quality of life and even leads to disability and death, which is an urgent issue to be solved clinically. Despite the great progress that has been achieved, it remains a worldwide challenge to develop effective therapeutic treatments for diabetic wounds. Recently, exosomes have attracted special attention because they can be involved in immune response, antigen presentation, cell migration, cell differentiation, tumor invasion and other processes. Meanwhile, exosomes have been proven to hold great potential in the treatment of diabetic wounds. Mechanistic studies of exosomes based on signaling pathways could not only help to uncover the mechanisms by which exosomes promote diabetic wound healing but could also provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of exosomes. Herein, our mini-review aims to summarize the progress of research on the use of various exosomes derived from different cell types to promote diabetic wound healing, with a focus on the classical signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt, Wnt, NF-κB, MAPK, Notch, Nrf2, HIF-1α/VEGF and TGF-β/Smad. The results show that exosomes could regulate these signaling pathways to down-regulate inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, increase angiogenesis, promote fibroblast proliferation, induce re-epithelization and inhibit scar formation, making exosomes attractive candidates for the treatment of diabetic wounds.
Laser-Assisted Method for Cleaning and Analysis of Archaeological Metallic Coins
Authors: Rezk Reham A. , Abdel Ghany Nabil Ahmed , Mostafa Ayman M.
Published: October 2022

Metal coins discovered during archaeology have artistic and cultural value. Careful cleaning is required for artifact conservation. Metal artifacts must be cleaned to remove corrosion, which can range from tarnishing to a thick crust, in addition to dust, previous coatings, and burial deposits. Cleaning corrosion is still a challenging conservation process, but the advantages of using traditional cleaning methods outweigh the disadvantages. The current study aimed to evaluate the use of a nanosecond infrared Q-switched Nd: YAG pulsed laser for biodeteriogen elimination by laser cleaning and elemental analysis via LIBS analysis on old, corroded coins. The corroded coins used in this study were found in Egyptian burial dirt. Four different varieties of unknown corroded coins were exposed to laser cleaning testing. Throughout the cleaning process, LIBS diagnostics was used to monitor the laser ablation process as it removed various types of corrosion products. The coins were analyzed with a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer before and after the laser cleaning to assess the efficacy of the suggested laser setup technique used in this experiment (SEM-EDX). The results show a reduction in the spectral lines of corroded metals (Cu, Ca, and Mg) in the investigated coins after cleaning when compared to the original analyses. However, the surface morphology of each coin changes somewhat due to the presence of CuOx, which was recognized by increasing the strength of O lines, ensuring the viability of utilizing LIBS to identify the unknown coins tested.
Application of the Holomorphic Tauc-Lorentz-Urbach Function to Extract the Optical Constants of Amorphous Semiconductor Thin Films
Authors: Ballester Manuel , García Marcos , Márquez Almudena P. , Blanco Eduardo , Fernández Susana M. , Minkov Dorian , Katsaggelos Aggelos K. , Cossairt Oliver , Willomitzer Florian , Márquez Emilio
Published: October 2022

The Tauc–Lorentz–Urbach (TLU) dispersion model allows us to build a dielectric function from only a few parameters. However, this dielectric function is non-analytic and presents some mathematical drawbacks. As a consequence of this issue, the model becomes inaccurate. In the present work, we will adopt a procedure to conveniently transform the TLU model into a self-consistent dispersion model. The transformation involves the integration of the original TLU imaginary dielectric function ϵ2 by using a Lorentzian-type function of semi-width, Γ. This novel model is analytic and obeys the other necessary mathematical requirements of the optical constants of solid-state materials. The main difference with the non-analytic TLU model occurs at values of the photon energy near or lower than that of the bandgap energy (within the Urbach absorption region). In particular, this new model allows us to reliably extend the optical characterization of amorphous-semiconductor thin films within the limit to zero photon energy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the analytic TLU model has been successfully used to accurately determine the optical constants of unhydrogenated a-Si films using only their normal-incidence transmission spectra.
Effect of SW-CNT Diameter on Polymer Degradation and Resistance of Polystyrene/SW-CNTs Composites Induced by γ-Irradiation
Authors: Lim Dae-Hee , Shim Ha-Eun , Lee Byoung-Min , Nam You-Ree , Cheon Wan-Hwi , Choi Pyung-Seok , Gwon Hui-Jeong
Published: October 2022

The outstanding electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) make them promising materials for a wide range of applications. Numerous theoretical and experimental studies on the diameter-dependent properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SW-CNTs) exist. The incorporation of carbon nanotubes into commercial polymers can alter the properties of both materials. Herein, we demonstrate polystyrene/SW-CNT composites with different diameters to check property changes, including radiation-protective characteristics under various doses of gamma radiation. The intrinsic glassy state of polystyrene disappeared owing to the introduction of SW-CNTs into the polymer-polymer chain. In addition, when 1.3 nm diameter SW-CNTs were introduced, the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy peaks for alkyl aryl ethers were observed at 10–60 kGy of gamma irradiation. In this study, the different phenomena that occur when polystyrene/SW-CNT composites are formed with different SW-CNT diameters (0.78 nm and 1.3 nm) were investigated via systematic analyses.
Deep Learning-Based Layer Identification of 2D Nanomaterials
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Heng , Zhou Shujuan , Liu Guangjie , Zhu Jinlong
Published: October 2022

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials exhibit unique properties due to their low dimensionality, which has led to great potential for applications in biopharmaceuticals, aerospace, energy storage, mobile communications and other fields. Today, 2D nanomaterials are often prepared and exfoliated by a combination of mechanical and manual methods, which makes the production of 2D nanomaterials inefficient and prevents standardized and industrialized manufacturing. Recent breakthroughs in semantic segmentation techniques based on deep learning have enabled the accurate identification and segmentation of atomic layers of 2D nanomaterials using optical microscopy. In this study, we analyzed in detail sixteen semantic segmentation models that perform well on public datasets and apply them to the layer identification and segmentation of graphene and molybdenum disulfide. Furthermore, we improved the U2-Net† model to obtain the best overall performance, namely 2DU2-Net†. The accuracy of the 2DU2-Net† model was 99.03%, the kappa coefficient was 95.72%, the dice coefficient was 96.97%, and the average cross–merge ratio was 94.18%. Meanwhile, it also had good performance in terms of computation, number of parameters, inference speed and generalization ability. The results show that deep learning-based semantic segmentation methods can greatly improve efficiency and replace most manual operations, and different types of semantic segmentation methods can be adapted to different properties of 2D nanomaterials, thus promoting the research and application of 2D nanomaterials.
Finite Element Analysis of Nanoindentation Responses in Bi2Se3 Thin Films
Authors: Cheng Shu-Wei , Chen Bo-Syun , Jian Sheng-Rui , Hu Yu-Min , Le Phuoc Huu , Tuyen Le Thi Cam , Lee Jyh-Wei , Juang Jenh-Yih
Published: October 2022

In this study, the nanoindentation responses of Bi2Se3 thin film were quantitatively analyzed and simulated by using the finite element method (FEM). The hardness and Young’s modulus of Bi2Se3 thin films were experimentally determined using the continuous contact stiffness measurements option built into a Berkovich nanoindenter. Concurrently, FEM was conducted to establish a model describing the contact mechanics at the film/substrate interface, which was then used to reproduce the nanoindentation load-depth and hardness-depth curves. As such, the appropriate material parameters were obtained by correlating the FEM results with the corresponding experimental load-displacement curves. Moreover, the detailed nanoindentation-induced stress distribution in the vicinity around the interface of Bi2Se3 thin film and c-plane sapphires was mapped by FEM simulation for three different indenters, namely, the Berkovich, spherical and flat punch indenters. The results indicated that the nanoindentation-induced stress distribution at the film/substrate interface is indeed strongly dependent on the indenter’s geometric shape.
How to Reduce the Flammability of Plastics and Textiles through Surface Treatments: Recent Advances
Authors: Malucelli Giulio
Published: October 2022

The high flammability of plastics, polymer composites, textiles, and foams represents a severe and stringent issue that significantly limits their use in all those sectors, where resistance to a flame or an irradiative heat flux is mandatory [...]
The Burden of Omicron Variant in Pakistan: An Updated Review
Authors: Khan Sarmir , Khan Samra Hayat , Haider Fatima , Malik Jaweria , Khan Feroz , Khan Ikram , Ullah Ihsan , Zia Muhammad Amir , Kousar Shazia
Published: October 2022

A new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, has emerged from South Africa, indicating that the pandemic will not be over anytime soon. An unimaginable amount of economic damage has resulted from the pandemic. Omicron and its economic implications are discussed in detail in this review article. It also includes statistics on occurrence, mortality, and recuperation in Pakistan and data on the country’s immunization coverage. Developing countries with unstable economies, such as Pakistan, have experienced increased economic difficulties. As a result, all developed and underdeveloped countries should strictly adhere to preventive measures and improvements in diagnostic tests and vaccine development to bring the pandemic under control.
Performance Analysis of 7075 Aluminum Alloy Strengthened by Cavitation Water Jet Peening at Different Scanning Speeds
Authors: Zhang Zijun , Yang Yongfei , Gao Yong , Wang Gaowei , Shi Weidong
Published: October 2022

Shot peening technologies can improve the performance of materials and extend the service life of parts. Cavitation water jet peening (CWJP) is a new shot peening technology that uses the shear effect of a high-speed jet in a submerged environment to produce a cluster of bubbles, thereby achieving a significant increase in impact performance. In this paper, CWJP was used to strengthen the surface of the 7075 aluminum alloy (Al7075), and the effects of CWJP with different scanning speeds on its microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. The morphology evolution revealed that the plastic deformation of the sample surface became more serious and the surface roughness increased with the decrease in scanning speed. The distribution of residual stress and microhardness along the depth direction of the Al7075 was measured before and after the CWJP impact, and it was found that CWJP causes work hardening on the surface of the Al7075 and can convert the subsurface tensile stress of the Al7075 into compressive stress. The mechanism of grain refinement of the Al7075 during plastic deformation was systematically revealed. Therefore, CWJP can effectively improve the surface properties of the 7075 aluminum alloy.
How Do Small Differences in Geometries Affect Electrostatic Potentials of High-Energy Molecules? Critical News from Critical Points
Authors: Kretić Danijela S. , Medaković Vesna B. , Veljković Dušan Ž.
Published: October 2022

The computational design of explosives is becoming very popular since it represents a safe and environmentally friendly way of predicting the properties of these molecules. It is known that positive values of electrostatic potential in the central areas of the molecular surface are a good indicator of the sensitivity of high-energy materials towards detonation. The molecular electrostatic potential is routinely calculated for molecules of explosives using both geometries extracted from crystal structures, and computationally optimized geometries. Here we calculated and compared values of positive electrostatic potential in the centers of five classical high-energy molecules for geometries extracted from different crystal structures and theoretically optimized geometries. Density functional theory calculations performed at M06/cc-PVDZ level showed that there are significant differences in the values of electrostatic potentials in critical points obtained for different geometries of the same high-energy molecules. The study also showed that there was an excellent agreement in the values of electrostatic potentials calculated for optimized geometry of 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene and geometry of this molecule obtained by neutron diffraction experiments. The results of this study could help researchers in the area of the computational development of high-energy molecules to better design their studies and to avoid the production of erroneous results.
A Novel Photo Elasto-Thermodiffusion Waves with Electron-Holes in Semiconductor Materials with Hyperbolic Two Temperature
Authors: Raddadi Merfat H. , Lotfy Kh. , Elidy E. S. , El-Bary A. , Tantawi Ramdan. S.
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a novel mathematical—physical model of the generalized elasto-thermodiffusion (hole/electron interaction) waves in semiconductor materials is studied when the hyperbolic two-temperature theory in the two-dimensional (2D) deformation is taken into account. Shear (purely transverse) waves are dissociated from the remainder of the motion and remain unaffected by external fields. The coupled system of partial differential equations of the main interacting fields has been solved. Using the Laplace transform method, the governing equations of motion and heat conduction can be formulated in 2D. The hole charge carrier, displacement, thermal, and plasma boundary conditions are applied on the interface adjacent to the vacuum to obtain the basic physical quantities in the Laplace domain. The inversion of the Laplace transform with the numerical method is applied to obtain the complete solutions in the time domain for the main physical fields under investigation. The effects of thermoelastic, the phase-lag of the temperature gradient and the phase-lag of the heat flux, the hyperbolic two-temperature parameter, and comparing between silicon and germanium materials on the displacement component, carrier density, hole charge carrier, and temperature distribution have been discussed and obtained graphically.
Laser Terahertz Emission Microscope for Imaging Grain Heterogeneity: A Case Study of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Semiconductors
Authors: Liu Zhaoyu , Luo Liang , Park Joongmok , Kim Richard H. J. , Song Zhaoning , Turan Deniz , Jarrahi Mona , Yan Yanfa , Wang Jigang
Published: October 2022

Strong terahertz (THz) emission from the methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite semiconductors has been observed following above-bandgap photoexcitation, yet local THz responses of crystalline microstructures are absent. We implement laser THz emission microscope (LTEM), yet-to-be applied to the perovskite semiconductors, as a novel and complementary tool to evaluate the electronic and grain heterogeneity of MAPbI3 thin films. Two MAPbI3 samples with different grain sizes are studied. Using this approach, we show that the one with a larger grain size gives more uniform THz radiation. More significant spatial THz intensity fluctuation is observed for the sample with a smaller grain size.
Single-Cell Transcriptomics of Endothelial Cells in Upper and Lower Human Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sha Yongqiang , Hong Huhai , Cai Wenjie , Sun Tao
Published: October 2022

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a type of progressive and distant metastatic tumor. Targeting anti-angiogenic genes could effectively hinder ESCC development and metastasis, whereas ESCC locating on the upper or the lower esophagus showed different response to the same clinical treatment, suggesting ESCC location should be taken into account when exploring new therapeutic targets. In the current study, to find novel anti-angiogenic therapeutic targets, we identified endothelial cell subsets in upper and lower human ESCC using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), screened differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and performed gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. The results showed that common DEGs shared in the upper and the lower endothelial cells mainly are involved in vessel development, angiogenesis, and cell motility of endothelial cells by regulating PI3K-AKT, Rap1, Ras, TGF-beta, and Apelin signaling pathways. The critical regulatory genes were identified as ITGB1, Col4A1, Col4A2, ITGA6, LAMA4, LAMB1, LAMC1, VWF, ITGA5, THBS1, PDGFB, PGF, RHOC, and CTNNB1. Cell metabolism-relevant genes, e.g., MGST3, PNP, UPP1, and HYAL2 might be the prospective therapeutic targets. Furthermore, we found that DEGs only in the upper endothelial cells, such as MAPK3, STAT3, RHOA, MAPK11, HIF1A, FGFR1, GNG5, GNB1, and ARHGEF12, mainly regulated cell adhesion, structure morphogenesis, and motility through Phospholipase D, Apelin, and VEGF signaling pathways. Moreover, DEGs only in the lower endothelial cells, for instance PLCG2, EFNA1, CALM1, and RALA, mainly regulated cell apoptosis and survival by targeting calcium ion transport through Rap1, Ras, cAMP, Phospholipase D, and Phosphatidylinositol signaling pathways. In addition, the upper endothelial cells showed significant functional diversity such as cytokine-responsive, migratory, and proliferative capacity, presenting a better angiogenic capacity and making it more sensitive to anti-angiogenic therapy compared with the lower endothelial cells. Our study has identified the potential targeted genes for anti-angiogenic therapy for both upper and lower ESCC, and further indicated that anti-angiogenic therapy might be more effective for upper ESCC, which still need to be further examined in the future.
Clinical Management of Financial Toxicity–Identifying Opportunities through Experiential Insights of Cancer Survivors, Caregivers, and Social Workers
Authors: Longo Christopher J. , Gordon Louisa G. , Nund Rebecca L. , Hart Nicolas H. , Teleni Laisa , Thamm Carla , Hollingdrake Olivia , Crawford-Williams Fiona , Koczwara Bogda , Ownsworth Tamara , Born Stephen , Schoonbeek Sue , Stone Leanne , Barrett Christie , Chan Raymond J.
Published: October 2022

Perspectives of cancer survivors, caregivers, and social workers as key stakeholders on the clinical management of financial toxicity (FT) are critical to identify opportunities for better FT management. Semi-structured interviews (cancer survivors, caregivers) and a focus group (social workers) were undertaken using purposive sampling at a quaternary public hospital in Australia. People with any cancer diagnosis attending the hospital were eligible. Data were analysed using inductive-deductive content analysis techniques. Twenty-two stakeholders (n = 10 cancer survivors of mixed-cancer types, n = 5 caregivers, and n = 7 social workers) participated. Key findings included: (i) genuine concern for FT of cancer survivors and caregivers shown through practical support by health care and social workers; (ii) need for clarity of role and services; (iii) importance of timely information flow; and (iv) proactive navigation as a priority. While cancer survivors and caregivers received financial assistance and support from the hospital, the lack of synchronised, shared understanding of roles and services in relation to finance between cancer survivors, caregivers, and health professionals undermined the effectiveness and consistency of these services. A proactive approach to anticipate cancer survivors’ and caregivers’ needs is recommended. Future research may develop and evaluate initiatives to manage cancer survivors and families FT experiences and outcomes.
Promising Immune Treatment of Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Cemiplimab—Real-World Experience in the Global SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Authors: Pabianek Marta , Lesiak Aleksandra , Nejc Dariusz , Kuncman Łukasz , Narbutt Joanna , Skibińska Małgorzata , Ciążyńska Magdalena
Published: October 2022

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most frequent non-melanoma skin cancer. The standard curative treatment is surgical resection, but the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic disease apart from radiotherapy is currently based on cemiplimab. Cemiplimab has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of advanced and metastatic cSCC in clinical trials, although real-world data are still limited. We present four cases of cSCC, which showed a tremendous response to cemiplimab—one patient achieved complete response and three of them achieved partial response. Immunotherapy with cemiplimab, a recently approved PD1 inhibitor, is an important addition to the cutaneous oncology therapeutic options that may be considered in patients with advanced disease not amenable to surgery or radiotherapy. In all four cases, the patients postponed visits to the doctor because of the fear of SARS-CoV-2 infection or for administrative and organizational reasons declared difficult access to doctors caused by the pandemic.
Lymphadenectomy Benefits Small Cell Carcinoma of Ovary: A Population-Based Analysis
Authors: Wang Jing , Ning Yan , Du Yan , Kang Yu
Published: October 2022

Small cell carcinoma of the ovary (SCCO) is a rare type of ovarian cancer with high aggressiveness. The optimal treatment modality remains elusive. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the survival impact of clinical characteristics and treatments including lymphadenectomy in SCCO. A retrospective cohort study was performed and included patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Data collected included demographics, therapeutic details, and pathologic characteristics. Propensity-score matching analysis (PSM) was carried out to balance baseline variables between SCCO and non-SCCO. Cox regression, Kaplan–Meier, and stratified analyses were conducted before and after PSM. After filtering, 80 records on SCCO and 39,662 records on non-SSCO were obtained. Patients with SCCO were more prone to present unilateral tumor (57.6% and 85.0%, p < 0.001), larger tumor size (>15 cm: 9.5% and 32.5%; 10–15 cm: 13.2% vs. 22.5%, p < 0.001), younger age (59.1 ± 14.91 vs. 37.2 ± 19.05; p < 0.001), single status (17.0% vs. 45.0%; p < 0.001), single malignant tumor in a lifetime (76.1% vs. 87.5%; p = 0.0244), and pathologic grade IV diseases (14.5% vs. 40.0%; p < 0.001) compared with non-SCCO. After balancing the baseline clinical characteristics with a 1:4 ratio PSM, a total of matched 72 patients with SCCO and 254 patients with non-SCCO were identified. The survival rate of SCCO was distinctly inferior to non-SCCO, particularly in FIGO I, II, and III stages. Lymphadenectomy was performed in 37 (51.39%) SCCO patients, of whom 12 (32.43%) were found to have pathologically positive lymph nodes. Lymphadenectomy was linked to favorable overall survival in SCCO, particularly in the advanced stage, and was also an independent prognostic factor, whereas lymphadenectomy did not reveal an edge in matched non-SCCO. There was a pronounced survival benefit for SCCO when at least 10 or more nodes were resected. Lymphadenectomy in a non-stage-dependent way should be considered and deserves further clinical validation to promote the overall survival in SCCO.
Outcomes of High-Dose Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy to All/Multiple Sites for Oligometastatic Renal Cell Cancer Patients
Authors: Ma Ming-Wei , Li Hong-Zhen , Gao Xian-Shu , Liu Ming-Zhu , Yin Huan , Yang Kai-Wei , Chen Jia-Yan , Ren Xue-Ying , Wang Dian
Published: October 2022

Background: Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) is one of the treatment options for oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) but is limited by a lack of data to evaluate high-dose SABR to all/multiple sites. Objective: This study retrospectively investigated the efficacy and prognostic factors of high-dose SABR for oligometastatic RCC patients. Design, setting, and participants: Patients with oligometastatic RCC on systemic therapy were retrospectively collected. Intervention(s): All patients were treated with SABR (40–50 Gy/5 fractions) for small tumors or partial-SABR (tumor center boosted with 6–8 Gy/3–5 fractions with 50–60 Gy/20–25 fractions to the whole tumor volume) for bulky tumors or tumors adjacent to critical organs. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated. Results and limitations: In total, 35 patients were enrolled, of which 88.5% had intermediate- or high-risk disease, with 60% on second- to fourth-line systemic therapy. The median follow-up time was 17 months. The median PFS and OS times were 11.3 and 29.7 months, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that an OS benefit was found in patients who received radiation before tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) failure (p = 0.006) and where there was a short time interval (<six months) from being diagnosed with metastatic disease to undergoing radiotherapy (p = 0.046). Similar results were also found in PFS in patients who received radiation before TKI failure (p = 0.049) or within eight months (p = 0.047). There were certain differences in PFS (p = 0.033) between patients receiving radiotherapy with all lesions and those with selected tumors. In multivariate analysis, OS benefits were found in patients who received radiotherapy before TKI failure (p = 0.028). The limitations of this study include its retrospective design and the small patient cohort. Conclusions: The early use of high-dose SABR to multi-lesions may improve survival. Partial-SABR for bulky lesions close to critical organs could be safely and effectively applied under certain circumstances.
Diversity and Spatial Distribution of Leaf Litter Curculionidae (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea) in Two Ecuadorian Tropical Forests
Authors: Maioglio Oscar , Cerrato Cristiana , Bellò Cesare , Meregalli Massimo
Published: October 2022

Litter weevil communities were investigated in two different types of montane forest in Ecuador: foothill evergreen forest, present in the Otongachi Integral Reserve between 800 and 1000 m, and tropical montane cloud forest (TMCF), present in the Otonga Integral Reserve between 1600 and 2300 m. Sampling was conducted along elevation gradients, applying the entomological sifting method to 19 sampling transects (11 in Otonga and 8 in Otongachi). The taxa collected were identified as morphospecies, since the majority of them are still undescribed. A total of 510 specimens were sampled, belonging to 100 different morphospecies, 85 of which were found in Otonga and 15 in Otongachi. No species in common between the two areas were found, despite the fact that the distance is extremely small (approximately 12 km). The Otonga area, regardless of primary or secondary forest habitats, had higher mean species richness. In both areas, the majority of species were found in a small number of stations and were sampled in a small number of specimens. A dominant and ubiquitous species was present only in Otongachi. The analysis of the community composition was carried out according to different categories of environmental variables (Otonga vs. Otongachi, forest type, elevation, litter and canopy coverage characteristics). Two well-differentiated coenoses were found, influenced firstly by the differences between the two reserves, secondarily by the elevation gradient and, to a lesser extent, by the forest type and other environmental variables. Some morphospecies characteristic of a specific type of biocoenosis could be identified. The study highlighted how most litter weevil species are strictly associated with a peculiar microhabitat and have a very narrow elevation and spatial range; the weevil communities can be strongly affected by heavy human impact. The results confirm that the tropical forests, in particular the TMCFs, host great biodiversity and that the majority of species are strictly associated with a single site; therefore, particular protection for these habitats should be granted. However, the non-significant variation between primary and secondary TMCFs indicates that, when correct management is carried out, a limited disturbance can be tolerated with only a limited loss of biodiversity.
Sea Cucumber (Holothuria arguinensis) as a Shelter for Juvenile Fish (Diplodus bellottii) in the Gulf of Cadiz (Southwestern Spain)
Authors: De Carvalho-Souza Gustavo F. , Roque-Atienza David , González-Ortegón Enrique
Published: October 2022

During a diving survey on soft-bottom habitats in the Gulf of Cadiz (Southwestern Spain), the use of the sea cucumber Holothuria arguinensis (Echinodermata, Holothuriidae) as a shelter by juvenile Senegal’s sea bream Diplodus bellottii (Chordata: Sparidae) was observed. Eight juvenile sea bream D. bellottii were videoed sheltering under the sea cucumber’s body. This observation highlights the importance of sea cucumbers as a shelter for juvenile fish, providing a microhabitat to take refuge from predators. This is the first report of juvenile sea bream sheltered by a sea cucumber.
Active Sampling and Understory Traps Can Cost-Effectively Detect Changes in Butterfly Communities after Hydroelectric Dam Construction
Authors: Santos Andréia de C. , Carmo Débora L. R. do , Plaza Tarik G. D. , Arrua Bruno A. , Nacagawa Vivian A. F. , Fernades Rafaela A. M. , Pontes Felipe T. N. , Ribeiro Danilo B.
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Monitoring programs are essential to conservation but are often restricted by limited financial resources. Optimal monitoring can lead to higher cost-effectiveness. (2) Methods: In this study, we used butterflies as bioindicators to assess the effects of filling a dam in the Brazilian Amazon. We studied the effects of flooding on butterfly assemblages through samples collected before and after the flooding. We contrasted three sampling techniques: baited traps in the (a) canopy and (b) understory and (c) active collections using entomological nets. (3) Results: Community composition showed low resistance, with pronounced changes after disturbance, and low resilience, with the failure to recover taxonomic diversity even after two years. We found that using the three techniques together was redundant and baited understory traps alone were sufficient to detect community changes. (4) Conclusions: Our study adds to the currently limited knowledge about the effects of hydroelectric plants on terrestrial insect fauna. In addition, identifying cost-effective monitoring, which is often lacking in conservation studies, allows projects to use time and financial resources more efficiently, particularly given the financial limitations available for conservation studies in tropical countries.
Technology Transfer from Nordic Capital Parenting Companies to Lithuanian and Estonian Subsidiaries or Joint Capital Companies: The Analysis of the Obtained Primary Data
Authors: Šimelytė Agnė , Tvaronavičienė Manuela
Published: October 2022

Scientific literature describes various factors that influence knowledge transfer and successful adoption, assimilation, transformation, and exploitation. These four components are mostly related to the absorptive capacity of the company. However, more factors influence both developments of innovations or patents and the lack of ability to use external and internal information (knowledge). Using external knowledge is often associated with previous experience, or even a point of view towards investment in innovation or developing patents. Thus, the companies might be divided into innovators and imitators. The research addresses several problems (questions). What external factors are influencing knowledge transfer and further development of innovation? What factors are influencing absorptive capacity? What factors are essential in cooperation and knowledge transfer to switch from a linear to a circular economy? To collect data, a computer-assisted telephone interviewing method was used. The survey was addressed to subsidiaries, joint companies, Lithuanian-Nordic, Estonian-Nordic capital companies, or companies in close collaboration with the Nordic countries. A total of 158 companies from Estonia and Lithuania agreed to answer all the questions. The survey involves companies of various sizes and ages from different business sectors. Reliability was denoted, as Cronbach’s Alpha was estimated. The KMO test was used to measure whether the data were suitable for principal component analysis. Additionally, PCA was performed. PCA reduced the number of variables into an extracted number of components. The separate row of the component defined a linear composite of the component score that would be the expected value of the associated variable. The dataset may be used to develop interlinkages among the research mentioned above questions, and the results of introducing innovation, the company’s size, and age might be used as control variables. The article aims to analyze the factors that determine innovation development and their interlinkages while technology is transferred from Nordic parenting companies to the subsidiaries. The article’s results contribute to the interdisciplinary knowledge transfer, innovations, and internationalization field.
Determination of the Accuracy of Salivary Biomarkers for Periodontal Diagnosis
Authors: Mohammed Hiba Abdullah , Abdulkareem Ali Abbas , Zardawi Faraedon Mostafa , Gul Sarhang Sarwat
Published: October 2022

Background: We aimed to investigate the accuracy of salivary matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-8 and -9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 in diagnosing periodontitis and in distinguishing periodontitis stages (S)1 to S3. Methods: This study was a case–control study that included patients with periodontitis S1 to S3 and subjects with healthy periodontia (controls). Saliva was collected, and then, clinical parameters were recorded, including plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level. Diagnosis was confirmed by assessing the alveolar bone level using radiography. Salivary biomarkers were assayed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: A total of 45 patients (15 for each stage) and 18 healthy subjects as controls were included. The levels of all salivary biomarkers and clinical parameters were significantly higher in periodontitis subjects than in the controls. The ROC curve showed that MMP-8, MMP-9, TIMP-1, MMP-8/TIMP-1, and MMP-9/TIMP-1 had statistically significant diagnostic accuracy, with areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.892, 0.844, 0.920, 0.986, and 1.000, respectively, when distinguishing periodontitis from the controls. Similarly, these biomarkers showed significant diagnostic accuracy in the differentiation of S1 periodontitis from the controls (AUC range from 0.902 to 1.000). Conclusions: This study suggested that salivary biomarkers exhibited high diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing periodontal health from periodontitis in general as well as S1 periodontitis. Furthermore, TIMP-1 could differentiate S1 from S3.
Nature and Clinical Outcomes of Acute Hemorrhagic Rectal Ulcer
Authors: Takahashi Yasutaka , Shimodaira Yosuke , Matsuhashi Tamotsu , Tsuji Tsuyotoshi , Fukuda Sho , Sugawara Kae , Saruta Youhei , Watanabe Kenta , Iijima Katsunori
Published: October 2022

Acute hemorrhagic rectal ulcer (AHRU) is a relatively rare disease that can lead to massive hematochezia. Although AHRU is a potentially life-threatening disease, its characteristics and clinical course are not fully understood. In this study, the clinical features were compared between AHRU and lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) from other causes (non-AHRU). Then, risk factors for all-cause in-hospital mortality in patients with AHRU were identified. A total of 387 consecutive adult patients with LGIB who were managed at two tertiary academic hospitals in Akita prefecture in Japan were retrospectively enrolled. Subjects were divided into AHRU and non-AHRU groups according to the source of bleeding. Regression analyses were used to investigate significant associations, and the results were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). AHRU was found as the bleeding source in 72 (18.6%) of the patients. In comparison to non-AHRU, having AHRU was significantly associated with in-hospital onset, age > 65 years, and systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg. The AHRU group had a significantly higher in-hospital mortality rate in comparison to the non-AHRU group (18.0% vs. 8.3, p = 0.02), and hypoalbuminemia (<2.5 g/dL) was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality in the AHRU group (OR, 4.04; 95%CI, 1.11–14.9; p = 0.03). AHRU accounts for a substantial portion (18.6%) of LGIB in our area, where the aging rate is the highest in Japan. Since AHRU is a potentially life-threatening disease that requires urgent identification and management, further studies to identify robust risk factors associated with serious clinical outcomes are required.
Determination of Changes in Tissue Perfusion at Home with Hyperspectral and Thermal Imaging in the First Six Weeks after Endovascular Therapy in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Ma Kirsten F. , Nijboer Thomas S. , Kleiss Simone F. , El Moumni Mostafa , Bokkers Reinoud P. H. , Schuurmann Richte C. L. , de Vries Jean-Paul P. M.
Published: October 2022

The aims of this study were to assess changes in tissue perfusion up to 6 weeks after endovascular therapy (EVT), in hospital and at home, and to determine differences in tissue perfusion between patients with and without clinical improvement or good angiographic result. This single-center prospective cohort study included patients undergoing EVT for Rutherford stages two to six. Hyperspectral and thermal imaging were performed at the dorsal and plantar sides of the foot. These measurements consisted of a baseline measurement pre-EVT, and six follow-up measurements obtained at 1 and 4 h and 6 weeks in hospital, and 1 day, 7 days, and 14 days at home. Clinical improvement was defined as a decrease of one or more Rutherford class or decrease in the wound surface area and a good angiographic result was accomplished when a Transatlantic Inter-Society Consensus for the Management of PAD II C or D lesion was treated and uninterrupted flow continued in at least one below-the-knee artery in continuation with the inframalleolar arteries. The study included 34 patients with 41 treated limbs. Deoxyhemoglobin values were lower 1 h post-EVT compared with baseline and increased over time up to 6 weeks post-EVT. Significant differences in deoxyhemoglobin levels at 7 and 14 days post-EVT were determined between patients with and without clinical or angiographic success. This prospective pilot study shows the feasibility of hyperspectral imaging and thermal imaging post-EVT at home, which may decrease the need for hospital visits.
Native T1 Mapping-Based Radiomics for Noninvasive Prediction of the Therapeutic Effect of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Wang Yue , Lin Lu , Li Xiao , Cao Jian , Wang Jian , Jing Zhi-Cheng , Li Sen , Liu Hao , Wang Xin , Jin Zheng-Yu , Wang Yi-Ning
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Novel markers for predicting the short-term therapeutic effect of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to assist in the prompt initiation of tailored treatment strategies are greatly needed and highly desirable. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) native T1 mapping radiomics in predicting the short-term therapeutic effect in PAH patients; (2) Methods: Fifty-five PAH patients who received targeted therapy were retrospectively included. Patients were subdivided into an effective group and an ineffective group by assessing the therapeutic effect after ≥3 months of treatment. All patients underwent CMR examinations prior to the beginning of the therapy. Radiomics features from native T1 mapping images were extracted. A radiomics model was constructed using the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm for predicting the therapeutic effect; (3) Results: The SVM radiomics model revealed favorable performance for predicting the therapeutic effect with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.955 in the training cohort and 0.893 in the test cohort, respectively. With the optimal cutoff value, the radiomics model showed accuracies of 0.909 and 0.818 in the training and test cohorts, respectively; (4) Conclusions: The CMR native T1 mapping-based radiomics model holds promise for predicting the therapeutic effect in PAH patients.
Differentiation of Intracerebral Tumor Entities with Quantitative Contrast Attenuation and Iodine Mapping in Dual-Layer Computed Tomography
Authors: Borggrefe Jan , Gebest Max Philipp , Hauger Myriam , Ruess Daniel , Mpotsaris Anastasios , Kabbasch Christoph , Pennig Lenhard , Laukamp Kai Roman , Goertz Lukas , Kroeger Jan Robert , Doerner Jonas
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To investigate if quantitative contrast enhancement and iodine mapping of common brain tumor (BT) entities may correctly differentiate between tumor etiologies in standardized stereotactic CT protocols. Material and Methods: A retrospective monocentric study of 139 consecutive standardized dual-layer dual-energy CT (dlDECT) scans conducted prior to the stereotactic needle biopsy of untreated primary brain tumor lesions. Attenuation of contrast-enhancing BT was derived from polyenergetic images as well as spectral iodine density maps (IDM) and their contrast-to-noise-ratios (CNR) were determined using ROI measures in contrast-enhancing BT and healthy contralateral white matter. The measures were correlated to histopathology regarding tumor entity, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) and MGMT mutation status. Results: The cohort included 52 female and 76 male patients, mean age of 59.4 (±17.1) years. Brain lymphomas showed the highest attenuation (IDM CNR 3.28 ± 1,23), significantly higher than glioblastoma (2.37 ± 1.55, p < 0.005) and metastases (1.95 ± 1.14, p < 0.02), while the differences between glioblastomas and metastases were not significant. These strongly enhancing lesions differed from oligodendroglioma and astrocytoma (Grade II and III) that showed IDM CNR in the range of 1.22–1.27 (±0.45–0.82). Conventional attenuation measurements in DLCT data performed equally or slightly superior to iodine density measurements. Conclusion: Quantitative attenuation and iodine density measurements of contrast-enhancing brain tumors are feasible imaging biomarkers for the discrimination of cerebral tumor lesions but not specifically for single tumor entities. CNR based on simple HU measurements performed equally or slightly superior to iodine quantification.
Mortality Risk Assessment in Peripheral Arterial Disease—The Burden of Cardiovascular Risk Factors over the Years: A Single Center’s Experience
Authors: Aursulesei Onofrei Viviana , Ceasovschih Alexandr , Marcu Dragos Traian Marius , Adam Cristina Andreea , Mitu Ovidiu , Mitu Florin
Published: October 2022

Atherosclerosis is the basis of the cardiovascular continuum in peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients. Limiting functional decline and increasing quality of life are the main objectives for these patients. We conducted a prospective cohort study on 101 patients with PAD admitted to a single center in Northeast Romania. We used an index score to evaluate the 10-year mortality risk assessment and based on the scores we divided the patients into two groups: a low and low-intermediate risk mortality group (49 cases, 48.5%) and a high-intermediate and high-risk mortality group (52 cases, 51.5%). We analyzed demographics, comorbidities, clinical and paraclinical parameters and we aimed to identify the parameters associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Patients in the high-intermediate and high-risk mortality group were associated more with cardiovascular risk factors. Hypertension (p = 0.046), dyslipidemia (p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001), and tobacco use (p = 0.018) were statistically significant factors. Lipid profile (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, p = 0.005) and fasting blood glucose (p = 0.013) had higher mean serum values in the high-intermediate and high-risk mortality group, with a positive correlation between them and the ankle-brachial index value (p = 0.003). A multidisciplinary assessment and, especially, correction of associated cardiovascular risk factors prevent complications, and thus, improve the prognosis in the medium and long term.