bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcatheter Management of Pulmonary Sequestrations in Children—A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Abu Zahira Ibrahim , Haddad Raymond N. , Meot Mathilde , Bonnet Damien , Malekzadeh-Milani Sophie
Published: July 2023

Background: A pulmonary sequestration (PS) is an area of bronchopulmonary tissue with aberrant arterial supply. Transcatheter occlusion of PSs is an appealing treatment option, but data on outcomes remain scarce. We aim to describe our experience with transcatheter management of PS in infants and children. Methods: Retrospective review of clinical data of all patients with suspected PS sent for diagnostic and/or interventional cardiac catheterization at our institution between January 1999 and May 2021. Procedural considerations, techniques, standard safety, and outcomes were assessed. Results: We identified 71 patients (52.1% males), with median age and weight of 4.9 months (IQR, 2.1–26.6) and 4.2 kg (IQR, 3.9–12.1), respectively. Sixty-one (86%) patients had associated congenital heart defects (CHDs). Forty-two (59%) patients had pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) at the time of diagnosis. Fifty-three (74.7%) patients underwent embolization of the PS feeding vessel using microcoils and/or vascular plugs, and eight (15.1%) of these were neonates who presented with severe PAH and cardiac failure. Two patients had large feeding vessels and were treated surgically. Sixteen (22.5%) patients with small feeding vessels received conservative management. At median follow-up of 36.4 months (IQR, 2.1–89.9), seven patients had died, 24 patients had CHD corrective surgeries, 26 patients had redo catheterizations, and five patients had persistent PAH. No PS surgical resection was needed, and no infection of the remaining lung tissue occurred. Conclusions: Transcatheter assessment and treatment of PSs is a safe and effective procedure. Neonates with large PSs are severely symptomatic and improve remarkably after PS closure. PS embolization and surgical repair of associated CHDs generally leads to the normalization of pulmonary pressures.
Makespan Minimization for the Two-Stage Hybrid Flow Shop Problem with Dedicated Machines: A Comprehensive Study of Exact and Heuristic Approaches
Authors: Hajji Mohamed Karim , Hadda Hatem , Dridi Najoua
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive approach for minimizing makespan in the challenging two-stage hybrid flowshop with dedicated machines, a problem known to be strongly NP-hard. This study proposed a constraint programming approach, a novel heuristic based on a priority rule, and Tabu search procedures to tackle this optimization problem. The constraint programming model, implemented using a commercial solver, serves as the exact resolution method, while the heuristic and Tabu search explore approximate solutions simultaneously. The motivation behind this research is the need to address the complexities of scheduling problems in the context of two-stage hybrid flowshop with dedicated machines. This problem presents significant challenges due to its NP-hard nature and the need for efficient optimization techniques. The contribution of this study lies in the development of an integrated approach that combines constraint programming, a novel heuristic, and Tabu search to provide a comprehensive and efficient solution. The proposed constraint programming model offers exact resolution capabilities, while the heuristic and Tabu search provide approximate solutions, offering a balance between accuracy and efficiency. To enhance the search process, the research introduces effective elimination rules, which reduce the search space and simplify the search effort. This approach improves the overall optimization performance and contributes to finding high-quality solutions. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The heuristic approach achieves complete success in solving all instances for specific classes, showcasing its practical applicability. Furthermore, the constraint programming model exhibits exceptional efficiency, successfully solving problems with up to n=500 jobs. This efficiency is noteworthy compared to instances solved by other exact solution approaches, indicating the scalability and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Incremental Learning-Based Algorithm for Anomaly Detection Using Computed Tomography Data
Authors: Gabbar Hossam A. , Adegboro Oluwabukola Grace , Chahid Abderrazak , Ren Jing
Published: July 2023

In a nuclear power plant (NPP), the used tools are visually inspected to ensure their integrity before and after their use in the nuclear reactor. The manual inspection is usually performed by qualified technicians and takes a large amount of time (weeks up to months). In this work, we propose an automated tool inspection that uses a classification model for anomaly detection. The deep learning model classifies the computed tomography (CT) images as defective (with missing components) or defect-free. Moreover, the proposed algorithm enables incremental learning (IL) using a proposed thresholding technique to ensure a high prediction confidence by continuous online training of the deployed online anomaly detection model. The proposed algorithm is tested with existing state-of-the-art IL methods showing that it helps the model quickly learn the anomaly patterns. In addition, it enhances the classification model confidence while preserving a desired minimal performance.
Anti-Glycolytic Drugs in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Systemic and Locoregional Options
Authors: Pourbaghi Miles , Haghani Leila , Zhao Ken , Karimi Anita , Marinelli Brett , Erinjeri Joseph P. , Geschwind Jean-Francois H. , Yarmohammadi Hooman
Published: July 2023

Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Locoregional therapies, including transarterial embolization (TAE: bland embolization), chemoembolization (TACE), and radioembolization, have demonstrated survival benefits when treating patients with unresectable HCC. TAE and TACE occlude the tumor’s arterial supply, causing hypoxia and nutritional deprivation and ultimately resulting in tumor necrosis. Embolization blocks the aerobic metabolic pathway. However, tumors, including HCC, use the “Warburg effect” and survive hypoxia from embolization. An adaptation to hypoxia through the Warburg effect, which was first described in 1956, is when the cancer cells switch to glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen. Hence, this is also known as aerobic glycolysis. In this article, the adaptation mechanisms of HCC, including glycolysis, are discussed, and anti-glycolytic treatments, including systemic and locoregional options that have been previously reported or have the potential to be utilized in the treatment of HCC, are reviewed.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of Bone Metastases Treated with Radiotherapy in Palliative Intent: A Multicenter Prospective Study on Clinical and Instrumental Evaluation Assessment Concordance (MARTE Study)
Authors: Reginelli Alfonso , Patanè Vittorio , Urraro Fabrizio , Russo Anna , De Chiara Marco , Clemente Alfredo , Atripaldi Umberto , Balestrucci Giovanni , Buono Mauro , D'ippolito Emma , Grassi Roberta , D'onofrio Ida , Napolitano Stefania , Troiani Teresa , De Vita Ferdinando , Ciardiello Fortunato , Nardone Valerio , Cappabianca Salvatore
Published: July 2023

Metastasis to bone is a common occurrence among epithelial tumors, with a high incidence rate in the Western world. As a result, bone lesions are a significant burden on the healthcare system, with a high morbidity index. These injuries are often symptomatic and can lead to functional limitations, which in turn cause reduced mobility in patients. Additionally, they can lead to secondary complications such as pathological fractures, spinal cord compression, hypercalcemia, or bone marrow suppression. The treatment of bone metastases requires collaboration between multiple healthcare professionals, including oncologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons, physiatrists, and radiotherapists. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the correlation between two methods used to assess local control. Specifically, the study aims to determine if a reduction in the volume of bone lesions corresponds to better symptomatic control in the clinical management of patients, and vice versa. To achieve this objective, the study evaluates morphological criteria by comparing pre- and post-radiotherapy treatment imaging using MRI and RECIST 1.1 criteria. MRI without contrast is the preferred diagnostic imaging method, due to its excellent tolerance by patients, the absence of exposure to ionizing radiation, and the avoidance of paramagnetic contrast media side effects. This imaging modality allows for accurate assessment of bone lesions. One of the secondary objectives of this study is to identify potentially useful parameters that can distinguish patients into two classes: “good” and “poor” responders to treatment, as reported by previous studies in the literature. These parameters can be evaluated from the imaging examinations by analyzing morphological changes and radiomic features on different sequences, such as T1, STIR (short tau inversion recovery), and DWI-MRI (diffusion-weighted).
Analysis of the Mutual Information of Channel Phase Observations in Line-of-Sight Scenarios
Authors: Matthé Maximilian , Chorti Arsenia
Published: July 2023

The mutual information of the observed channel phase between devices can serve as an entropy source for secret key generation in line-of-sight scenarios. However, so far only simulated and numeric results were available. This paper derives the probability distribution of the channel phase and corresponding expressions for the mutual information. Moreover, the orientation distribution is optimized in order to maximize the mutual information. All presented results are validated numerically. These outcomes serve as a basis for further analytic investigations on the secret key generation rate and subsequent physical layer security performance analysis in line-of-sight scenarios, such as those encountered in drone-aided communications.
Crossing Borders: Conceptualising National Exhibitions as Contested Spaces of Holocaust Memory at the Auschwitz Birkenau State Museum
Authors: Richardson Alasdair
Published: July 2023

This paper considers the presence and potential educational impact of national exhibitions within the Auschwitz Birkenau State Museum in Poland. It takes a constructivist, personal-theoretical approach, drawing from autoethnography to explore possible visitor experiences at two of the national exhibits. Through detailed reflection on the French exhibition (Block 20) and the Dutch exhibition (Block 21), the author conducts a thematic analysis on the content in order to consider the constructions and possible intentions of the narratives presented. This is used to consider how the (relatively unvisited) exhibitions might contribute to visitors’ developing understandings of the complex history of the Holocaust. Particularly, the author considers how the national exhibits might contribute to the education of young people at the museum, and, by extension, at other sites, memorials, or educational spaces. The paper concludes that the inclusion of these complex national narratives is vital in young people gaining an understanding of the Holocaust as a multi-layered event. The paper offers a model for enabling inclusive Holocaust Education that embraces: (1.) divergent historical narratives (such as those in the national exhibitions), (2.) young people’s emotional engagement and responses to those narratives, and (3.) the Holocaust (and its representations) as a ‘contested space’ of history.
Research on a New Method for Intermittent Production of Horizontal Wells in Low-Permeability Gas Field
Authors: Du Weigang , An Yongsheng , Yang Suo , Guan Liyong , Sun Yangfeng , Huo Runshi
Published: July 2023

With the development of drilling technology in recent years, an increasing number of horizontal wells have been widely used in low-permeability gas fields. Although horizontal wells are much more productive than vertical wells, fluid accumulation can occur when the formation energy drops and the gas flow rate in the wellbore is not sufficient to remove the loaded fluid from the wellbore. Intermittent production is a good method for preventing liquid loading, but thus far, there is no difference between the open and closed working system of horizontal wells and that of vertical wells, and there is a certain misunderstanding here. In this work, experiments were conducted on the opening process and closing process of a horizontal well, and it was found that the loaded fluid in the horizontal wellbore is a large source of water. It enters the vertical section during the opening process, thereby raising the liquid level and storing the fluid loaded in the vertical section during the closing process, which is difficult to unload. Combined with the experimental results, the production dynamics of a horizontal well with intermittent production was analyzed, and the well opening process and well closing process were divided into four stages. On this basis, a new multifrequency well opening method for intermittent production of horizontal wells was proposed to unload the liquid in horizontal wellbore. The field application case shows that this method can effectively eliminate the drawbacks caused by using conventional methods and increase the average gas production in one cycle by 46%.
Biogas Valorisation to Biomethane for Commercialisation in South Africa: A Review
Authors: Shonhiwa Chipo , Mapantsela Yolanda , Makaka Golden , Mukumba Patrick , Shambira Ngwarai
Published: July 2023

Biogas consists of mainly methane, as a source of energy, and impurities such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, water, and siloxanes. These impurities, such as hydrogen sulphide, reduce the biogas energy content and corrode equipment that store, transport, or utilise biogas. Several reviews on upgrading biogas to biomethane have been published, but minimal focus has been put on upgrading biogas for commercialisation in South Africa. Thus, this study reviewed biogas upgrading techniques in South Africa to put together information on activities and experiences on biogas valorisation to enhance the chances for different stakeholders to learn and build on from local experiences. To capture all relevant information, literature from the past 10 years was retrieved from online databases and government, municipality, and companies’ websites and institutional repositories. The review covered the sorption, separation, and in situ techniques that are globally used for upgrading biogas. The status of the biogas sector and the upgrading activities that occur in the country with their cost, energy, and environmental impacts were given in detail. It is estimated that a total of 3 million Nm3d−1 of biogas can be produced in the country from biogas substrates. Thus, researchers and entrepreneurs are encouraged to collaborate to utilise the abundant resources used for biogas production to enhance the commercialisation of biomethane.
Software Defined Networking Architecture for Energy Transaction in Smart Microgrid Systems
Authors: Roux Riaan , Olwal Thomas O. , Chowdhury Daniel S. P.
Published: July 2023

A decentralized power distribution network consisting of smart microgrids introduces opportunities to trade with energy called transactive energy. However, research studies in the existing literature suggest that several standardized information models for TE do not meet the network architecture’s reliability, flexibility, and security requirements. This limitation is mainly due to the static nature of traditional IP infrastructure. To achieve these requirements in the network architecture, this study investigates the optimized application of software-defined network architecture for transactive energy in smart microgrid systems. Through literature research, unique design approaches in an SDN architecture are identified that improve the reliability, flexibility, and security of the SDN architecture. These design approaches include a decentralized controller network layout, redundant link configuration, a mesh network topology, and data encryption. The proposed solution uniquely combines these design approaches into a single optimized SDN solution for TESMS. To validate the improvements of the findings from the literature research, each design approach is simulated in this study using Mininet SDN emulator and AnyLogic system simulation software. The proposed solution is then applied to a use-case scenario that shows the improvements required for TESMS. The use-case scenario shows significant improvement in the data path uptime. An improvement of 0.27% is achieved, which equates to a 2 h per month increase in the data path uptime. The results of the simulation show that the proposed SDN architecture improves the reliability and flexibility of a traditional SDN network. Furthermore, enabling encryption between the nodes improves the security of the SDN architecture.
Energy-Efficient Advanced Ultrafine Grinding of Particles Using Stirred Mills—A Review
Authors: Kumar Arvind , Sahu Rina , Tripathy Sunil Kumar
Published: July 2023

The present literature review explores the energy-efficient ultrafine grinding of particles using stirred mills. The review provides an overview of the different techniques for size reduction and the impact of energy requirements on the choice of stirred mills. It also discusses the factors, including the design, operating parameters, and feed material properties, influencing the grinding performance. The review concludes that stirred mills have significant potential for achieving the energy-efficient ultrafine grinding of particles. Stirred mills have unique designs and operations, which provide higher grinding efficiency, lower energy consumption, and reduced media consumption compared to traditional tumbling mills. The review highlights the advantages of stirred mills over conventional grinding methods and their potential to revolutionise industrial processes while lowering the environmental impacts.
Towards Achieving Sustainability in the BRICS Economies: The Role of Renewable Energy Consumption and Economic Risk
Authors: Ojekemi Opeoluwa Seun , Ağa Mehmet , Magazzino Cosimo
Published: July 2023

In this study, the focus is on examining the influence of renewable energy consumption, economic risk, and financial risk on the load capacity factor (LF) within the BRICS countries. The analysis covers the time span from 1990 to 2019. The empirical strategy uses the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR) and long-run estimators (Fixed Effects Ordinary Least Squares, FE-OLS; Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares, DOLS; and Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares, FMOLS). The findings highlight the presence of a cointegrating relationship. Moreover, fossil fuels and economic growth cause LF to decrease, while economic risk and the use of renewable energy sources increase the deepening of the LF. Furthermore, the results of the MMQR method are confirmed by DOLS, FMOLS, and FE-OLS estimates. Causality results also demonstrate that these factors may forecast ecological quality, indicating that policies for renewable energy consumption, financial risk, renewable energy, and economic growth can all have an impact on the degree of LF. In light of this research, policymakers should strongly encourage expenditures on environmentally friendly technologies and economic and financial stability to increase energy efficiency as well as sustain the widespread adoption and use of energy-saving products.
Lovastatin Production by Wild Eurotium cristatum Isolated from Fuzhuan Brick Tea Produced Using Forest Resources in Auhua
Authors: Li Taotao , Liu Zhanjun , Li Jun , Zheng Yajun , Liu Zhonghua , Ling Peixue
Published: July 2023

Fuzhuan brick tea is a dark tea produced using tea plant leaves, and its quality is strongly affected by Eurotium cristatum. The superior Eurotium cristatum strain could enhance functional components in Fuzhuan brick tea, improving its quality and economic value. To research the lipid-lowering substance of Eurotium cristatum in Fuzhuan brick tea from Anhua country tea production area, several wild-type Eurotium cristatum strains were screened for lovastatin production. Of all 20 wild-type strains, 6 Eurotium cristatum strains could produce lovastatin, and the H20 test strain could produce the highest lovastatin. The organ of lovastatin production was studied, and its yield in sexual propagule (ascospore and ascocarp) was the highest. Some fermentation parameters for lovastatin produced by the H20 strain were researched, and the optimum condition, such as PDA medium containing additional 8% soluble starch, 32 °C, and 120 r/min, are reported. These results are promising for developing one Fuzhuan brick tea with a high lipid-lowering function and expanding the scope of tea plant forest resource application.
Daily Climatic Data Better Explain the Radial Growth of Swiss Stone Pine (Pinus cembra L.) in High-Elevation Cliffs in the Carpathians
Authors: Izworska Katarzyna , Zielonka Tomasz , Matulewski Paweł , Muter Elżbieta
Published: July 2023

Information about climate–growth relationships is crucial for predicting the potential climatic impact on tree species, especially those growing on the edges of their distribution range, for instance, in high-elevation forests. This study aimed to determine changes in the relationships between tree-ring widths and daily climatic data in high-elevation forests in the Western Carpathians over time. Climate–growth relationships were calculated to obtain the TRWI (tree-ring-width index) chronology (based on 104 trees) and day-wise aggregated data for temperature (mean, minimum, and maximum) and sums of precipitation. The radial growth of stone pine was mostly determined by the mean temperature in the period between mid-June (21st) and the beginning of July (4th) for the critical 14-day window width (r = 0.44). The negative influence of precipitation on the radial growth occurred in summer (r = −0.35) and overlapped with the period of the positive influence of temperature. Dendroclimatic studies based on daily data may define the exact periods (expressed in calendar days) that influence the radial growth of trees much better than the commonly used monthly means. This is particularly important in analysing the growth of trees at high elevations, where the climatic factor strongly limits radial growth.
Mimicking the Fungal Decay Strategy for Promoting the Bacterial Production of Polyhydroxyalkanoate from Kraft Lignin
Authors: Fu Xiao , Gong Qing , Liu Xuan , Zheng Ze , Zhang Xiaoyu , Ma Fuying , Yu Hongbo , Xie Shangxian
Published: July 2023

Producing polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) from lignin through biological conversion has great further potential, but is held by its high heterogeneous characteristic toxicity of the depolymerized products, and low bioconversion of the depolymerized products. In this study, a Fenton-like reaction, which is inspired by fungal decay strategy, was reported to cleave Kraft lignin linkages and produce low toxic mono-aromatic and low molecular organic compounds for microbial conversion. The treatment improved the bioconversion of lignin to PHA by 141.7% compared to Kraft lignin. The bond cleavage of Kraft lignin was characterized by Py-GC/MS and 2D NMR. Seven major depolymerized products were chosen to test their toxicity effect on bacterial fermentation. Furthermore, 920.4 mg of PHA was obtained from 1-L black liquor after Fenton-like reaction treatment. This is a novel attempt mimicking fungal decay strategy coupled with the microbial conversion of lignin into high-value PHA with a sustainable future.
Enhanced Osteogenesis Potential of MG-63 Cells through Sustained Delivery of VEGF via Liposomal Hydrogel
Authors: Tsai Milton Hongli , Megat Abdul Wahab Rohaya , Zainal Ariffin Shahrul Hisham , Azmi Fazren , Yazid Farinawati
Published: July 2023

The challenges of using VEGF to promote osteoblastic differentiation include a short half-life and a narrow therapeutic window. A carrier system combining hydrogel and liposomes may improve the therapeutic efficacy of VEGF for bone regeneration. This study aimed to investigate the effects of delivery of VEGF via liposomal hydrogel on the osteogenesis of MG-63 cells. Liposomal hydrogel scaffold was fabricated and then characterized in terms of the morphological and chemical properties using FESEM and FTIR. In 2.5D analysis, the MG-63 cells were cultured on liposomal hydrogel + VEGF as the test group. The osteogenic effects of VEGF were compared with the control groups, i.e., hydrogel without liposomes + VEGF, osteogenic medium (OM) supplemented with a bolus of VEGF, and OM without VEGF. Cell morphology, viability, and differentiation and mineralization potential were investigated using FESEM, MTT assay, ALP activity, and Alizarin red staining. The characterization of scaffold showed no significant differences in the morphological and chemical properties between hydrogel with and without liposomes (p > 0.05). The final 2.5D culture demonstrated that cell proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization were significantly enhanced in the liposomal hydrogel + VEGF group compared with the control groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, liposomal hydrogel can be used to deliver VEGF in a sustained manner in order to enhance the osteogenesis of MG-63 cells.
Long-Term Consequences of War Captivity in Military Veterans
Authors: Jukić Melita , Malenica Luka , Đuričić Vanja , Talapko Jasminka , Lukinac Jasmina , Jukić Marko , Škrlec Ivana
Published: July 2023

Numerous studies on the health and functioning of veterans and former prisoners of war have shown that the experience of war captivity is one of the most difficult human experiences. Captivity is often characterized by extremely difficult and inhumane conditions, as well as exposure to various forms of both psychological and physical abuse. Such traumatic experiences can lead to serious psychological consequences that can last for years, even decades after release from captivity. The aim of this paper is to present a brief overview of research that points to the specifics of wartime captivity and the long-term psychological consequences in veterans of former camp detainees, as well as the consequences suffered by their families and factors that, apart from the intensity of the trauma, contribute to the emergence and persistence of psychological disorders. From the presented research, it can be concluded that former prisoners of the camp represent an extremely vulnerable group of the social community and require long-term appropriate treatment, while the needs of veterans’ families should not be neglected, with the necessity of including spouses and children in psychological and psychosocial treatments.
COVID-19 and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma—Impact of the Pandemic on Unequal Access to Healthcare
Authors: Jović Marko , Marinković Milana , Suđecki Branko , Jurišić Milana , Bukumirić Zoran , Jovanović Milan , Stojičić Milan , Jeremić Jelena
Published: July 2023

Most skin tumors are not fatal, but if not treated in a timely manner, they can lead to significant morbidity. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in order to create more capacities for the treatment of COVID-19-positive patients as well as to contain the spread of the virus, the healthcare system was reorganized worldwide, leading to decreased access to preventive screening programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on healthcare accessibility to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma patients in Serbia. This retrospective study was conducted at the Clinic for Burns, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia in Belgrade. Patient demographics and pathohistological findings of tumors of patients living in and outside the capital in the period before, during, and after the pandemic were compared. The two groups did not show any differences regarding the largest tumor diameter prior and during the pandemic; however, this difference became extremely noticeable after the pandemic (15 mm vs. 27 mm; p < 0.001). While cSCCs are commonly slow-growing tumors, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is not negligible. This study found a population at a significant risk of cSCC metastasis, with additional evidence likely to emerge in the upcoming years.
Intraparenchymal Lung Abscess Complicating a Primary COVID-19 Infection in a Patient with Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia: A Case Report
Authors: Mavroudis Panagiotis F. , Velentza Lemonia , Sfyridis Panagiotis G. , Papantoniou Styliani , Kranidiotis Georgios , Giannitsioti Efthymia , Stamati Alexandra , Schizas Dimitrios , Gerakari Styliani , Kapetanakis Emmanouil I.
Published: July 2023

Intraparenchymal lung abscess development associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is a rare complication, with only half a dozen primary cases having been reported in the literature. We present the case of a patient with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia who developed a lung abscess subsequent to a primary SARS-CoV-2 infection. We present a 63-year-old male patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection and a history of Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia who developed a cavitating intraparenchymal lung abscess with an air-fluid level in his right lower lobe two weeks following admission to hospital. The patient became septic and developed acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation and intensive care. He was managed with broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and aspiration drainage, but unfortunately due to his severe clinical condition died 20 days after his initial admission. The development of a lung abscess in patients with COVID-19, although rare, can be quite compromising and even prove fatal, especially in immunocompromised patients. Clinicians should be aware of this potential complication.
Impact of Household Economic and Mothers’ Time Affluence on Obesity in Japanese Preschool Children: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Tanaka Kotone , Tsuno Kanami , Tomata Yasutake
Published: July 2023

Although the association between household economic affluence and children’s obesity has been reported, the association between mothers’ time affluence and obesity remains unclear. We conducted a cross-sectional study using Japanese national survey data (2015). The target population was 2–6-year-old preschool children and their mothers. Subjective household economic affluence and mothers’ time affluence were divided into “affluent,” “neither,” “less affluent,” and “non-affluent” groups. Obesity was defined based on the International Obesity Task Force. A logistic regression model was conducted to examine the association between household economic affluence, mothers’ time affluence, and children’s obesity. A total of 2254 respondents were included in the present analysis. The lower household economic affluence was not significantly associated with higher rates of children’s obesity (odds ratio (OR) for the “non-affluent” compared with the “affluent” group was 1.68 (95% CI, 0.93–3.03)). A lower mothers’ time affluence was not significantly associated with higher rates of children’s obesity (OR for the “non-affluent” compared with the “affluent” group was 1.67 (95% CI, 0.92–3.03)). The prevalence of obesity was not synergistically higher when lower household economic affluence and lower mothers’ time affluence were combined.
The Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of Bean Blossom Thrips (Megalurothrips usitatus) Reveals an Expansion of Protein Digestion-Related Genes in Adaption to High-Protein Host Plants
Authors: Zhang Zhijun , Bao Jiandong , Chen Qizhang , He Jianyun , Li Xiaowei , Zhang Jiahui , Liu Zhixing , Wu Yixuan , Wang Yunsheng , Lu Yaobin
Published: July 2023

Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall) is a destructive pest of legumes, such as cowpea. The biology, population dynamics and control strategies of this pest have been well studied. However, the lack of a high-quality reference genome for M. usitatus has hindered the understanding of key biological questions, such as the mechanism of adaptation to feed preferentially on high-protein host plants and the resistance to proteinase inhibitors (PIs). In this study, we generated a high-resolution chromosome-level reference genome assembly (247.82 Mb, 16 chromosomes) of M. usitatus by combining Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) and Hi-C sequencing. The genome assembly showed higher proportions of GC and repeat content compared to other Thripinae species. Genome annotation revealed 18,624 protein-coding genes, including 4613 paralogs that were preferentially located in TE-rich regions. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of the paralogs revealed significant enrichment in digestion-related genes. Genome-wide identification uncovered 506 putative digestion-related enzymes; of those, proteases, especially their subgroup serine proteases (SPs), are significantly enriched in paralogs. We hypothesized that the diversity and expansion of the digestion-related genes, especially SPs, could be driven by mobile elements (TEs), which promote the adaptive evolution of M. usitatus to high-protein host plants with high serine protease inhibitors (SPIs). The current study provides a valuable genomic resource for understanding the genetic variation among different pest species adapting to different plant hosts.
Cyclophilin A as a Pro-Inflammatory Factor Exhibits Embryotoxic and Teratogenic Effects during Fetal Organogenesis
Authors: Kalinina Anastasiia , Semenova Maria , Bruter Alexandra , Varlamova Ekaterina , Kubekina Marina , Pavlenko Natalia , Silaeva Yulia , Deikin Alexey , Antoshina Elena , Gorkova Tatyana , Trukhanova Lubov , Salmina Alla , Novikova Svetlana , Voronkov Dmitry , Kazansky Dmitry , Khromykh Ludmila
Published: July 2023

The precise balance of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines is a key factor in successful pregnancy and normal embryonic development. However, to date, not all humoral factors that regulate and influence physiological pregnancy have been completely studied. Our data here pointed out cyclophilin A (CypA) as the adverse pro-inflammatory factor negatively affecting fetal development and associated with pregnancy complications. In different mouse models in vivo, we demonstrated dramatic embryotoxicity and teratogenicity of increased CypA levels during pregnancy. Using generated transgenic models, we showed that CypA overexpression in fetal tissues induced the death of all transgenic fetuses and complete miscarriage. Administration of recombinant human CypA in a high dose to pregnant females during fetal organogenesis (6.5–11.5 dpc) exhibited teratogenic effects, causing severe defects in the brain and bone development that could lead to malformations and postnatal behavioral and cognitive disorders in the offspring. Embryotoxic and teratogenic effects could be mediated by CypA-induced up-regulation of M1 macrophage polarization via activation of the STAT1/3 signaling pathways. Here, we propose secreted CypA as a novel marker of complicated pregnancy and a therapeutic target for the correction of pregnancy complications.
Coronary “Microvascular Dysfunction”: Evolving Understanding of Pathophysiology, Clinical Implications, and Potential Therapeutics
Authors: Kei Chun Yeung , Singh Kuljit , Dautov Rustem F. , Nguyen Thanh H. , Chirkov Yuliy Y. , Horowitz John D.
Published: July 2023

Until recently, it has been generally held that stable angina pectoris (SAP) primarily reflects the presence of epicardial coronary artery stenoses due to atheromatous plaque(s), while acute myocardial infarction (AMI) results from thrombus formation on ruptured plaques. This concept is now challenged, especially by results of the ORBITA and ISCHEMIA trials, which showed that angioplasty/stenting does not substantially relieve SAP symptoms or prevent AMI or death in such patients. These disappointing outcomes serve to redirect attention towards anomalies of small coronary physiology. Recent studies suggest that coronary microvasculature is often both structurally and physiologically abnormal irrespective of the presence or absence of large coronary artery stenoses. Structural remodelling of the coronary microvasculature appears to be induced primarily by inflammation initiated by mast cell, platelet, and neutrophil activation, leading to erosion of the endothelial glycocalyx. This leads to the disruption of laminar flow and the facilitation of endothelial platelet interaction. Glycocalyx shedding has been implicated in the pathophysiology of coronary artery spasm, cardiovascular ageing, AMI, and viral vasculitis. Physiological dysfunction is closely linked to structural remodelling and occurs in most patients with myocardial ischemia, irrespective of the presence or absence of large-vessel stenoses. Dysfunction includes the impairment of platelet and vascular responsiveness to autocidal coronary vasodilators, such as nitric oxide, prostacyclin, and hydrogen sulphide, and predisposes both to coronary vasoconstriction and to a propensity for microthrombus formation. These findings emphasise the need for new directions in medical therapeutics for patients with SAP, as well as a wide range of other cardiovascular disorders.
Toward Two-Dimensional Tessellation through Halogen Bonding between Molecules and On-Surface-Synthesized Covalent Multimers
Authors: Peyrot David , Silly Fabien
Published: July 2023

The ability to engineer sophisticated two-dimensional tessellation organic nanoarchitectures based on triangular molecules and on-surface-synthesized covalent multimers is investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy. 1,3,5-Tris(3,5-dibromophenyl)benzene molecules are deposited on high-temperature Au(111) surfaces to trigger Ullmann coupling. The self-assembly into a semi-regular rhombitrihexagonal tiling superstructure not only depends on the synthesis of the required covalent building blocks but also depends on their ratio. The organic tessellation nanoarchitecture is achieved when the molecules are deposited on a Au(111) surface at 145 °C. This halogen-bonded structure is composed of triangular domains of intact molecules separated by rectangular rows of covalent dimers. The nearly hexagonal vertices are composed of covalent multimers. The experimental observations reveal that the perfect semi-regular rhombitrihexagonal tiling cannot be engineered because it requires, in addition to the dimers and intact molecules, the synthesis of covalent hexagons. This building block is only observed above 165 °C and does not coexist with the other required organic buildings blocks.
New Perspectives on Cholesterol and Lipoprotein Metabolism
Authors: De Geest Bart , Mishra Mudit
Published: July 2023

In animals, cholesterol is an essential component of every cellular membrane and is required for cell membrane integrity [...]
Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analysis Reveals the Potential Role of RBMS1 in Adipogenesis and Adipocyte Metabolism
Authors: Dairi Ghida , Al Mahri Saeed , Benabdelkamel Hicham , Alfadda Assim A. , Alswaji Abdulrahman A. , Rashid Mamoon , Malik Shuja Shafi , Iqbal Jahangir , Ali Rizwan , Al Ibrahim Maria , Al-Regaiey Khalid , Mohammad Sameer
Published: July 2023

Adipocytes play a critical role in maintaining a healthy systemic metabolism by storing and releasing energy in the form of fat and helping to regulate glucose and lipid levels in the body. Adipogenesis is the process through which pre-adipocytes are differentiated into mature adipocytes. It is a complex process involving various transcription factors and signaling pathways. The dysregulation of adipogenesis has been implicated in the development of obesity and metabolic disorders. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that regulate adipogenesis and the factors that contribute to its dysregulation may provide insights into the prevention and treatment of these conditions. RNA-binding motif single-stranded interacting protein 1 (RBMS1) is a protein that binds to RNA and plays a critical role in various cellular processes such as alternative splicing, mRNA stability, and translation. RBMS1 polymorphism has been shown to be associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, but the role of RBMS1 in adipose metabolism and adipogenesis is not known. We show that RBMS1 is highly expressed during the early phase of the differentiation of the murine adipocyte cell line 3T3-L1 and is significantly upregulated in the adipose tissue depots and adipocytes of high-fat-fed mice, implying a possible role in adipogenesis and adipose metabolism. Knockdown of RBMS1 in pre-adipocytes impacted the differentiation process and reduced the expression of some of the key adipogenic markers. Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis indicated that RBMS1 depletion affected the expression of several genes involved in major metabolic processes, including carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Our findings imply that RBMS1 plays an important role in adipocyte metabolism and may offer novel therapeutic opportunity for metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Mechanical Properties of Rubberized Concrete at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Fadiel Ashraf A. M. , Abu-Lebdeh Taher , Munteanu Iulian Sorin , Niculae Elisabeta , Petrescu Florian Ion Tiberiu
Published: July 2023

The use of rubberized concrete has become increasingly popular as a means of disposing of waste materials, such as used and end-of-life tires, while also providing an effective solution for construction applications. The strength and durability of rubberized concrete can be negatively affected by temperature fluctuations, but little is known about the performance of this material. Hence, the work presented herein aims to evaluate the performance of rubberized concrete when it is exposed to different temperature levels. In this study, rubberized concrete specimens were prepared by replacing 5–20% of crumb rubber by volume of fine aggregate. The specimens underwent a curing process for 28 days, followed by exposure to temperatures of 200 °C, 400 °C, and 600 °C for a period of 2 h. The residual test and normal cooling method were adapted. Surface characteristics by visual inspection, the residual weight, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and dynamic modulus of elasticity were assessed and compared to unheated specimens. The study’s findings revealed that, when exposed to temperatures between 200 °C and 400 °C, rubberized concrete containing a 5% to 15% rubber content experienced less reduction in compressive strength than conventional concrete, which showed a reduction of 43% to 48.5%. Also, it was observed that the splitting tensile strength was more sensitive to elevated temperatures than the compressive strength.
Sequence Stratigraphy and Implications for Shale Gas Exploration in the Southern Sichuan Basin, South China
Authors: Xu Lingling , Meng Jianghui , Pan Renfang , Yang Xue , Sun Qimeng , Zhu Boyuan
Published: July 2023

In contrast to the widely used sequence stratigraphic models for passive continental margins, the stacking patterns of strata within epeiric seas, which are influenced by regional tectonic activity, may display opposing characteristics during the same geological period. These variations serve as a record of basin evolution and also affect the accumulation of hydrocarbons within the strata. Our study investigated the development potential of the deep Longmaxi Shale in the southern Sichuan Basin by examining the sequence stratigraphy and sedimentary fill patterns. Using a combination of core observation, well-logging data analysis, and 3D seismic profile interpretation, we aimed to gain an understanding of the sedimentary fill history of the Longmaxi Shale during the Early Silurian. Our analysis revealed that deglaciation and regional tectonic events affected the sequence stratigraphy, resulting in unconformities that were identifiable using seismic data and wireline logs. Through an analysis of thirty wireline logs and two seismic profiles, we identified two third-order sequences suggested in the Lower Longmaxi Formation. Within the two third-order sequences were five systems tracts, with the first exhibiting a complete cycle of sea-level change and the second cycle being incomplete due to regional tectonic events. The graptolite succession on the upper Yangtze Platform provided a temporal view of the sequence stratigraphy and sedimentation rates of the Longmaxi Shale. The thickness trends of the systems tracts reflected the interplay of short-term eustasy fluctuations, subsidence, and uplift. Our analysis suggests that regional subsidence played a significant role in the deposition of the second transgressive systems tract (TST) in the Weiyuan and Luzhou areas, which represents a promising target for shale gas exploration, in addition to the first TST. However, the Changning area experienced a relative sea-level decrease due to the intense uplift of the Qianzhogn Paleo-uplift and the increased supply of sediment and is interpreted as a highstand systems tract (HST); it is not considered to have shale gas exploration potential.
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Agglutinin Modulates Sclerotial Development, Pathogenicity and Response to Abiotic and Biotic Stresses in Different Manners
Authors: Wang Yongchun , Xu Yuping , Wei Jinfeng , Zhang Jing , Wu Mingde , Li Guoqing , Yang Long
Published: July 2023

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is an important plant pathogenic fungus of many crops. Our previous study identified the S. sclerotiorum agglutinin (SSA) that can be partially degraded by the serine protease CmSp1 from the mycoparasite Coniothyrium minitans. However, the biological functions of SSA in the pathogenicity of S. sclerotiorum and in its response to infection by C. minitans, as well as to environmental stresses, remain unknown. In this study, SSA disruption and complementary mutants were generated for characterization of its biological functions. Both the wild-type (WT) of S. sclerotiorum and the mutants were compared for growth and sclerotial formation on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and autoclaved carrot slices (ACS), for pathogenicity on oilseed rape, as well as for susceptibility to chemical stresses (NaCl, KCl, CaCl2, sorbitol, mannitol, sucrose, sodium dodecyl sulfate, H2O2) and to the mycoparasitism of C. minitans. The disruption mutants (ΔSSA-175, ΔSSA-178, ΔSSA-225) did not differ from the WT and the complementary mutant ΔSSA-178C in mycelial growth. However, compared to the WT and ΔSSA-178C, the disruption mutants formed immature sclerotia on PDA, and produced less but larger sclerotia on ACS; they became less sensitive to the eight investigated chemical stresses, but more aggressive in infecting leaves of oilseed rape, and more susceptible to mycoparasitism by C. minitans. These results suggest that SSA positively regulates sclerotial development and resistance to C. minitans mycoparasitism, but negatively regulates pathogenicity and resistance to chemical stresses.
Incidence and Patterns of Digestive Organ Cancer in Georgia: Insights from a Population-Based Registry Study in 2021
Authors: Nonikashvili Miranda , Kereselidze Maia , Toidze Otar , Beruchashvili Tina
Published: July 2023

Digestive organ cancer, also known as gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, refers to cancer that occurs in the digestive tract. In this population-based registry study, we aimed to investigate the incidence of GI in Georgia and to identify any patterns in the occurrence of different types of this disease. The study included all cases of GI cancer that were diagnosed in Georgia in 2021. We analyzed 1635 patients’ data to determine the overall and age-standardized incidence of GI cancer in the country. The analyses were performed for esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, anus, liver and intrahepatic bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreas separately. The descriptive statistics used in the study—specifically counts, means, proportions, and rates—were calculated using the statistical software STATA version 17.0. (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA). The results of the study showed that the incidence of digestive organ cancer in Georgia was similar to the global average. However, there were some notable differences in the specific types of GI cancer that were most common in the country. Overall, this study provides important insights into the incidence of digestive organ cancer in Georgia and highlights the need for further research to better understand the factors that contribute to this disease.