bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Preparation of Ti–Ta Impedance-Graded Coatings with Limited Diffusion by Cold Spraying Combined with Hot Isostatic Pressing
Authors: Shen Yaoning , Ning Xianjin , Yu Xiaodong , Li Dongwei , Feng Chengliang , Tan Chengwen
Published: May 2024

Ti–Ta impedance-graded coatings were prepared using cold spraying combined with hot isostatic pressing. Compared to the general Ti–Ta binary diffusion couple, the interdiffusion coefficient of as-sprayed Ti–Ta can be increased by approximately 25 times at 1100 °C due to grain refinement at the interface of the cold-sprayed particles. By the control of interdiffusion, pure Ta and pure Ti regions can remain in the materials after hot isostatic pressing at 900 °C. Hot isostatic pressing with capsulate reduced the porosity of the material efficiently to less than 0.02%. The strength of the as-sprayed Ti–Ta composite coating was significantly improved to 990.1 MPa, and the fracture strain reached 11.5%. The strengthening mechanism of Ti–Ta composite coatings relies primarily on the hindrance of dislocation slip by phase interfaces between α and β. Moreover, the macroscopic interfacial bonding strength of the graded material exceeds 881 MPa, which is comparable to that of bulk materials.
Natural Light Rechargeable Night Peal-like Coatings for Expressway
Authors: Li Xin , Chen Rong , Xiao Rui , Li Wenjie , Si Te , Li Peiyang , Zhu Qi
Published: May 2024

Traditional roadway lighting is intended to provide safe guidance for drivers and pedestrians, but the large-scale application of roadway lighting has resulted in significant energy consumption and light pollution. However, road markings prepared by luminous coating are a kind of multi-functional road marking that can meet the needs of highway lighting at night and save energy. Here, CaAl2O4:Eu2+,Nd3+,Gd3+ blue long-afterglow phosphor is obtained by the high-temperature solid-state method, and the blue luminescent coating is synthesized by the blending method. The phase composition, microscopic morphology, luminescence properties and water resistance of the phosphor and luminescent coatings are characterized. The best components and processes of the luminescent coating are explored to meet the application of an expressway. Considering the afterglow’s performance, the optimal calcination temperature of the phosphor is determined to be 1300 °C. The afterglow of the phosphor can be over 8 h after 2 h of daylight excitation. The addition of 1.25% SiO2 to the luminescent coating improves the uniformity of the components, and the incorporation of 3.5% CaCO3 improves the denseness of the coating. When the coating thickness is 0.8mm, the luminescent coating can achieve the best luminous effect. After 120 h of immersion in water, the afterglow intensity of the luminescent coating reduced to 70% of the original, which has excellent water resistance. The blue luminescent coating with the addition of appropriate amounts of CaCO3 and SiO2 improves the dispersion as well as the densification of the components in the coating to achieve the best luminescent effect. In the Shenyang area, different weather conditions (cloudy, sunny, rainy) have no significant effect on the afterglow performance of the luminescent coatings, all of which can achieve over 5 h of afterglow and are suitable for expressways.
Patients with Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis and Hydrocephalus-Feasibility of Combined Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt and Reservoir Insertion for Intrathecal Chemotherapy
Authors: Schneider Matthias , Wispel Christian , Potthoff Anna-Laura , Heimann Muriel , Borger Valeri , Schaub Christina , Herrlinger Ulrich , Vatter Hartmut , Schuss Patrick , Schäfer Niklas
Published: May 2024

Therapeutic management of patients with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC) may require treatment of concomitant hydrocephalus (HC) in addition to intrathecal chemotherapy (ITC). Ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) equipped with a valve for manual deactivation of shunt function and a concomitant reservoir for application of ITC pose an elegant solution to both problems. The present study evaluates indication, feasibility, and safety of such a modified shunt/reservoir design (mS/R). All patients with LC aged ≥ 18 years who had undergone mS/R implantation between 2013 and 2020 at the authors’ institution were further analyzed. ITC was indicated following the recommendation of the neuro-oncological tumor board and performed according to a standardized protocol. Sixteen patients with LC underwent mS/R implantation for subsequent ITC and concomitant treatment of HC. Regarding HC-related clinical symptoms, 69% of patients preoperatively exhibited lethargy, 38% cognitive impairment, and 38% (additional) visual disturbances. Postoperatively, 86% of patients achieved subjective improvement of HC-related symptoms. Overall, postoperative complications occurred in three patients (19%). No patient encountered cancer treatment-related complications. The present study describes a combination procedure consisting of a standard VPS-system and a standard reservoir for patients suffering from LC and HC. No cancer treatment-related complications occurred, indicating straightforward handling and thus safety.
Sublobar Resection of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Wedge Resection vs. Segmentectomy
Authors: Yu Kyeong Ri , Julliard Walker A.
Published: May 2024

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death. The mainstay treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly in the early stages, is surgical resection. Traditionally, lobectomy has been considered the gold-standard technique. Sublobar resection includes segmentectomy and wedge resection. Compared to lobectomy, these procedures have been viewed as a compromise procedure, reserved for those with poor cardiopulmonary function or who are poor surgical candidates for other reasons. However, with the advances in imaging and surgical techniques, the subject of sublobar resection as a curative treatment is being revisited. Many studies have now shown segmentectomy to be equivalent to lobectomy in patients with small (<2.0 cm), peripheral NSCLC. However, there is a mix of evidence when it comes to wedge resection and its suitability as a curative procedure. At this time, until more data can be found, segmentectomy should be considered before wedge resection for patients with early-stage NSCLC.
The Development and Impact of AYA Can—Canadian Cancer Advocacy: A Peer-Led Advocacy Organization for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer in Canada
Authors: Thurston Chantale , Deleemans Julie M. , Gisser Jason , Piercell Emily , Ramasamy Vinesha , Tutelman Perri R.
Published: May 2024

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs; 15–39 years) diagnosed with cancer face disparities in outcomes and survival. Patient advocacy organizations can play a pivotal role in advancing outcomes for underserved health conditions, such as AYA cancer. In 2018 a group of AYA patient advocates founded AYA Canada (later renamed to “AYA Can—Canadian Cancer Advocacy”), a peer-led national organization aimed at improving the experiences and outcomes of Canadian AYAs affected by cancer. The aim of this article is to describe the development and impact of AYA Can. AYA Can was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 2021 and became a registered charity in 2023. Since 2018, AYA Can has established a thriving community of practice comprising nearly 300 patients, healthcare providers, researchers, and charitable organizations with an interest in advocacy for AYA cancer. Other activities have included advocacy at academic conferences and on scientific committees, collaboration with scientists to advance AYA cancer research, training the next generation of AYA patient advocates through a “patient ambassador program,” and developing a national resource hub to centralize knowledge and information on AYA cancer. Through its work to foster collaboration and amplify patient priorities on a national scale, AYA Can has become a leading voice for AYA cancer advocacy in Canada.
Analysis of Choriocapillaris Reperfusion Topography following Faricimab Treatment for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Non-Treatment-Naïve Patients
Authors: Brinkmann Max , Viggiano Pasquale , Boscia Giacomo , Danckwardt Mathis , Susantija Evelyn , Müller Tom , Castellino Niccolò , Schweighofer Jakob , Boscia Francesco , Toro Mario Damiano , El-Shabrawi Yosuf
Published: May 2024

To assess changes in choriocapillaris (CC) vascular density surrounding macular neovascularization (MNV) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) when transitioning from various anti-VEGF treatments to faricimab, using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). 25 eyes of 22 individuals who underwent intravitreal faricimab injections for neovascular AMD with type 1 MNV were included. OCTA images were obtained prior to (T0), after one (T1), and after three faricimab injections (T2); Noteworthy changes occurred in the first ring at T2 in comparison to T0. The percentage of CC flow deficit (FD%), FD average area (FDa), and FD number (FDn) in 5 rings (R1-R5) surrounding the dark halo around the MNV were calculated. A reduction in FD% at T2 compared to T0 (50.5 ± 10.2% at T0, 46.4 ± 10.6% at T2; p = 0.020) was seen, indicating CC reperfusion. Additionally, we observed a reduction in the average FDa (140.2 ± 172.1% at T0, 93.7 ± 101.8% at T2; p = 0.029). Our study highlights an FD% after three consecutive faricimab injections. The most pronounced effect was observed in the first ring, directly adjacent to the dark halo, suggesting a partial CC reperfusion surrounding the MNV, potentially indicating disease regression.
Early Identification of Sepsis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Using Monocyte Distribution Width, Red-Blood-Cell Distribution, and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio
Authors: Pan Yi-Hsiang , Tsai Hung-Wei , Lin Hui-An , Chen Ching-Yi , Chao Chun-Chieh , Lin Sheng-Feng , Hou Sen-Kuang
Published: May 2024

Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in patients with severe illness and leads to increased risks of mortality and chronic kidney disease. We investigated the association between monocyte distribution width (MDW), red-blood-cell volume distribution width (RDW), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), sepsis-related organ-failure assessment (SOFA) score, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and other risk factors and sepsis-induced AKI in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). This retrospective study, spanning 1 January 2020, to 30 November 2020, was conducted at a university-affiliated teaching hospital. Patients meeting the Sepsis-2 consensus criteria upon presentation to our ED were categorized into sepsis-induced AKI and non-AKI groups. Clinical parameters (i.e., initial SOFA score and MAP) and laboratory markers (i.e., MDW, RDW, and NLR) were measured upon ED admission. A logistic regression model was developed, with sepsis-induced AKI as the dependent variable and laboratory parameters as independent variables. Three multivariable logistic regression models were constructed. In Model 1, MDW, initial SOFA score, and MAP exhibited significant associations with sepsis-induced AKI (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.728, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.668–0.789). In Model 2, RDW, initial SOFA score, and MAP were significantly correlated with sepsis-induced AKI (AUC: 0.712, 95% CI: 0.651–0.774). In Model 3, NLR, initial SOFA score, and MAP were significantly correlated with sepsis-induced AKI (AUC: 0.719, 95% CI: 0.658–0.780). Our novel models, integrating MDW, RDW, and NLR with initial SOFA score and MAP, can assist with the identification of sepsis-induced AKI among patients with sepsis presenting to the ED.
Electrochemotherapy in Spine Metastases: A Case Series Focused on Technical Aspects, Surgical Strategies and Results
Authors: Angelini Andrea , D’Amico Alberto , Paolilli Stefania , Signori Riccardo , Baldin Giovanni , Di Rubbo Giuseppe , Denaro Luca , Ruggieri Pietro
Published: May 2024

Metastases are complications of primary tumors due to prolonged cancer survival and have become an important issue for oncological patients and the most frequent cause of death and disability. Bone metastases occur at a later stage of cancer disease, and the spine is the most frequent site. To date, the aim of the treatment of metastases remains to be the control of disease and provide a satisfactory quality of life. The decision making of treatment is influenced by several factors such as the status of the primary disease, the number of metastases, site involvement, and the performance status of the patients. For this reason, the treatment of metastases is challenging and undergoes constant development. Therefore, alternative techniques with respect to surgery, which is the first option but not always practicable, and radiochemotherapy are attractive. Lately, electrochemotherapy has emerged as an innovative method for treating various primary and metastatic solid tumors, showing promising outcomes in terms of inducing tumor tissue necrosis and alleviating symptoms. This technique uses electric pulses to increase the uptake of chemotherapy by tumor cells. Despite the initial enthusiasm and good results in the treatment of bone tumors, relatively few papers have described its use in spine metastases. Therefore, we conducted a systemic review of this intriguing topic while also reporting our experience in the use of electrochemotherapy for the treatment of spine metastases.
Concepts of Cardiac Dyssynchrony and Dynamic Approach
Authors: Catrina Bianca Iulia , Batar Florina , Manitiu Ioan , Prodan Liliana , Tanasescu Ciprian , Filip Teodora
Published: May 2024

Cardiac conduction involves electrical activity from one myocyte to another, creating coordinated contractions in each. Disruptions in the conducting system, such as left bundle branch block (LBBB), can result in premature activation of specific regions of the heart, leading to heart failure and increased morbidity and mortality. Structural alterations in T-tubules and the sarcoplasmic reticulum can lead to dyssynchrony, a condition that can be treated by cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), which stands as a cornerstone in this pathology. The heterogeneity in patient responses underscored the necessity of improving the diagnostic approach. Vectocardiography, ultra-high-frequency ECG, 3D echocardiography, and electrocardiographic imaging seem to offer advanced precision in identifying optimal candidates for CRT in addition to the classic diagnostic methods. The advent of His bundle pacing and left bundle branch pacing further refined the approach in the treatment of dyssynchrony, offering more physiological pacing modalities that promise enhanced outcomes by maintaining or restoring the natural sequence of ventricular activation. HOT-CRT emerges as a pivotal innovation combining the benefits of CRT with the precision of His bundle or left bundle branch area pacing to optimize cardiac function in a subset of patients where traditional CRT might fall short.
Deep Learning-Based Classification and Semantic Segmentation of Lung Tuberculosis Lesions in Chest X-ray Images
Authors: Ou Chih-Ying , Chen I-Yen , Chang Hsuan-Ting , Wei Chuan-Yi , Li Dian-Yu , Chen Yen-Kai , Chang Chuan-Yu
Published: May 2024

We present a deep learning (DL) network-based approach for detecting and semantically segmenting two specific types of tuberculosis (TB) lesions in chest X-ray (CXR) images. In the proposed method, we use a basic U-Net model and its enhanced versions to detect, classify, and segment TB lesions in CXR images. The model architectures used in this study are U-Net, Attention U-Net, U-Net++, Attention U-Net++, and pyramid spatial pooling (PSP) Attention U-Net++, which are optimized and compared based on the test results of each model to find the best parameters. Finally, we use four ensemble approaches which combine the top five models to further improve lesion classification and segmentation results. In the training stage, we use data augmentation and preprocessing methods to increase the number and strength of lesion features in CXR images, respectively. Our dataset consists of 110 training, 14 validation, and 98 test images. The experimental results show that the proposed ensemble model achieves a maximum mean intersection-over-union (MIoU) of 0.70, a mean precision rate of 0.88, a mean recall rate of 0.75, a mean F1-score of 0.81, and an accuracy of 1.0, which are all better than those of only using a single-network model. The proposed method can be used by clinicians as a diagnostic tool assisting in the examination of TB lesions in CXR images.
A Neoteric Feature Extraction Technique to Predict the Survival of Gastric Cancer Patients
Authors: Islam Warid , Abdoli Neman , Alam Tasfiq E. , Jones Meredith , Mutembei Bornface M. , Yan Feng , Tang Qinggong
Published: May 2024

Background: At the time of cancer diagnosis, it is crucial to accurately classify malignant gastric tumors and the possibility that patients will survive. Objective: This study aims to investigate the feasibility of identifying and applying a new feature extraction technique to predict the survival of gastric cancer patients. Methods: A retrospective dataset including the computed tomography (CT) images of 135 patients was assembled. Among them, 68 patients survived longer than three years. Several sets of radiomics features were extracted and were incorporated into a machine learning model, and their classification performance was characterized. To improve the classification performance, we further extracted another 27 texture and roughness parameters with 2484 superficial and spatial features to propose a new feature pool. This new feature set was added into the machine learning model and its performance was analyzed. To determine the best model for our experiment, Random Forest (RF) classifier, Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Naïve Bayes (NB) (four of the most popular machine learning models) were utilized. The models were trained and tested using the five-fold cross-validation method. Results: Using the area under ROC curve (AUC) as an evaluation index, the model that was generated using the new feature pool yields AUC = 0.98 ± 0.01, which was significantly higher than the models created using the traditional radiomics feature set (p < 0.04). RF classifier performed better than the other machine learning models. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that although radiomics features produced good classification performance, creating new feature sets significantly improved the model performance.
QUBO Problem Formulation of Fragment-Based Protein–Ligand Flexible Docking
Authors: Yanagisawa Keisuke , Fujie Takuya , Takabatake Kazuki , Akiyama Yutaka
Published: May 2024

Protein–ligand docking plays a significant role in structure-based drug discovery. This methodology aims to estimate the binding mode and binding free energy between the drug-targeted protein and candidate chemical compounds, utilizing protein tertiary structure information. Reformulation of this docking as a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) problem to obtain solutions via quantum annealing has been attempted. However, previous studies did not consider the internal degrees of freedom of the compound that is mandatory and essential. In this study, we formulated fragment-based protein–ligand flexible docking, considering the internal degrees of freedom of the compound by focusing on fragments (rigid chemical substructures of compounds) as a QUBO problem. We introduced four factors essential for fragment–based docking in the Hamiltonian: (1) interaction energy between the target protein and each fragment, (2) clashes between fragments, (3) covalent bonds between fragments, and (4) the constraint that each fragment of the compound is selected for a single placement. We also implemented a proof-of-concept system and conducted redocking for the protein–compound complex structure of Aldose reductase (a drug target protein) using SQBM+, which is a simulated quantum annealer. The predicted binding pose reconstructed from the best solution was near-native (RMSD = 1.26 Å), which can be further improved (RMSD = 0.27 Å) using conventional energy minimization. The results indicate the validity of our QUBO problem formulation.
On an Aggregated Estimate for Human Mobility Regularities through Movement Trends and Population Density
Authors: Vanni Fabio , Lambert David
Published: May 2024

This article introduces an analytical framework that interprets individual measures of entropy-based mobility derived from mobile phone data. We explore and analyze two widely recognized entropy metrics: random entropy and uncorrelated Shannon entropy. These metrics are estimated through collective variables of human mobility, including movement trends and population density. By employing a collisional model, we establish statistical relationships between entropy measures and mobility variables. Furthermore, our research addresses three primary objectives: firstly, validating the model; secondly, exploring correlations between aggregated mobility and entropy measures in comparison to five economic indicators; and finally, demonstrating the utility of entropy measures. Specifically, we provide an effective population density estimate that offers a more realistic understanding of social interactions. This estimation takes into account both movement regularities and intensity, utilizing real-time data analysis conducted during the peak period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ternary Polymer Solar Cells: Impact of Non-Fullerene Acceptors on Optical and Morphological Properties
Authors: Eynaud Quentin , Koganezawa Tomoyuki , Sekimoto Hidehiro , Kramdi Mohamed el Amine , Quéléver Gilles , Margeat Olivier , Ackermann Jörg , Yoshimoto Noriyuki , Videlot-Ackermann Christine
Published: May 2024

Ternary organic solar cells contain a single three-component photoactive layer with a wide absorption window, achieved without the need for multiple stacking. However, adding a third component into a well-known binary blend can influence the energetics, optical window, charge carrier transport, crystalline order and conversion efficiency. In the form of binary blends, the low-bandgap regioregular polymer donor poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl), known as P3HT, is combined with the acceptor PC61BM, an inexpensive fullerene derivative. Two different non-fullerene acceptors (ITIC and eh-IDTBR) are added to this binary blend to form ternary blends. A systematic comparison between binary and ternary systems was carried out as a function of the thermal annealing temperature of organic layers (100 °C and 140 °C). The power conversion efficiency (PCE) is improved due to increased fill factor (FF) and open-circuit voltage (Voc) for thermal-annealed ternary blends at 140 °C. The transport properties of electrons and holes were investigated in binary and ternary blends following a Space-Charge-Limited Current (SCLC) protocol. A favorable balanced hole–electron mobility is obtained through the incorporation of either ITIC or eh-IDTBR. The charge transport behavior is correlated with the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) morphology deduced from atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact water angle (CWA) measurement and 2D grazing-incidence X-ray diffractometry (2D-GIXRD).
Global Genetic Algorithm for Automating and Optimizing Petroleum Well Deployment in Complex Reservoirs
Authors: Irawan Sonny , Wayo Dennis Delali Kwesi , Satyanaga Alfrendo , Kim Jong
Published: May 2024

Locating petroleum-productive wells using informed geological data, a conventional means, has proven to be tedious and undesirable by reservoir engineers. The former numerical simulator required a lengthy trial-and-error process to manipulate the variables and uncertainties that lie on the reservoir to determine the best placement of the well. Hence, this paper examines the use of a global genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize the placement of wells in complex reservoirs, rather than relying on gradient-based (GB) methods. This is because GB approaches are influenced by the solution’s surface gradient and may only reach local optima, as opposed to global optima. Complex reservoirs have rough surfaces with high uncertainties, which hinders the traditional gradient-based method from converging to global optima. The explicit focus of this study was to examine the impact of various initial well placement distributions, the number of random solution sizes and the crossover rate on cumulative oil production, the optimization of the synthetic reservoir model created by CMG Builder, CMOST, and IMEX indicated that using a greater number of random solutions led to an increase in cumulative oil production. Despite the successful optimization, more generations are required to reach the optimal solution, while the application of GA on our synthetic model has proven efficient for well placement; however, different optimization algorithms such as the improved particle swarm (PSO) and grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithms could be used to redefine well-placement optimization in CMG.
Design and Experimental Tests of a Four-Way Valve with the Determination of Flow Characteristics for Building Central Heating Installations Using Solid Modeling
Authors: Niekurzak Mariusz , Mikulik Jerzy
Published: May 2024

The article presents the design of a four-way valve, implemented in SolidWorks software (SOLIDWORKS® i 3DEXPERIENCE® Works Simulation) and used for central heating installations in buildings. The project was carried out in order to examine the innovative design of the medium mixing mechanism and to conduct strength and FMEA analysis. The innovative solutions proposed by the authors in this work will allow valves of this type to meet stringent environmental standards. These standards are currently being introduced for this type of structural element of machine parts as part of the energy transformation of buildings. Potential failures occurring in individual elements of the four-way valve were also tested using Failure mode and effects analysis. In addition, strength tests were performed in SolidWorks software using static analysis, and optimization tests were performed on the refrigerant in terms of its impact on the environment. The characteristics of the tested materials in the valve design show that the best materials are brass and stainless steel. Brass has a Poisson’s ratio of 0.33, a tensile strength of 478.4 MPa and a yield strength of 239.7 MPa. In turn, stainless steel is characterized by the following parameters: Poisson’s ratio of 0.27, tensile strength of 685 MPa and yield strength of 292 MPa. The designed valve reduces energy consumption by 30% through a properly designed medium flow with the appropriate selection of materials. Moreover, the design reduces the thickness of the contaminant layer by 0.17 mm, with a capacity factor of −2.50% and an evaporator Δp of 3.10% (53 kPa). The performed research provides knowledge on the subject selection of appropriate material, a description of the potential failures of the structural elements of the designed four-way valve and methods of counteracting these failures. The article presents the optimization role of the tested component in the context of sustainable development.
Optimal Selection of Distribution, Power, and Type of Luminaires for Street Lighting Designs Using Multi-Criteria Decision Model
Authors: Valencia Pavón Nataly Gabriela , Aguila Téllez Alexander , García Torres Marcelo , Rojas Urbano Javier , Krishnan Narayanan
Published: May 2024

This article introduces an innovative design method for public lighting systems that surpasses the limitations of conventional approaches, which rely on predefined lamp characteristics and spatial arrangements. By employing a linear additive model to solve a multi-criteria decision model, our study proposes an optimal design methodology considering several key aspects, including the distance between lamps, their type, power, and light distribution. The goal is to achieve optimal illumination that enhances visibility on public roads for drivers and pedestrians while simultaneously minimizing glare and installation costs and maximizing energy efficiency. The proposed methodology is implemented through an algorithm developed in MATLAB R2023b, with results validated through simulations in DIALux evo 12.0. This information is used to construct a decision matrix, assessed using the CRITIC method across 180 different scenarios within a specific case study. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of multi-criteria decision-making as a tool for significantly improving the planning and design of lighting in public illumination systems, allowing for selecting the optimal combination of parameters that ensure the best lighting conditions.
Regression Modeling of Daily PM2.5 Concentrations with a Multilayer Perceptron
Authors: Hoffman Szymon , Jasiński Rafał , Baran Janusz
Published: May 2024

Various types of energetic fuel combustion processes emit dangerous pollutants into the air, including aerosol particles, marked as PM10. Routine air quality monitoring includes determining the PM10 concentration as one of the basic measurements. At some air monitoring stations, the PM10 measurement is supplemented by the simultaneous determination of the concentration of PM2.5 as a finer fraction of suspended particles. Since the PM2.5 fraction has a significant share in the PM10 fraction, the concentrations of both types of particles should be strongly correlated, and the concentrations of one of these fractions can be used to model the concentrations of the other fraction. The aim of the study was to assess the error of predicting PM2.5 concentration using PM10 concentration as the main predictor. The analyzed daily concentrations were measured at 11 different monitoring stations in Poland and covered the period 2010–2021. MLP (multilayer perceptron) artificial neural networks were used to approximate the daily PM2.5 concentrations. PM10 concentrations and time variables were tested as predictors in neural networks. Several different prediction errors were taken as measures of modeling quality. Depending on the monitoring station, in models with one PM10 predictor, the RMSE error values were in the range of 2.31–6.86 μg/m3. After taking into account the second predictor D (date), the corresponding RMSE errors were lower and were in the range of 2.06–5.54 μg/m3. Our research aimed to find models that were as simple and universal as possible. In our models, the main predictor is the PM10 concentration; therefore, the only condition to be met is monitoring the measurement of PM10 concentrations. We showed that models trained at other air monitoring stations, so-called foreign models, can be successfully used to approximate PM2.5 concentrations at another station.
Sorption Behavior of Azo Dye Congo Red onto Activated Biochar from Haematoxylum campechianum Waste: Gradient Boosting Machine Learning-Assisted Bayesian Optimization for Improved Adsorption Process
Authors: Gamboa Diego Melchor Polanco , Abatal Mohamed , Lima Eder , Franseschi Francisco Anguebes , Ucán Claudia Aguilar , Tariq Rasikh , Elías Miguel Angel Ramírez , Vargas Joel
Published: May 2024

This work aimed to describe the adsorption behavior of Congo red (CR) onto activated biochar material prepared from Haematoxylum campechianum waste (ABHC). The carbon precursor was soaked with phosphoric acid, followed by pyrolysis to convert the precursor into activated biochar. The surface morphology of the adsorbent (before and after dye adsorption) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS), BET method, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and, lastly, pHpzc was also determined. Batch studies were carried out in the following intervals of pH = 4–10, temperature = 300.15–330.15 K, the dose of adsorbent = 1–10 g/L, and isotherms evaluated the adsorption process to determine the maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax, mg/g). Kinetic studies were performed starting from two different initial concentrations (25 and 50 mg/L) and at a maximum contact time of 48 h. The reusability potential of activated biochar was evaluated by adsorption–desorption cycles. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model was 114.8 mg/g at 300.15 K, pH = 5.4, and a dose of activated biochar of 1.0 g/L. This study also highlights the application of advanced machine learning techniques to optimize a chemical removal process. Leveraging a comprehensive dataset, a Gradient Boosting regression model was developed and fine-tuned using Bayesian optimization within a Python programming environment. The optimization algorithm efficiently navigated the input space to maximize the removal percentage, resulting in a predicted efficiency of approximately 90.47% under optimal conditions. These findings offer promising insights for enhancing efficiency in similar removal processes, showcasing the potential of machine learning in process optimization and environmental remediation.
Carbonic Anhydrase 2 Deletion Delays the Growth of Kidney Cysts Whereas Foxi1 Deletion Completely Abrogates Cystogenesis in TSC
Authors: Barone Sharon , Zahedi Kamyar , Brooks Marybeth , Soleimani Manoocher
Published: May 2024

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) presents with renal cysts and benign tumors, which eventually lead to kidney failure. The factors promoting kidney cyst formation in TSC are poorly understood. Inactivation of carbonic anhydrase 2 (Car2) significantly reduced, whereas, deletion of Foxi1 completely abrogated the cyst burden in Tsc1 KO mice. In these studies, we contrasted the ontogeny of cyst burden in Tsc1/Car2 dKO mice vs. Tsc1/Foxi1 dKO mice. Compared to Tsc1 KO, the Tsc1/Car2 dKO mice showed few small cysts at 47 days of age. However, by 110 days, the kidneys showed frequent and large cysts with overwhelming numbers of A-intercalated cells in their linings. The magnitude of cyst burden in Tsc1/Car2 dKO mice correlated with the expression levels of Foxi1 and was proportional to mTORC1 activation. This is in stark contrast to Tsc1/Foxi1 dKO mice, which showed a remarkable absence of kidney cysts at both 47 and 110 days of age. RNA-seq data pointed to profound upregulation of Foxi1 and kidney-collecting duct-specific H+-ATPase subunits in 110-day-old Tsc1/Car2 dKO mice. We conclude that Car2 inactivation temporarily decreases the kidney cyst burden in Tsc1 KO mice but the cysts increase with advancing age, along with enhanced Foxi1 expression.
The Rise in Tubular pH during Hypercalciuria Exacerbates Calcium Stone Formation
Authors: Gombedza Farai C. , Shin Samuel , Sadiua Jaclyn , Stackhouse George B. , Bandyopadhyay Bidhan C.
Published: May 2024

In calcium nephrolithiasis (CaNL), most calcium kidney stones are identified as calcium oxalate (CaOx) with variable amounts of calcium phosphate (CaP), where CaP is found as the core component. The nucleation of CaP could be the first step of CaP+CaOx (mixed) stone formation. High urinary supersaturation of CaP due to hypercalciuria and an elevated urine pH have been described as the two main factors in the nucleation of CaP crystals. Our previous in vivo findings (in mice) show that transient receptor potential canonical type 3 (TRPC3)-mediated Ca2+ entry triggers a transepithelial Ca2+ flux to regulate proximal tubular (PT) luminal [Ca2+], and TRPC3-knockout (KO; -/-) mice exhibited moderate hypercalciuria and microcrystal formation at the loop of Henle (LOH). Therefore, we utilized TRPC3 KO mice and exposed them to both hypercalciuric [2% calcium gluconate (CaG) treatment] and alkalineuric conditions [0.08% acetazolamide (ACZ) treatment] to generate a CaNL phenotype. Our results revealed a significant CaP and mixed crystal formation in those treated KO mice (KOT) compared to their WT counterparts (WTT). Importantly, prolonged exposure to CaG and ACZ resulted in a further increase in crystal size for both treated groups (WTT and KOT), but the KOT mice crystal sizes were markedly larger. Moreover, kidney tissue sections of the KOT mice displayed a greater CaP and mixed microcrystal formation than the kidney sections of the WTT group, specifically in the outer and inner medullary and calyceal region; thus, a higher degree of calcifications and mixed calcium lithiasis in the kidneys of the KOT group was displayed. In our effort to find the Ca2+ signaling pathophysiology of PT cells, we found that PT cells from both treated groups (WTT and KOT) elicited a larger Ca2+ entry compared to the WT counterparts because of significant inhibition by the store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) inhibitor, Pyr6. In the presence of both SOCE (Pyr6) and ROCE (receptor-operated Ca2+ entry) inhibitors (Pyr10), Ca2+ entry by WTT cells was moderately inhibited, suggesting that the Ca2+ and pH levels exerted sensitivity changes in response to ROCE and SOCE. An assessment of the gene expression profiles in the PT cells of WTT and KOT mice revealed a safeguarding effect of TRPC3 against detrimental processes (calcification, fibrosis, inflammation, and apoptosis) in the presence of higher pH and hypercalciuric conditions in mice. Together, these findings show that compromise in both the ROCE and SOCE mechanisms in the absence of TRPC3 under hypercalciuric plus higher tubular pH conditions results in higher CaP and mixed crystal formation and that TRPC3 is protective against those adverse effects.
A Structural In Silico Analysis of the Immunogenicity of L-Asparaginase from Penicillium cerradense
Authors: Andrade Kellen Cruvinel Rodrigues , Homem-de-Mello Mauricio , Motta Julia Almeida , Borges Marina Guimarães , de Abreu Joel Antônio Cordeiro , de Souza Paula Monteiro , Pessoa Adalberto , Pappas Georgios J. , de Oliveira Magalhães Pérola
Published: May 2024

L-asparaginase is an essential drug used to treat acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), a cancer of high prevalence in children. Several adverse reactions associated with L-asparaginase have been observed, mainly caused by immunogenicity and allergenicity. Some strategies have been adopted, such as searching for new microorganisms that produce the enzyme and applying protein engineering. Therefore, this work aimed to elucidate the molecular structure and predict the immunogenic profile of L-asparaginase from Penicillium cerradense, recently revealed as a new fungus of the genus Penicillium and producer of the enzyme, as a motivation to search for alternatives to bacterial L-asparaginase. In the evolutionary relationship, L-asparaginase from P. cerradense closely matches Aspergillus species. Using in silico tools, we characterized the enzyme as a protein fragment of 378 amino acids (39 kDa), including a signal peptide containing 17 amino acids, and the isoelectric point at 5.13. The oligomeric state was predicted to be a homotetramer. Also, this L-asparaginase presented a similar immunogenicity response (T- and B-cell epitopes) compared to Escherichia coli and Dickeya chrysanthemi enzymes. These results suggest a potentially useful L-asparaginase, with insights that can drive strategies to improve enzyme production.
Immune Dysregulation in Endometriomas: Implications for Inflammation
Authors: Dymanowska-Dyjak Izabela , Terpiłowska Barbara , Morawska-Michalska Izabela , Michalski Adam , Polak Grzegorz , Terpiłowski Michał , Rahnama-Hezavah Mansur , Grywalska Ewelina
Published: May 2024

The most common manifestation of endometriosis, a condition characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterus, is the endometrioma, a cystic ovarian lesion. It is a commonly occurring condition associated with chronic pelvic pain exacerbated prior to and during menstruation, as well as infertility. The exact pathomechanisms of the endometrioma are still not fully understood. Emerging evidence suggests a pivotal role of immune dysregulation in the pathogenesis of endometriomas, primarily influencing both local and systemic inflammatory processes. Among the factors implicated in the creation of the inflammatory milieu associated with endometriomas, alterations in both serum and local levels of several cytokines stand out, including IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β, along with abnormalities in the innate immune system. While numerous signaling pathways have been suggested to play a role in the inflammatory process linked to endometriomas, only NF-κB has been conclusively demonstrated to be involved. Additionally, increased oxidative stress, both resulting from and contributing to endometriomas, has been identified as a primary driver of both systemic and local inflammation associated with the condition. This article reviews the current understanding of immune dysfunctions in the endometrioma and their implications for inflammation.
Balancing Benefits and Risks: A Literature Review on Hypersensitivity Reactions to Human G-CSF (Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor)
Authors: Bumbăcea Roxana Silvia , Udrea Mihaela Ruxandra , Ali Selda , Bojincă Violeta Claudia
Published: May 2024

Human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a granulopoietic growth factor used in the treatment of neutropenia following chemotherapy, myeloablative treatment, or healthy donors preparing for allogeneic transplantation. Few hypersensitivity reactions (HRs) have been reported, and its true prevalence is unknown. We aimed to systematically characterize G-CSF-induced HRs while including a comprehensive list of adverse reactions. We reviewed articles published before January 2024 by searching in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases using a combination of the keywords listed, selected the ones needed, and extracted relevant data. The search resulted in 68 entries, 17 relevant to our study and 7 others found from manually searching bibliographic sources. A total of 40 cases of G-CSF-induced HR were described and classified as immediate (29) or delayed (11). Immediate ones were mostly caused by filgrastim (13 minimum), with at least 9 being grade 5 on the WAO anaphylaxis scale. Delayed reactions were mostly maculopapular exanthemas and allowed for the continuation of G-CSF. Reactions after first exposure frequently appeared and were present in at least 11 of the 40 cases. Only five desensitization protocols have been found concerning the topic at hand in the analyzed data. We believe this study brings to light the research interest in this topic that could benefit from further exploration, and propose regular updating to include the most recently published evidence.
Disuse-Induced Muscle Fatigue: Facts and Assumptions
Authors: Sergeeva Xenia V. , Lvova Irina D. , Sharlo Kristina A.
Published: May 2024

Skeletal muscle unloading occurs during a wide range of conditions, from space flight to bed rest. The unloaded muscle undergoes negative functional changes, which include increased fatigue. The mechanisms of unloading-induced fatigue are far from complete understanding and cannot be explained by muscle atrophy only. In this review, we summarize the data concerning unloading-induced fatigue in different muscles and different unloading models and provide several potential mechanisms of unloading-induced fatigue based on recent experimental data. The unloading-induced changes leading to increased fatigue include both neurobiological and intramuscular processes. The development of intramuscular fatigue seems to be mainly contributed by the transformation of soleus muscle fibers from a fatigue-resistant, “oxidative“ “slow” phenotype to a “fast” “glycolytic“ one. This process includes slow-to-fast fiber-type shift and mitochondrial density decline, as well as the disruption of activating signaling interconnections between slow-type myosin expression and mitochondrial biogenesis. A vast pool of relevant literature suggests that these events are triggered by the inactivation of muscle fibers in the early stages of muscle unloading, leading to the accumulation of high-energy phosphates and calcium ions in the myoplasm, as well as NO decrease. Disturbance of these secondary messengers leads to structural changes in muscles that, in turn, cause increased fatigue.
Unraveling the Mechanisms Involved in the Beneficial Effects of Magnesium Treatment on Skin Wound Healing
Authors: Yoshino Yuta , Teruya Tatsuki , Miyamoto Chika , Hirose Mai , Endo Satoshi , Ikari Akira
Published: May 2024

The skin wound healing process consists of hemostatic, inflammatory, proliferative, and maturation phases, with a complex cellular response by multiple cell types in the epidermis, dermis, and immune system. Magnesium is a mineral essential for life, and although magnesium treatment promotes cutaneous wound healing, the molecular mechanism and timing of action of the healing process are unknown. This study, using human epidermal-derived HaCaT cells and human normal epidermal keratinocyte cells, was performed to investigate the mechanism involved in the effect of magnesium on wound healing. The expression levels of epidermal differentiation-promoting factors were reduced by MgCl2, suggesting an inhibitory effect on epidermal differentiation in the remodeling stage of the late wound healing process. On the other hand, MgCl2 treatment increased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP7), a cell migration-promoting factor, and enhanced cell migration via the MEK/ERK pathway activation. The enhancement of cell migration by MgCl2 was inhibited by MMP7 knockdown, suggesting that MgCl2 enhances cell migration which is mediated by increased MMP7 expression. Our results revealed that MgCl2 inhibits epidermal differentiation but promotes cell migration, suggesting that applying magnesium to the early wound healing process could be beneficial.
Lytic and Latent Genetic Diversity of the Epstein–Barr Virus Reveals Raji-Related Variants from Southeastern Brazil Associated with Recombination Markers
Authors: Alves Paula D. , Rohan Paulo , Hassan Rocio , Abdelhay Eliana
Published: May 2024

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous gammaherpesvirus etiologically associated with benign and malignant diseases. Since the pathogenic mechanisms of EBV are not fully understood, understanding EBV genetic diversity is an ongoing goal. Therefore, the present work describes the genetic diversity of the lytic gene BZLF1 in a sampling of 70 EBV-positive cases from southeastern Brazil. Additionally, together with the genetic regions previously characterized, the aim of the present study was to determine the impact of viral genetic factors that may influence EBV genetic diversity. Accordingly, the phylogenetic analysis of the BZLF1 indicated two main clades with high support, BZ-A and BZ-B (PP > 0.85). Thus, the BZ-A clade was the most diverse clade associated with the main polymorphisms investigated, including the haplotype Type 1 + V3 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the multigene phylogenetic analysis (MLA) between BZLF1 and the oncogene LMP1 showed specific clusters, revealing haplotypic segregation that previous single-gene phylogenies from both genes failed to demonstrate. Surprisingly, the LMP1 Raji-related variant clusters were shown to be more diverse, associated with BZ-A/B and the Type 2/1 + V3 haplotypes. Finally, due to the high haplotypic diversity of the Raji-related variants, the number of DNA recombination-inducing motifs (DRIMs) was evaluated within the different clusters defined by the MLA. Similarly, the haplotype BZ-A + Raji was shown to harbor a greater number of DRIMs (p < 0.001). These results call attention to the high haplotype diversity of EBV in southeast Brazil and strengthen the hypothesis of the recombinant potential of South American Raji-related variants via the LMP1 oncogene.