bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspectives from remote sensing to investigate the COVID-19 pandemic: A future-oriented approach
Authors: Mehmood Khalid , Bao Yansong , Mushtaq Sana , Saifullah  , Khan Muhammad Ajmal , Siddique Nadeem , Bilal Muhammad , Heng Zhang , Huan Li , Tariq Muhammad , Ahmad Sibtain
Published: July 2022

As scientific technology and space science progress, remote sensing has emerged as an innovative solution to ease the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. To examine the research characteristics and growth trends in using remote sensing for monitoring and managing the COVID-19 research, a bibliometric analysis was conducted on the scientific documents appearing in the Scopus database. A total of 1,509 documents on this study topic were indexed between 2020 and 2022, covering 165 countries, 577 journals, 5239 institutions, and 8,616 authors. The studies related to remote sensing and COVID-19 have a significant increase of 30% with 464 articles. The United States (429 articles, 28.42% of the global output), China (295 articles, 19.54% of the global output), and the United Kingdom (174 articles, 11.53%) appeared as the top three most contributions to the literature related to remote sensing and COVID-19 research. Sustainability, Science of the Total Environment, and International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health were the three most productive journals in this research field. The utmost predominant themes were COVID-19, remote sensing, spatial analysis, coronavirus, lockdown, and air pollution. The expansion of these topics appears to be associated with cross-sectional research on remote sensing, evidence-based tools, satellite mapping, and geographic information systems (GIS). Global pandemic risks will be monitored and managed much more effectively in the coming years with the use of remote sensing technology.
Case report: The feasibility of rTMS with intrathecal baclofen pump for the treatment of unresolved neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury
Authors: Foglia Stevie D. , Rehsi Ravjot S. , Turco Claudia V. , Shanthanna Harsha , Nelson Aimee J.
Published: July 2022

The main objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of 10 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for the treatment of unresolved neuropathic pain in an individual with spinal cord injury and an intrathecal baclofen pump. A 62-year-old male presented with drug resistant neuropathic pain as a result of a complete spinal cord lesion at T8 level. Pain was classified into four types: pressure pain in the left foot, burning pain in buttocks, burning pain in sternum, and electrical attacks in the trunk. The treatment period involved 6 weeks of rTMS stimulation performed 5 days per week, a 6-week follow up period with no stimulation, and an 8-week top up session period which began 5-weeks after the end of the follow up period. 2004 pulses were delivered at 10Hz over the right-hand representation of the left primary motor cortex at 80% resting motor threshold during each session. Assessments were based on the numerical rating scale (NRS), neuropathic pain scale (NPS), Hamilton Depression and Anxiety rating scales. Following the treatment period there was a 30, 13, and 29% reduction in sternum, buttocks, and left foot pain respectively, as reported by the NRS. During this time, electrical attacks were abolished following the third week of treatment. These changes corresponded to a 38% decrease in NPS scores and a 65 and 25% reduction in anxiety and depressions scores respectively. The changes in sternum, buttocks, and left foot pain reported on the NRS persisted for 1 week following treatment. Top up sessions delivered 11 weeks after the end of the treatment period were unsuccessful in reducing pain to the level achieved during the treatment period. A 13% reduction in NPS was seen during these 8-weeks. Anxiety and depression scores decreased 78 and 67% respectively. The frequency of electrical attacks was zero during this time. rTMS stimulation delivered throughout this study did not cause any interference with the functioning of the intrathecal baclofen pump. This case study illustrates that rTMS may be effective at reducing drug resistant neuropathic pain with certain pain types exhibiting greater propensity for change.
Closed Shop or Collaborative Hub? An Analysis of the Partners' Importance in CANZUK Countries' Research Collaborations
Authors: Nguyen Ba Xuan , Dinneen Jesse David , Luczak-Roesch Markus
Published: July 2022

Collaborative partners are important in international research collaboration. The research collaborations between four CANZUK countries (Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom) are examined to see whether their research connections are different from the research relationships with other countries. This paper measures the affinity index values and analyses the development of research collaborations among CANZUK countries with those between the CANZUK and other countries. The whole counting method and the fractional counting method are applied in this study to compare the differences in the results. The findings show that although the affinity index values of CANZUK countries were decreasing over time, the importance of CANZUK partners to CANZUK countries has likely increased over time at the expense of the other partners' importance. The study also shows the minor differences in results obtained by applying two different counting methods. These differences can be explained by the nature of the counting methods, and the choice to use either one of these two counting methods should be considered in other international research collaboration studies.
Formation flying along libration point orbits using chattering attenuation sliding mode control
Authors: Bando Mai , Namati Hamidreza , Akiyama Yuki , Hokamoto Shinji
Published: July 2022

This paper studies a control law to achieve formation flying in cislunar space. Utilizing the eigenstructure of the linearized flow around a libration point of the Earth-Moon circular restricted three-body problem, the fuel efficient formation flying controller based on the chattering attenuation sliding mode controller is designed and analyzed. Numerical studies are conducted for the Earth-Moon L2 point and a halo orbit around it. The total velocity change required to achieve formation as well as to maintain the orbit is calculated. Simulation results show that the chattering attenuation sliding mode controller has good performance and robustness in the presence of unmodeled nonlinearity along the halo orbit with moderate fuel consumption.
Anesthetic and analgesic techniques and perioperative inflammation may affect the timing of recurrence after complete resection for non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Watanabe Katsuya , Masuda Haruhiko , Noma Daisuke
Published: July 2022

Introduction

It has been widely recognized that both surgery and anesthesia may increase the risk of cancer recurrence by inducing an inflammatory response and immunosuppression in various cancer operations. The present study explored using hazard curves how anesthetic and analgesic techniques regarding the host inflammation status affect the risk of recurrence over time in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Material and Methods

Clinicopathological data from patients who underwent complete pulmonary resection with pathological I–IIIB stage NSCLC from 2010 to 2020 were collected. The inflammation-based scores, including the C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), and modified GPS (mGPS), were calculated before surgery, and hazard curves indicating the changes in hazards over time were evaluated.

Results

A total of 396 patients were eligible for the analysis. The median follow-up was 42.3 months. In total, 118 patients (29.8%) experienced recurrence, and 66.9% of those occurred within 24 months after surgery. According to the multivariate Cox regression analysis, volatile anesthesia (VA) (hazard ratio [HR], 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–2.71), and elevated CAR (HR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.18–2.99) were associated with a worse recurrence-free survival. The resulting hazard curve revealed that a delayed peak of recurrence was present in patients with a low CAR in the VA group and in those with intravenous flurbiprofen axetil administration in the propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia group (30 and 24 months after surgery, respectively).

Discussion

Choosing anesthetic and analgesic techniques while taking inflammation-based scores into account may be useful for reducing the risk of and/or delaying recurrence in patients undergoing resection for NSCLC.
Novel intravesical therapeutics in the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: Horizon scanning
Authors: Ward Kelly , Kitchen Mark O , Mathias Suresh-Jay , Khanim Farhat L , Bryan Richard T.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is a common and heterogeneous disease; many patients develop recurrent or progress to muscle-invasive disease. Intravesical drug therapy is a pillar in the current management of NMIBC; notwithstanding, Mitomycin C (MMC) and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) have numerous limitations including international supply issues, and local and systemic toxicity. Here we review novel intravesical therapeutic options and drug delivery devices with potential for clinical use in the treatment of NMIBC.

Methods

PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane Library searches were undertaken. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomised controlled trials, single-arm clinical trials and national/international conference proceedings were included.

Results

Novel intravesical drugs, including chemotherapeutic agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies and gene therapies, have demonstrated varying efficacy in the treatment of NMIBC. Current evidence for the majority of treatments is mostly limited to single-arm trials in patients with recurrent NMIBC. Various novel methods of drug delivery have also been investigated, with encouraging preliminary results supporting the intravesical delivery of hyperthermic MMC and MMC hydrogel formulations.

Conclusions

Novel therapeutic agents and drug delivery systems will be important in the future intravesical management of NMIBC. As our understanding of the molecular diversity of NMIBC develops, molecular subtyping will become fundamental in the personalisation of intravesical treatments. Further randomised studies are urgently required to investigate the efficacy of novel intravesical treatments and novel regimens, in comparison to current standards-of-care, particularly in the context of international BCG shortages.
Case report: Reconstruction of the left renal vein with resected autologous right renal vein interposition after excision of an inferior vena cava leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Li Xiaohang , Li Baifeng , Zhang Na , Wang Fengshan , Zhang Chengshuo , Sun Ning , Zhang Jialin
Published: July 2022

Background

Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava (IVC) was a rather rare disease with the characteristics of invading the adjacent viscera. Surgical resection is the only potential curative treatment, and radiation therapy and chemotherapy for leiomyosarcoma are not definite. There is few literature reporting the leiomyosarcoma of the IVC.

Case presentation

A previously healthy 64-year-old female was admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University with the complaint of right lower quadrant abdominal pain for almost three years and worsening with a radiating ache in the waist recently. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT) scans revealed a large (7.8 cm*5.5 cm*5.0 cm) irregular hypodense retroperitoneal mass with heterogeneous enhancement and invasion of the IVC, and the right ureter was compressed with proximal ureteral dilatation and hydrops. Three-dimensional CT of the IVC revealed that the IVC was encircled by the tumor with moderate invasion. During the operation, the tumor was resected en bloc with the IVC (from the suprarenal to infrarenal segment), the right kidney with ureter, and the duodenum seromuscular layer. As the left renal vein was involved, it was also partly resected. IVC reconstruction was performed with the interposition of a 20 mm diameter polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) prosthesis, and the right renal vein was anastomosed between the left renal vein and the reconstructed IVC to guarantee the left renal vein reflux. The patient had an uneventful recovery process with normal renal function after the operation. However, follow-up CT indicated that the left renal vein was blocked two weeks after the surgery. The patient was discharged two weeks after the operation. She continues well and has no evidence of disease fourteen months after the surgery.

Conclusions

Wide excision of the tumor en bloc with the IVC is the main treatment for leiomyosarcoma of the IVC. IVC reconstruction with prosthetic PTFE grafts is recommended. When the left renal vein is partly resected due to involvement of the tumor, reconstruction of left renal vein should also be performed to avoid renal impairment. If the right renal vein does not show tumor involvement, the resected right renal vein can be used to reconstruct the left renal vein.
Demographic factors associated with joint supplement use in dogs from the Dog Aging Project
Authors: Hoffman Jessica M. , Tolbert M. Katherine , Promislow Daniel E. L. ,   The Dog Aging Project Consortium
Published: July 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent age-related chronic conditions that afflict companion dogs, and multiple joint supplements are available to prevent or treat OA, though the efficacy of these treatments is controversial. While the demographic factors that are associated with OA diagnosis are well established, the factors that are associated with joint supplement use are not as well studied. Using data collected from the Dog Aging Project, we analyzed owner survey responses regarding joint supplement administration and OA diagnosis for 26,951 adult dogs. In this cross-sectional analysis, logistic regression models and odds-ratios (OR) were employed to determine demographic factors of dogs and their owners that were associated with joint supplement administration. Forty percent of adult dogs in our population were given some type of joint supplement. Perhaps not surprisingly, dogs of older age, larger size, and those that were ever overweight were more likely to receive a joint supplement. Younger owner age, urban living, owner education, and feeding commercial dry food were associated with a reduced likelihood of administration of joint supplements to dogs. Interestingly, mixed breed dogs were also less likely to be administered a joint supplement (OR: 0.73). Dogs with a clinical diagnosis of OA were more likely to receive a joint supplement than those without a reported OA diagnosis (OR: 3.82). Neutered dogs were more likely to have a diagnosis of OA, even after controlling for other demographic factors, yet their prevalence of joint supplement administration was the same as intact dogs. Overall, joint supplement use appears to be high in our large population of dogs in the United States. Prospective studies are needed to determine if joint supplements are more commonly administered as a preventative for OA or after an OA clinical diagnosis.
Resting behavior of broilers reared with or without artificial brooders
Authors: Forslind Sara , Hernandez Carlos E. , Riber Anja B. , Wall Helena , Blokhuis Harry J.
Published: July 2022

Rest and sleep are important for the welfare of mammals and birds. A large part of the daily time budget of broiler chickens is taken up by resting behavior and the quality of resting is important. However, in intensive broiler production systems, disruptions of resting behaviors are common. These disruptions of resting behavior could be negative for the health and growth of the birds. This study investigated if artificial brooders that provide a delimited and darker resting place, away from active birds, reduce disruptions of resting behavior compared to a control situation without artificial brooders. Six pens of each treatment were used in the same building, keeping 60 chickens (Ross 308) per pen. The artificial brooders were removed at 21 days of age. Data on disturbances and duration of resting bouts and activity between resting bouts were collected on 20 and 34 days of age. Also, as an indicator of the quality of rest, the animals' cognitive performance was evaluated in a spatial learning test that was performed at 11 days of age. The results showed that birds housed in pens with access to brooders have longer resting bouts (260.7 ± 5.2 vs. 132.8 ± 5.3s, p < 0.001) and are less likely to be disturbed during resting by other individuals (0.15 vs. 0.48, p < 0.001). The effect of the artificial brooders on both the duration of resting bouts and the proportion of disturbances remained after the removal of the brooders at 21 days of age. The duration of activity between resting bouts was shorter if the resting bout was ended by a disturbance (9.98 ± 1.0 vs. 61.0 ± 2.4s, p < 0.001). Birds reared with brooders were more likely to solve the spatial learning task (0.5 vs. 0.27, p < 0.01), but those succeeding were not faster at solving it. Broilers may be exposed to disrupted rest due to the lack of a dedicated resting place separated from areas with high activity. Using artificial brooders reduces disturbances but does not eliminate them. Therefore, additional changes to the housing conditions or management will be needed to prevent disturbances.
Quantitative real-time PCR detection and analysis of a lumpy skin disease outbreak in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
Authors: Li Lin , Qi Chuanxiang , Li Jinming , Nan Wenlong , Wang Ying , Chang Xing , Chi Tianying , Gong Mingxia , Ha Da , De Jide , Ma Lifeng , Wu Xiaodong
Published: July 2022

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a severe disease of bovine characterized by nodules on the skin, mucous membranes, and profuse nasal discharge which causes severe economic losses. In October 2020, an LSD outbreak case was found in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. A total of 1,206 cattle were sold from the same imported animal quarantine field to 36 farms after the quarantine period finished, and over 30 farmers reported symptoms such as skin scabs found in newly arrived cattle shortly after that. A large-scale LSD outbreak investigation was launched after laboratory diagnosis confirmed LSD. The clinical samples of 1,206 cattle from 36 farms, including 1,206 whole blood, 1,206 oral and nose swabs, and 355 scabs, were collected for the qRT-PCR test. The result showed that 51 whole blood samples (4.23%), 580 swab samples (48.09%), and 350 skin scabs (98.59%) were lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) positive, 33 of 36 farms were affected. This study aims to provide a basis for LSD epidemiological traceability, movement control, and measures for prevention and control.
Dietary supplementation with calcium propionate could beneficially alter rectal microbial composition of early lactation dairy cows
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhao Yiguang , Wang Yue , Wang Hui , Nan Xuemei , Guo Yuming , Xiong Benhai
Published: July 2022

Dietary supplementation with calcium propionate can effectively alleviate negative energy balance and hypocalcemia of dairy cows in early lactation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of calcium propionate feeding levels on the immune function, liver function, and fecal microbial composition of dairy cows in early lactation. Thirty-two multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to four treatments after calving. Treatments were a basal diet plus 0, 200, 350, and 500 g calcium propionate per cow per day throughout a 5-week trial period. Cows were milked three times a day, and blood was sampled to measure immune function and liver function on d 7, 21, and 35. The rectal contents were sampled and collected on d 35 to analyze the microbial composition using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results indicated that increasing amounts of calcium propionate did not affected the serum concentrations of total protein, IgG, IgM, and calcium, but the concentrations of albumin and IgA changed quadratically. With the increase of calcium propionate, the activity of serum alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase increased linearly, in contrast, the activity of alkaline phosphatase decreased linearly. Moreover, dietary supplementation with increasing levels of calcium propionate tended to quadratically decrease the relative abundance of Firmicutes while quadratically increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes, and consequently linearly decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in the rectal microbiota. Additionally, the supplementation of calcium propionate increased the relative abundances of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 and Prevotellaceae_UCG-004 linearly, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 quadratically, but decreased the relative abundances of Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group and Family_XIII_AD3011_group quadratically. Compared with the CON group, the calcium propionate supplementation significantly decreased the relative abundance of Acetitomaculum but increased the abundances of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Alistipes. In summary, these results suggested that the supplementation of calcium propionate to dairy cows in early lactation could beneficially alter the rectal microbiota.
Productivity in an Organizational Setting: A Systematic View of the Causalities at Work
Authors: Guðbrandsdóttir Ingunn Ýr , Oddsson Guðmundur Valur
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this research was to portray productivity in a larger context than has previously been presented, using system analysis. The result was a single causal loop diagram describing productivity in a work setting. Information on the components affecting productivity and how they interact was gathered from the industrial and organizational psychology (I-O psychology) literature as researchers in that field have spent a great deal of effort on shedding light on the subject. Articles from well-known I-O psychology journals were selected for further analysis through a systematic literature search. From these articles, 45 causal loop diagrams (CLDs) were constructed based on the causalities described in their theoretical background sections and results. These CLDs were subsequently synthesized in two steps to create a single CLD describing productivity. The resulting CLD provides an opportunity to view productivity in the workplace in a wider context.
Fatal Bronchopneumonia and Tracheitis in a Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Caused by Serratia proteamaculans
Authors: Hall Jane , Bender Hannah , Miller Natalie , Thompson Paul
Published: July 2022

A free-ranging subadult, male green turtle (Chelonia mydas) presented with radiographic evidence of pneumonia and died acutely. On necropsy, the trachea and bronchi were plugged by diphtheritic membranes, comprised of fibrin, necrotic debris, and colonies of bacilli, identified as Serratia proteamaculans. S. proteamaculans, typically considered an opportunistic plant pathogen, has rarely been described as causing disease in animals. This is the first report of S. proteamaculans causing severe necrotizing tracheitis and bronchopneumonia in a reptile.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Macrolide, Lincosamide and Streptogramin B Resistance among Clinical Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates in Chile
Authors: Quezada-Aguiluz Mario , Aguayo-Reyes Alejandro , Carrasco Cinthia , Mejías Daniela , Saavedra Pamela , Mella-Montecinos Sergio , Opazo-Capurro Andrés , Bello-Toledo Helia , Munita José M. , Hormazábal Juan C. , González-Rocha Gerardo
Published: July 2022

Macrolides, lincosamides, and type B streptogramins (MLSB) are important therapeutic options to treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections; however, resistance to these antibiotics has been emerging. In Chile, data on the MLSB resistance phenotypes are scarce in both community-(CA) and hospital-acquired (HA) MRSA isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility to MLSB was determined for sixty-eight non-repetitive isolates of each HA-(32) and CA-MRSA (36). Detection of SCCmec elements, ermA, ermB, ermC, and msrA genes was performed by PCR. The predominant clones were SCCmec I-ST5 (HA-MRSA) and type IVc-ST8 (CA-MRSA). Most of the HA-MRSA isolates (97%) showed resistance to clindamycin, erythromycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin. Among CA-MRSA isolates, 28% were resistant to erythromycin, azithromycin, and 25% to clarithromycin. All isolates were susceptible to linezolid, vancomycin, daptomycin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and over 97% to rifampicin. The ermA gene was amplified in 88% of HA-MRSA and 17% of CA-MRSA isolates (p < 0.001). The ermC gene was detected in 6% of HA-SARM and none of CA-SARM isolates, whereas the msrA gene was only amplified in 22% of CA-MRSA (p < 0.005). Our results demonstrate the prevalence of the cMLSB resistance phenotype in all HA-MRSA isolates in Chile, with the ermA being the predominant gene identified among these isolates.
Assessing Participation: Toward Long-Term Experiences, Trajectories and Maturity
Authors: Schelings Clémentine , Elsen Catherine
Published: July 2022

Building knowledge on participation successes and failures is essential to enhance the overall quality and accountability of participatory processes. This paper relates to participatory assessment conducted in four cities, where 12 participatory workshops were organized, bringing together more than 230 participants. On-the-spot feedback was collected from the participants and generated 203 logbook entries, which helped define participant-related variables. Those variables in turn unfolded unique participatory trajectories for each participant. Four retrospective focus groups were then organized to bring qualitative, in-depth understanding to the participants’ expectations and (dis)satisfactions all along the participatory processes. On the basis of these empirical data, we developed a contextual, analytical tool to review participation in a longitudinal way. This qualitative tool articulates several intertwined influences: the level of satisfaction, the level of expectations and participatory background from the participants’ perspectives, as well as the participatory maturity from the organizing agency’s perspective. We argue that evaluating participation in the long term and in a transversal way, focusing on agencies’ and participants’ trajectories rather than uniquely on on-the-spot experiences, provides additional meaning to criteria applied to participation evaluation and teaches us more about participation quality and efficiency than repeated assessments of disconnected and isolated initiatives.
A Low-Cost Collaborative Robot for Science and Education Purposes to Foster the Industry 4.0 Implementation
Authors: Ananias Estevão , Gaspar Pedro Dinis
Published: July 2022

The evolution of information technology and the great advances in artificial intelligence are leading to a level of automation that has never been reached before. A large part of this level of automation is due to the use of robotics, which in turn ends up both hindering and accelerating the process of Industry 4.0. Industry 4.0 is driven by innovative technologies that have an effect on production systems and business models. Although technologies are the driving motors of production within Industry 4.0, many production systems require collaboration between robotics and humans, and safety is required for both parties. Given the need for robots to collaborate with humans simultaneously or in parallel, a new generation of robots, called cobots, “Collaborative Robots”, are gaining prominence to face these challenges. With cobots, it is possible to overcome security barriers and envisage working safely side-by-side with humans. This paper presents the development and testing of a low-cost, within standards, 6-axis collaborative robot that can be used for educational purposes in different task-specific applications. The development of this collaborative robot involves the design and 3D printing of the structure (connections and parts), sizing and selection of circuits and/or electronic components, programming, and control. Furthermore, this study considers the development of a user interface application with the robotic arm. Thus, the application of technological solutions, as well as of the scientific and educational approaches used in the development of cobots can foster the wide implementation of Industry 4.0.
From Gustiness to Dustiness—The Impact of Wind Gusts on Particulate Matter Emissions in Field Experiments in La Pampa, Argentina
Authors: Siegmund Nicole , Panebianco Juan E. , Avecilla Fernando , Iturri Laura A. , Sommer Michael , Buschiazzo Daniel E. , Funk Roger
Published: July 2022

This study delivers the first empirical data-driven analysis of the impact of turbulence induced gustiness on the fine dust emissions from a measuring field. For quantification of the gust impact, a new measure, the Gust uptake Efficiency (GuE) is introduced. GuE provides a percentage of over- or under-proportional dust uptake due to gust activity during a wind event. For the three analyzed wind events, GuE values of up to 150% could be found, yet they significantly differed per particle size class with a tendency for lower values for smaller particles. In addition, a high-resolution correlation analysis among 31 particle size classes and wind speed was conducted; it revealed strong negative correlation coefficients for very small particles and positive correlations for bigger particles, where 5 μm appears to be an empirical threshold dividing both directions. We conclude with a number of suggestions for further investigations: an optimized field experiment setup, a new particle size ratio (PM1/PM0.5 in addition to PM10/PM2.5), as well as a comprehensive data-driven search for an optimal wind gust definition in terms of soil erosivity.
Source Apportionment of Ambient Aerosols during a Winter Pollution Episode in Yinchuan by Using Single-Particle Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Li Kangning , Li Liukun , Huang Bin , Han Zengyu
Published: July 2022

For a winter pollution episode in Yinchuan, a city in Northwestern China, ambient aerosols were characterized using a real-time single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SPAMS). More than 160,000 individual particles analyzed with the SPAMS were classified into eight major categories on the basis of their mass spectral patterns: traffic emissions, biomass burning, dust, coal burning, industrial emissions, secondary inorganic, cooking, and others, all of which contribute to fine particles. The results revealed that coal burning (29.6%) and traffic emissions (23.4%) were the main sources during the monitoring period. Industrial emissions and secondary inorganic aerosols accounted for 16.6% and 14.0%, respectively. The SPAMS data indicated that the number concentration of the eight types of particles was markedly different in the different pollution cases, and higher number concentrations were discovered more often during pollution episodes. The three pollution cases were mainly caused by the accumulation of fine particles, mainly from traffic emissions, industrial emissions, and increased secondary inorganic conversion.
Emissions from a Modern Euro 6d Diesel Plug-In Hybrid
Authors: Selleri Tommaso , Melas Anastasios , Ferrarese Christian , Franzetti Jacopo , Giechaskiel Barouch , Suarez-Bertoa Ricardo
Published: July 2022

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are promoted as an alternative to conventional vehicles to meet European decarbonisation and air quality targets. However, several studies have shown that gasoline PHEVs present similar criteria and particulate emissions as their conventional gasoline counterparts. In the present work, we investigate the environmental performance of a modern plug-in hybrid Diesel-fuelled vehicle meeting the Euro 6d standard under a large variety of driving patterns, ambient temperatures, and battery states of charge (SOC). Emissions of regulated pollutants, currently unregulated pollutants, and CO2 were measured in the laboratory and following various on-road routes. The vehicle, whose electric range was 82 km, presented emissions below the Euro 6 regulatory limits in all the different driving cycles performed at 23 °C and all the on-road tests at the different battery SOC. The emissions were lower than the average of the conventional Diesel vehicles tested at JRC in 2020–2021 for all the SOC tested, the exception being solid particle number emissions >23 nm (SPN23) emissions that were comparable at all SOC. Moreover, the emissions obtained with the high voltage battery fully charged during on-road tests were comparable to those obtained with the battery at the minimum SOC for the entire test (ca. 91 km) as well as for the urban section (ca. 36 km). Overall, NOx and SPN23 emissions increased at lower temperatures, showing that at very low temperatures, there is no benefit in terms of particulate emissions from the electric range. Finally, it is shown that the emissions of N2O, the only unregulated pollutant presenting relevant emissions for this vehicle, and which are of catalytic nature, were proportional to the utilisation of the internal combustion engine. The scope of the manuscript is thus to deepen the knowledge on the emission performances of Diesel PHEVs through the systematic testing of a modern representative of this class of vehicles in a wide range of driving and environmental conditions.
New Therapeutic Interventions for Kidney Carcinoma: Looking to the Future
Authors: Dell’Atti Lucio , Bianchi Nicoletta , Aguiari Gianluca
Published: July 2022

Patients suffering from metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) show an overall survival rate of lower than 10% after 5 years from diagnosis. Currently, the first-line treatment for mRCC patients is based on antiangiogenic drugs that are able to inhibit tyrosine kinase receptors (TKI) in combination with immuno-oncology (IO) therapy or IO-IO treatments. Second-line therapy involves the use of other TKIs, immunotherapeutic drugs, and mTOR inhibitors. Nevertheless, many patients treated with mTOR and TK inhibitors acquire drug resistance, making the therapy ineffective. Therefore, the research of new therapeutic targets is crucial for improving the overall survival and quality of life of mRCC patients. The investigation of the molecular basis of RCC, especially in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), has led to the identification of different signaling pathways that are involved in renal carcinogenesis. Most of ccRCCs are associated with mutation in VHL gene, which mediates the degradation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), that, in turn, regulate the pathways related to tumorigenesis, including angiogenesis and invasion. Renal tumorigenesis is also associated with the activation of tyrosine kinases that modulate the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway, promoting cell proliferation and survival. In ccRCC, the abnormal activity of mTOR activates the MDM2 protein, which leads to the degradation of tumor suppressor p53 via proteasome machinery. In addition, p53 may be degraded by autophagy in a mechanism involving the enzyme transglutaminase 2 (TG2). Suppression of wild-type p53 promotes cell growth, invasion, and drug resistance. Finally, the activation of ferroptosis appears to inhibit cancer progression in RCC. In conclusion, these pathways might represent new therapeutic targets for mRCC.
Neutrophil Elastase Increases Vascular Permeability and Leukocyte Transmigration in Cultured Endothelial Cells and Obese Mice
Authors: Ushakumari Chinchu Jagadan , Zhou Qiong L. , Wang Yu-Hua , Na Sijia , Rigor Michael C. , Zhou Cindy Y. , Kroll Max K. , Lin Benjamin D. , Jiang Zhen Y.
Published: July 2022

Neutrophil elastase (NE) plays a pivotal role in inflammation. However, the mechanism underlying NE-mediated inflammation in obesity remains unclear. Here, we report that NE activates protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2), stimulates actin filament (F-actin) formation, decreases intercellular junction molecule VE-cadherin expression, and increases the permeability of human arterial endothelial cells (hECs). NE also prompts degradation of VE-cadherin and its binding proteins p120- and β-catenins via MG132-sensitive proteasomes. NE stimulates phosphorylation of myosin light-chain (MLC) and its regulator myosin phosphatase target subunit-1 (MYPT1), a target of Rho kinase (ROCK). Inhibitors of PAR2 and ROCK prohibit NE-induced F-actin formation, MLC phosphorylation, and VE-cadherin reduction in hECs, and impede monocyte transmigration through hEC monolayer pretreated with either neutrophils or NE. Further, administration of an NE inhibitor GW311616A significantly attenuates vascular leakage, leukocyte infiltration, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the white adipose tissue from high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Likewise, NE-deficient mice are resistant to HFD-induced vascular leakage in the heart. Together, NE regulates actomyosin cytoskeleton activity and VE-cadherin expression by activating PAR2 signaling in the endothelial cells, leading to increased vascular permeability and leukocyte extravasation. Hence, inhibition of NE is a potential approach to mitigate vascular injury and leukocyte infiltration in obesity-related systemic inflammation.
AKT1 Transcriptomic Landscape in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: George Bijesh , Gui Bin , Raguraman Rajeswari , Paul Aswathy Mary , Nakshatri Harikrishna , Pillai Madhavan Radhakrishna , Kumar Rakesh
Published: July 2022

Overexpression and hyperactivation of the serine/threonine protein kinase B (AKT) pathway is one of the most common cellular events in breast cancer progression. However, the nature of AKT1-specific genome-wide transcriptomic alterations in breast cancer cells and breast cancer remains unknown to this point. Here, we delineate the impact of selective AKT1 knock down using gene-specific siRNAs or inhibiting the AKT activity with a pan-AKT inhibitor VIII on the nature of transcriptomic changes in breast cancer cells using the genome-wide RNA-sequencing analysis. We found that changes in the cellular levels of AKT1 lead to changes in the levels of a set of differentially expressed genes and, in turn, imply resulting AKT1 cellular functions. In addition to an expected positive relationship between the status of AKT1 and co-expressed cellular genes, our study unexpectedly discovered an inherent role of AKT1 in inhibiting the expression of a subset of genes in both unstimulated and growth factor stimulated breast cancer cells. We found that depletion of AKT1 leads to upregulation of a subset of genes—many of which are also found to be downregulated in breast tumors with elevated high AKT1 as well as upregulated in breast tumors with no detectable AKT expression. Representative experimental validation studies in two breast cancer cell lines showed a reasonable concurrence between the expression data from the RNA-sequencing and qRT-PCR or data from ex vivo inhibition of AKT1 activity in cancer patient-derived cells. In brief, findings presented here provide a resource for further understanding of AKT1-dependent modulation of gene expression in breast cancer cells and broaden the scope and significance of AKT1 targets and their functions.
Shared and Divergent Epigenetic Mechanisms in Cachexia and Sarcopenia
Authors: Yedigaryan Laura , Gatti Martina , Marini Vittoria , Maraldi Tullia , Sampaolesi Maurilio
Published: July 2022

Significant loss of muscle mass may occur in cachexia and sarcopenia, which are major causes of mortality and disability. Cachexia represents a complex multi-organ syndrome associated with cancer and chronic diseases. It is often characterized by body weight loss, inflammation, and muscle and adipose wasting. Progressive muscle loss is also a hallmark of healthy aging, which is emerging worldwide as a main demographic trend. A great challenge for the health care systems is the age-related decline in functionality which threatens the independence and quality of life of elderly people. This biological decline can also be associated with functional muscle loss, known as sarcopenia. Previous studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play pivotal roles in the development and progression of muscle wasting in both cachexia and sarcopenia. These small non-coding RNAs, often carried in extracellular vesicles, inhibit translation by targeting messenger RNAs, therefore representing potent epigenetic modulators. The molecular mechanisms behind cachexia and sarcopenia, including the expression of specific miRNAs, share common and distinctive trends. The aim of the present review is to compile recent evidence about shared and divergent epigenetic mechanisms, particularly focusing on miRNAs, between cachexia and sarcopenia to understand a facet in the underlying muscle wasting associated with these morbidities and disclose potential therapeutic interventions.
Proteomics Analysis of Antitumor Activity of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Kim Tae-Young , Koh Kwang-Soo , Ju Ji-Min , Kwak Yeon-Ju , Bae Soo-Kyung , Jang Hye-Ock , Kim Da-Sol
Published: July 2022

Oral cancer is a malignant neoplasm of oral cavity. It accounts for approximately 5% of all malignant tumors. Approximately 97% of all oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, followed by adenocarcinomas, and rarely malignant melanomas. It occurs particularly in males (twice as common in males than in females) of middle age (above 40 years). Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. has traditionally been known for its effective antitumor activity and is currently used in China for cancer therapy. A. pilosa Ledeb. has been traditionally used for the treatment of abdominal pain, sore throat, headache, blood discharge, parasitic infections, and eczema in Korea and other Asian countries. Most studies on A. pilosa Ledeb. are related to the leaves and a few investigated the roots of the plant. However, detailed mechanisms of antitumor activity of A. pilosa Ledeb. have not been fully elucidated. Furthermore, to date, there have been no reports on the antitumor effect of A. pilosa Ledeb. in oral squamous cells. In this study, we used proteomic technology to observe changes in proteins related to anticancer activity of A. pilosa Ledeb. and identified target proteins among altered proteins to reveal the underlying mechanism of action.
Advances in Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors
Authors: Malecka-Baturo Kamila
Published: July 2022

The dynamic development of technology, consumer expectations, legal requirements, quality assurance and health safety systems create the need to develop new, highly selective and, at the same time, simple analytical tools [...]
Environmental Contamination with SARS-CoV-2 in Hospital COVID Department: Antigen Test, Real-Time RT-PCR and Virus Isolation
Authors: Rozman Urška , Knez Lea , Novak Goran , Golob Jernej , Pulko Anita , Cimerman Mojca , Ocepek Matjaž , Kuhar Urška , Turk Sonja Šostar
Published: July 2022

Background: With the worldwide outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, an important question about virus transmission via contaminated surfaces is arising; therefore, research is needed to prove the persistence of viable viruses on surfaces. The purpose of the study was to determine the level of surface contamination with SARS-CoV-2 in a university clinical center. Methods: A study of environmental viral contamination in the rooms of an acute COVID department was performed. Rapid qualitative antigen tests, real-time RT-PCR, and virus isolation in cell cultures were used for virus detection. Results: None of the taken samples were antigen positive. The SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 10% of samples: one positive sample in an empty room after cleaning and disinfection; nine positive samples in occupied rooms. No viable virus was recovered on cell cultures. Conclusions: In our research, the rapid antigen tests did not prove to be effective for environmental samples, but we were able to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 10% of samples using the RT-PCR method. The highest proportion of PCR-positive samples was from unused items in occupied multi-bed rooms. No viable virus was detected, therefore, infection by surface transmission is unlikely, but it remains prudent to maintain strict hand and environmental hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment.
Enhancement of the Negative Capacitance Associated with the Dissolution of Silver by Salt Concentrations by Means of Anodic Stripping Voltammetry
Authors: Wang Ru , Aoki Koichi Jeremiah , Chen Jingyuan
Published: July 2022

The amount of anodically dissolved charge of silver by linear sweep stripping voltammetry has been observed to be smaller than that of the potentiostatically deposited charge. The imbalance in the charge is opposite to the participation in the double-layer capacitance. This can be explained in terms of the negative capacitive current, which is caused by dipoles of generated redox charge (Ag+) with counterions (NO3−). Lower concentrations of counterions may suppress the capacitance to retain the equality of the charge. This prediction is examined in this work by the oxidation of silver film at various concentrations of NO3− by anodic stripping voltammetry. The capacitance decreased with a decrease in the salt concentrations less than 0.05 mol dm−3. Low concentrations of salts prevent loss of the anodic charge in electroanalysis. This dependence was related with the lifespan of generated silver nitrate dipoles and is described theoretically.
Australian General Practitioners’ Current Knowledge, Understanding, and Feelings Regarding Breast Density Information and Notification: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dolan Hankiz , McCaffery Kirsten , Houssami Nehmat , Brennan Meagan , Dorrington Melanie , Cvejic Erin , Hersch Jolyn , Verde Angela , Vaccaro Lisa , Nickel Brooke
Published: July 2022

Background: There is a lack of evidence around Australian general practitioners’ (GPs) views of issues surrounding breast density. The current study aimed to quantitatively assess GPs’ current knowledge, understanding, and feelings around breast density information and notification. Methods: This study involved a cross-sectional survey using an online platform to collect quantitative data from Australian GPs. Survey data were analysed with descriptive statistics. Results: A total 60 responses from GPs were analysed. Most (n = 58; 97%) had heard or read about breast density and nearly 90% (n = 52; 87%) have had discussions about breast density with patients. Three-quarters (n = 45; 75%) were supportive of making breast density notification mandatory for patients with dense tissue and a similar proportion (n = 45/58; 78%) felt they need or want more education on breast density. Conclusions: There is strong support for notifying patients of breast density, and interest in further education and training among the surveyed GPs. As GPs play a central role in cancer prevention and control, their involvement in discussions related to breast density notification, evaluation and appraisal of evidence, development of communication strategies, and participation in ongoing research on the topic will be indispensable.