bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secretome of hESC-Derived MSC-like Immune and Matrix Regulatory Cells Mitigate Pulmonary Fibrosis through Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Authors: Hu Wenfeng , Yang Jiali , Xue Jing , Ma Jia , Wu Shuang , Wang Jing , Xu Ranran , Wei Jun , Wang Yujiong , Wang Shuyan , Liu Xiaoming
Published: February 2023

Oxidative stress and inflammation are major drivers in the pathogenesis and progression of pulmonary fibrosis (PF). The mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) secretome has regenerative potential and immunomodulatory functions. Human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived MSC-like immune and matrix regulatory cells (IMRCs) are manufacturable with large-scale good manufacturing practice (GMP) preparation. In the present study, the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties and the therapeutic effect of the secretome of hESC-MSC-IMRC-derived conditioned culture medium (CM) (hESC-MSC-IMRC-CM) were investigated. Results revealed the capacities of hESC-MSC-IMRC-CM to reduce bleomycin (BLM)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in A549 cells. The administration of concentrated hESC-MSC-IMRC-CM significantly alleviated the pathogenesis of PF in lungs of BLM-injured mice, as accessed by pathohistological changes and the expression of ECM and EMT. A mechanistic study further demonstrated that the hESC-MSC-IMRC-CM was able to inhibit BLM-induced ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines, accompanied by a reduced expression of Nox4, Nrf2, Ho-1, and components of the Tlr4/MyD88 signaling cascade. These results provide a proof of concept for the hESC-MSC-IMRC-derived secretome treatment of PF, in part mediated by their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. This study thus reinforces the development of ready-to-use, cell-free hESC-MSC-IMRC secretome biomedicine for the treatment of PF in clinical settings.
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Type 2 Diabetes, and Non-viral Hepatocarcinoma: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and New Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Vetrano Erica , Rinaldi Luca , Mormone Andrea , Giorgione Chiara , Galiero Raffaele , Caturano Alfredo , Nevola Riccardo , Marfella Raffaele , Sasso Ferdinando Carlo
Published: February 2023

In recent years, the incidence of non-viral hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has increased dramatically, which is probably related to the increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome, together with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Several epidemiological studies have established the association between T2DM and the incidence of HCC and have demonstrated the role of diabetes mellitus as an independent risk factor for the development of HCC. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progression to Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis are various and involve pro-inflammatory agents, oxidative stress, apoptosis, adipokines, JNK-1 activation, increased IGF-1 activity, immunomodulation, and alteration of the gut microbiota. Moreover, these mechanisms are thought to play a significant role in the development of NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Early diagnosis and the timely correction of risk factors are essential to prevent the onset of liver fibrosis and HCC. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence on the association among obesity, NASH/NAFLD, T2DM, and HCC, with an emphasis on clinical impact. In addition, we will examine the main mechanisms underlying this complex relationship, and the promising strategies that have recently emerged for these diseases’ treatments.
Dynapenia, Muscle Quality, and Hepatic Steatosis in Patients with Obesity and Sarcopenic Obesity
Authors: Frigerio Francesco , De Marinis Maria , Camardella Francesca , Cantisani Vito , Pinto Alessandro , Bernardi Marco , Lubrano Carla , Gnessi Lucio , Federici Massimo , Donini Lorenzo Maria , Poggiogalle Eleonora
Published: February 2023

Accumulating evidence supports a connection between sarcopenic obesity (SO) and NAFLD. The extent to which fatty liver contributes to impaired muscle contractility is not yet well established. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of NAFLD on dynapenia in patients with SO. In this study, 71 non-diabetic subjects (age 55 (7.8) years, BMI 35.2 kg/m2 (32.6–38.8)) were classified as having SO and non-sarcopenic obesity (NSO). SO patients displayed worse serum lipid profiles, higher body fat, and lower skeletal muscle mass (both total and appendicular) than NSO patients, despite the absence of any significant differences in body weight, glycometabolic parameters, and hepatic steatosis prevalence. A positive correlation between disposition index and muscle quality index (MQI) (r = 0.393, p = 0.013) emerged after controlling for menopause and body fat percentage. Based on multiple linear regression analysis, MQI was significantly positively associated with the disposition index (β: 0.059, SE: 0.002, p = 0.006) after adjustment for menopause, body fat percentage, and the presence of hepatic steatosis according to the hepatorenal index (HRI). Similar findings emerged when including liver enzyme levels in place of hepatic steatosis. Muscle quality was positively associated with β-cell function corrected for insulin resistance among patients with obesity and sarcopenic obesity, irrespective of the presence of fatty liver disease.
Nano-Enabled Strategies for the Treatment of Lung Cancer: Potential Bottlenecks and Future Perspectives
Authors: Alshammari Mohammed Kanan , Almomen Eman Yaser , Alshahrani Kholoud Falah , Altwalah Shroog Farhan , Kamal Mehnaz , Al-Twallah May Faiz , Alsanad Suheir Hassan , Al-Batti Mariam Hassan , Al-Rasheed Faisal Jarallah , Alsalamah Abdulaziz Yousef , Alhazza Mohammed Bader , Alasmari Faisal Abdu , Abida  , Imran Mohd
Published: February 2023

On a global scale, lung cancer is acknowledged to be the major driver of cancer death attributable to treatment challenges and poor prognosis. Classical cancer treatment regimens, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, can be used to treat lung cancer, but the appended adverse effects limit them. Because of the numerous side effects associated with these treatment modalities, it is crucial to strive to develop novel and better strategies for managing lung cancer. Attributes such as enhanced bioavailability, better in vivo stability, intestinal absorption pattern, solubility, prolonged and targeted distribution, and the superior therapeutic effectiveness of numerous anticancer drugs have all been boosted with the emergence of nano-based therapeutic systems. Lipid-based polymeric and inorganic nano-formulations are now being explored for the targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics for lung cancer treatment. Nano-based approaches are pioneering the route for primary and metastatic lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The implementation and development of innovative nanocarriers for drug administration, particularly for developing cancer therapies, is an intriguing and challenging task in the scientific domain. The current article provides an overview of the delivery methods, such as passive and active targeting for chemotherapeutics to treat lung cancer. Combinatorial drug therapy and techniques to overcome drug resistance in lung cancer cells, as potential ways to increase treatment effectiveness, are also discussed. In addition, the clinical studies of the potential therapies at different stages and the associated challenges are also presented. A summary of patent literature has also been included to keep readers aware of the new and innovative nanotechnology-based ways to treat lung cancer.
Axonal Guidance Using Biofunctionalized Straining Flow Spinning Regenerated Silk Fibroin Fibers as Scaffold
Authors: Castro-Domínguez Cristina , Lozano-Picazo Paloma , Álvarez-López Aroa , Garrote-Junco Javier , Panetsos Fivos , Guinea Gustavo V. , Elices Manuel , Rojo Francisco Javier , González-Nieto Daniel , Colchero Luis , Ramos Milagros , Pérez-Rigueiro José
Published: February 2023

After an injury, the limited regenerative capacity of the central nervous system makes the reconnection and functional recovery of the affected nervous tissue almost impossible. To address this problem, biomaterials appear as a promising option for the design of scaffolds that promote and guide this regenerative process. Based on previous seminal works on the ability of regenerated silk fibroin fibers spun through the straining flow spinning (SFS) technique, this study is intended to show that the usage of functionalized SFS fibers allows an enhancement of the guidance ability of the material when compared with the control (nonfunctionalized) fibers. It is shown that the axons of the neurons not only tend to follow the path marked by the fibers, in contrast to the isotropic growth observed on conventional culture plates, but also that this guidance can be further modulated through the biofunctionalization of the material with adhesion peptides. Establishing the guidance ability of these fibers opens the possibility of their use as implants for spinal cord injuries, so that they may represent the core of a therapy that would allow the reconnection of the injured ends of the spinal cord.
Controlling a One-Legged Robot to Clear Obstacles by Combining the SLIP Model with Air Trajectory Planning
Authors: Huang Senwei , Zhang Xiuli
Published: February 2023

Legged animals can adapt to complex terrains because they can step or jump over obstacles. Their application of foot force is determined according to the estimation of the height of an obstacle; then, the trajectory of the legs is controlled to clear the obstacle. In this paper, we designed a three-DoF one-legged robot. A spring-loaded inverted pendulum model was employed to control the jumping. Herein, the jumping height was mapped to the foot force by mimicking the jumping control mechanisms of animals. The foot trajectory in the air was planned using the Bézier curve. Finally, the experiments of the one-legged robot jumping over multiple obstacles of different heights were implemented in the PyBullet simulation environment. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the method proposed in this paper.
Study on Performance Simulation of Vascular-like Flow Channel Model Based on TPMS Structure
Authors: Shi Jianping , Wei Fuyin , Chouraki Bilal , Sun Xianglong , Wei Jiayu , Zhu Liya
Published: February 2023

In medical validation experiments, such as drug testing and clinical trials, 3D bioprinted biomimetic tissues, especially those containing blood vessels, can be used to replace animal models. The difficulty in the viability of printed biomimetic tissues, in general, lies in the provision of adequate oxygen and nutrients to the internal regions. This is to ensure normal cellular metabolic activity. The construction of a flow channel network in the tissue is an effective way to address this challenge by both allowing nutrients to diffuse and providing sufficient nutrients for internal cell growth and by removing metabolic waste in a timely manner. In this paper, a three-dimensional TPMS vascular flow channel network model was developed and simulated to analyse the effect of perfusion pressure on blood flow rate and vascular-like flow channel wall pressure when the perfusion pressure varies. Based on the simulation results, the in vitro perfusion culture parameters were optimised to improve the structure of the porous structure model of the vascular-like flow channel, avoiding perfusion failure due to unreasonable perfusion pressure settings or necrosis of cells without sufficient nutrients due to the lack of fluid passing through some of the channels, and the research work promotes the development of tissue engineering in vitro culture.
Agaricus bisporus Wild Mushroom Extract as Lectin Source for Engineering a Lactose Photoelectrochemical Biosensor
Authors: Santos André O. , Abrantes-Coutinho Vanessa E. , Morais Simone , Oliveira Thiago M. B. F.
Published: February 2023

Agaricus bisporus mushroom biomass contains a lectin, ABL, with remarkable specificity for lactose biorecognition; in this work, this feature was explored to develop a photoelectrochemical biosensor. The high lectin activity found in saline extracts of this macrofungus (640 HU mL−1), even at critical pH values (4–10) and temperatures (20–100 °C), allowed its direct use as an ABL source. Theoretical and experimental evidence revealed favorable electrostatic and biocompatible conditions to immobilize ABL on a poly(methylene blue)/fluorine-doped tin oxide-coated glass platform, giving rise to the ABL/PMB/FTO biosensor. The conducting polymer added further photoactivity to the device, allowing the identification of lectin–carbohydrate interactions with even greater sensitivity. The dose–response curves studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed a sigmoidal profile that was well-fitted by Hill’s equation, expanding the working dynamic range (15–540 nmol L−1 lactose; 20.2 pmol L−1 detection limit) and avoiding undesirable sample dilution or preconcentration procedures. Under the optimized photoelectrochemical conditions, the ABL/PMB/FTO biosensor showed remarkable signal stability, accuracy, specificity, and selectivity to analyze lactose in commercial food products. This research raises interest in ABL-based biosensors and the added value of the crude Agaricus bisporus extract toward the development of greener and more sustainable biotechnological approaches.
A Single Aptamer-Dependent Sandwich-Type Biosensor for the Colorimetric Detection of Cancer Cells via Direct Coordinately Binding of Bare Bimetallic Metal–Organic Framework-Based Nanozymes
Authors: Zhu Yuhui , Fang Xueting , Lv Xiaofei , Lu Meijun , Xu Hui , Hu Shengqiang , Zhao Shulin , Ye Fanggui
Published: February 2023

A typical colorimetric sandwich-type sensor relies on dual antibodies/aptamers to specifically visualize the targets. The requirement of dual antibodies/aptamers and low signal intensity inevitably increases the design difficulty and compromises the sensing sensitivity. In this work, a novel sandwich-type aptasensor was developed using single aptamer-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as a specific recognition unit to target cancer cells and a bimetallic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)-based nanozymes as a colorimetric signal amplification unit. The well-defined crystalline structure of UIO-66 MOFs enabled the introduction of Fe/Zr bimetal nodes, which possessed integrated properties of the peroxidase-like nanozyme activity and direct coordinately binding to the cell surface. Such a novel construction strategy of sandwich-type aptasensors achieved simple, sensitive, and specific detection of the target cancer cells, which will inspire the development of biosensors.
Visual/Photoelectrochemical Off-On Sensor Based on Cu/Mn Double-Doped CeO2 and Branched Sheet Embedded Cu2O/CuO Nanocubes
Authors: Shi Huihui , Che Yanfei , Rong Yumeng , Wang Jiajun , Wang Yanhu , Yu Jinghua , Zhang Yan
Published: February 2023

An integrated dual-signal bioassay was devised to fulfil thrombin (TB) ultrasensitive detection by integrating visualization with the photoelectrochemical technique based on G-quadruplex/hemin. During the process, branched sheet embedded copper-based oxides prepared with illumination and alkaline condition play a vital role in obtaining the desirable photocurrent. The switchover of photoelectrochemical signal was realized by the adjustable distance between electron acceptor G-quadruplex/hemin and interface materials due to dissociation of the Cu/Mn double-doped cerium dioxide (CuMn@CeO2)/DNA caused by the addition of TB. Then, CuMn@CeO2 transferred onto visual zones triggered catalytic reactions under the existence of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine and hydrogen peroxide, making a variation in color recognized by the naked eye and providing visual prediction. Under optimized conditions, this bioassay protocol demonstrated wide linear ranges (0.0001–50 nM), high selectivity, stability, and reproducibility. More importantly, the proposed visual/photoelectrochemical transduction mechanism platform exhibits a lower background signal and more reliable detection results, which also offers an effective way for detecting other proteins and nucleic acids.
Development of a Point-of-Care SPR Sensor for the Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Choudhary Sunil , Altintas Zeynep
Published: February 2023

A novel point-of-care surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor was developed for the sensitive and real-time detection of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) using epitope-imprinted molecular receptors. The surface coverage of a nano-molecularly imprinted polymer (nanoMIP)-functionalized SPR sensor chip and the size of nanoMIPs (155.7 nm) were characterized using fluorescence microscopy and dynamic light scattering techniques, respectively. Atomic force microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, square wave voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry techniques confirmed the successful implementation of each step of the sensor fabrication. The SPR bio-detection assay was initially established by targeting the cTnI peptide template, and the sensor allowed the detection of the peptide in the concentration range of 100–1000 nM with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.96 and limit of detection (LOD) of 76.47 nM. The optimum assay conditions for protein recognition were subsequently determined, and the cTnI biomarker could be detected in a wide concentration range (0.78–50 ng mL−1) with high reproducibility (R2 = 0.91) and sensitivity (LOD: 0.52 ng mL−1). The overall sensor results were subjected to three binding isotherm models, where nanoMIP-cTnI interaction followed the Langmuir binding isotherm with the dissociation constant of 2.99 × 10−11 M, indicating a very strong affinity between the cTnI biomarker and epitope-imprinted synthetic receptor. Furthermore, the selectivity of the sensor was confirmed through studying with a control nanoMIP that was prepared by imprinting a non-specific peptide template. Based on the cross-reactivity tests with non-specific molecules (i.e., glucose, p53 protein, transferrin and bovine serum albumin), the nanoMIP-SPR sensor is highly specific for the target biomarker. The developed biomimetic sensor, relying on the direct assay strategy, holds great potential not only for the early and point-of-care testing of acute myocardial infarction but also for other life-threatening diseases that can be diagnosed by determining the elevated levels of certain biomarkers.
Development of a Multi-Asset Risk Assessment Algorithm in the Context of Home Energy Management
Authors: Ottonello Davide , Fermi Alessandro , Ravizza Daniele , Barbagelata Marco , Karatzas Stylianos , Chassiakos Athanasios , Papamanolis Antonis
Published: February 2023

Risk management has become an important concern in the light of current developments in the home energy management sector as well as within the broader considerations regarding the building sector’s energy production and consumption paradigm. The current multi-parameter energy ecosystem structure raises a number of new challenges that require a reliable and robust risk management framework to assist in building management decision making. This paper presents a multi asset risk assessment algorithm, which is part of a risk management application developed for residential buildings within the framework of energy communities and digital energy markets. It describes the logic, principles, and operation of the algorithm, as well as the functionalities related to risk analysis and result visualization. This underpins the necessary means to monitor elements of a home energy system as well as tools for risk prevention and mitigation. The proposed application provides accurate, detailed, and easy to use information to assist decision makers and stakeholders in the context of smart home energy management systems.
Compressive Test Investigation and Numerical Simulation of Polyvinyl-Alcohol (PVA)-Fiber-Reinforced Rubber Concrete
Authors: Feng Yong , Niu Zijuan , Zhao Chen , Li Lijuan
Published: February 2023

To investigate the mechanical properties of polyvinyl-alcohol (PVA)-fiber-reinforced rubber concrete, 13 groups of PVA rubber/concrete specimens with PVA volume fractions of 0%, 0.5 vol%, 1.0 vol%, and 1.5 vol% and rubber particles with volume replacement sand ratios of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% were prepared, and the uniaxial compression full curve test was performed. The findings indicate that the bridging effect of PVA, as well as the synergistic effect of PVA and rubber particles, can improve the compressive properties of concrete, and the failure of the specimens demonstrates obvious ductile characteristics. Furthermore, PVA has a better impact on rubber concrete’s bearing capacity, crack propagation of the failure surface, and compressive strength in the latter stages. PVA-fiber-reinforced rubber concrete is thought to be a six-phase composite made up of the aggregate phase, mortar matrix, PVA fiber, rubber particles, aggregate–mortar interface, and rubber–mortar interface on the mesoscale. To simulate the entire process of concrete with varying PVA rubber/content from integrity to damage and cracking, a meso-numerical model of PVA rubber/concrete was constructed. The simulation results and test results are in good agreement, demonstrating the validity of the mesomodel and offering a theoretical foundation for the structural analysis and design of this type of concrete.
Shear and Punching Capacity Predictions for One-Way Slabs under Concentrated Loads Considering the Transition between Failure Mechanisms
Authors: de Sousa Alex Micael Dantas , Lantsoght Eva Olivia Leontien , El Debs Mounir Khalil
Published: February 2023

Reinforced concrete one-way slabs under concentrated loads can develop different shear failure mechanisms: as wide beams in one-way shear, punching shear around the load or a mixed mode between them. Until now, most publications presented recommendations to assess the shear capacity considering only the one-way shear failure mechanism. This study proposed developing recommendations to assess both the one-way shear and punching shear capacity of such slabs. Different codes of practice were addressed, including the current Eurocode and fib Model Code 2010 expressions. The recommendations were validated against 143 test results from the literature. Following these recommendations, one-way shear and punching capacities predictions achieved enhanced and almost the same level of accuracy.
Research and Perspectives on Fire-Fighting Systems in Tunnels under Strong Piston Wind Action
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyi , Shu Zhile , Pei Xiangjun
Published: February 2023

Guided by the technical requirements for tunnel fire safety, an overview of tunnel piston wind, combustion models, and full-size and small tunnel fire tests is presented. Firstly, the theoretical model and numerical calculation methods for piston wind tunnel fires are presented from the perspective of numerical simulation. Then, full-scale and small-scale test models for tunnel fires are presented, and the advantages and disadvantages of single-row, multi-row, single-fire source, and multi-fire source test methods are described. Finally, key breakthrough directions for future numerical and experimental research on piston winds and tunnel fires are proposed, specifically the mastery of underground tunnel fire development prediction methods. This involves mastering the full-scene elemental fire testing technology for underground tunnel operation systems; developing multi-channel data acquisition technology for fire tests under the effect of multiple disturbances such as high temperature and high humidity; and mastering the smoke flow law during fires in complex tunnel projects.
Fire Resistance of Reinforced Concrete T-Beams with Circular Web Openings
Authors: Jin Xianhong , Xu Yuye , Zhu Wenjun , Zhang Dashan
Published: February 2023

The flexural performances of a solid reinforced concrete (RC) T-beam and three RC T-beams with circular openings subjected to the ISO-834 standard fire were experimentally studied. The failure mode, fire resistance, time-deflection curve, and mid-span deflection recovery of the RC T-beams were analyzed by considering the factors such as the bottom chord depth and the stirrup status (refers to whether the stirrups were cut off when drilling). The results showed that the fire resistance of the RC T-beam with a 220 mm bottom chord was almost the same as that of the solid beam and both failed in ductile modes; however, the fire resistance of the RC T-beam with a 100 mm bottom chord was 18.9% lower than that of the solid beam and failed in a brittle mode. Whether the stirrups of the pure bending section were cut off when drilling had little effect on the fire resistance of the RC T-beam. Numerical simulations were also validated to study the mechanical properties influenced by the bottom chord depth. Finally, a simplified method of high precision was proposed to deduce flexural capacities of RC T-beams with circular openings under fire.
Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Joint Optimization Control of Indoor Temperature and Relative Humidity in Office Buildings
Authors: Chen Changcheng , An Jingjing , Wang Chuang , Duan Xiaorong , Lu Shiyu , Che Hangyu , Qi Meiwei , Yan Da
Published: February 2023

Indoor temperature and relative humidity control in office buildings is crucial, which can affect thermal comfort, work efficiency, and even health of the occupants. In China, fan coil units (FCUs) are widely used as air-conditioning equipment in office buildings. Currently, conventional FCU control methods often ignore the impact of indoor relative humidity on building occupants by focusing only on indoor temperature as a single control object. This study used FCUs with a fresh-air system in an office building in Beijing as the research object and proposed a deep reinforcement learning (RL) control algorithm to adjust the air supply volume for the FCUs. To improve the joint control satisfaction rate of indoor temperature and relative humidity, the proposed RL algorithm adopted the deep Q-network algorithm. To train the RL algorithm, a detailed simulation environment model was established in the Transient System Simulation Tool (TRNSYS), including a building model and FCUs with a fresh-air system model. The simulation environment model can interact with the RL agent in real time through a self-developed TRNSYS–Python co-simulation platform. The RL algorithm was trained, tested, and evaluated based on the simulation environment model. The results indicate that compared with the traditional on/off and rule-based controllers, the RL algorithm proposed in this study can increase the joint control satisfaction rate of indoor temperature and relative humidity by 12.66% and 9.5%, respectively. This study provides preliminary direction for a deep reinforcement learning control strategy for indoor temperature and relative humidity in office building heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Numerical Study on the Dynamic Behaviors of Masonry Wall under Far-Range Explosions
Authors: Zhang Yi , Hu Jiahui , Zhao Wenda , Hu Feng , Yu Xiao
Published: February 2023

As a common enclosure structure, masonry walls are widely used in various types of buildings. However, due to the weak out-of-plane resistance of masonry walls and the generally brittle properties of the materials used for blocks, they are highly susceptible to collapse under blast loads and produce high-speed splash fragments, which seriously threatens the safety of personnel and equipment inside buildings. In this paper, based on the existing tests, a refined numerical simulation model was established to carry out numerical studies of clay tile walls and grouted CMU masonry infill walls under far-range blast loads, and the applicability of the finite element model and parameters were verified. Further, the effects of wall boundary configuration, constraints and dimensions on the dynamic response of the walls were carried out. The results show that: the load distribution on the wall is relatively uniform under the far-range explosion and can be considered as uniform load; the blast-resistant performance of the wall can be enhanced by increasing the grouting rate and the uniformity of grout hole distribution; the boundary configuration of the wall has little effect on the blast resistance, while the boundary constraints and the length and width are the main factors affecting the blast resistance of the wall.
Does Digital City Construction Contribute to Air Pollution Control? Evidence from China
Authors: Yang Zhen , Gao Weijun , Wang Chune , Li Jiawei
Published: February 2023

With the quick advancement of new generation information technologies like the Internet, big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, digitalization is emerging as a crucial tool for restructuring factor resources, reshaping the economic landscape, and altering competitiveness. However, there is no literature on the impact and mechanism of digitalization on environmental pollution management. Thus, this study measured the level of digital development in each province using principal component analysis based on panel data of 30 Chinese provinces during 2006–2019. On this basis, the impact of digitalization on haze and its mechanisms were explored using regression models and mediating effect models, respectively. The findings demonstrate that (1) haze pollution may be reduced through digital progresses, and there is an inverse U-shaped non-linear link between them, that is, as digital technology is refined, its impact on haze pollution shifts from facilitation to suppression; (2) digital development can reduce haze pollution by promoting technological innovation and improving the efficiency of environmental management; and (3) there is regional heterogeneity in the influence of digitalization on air pollution. In heavily polluted areas, the suppression effect of digital technology on air pollution is more than three times that of other areas. The goal of this study is to investigate how digitalization affects haze pollution and its mechanisms, as well as to offer some scientific guidance for China’s efforts to build a “Digital China” under the banner of digitalization.
Feasibility of Digital Twins to Manage the Operational Risks in the Production of a Ready-Mix Concrete Plant
Authors: Weerapura Vihan , Sugathadasa Ranil , De Silva M. Mavin , Nielsen Izabela , Thibbotuwawa Amila
Published: February 2023

The ready-mix concrete supply chain is highly disruptive due to its product perishability and Just-in-Time (JIT) production style. A lack of technology makes the ready-mix concrete (RMC) industry suffer from frequent production failures, ultimately causing high customer dissatisfaction and loss of revenues. In this paper, we propose the first-ever digital twin (DT) system in the RMC industry that can serve as a decision support tool to manage production risk efficiently and effectively via predictive maintenance. This study focuses on the feasibility of digital twins for the RMC industry in three main areas holistically: (1) the technical feasibility of the digital twin system for ready-mix concrete plant production risk management; (2) the business value of the proposed product to the construction industry; (3) the challenges of implementation in the real-world RMC industry. The proposed digital twin system consists of three main phases: (1) an IoT system to get the real-time production cycle times; (2) a digital twin operational working model with descriptive analytics; (3) an advanced analytical dashboard with predictive analytics to make predictive maintenance decisions. Our proposed digital twin solution can provide efficient and interpretable predictive maintenance insights in real time based on anomaly detection, production bottleneck identification, process disruption forecast and cycle time analysis. Finally, this study emphasizes that state-of-the-art solutions such as digital twins can effectively manage the production risks of ready-mix concrete plants by automatically detecting and predicting the bottlenecks without waiting until a production failure happens to react.
G-C3N4 Dots Decorated with Hetaerolite: Visible-Light Photocatalyst for Degradation of Organic Contaminants
Authors: Lahootifar Zahra , Habibi-Yangjeh Aziz , Rahim Pouran Shima , Khataee Alireza
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a facile hydrothermal approach was used to integrate graphitic carbon nitride dots (CNDs) with hetaerolite (ZnMn2O4) at different weight percentages. The morphology, microstructure, texture, electronic, phase composition, and electrochemical properties were identified by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance (UV-vis DR), photoluminescence (PL), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH), and photocurrent density. The results of XRD, FT-IR, EDX, and XPS analyses confirmed the synthesis of CNDs/ZnMn2O4 (20%) nanocomposite. As per PL, EIS, and photocurrent outcomes, the binary CNDs/ZnMn2O4 nanocomposite revealed superior features for interfacial transferring of charge carriers. The developed p–n heterojunction at the interface of CNDs and ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles partaken a significant role in the impressive charge segregation and migration. The binary nanocomposites were employed for the photodegradation of several dye pollutants, including rhodamine B (RhB), fuchsin, malachite green (MG), and methylene blue (MB) at visible wavelengths. Amongst the fabricated photocatalysts, the CNDs/ZnMn2O4 (20%) nanocomposite gave rise to about 98% RhB degradation efficiency within 45 min with the rate constant of 747 × 10−4 min−1, which was 66.5-, 3.44-, and 2.72-fold superior to the activities of CN, CNDs, and ZnMn2O4 photocatalysts, respectively. The impressive photodegradation performance of this nanocomposite was not only associated with the capacity for impressive visible-light absorption and boosted separation and transport of charge carriers, but also with its large surface area.
Catalytic Low-Temperature Thermolysis of Heavy Oil in the Presence of Fullerene C60 Nanoparticles in Aquatic and N2 Medium
Authors: Abdelsalam Yasser I. I. , Aliev Firdavs A. , Khamidullin Renat F. , Dengaev Aleksey V. , Katnov Vladimir E. , Vakhin Alexey V.
Published: February 2023

Catalytic thermolysis is considered to be an effective process for viscosity reduction, the conversion of high-molecular components of oil (resins and asphaltenes) into light hydrocarbons, and the desulfurization of hydrocarbons. In this paper, we conducted non-catalytic and catalytic thermolysis of a heavy oil sample isolated from the Ashalcha oil field (Tatarstan, Russia) at a temperature of 250 °C. Fullerene C60 nanoparticles were applied to promote selective low-temperature thermolytic reactions in the heavy oil, which increase the depth of heavy oil upgrading and enhance the flow behavior of viscous crude oil. In addition, the influence of water content on the performance of heavy oil thermolysis was evaluated. It was found that water contributes to the cracking of high-molecular components such as resins and asphaltenes. The destruction products lead to the improvement of group and fractional components of crude oil. The results of the experiments showed that the content of asphaltenes after the aquatic thermolysis of the heavy oil sample in the presence of fullerene C60 was reduced by 35% in contrast to the initial crude oil sample. The destructive hydrogenation processes resulted in the irreversible viscosity reduction of the heavy oil sample from 3110 mPa.s to 2081 mPa.s measured at a temperature of 20 °C. Thus, the feasibility of using fullerene C60 as an additive in order to increase the yield of light fractions and reduce viscosity is confirmed.
Masuda Borylation–Suzuki Coupling (MBSC) Sequence: A One-Pot Process to Access Complex (hetero)Biaryls
Authors: Kruppa Marco , Müller Thomas J. J.
Published: February 2023

The direct formation of (hetero)biaryls from readily available (hetero)aryl halides under mild reaction conditions can be efficiently achieved through the Masuda borylation–Suzuki coupling (MBSC) sequence. The MBSC sequence catenates Pd-catalyzed Masuda borylation and Suzuki coupling into a one-pot process, giving access to diverse symmetrically and unsymmetrically substituted scaffolds. (Hetero)biaryls are ubiquitous structural motifs that appear in natural products, pharmaceutically relevant scaffolds, functional dyes, and several other structures. This review summarizes the development of the MBSC sequence and its improvements over the past two decades.
An Efficient Asymmetric Cross-Coupling Reaction in Aqueous Media Mediated by Chiral Chelating Mono Phosphane Atropisomeric Biaryl Ligand
Authors: Kapłon Katarzyna , Frynas Sławomir , Mirosław Barbara , Lipkowski Janusz , Demchuk Oleg M.
Published: February 2023

The enantiomerically pure ligand BisNap-Phos was obtained in a straightforward sequence of reactions beginning with inexpensive starting materials under the readily affordable conditions in high overall yield. An asymmetric BisNap-Phos-palladium complex-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura coupling leading to axially chiral biaryl compounds was described. The reactions were carried out under mild conditions in aqueous and organic media. A series of atropisomeric biaryls were synthesized with excellent yields and high enantioselectivities (up to 86% ee). The methodology provides an efficient and practical strategy for the synthesis of novel multifunctionalized axially chiral biaryl compounds under mild environmentally friendly and easily affordable conditions.
Synthesis of Rape Pollen-Fe2O3 Biohybrid Catalyst and Its Application on Photocatalytic Degradation and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Gu Jialin , Ma Yanping , Li Xinshang , Li Shuwen , Chen Siyi , Cao Yuxuan , Lu Yifan , Zhang Rui , Zhou Wenquan , Wang He , Jiang Jiangang
Published: February 2023

The efficient biohybrid photocatalysts were prepared with different weight ratios of Fe2O3 and treated rape pollen (TRP). The synthesized samples were characterized by different analytical techniques. The results showed that carbonized rape pollen had a three-dimensional skeleton and granular Fe2O3 uniformly covered the surface of TRP. The Fe2O3/TRP samples were used for degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) and Escherichia Coli (E. coli) disinfection in water under visible light. The degradation of MB and inactivation of E. coli was achieved to 93.7% in 300 min and 99.14% in 100 min, respectively. We also explored the mechanism during the reaction process, where reactive oxygen species (ROS) including hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals play a major role throughout the reaction process. This work provides new ideas for the preparation of high-performance photocatalysts by combining semiconductors with earth-abundant biomaterials.
Exploring the Interactions of Oncolytic Viral Therapy and Immunotherapy of Anti-CTLA-4 for Malignant Melanoma Mice Model
Authors: Yu Jui-Ling , Jang Sophia R.-J. , Liu Kwei-Yan
Published: February 2023

Oncolytic ability to direct target and lyse tumor cells makes oncolytic virus therapy (OVT) a promising approach to treating cancer. Despite its therapeutic potential to stimulate anti-tumor immune responses, it also has immunosuppressive effects. The efficacy of OVTs as monotherapies can be enhanced by appropriate adjuvant therapy such as anti-CTLA-4. In this paper, we propose a mathematical model to explore the interactions of combined therapy of oncolytic viruses and a checkpoint inhibitor, anti-CTLA-4. The model incorporates both the susceptible and infected tumor populations, natural killer cell population, virus population, tumor-specific immune populations, virus-specific immune populations, tumor suppressive cytokine IFN-g, and the effect of immune checkpoint inhibitor CTLA-4. In particular, we distinguish the tumor-specific immune abilities of CD8+ T, NK cells, and CD4+ T cells and describe the destructive ability of cytokine on tumor cells as well as the inhibitory capacity of CTLA-4 on various components. Our model is validated through the experimental results. We also investigate various dosing strategies to improve treatment outcomes. Our study reveals that tumor killing rate by cytokines, cytokine decay rate, and tumor growth rate play important roles on both the OVT monotherapy and the combination therapy. Moreover, parameters related to CD8+ T cell killing have a large impact on treatment outcomes with OVT alone, whereas parameters associated with IFN-g strongly influence treatment responses for the combined therapy. We also found that virus killing by NK cells may halt the desired spread of OVs and enhance the probability of tumor escape during the treatment. Our study reveals that it is the activation of host anti-tumor immune system responses rather than its direct destruction of the tumor cells plays a major biological function of the combined therapy.
The Role of Growth Hormone and Insulin Growth Factor 1 in the Development of Non-Alcoholic Steato-Hepatitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cristin Luca , Montini Amalia , Martinino Alessandro , Scarano Pereira Juan Pablo , Giovinazzo Francesco , Agnes Salvatore
Published: February 2023

Diabetic and obese patients have a high prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition groups a spectrum of conditions varying from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), with or without fibrosis. Multiple factors are involved in the development of NAFLD. However, details about its pathogenesis and factors that promote the progression to NASH are still missing. Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) regulate metabolic, immune, and hepatic stellate cell functions. Increasing evidence suggests they may have roles in the progression from NAFLD to NASH. Following the PRISMA reporting guidelines, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate all clinical and experimental studies published in the literature correlating GH and IGF-1 to inflammation and fibrosis in NAFLD and NASH. Our results showed that GH and IGF-1 have a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of NASH, acting in slightly different ways to produce a synergic effect. Indeed, GH may mediate its protective effect in the pathogenesis of NASH by regulating lipogenesis pathways, while IGF-1 has the same effect by regulating cholesterol transport. Therefore, they could be used as therapeutic strategies in preventing NAFLD progression to NASH.
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Associating Obesity to Bone Loss
Authors: Forte Yasmin Silva , Renovato-Martins Mariana , Barja-Fidalgo Christina
Published: February 2023

Obesity is an alarming disease that favors the upset of other illnesses and enhances mortality. It is spreading fast worldwide may affect more than 1 billion people by 2030. The imbalance between excessive food ingestion and less energy expenditure leads to pathological adipose tissue expansion, characterized by increased production of proinflammatory mediators with harmful interferences in the whole organism. Bone tissue is one of those target tissues in obesity. Bone is a mineralized connective tissue that is constantly renewed to maintain its mechanical properties. Osteoblasts are responsible for extracellular matrix synthesis, while osteoclasts resorb damaged bone, and the osteocytes have a regulatory role in this process, releasing growth factors and other proteins. A balanced activity among these actors is necessary for healthy bone remodeling. In obesity, several mechanisms may trigger incorrect remodeling, increasing bone resorption to the detriment of bone formation rates. Thus, excessive weight gain may represent higher bone fragility and fracture risk. This review highlights recent insights on the central mechanisms related to obesity-associated abnormal bone. Publications from the last ten years have shown that the main molecular mechanisms associated with obesity and bone loss involve: proinflammatory adipokines and osteokines production, oxidative stress, non-coding RNA interference, insulin resistance, and changes in gut microbiota. The data collection unveils new targets for prevention and putative therapeutic tools against unbalancing bone metabolism during obesity.
Potential miRNA Use as a Biomarker: From Breast Cancer Diagnosis to Metastasis
Authors: Jordan-Alejandre Euclides , Campos-Parra Alma D. , Castro-López Dora Luz , Silva-Cázares Macrina Beatriz
Published: February 2023

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Despite advances in diagnosis and prognosis, distal metastases occur in these patients in up to 15% of cases within 3 years of diagnosis. The main organs in which BC metastasises are the bones, lungs, liver, and brain. Unfortunately, 90% of metastatic patients will die, making this an incurable disease. Researchers are therefore seeking biomarkers for diagnosis and metastasis in different organs. Optimally, such biomarkers should be easy to detect using, preferably, non-invasive methods, such as using miRNA molecules, which are small molecules of about 22 nt that have as their main function the post-transcriptional regulation of genes. Furthermore, due to their uncomplicated detection and reproducibility in the laboratory, they are a tool of complementary interest for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. With this in mind, in this review, we focus on describing the most current studies that propose using miRNA independently as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prediction of brain, lung, liver, and bone metastases, as well as to open a window of opportunity to deepen this area of study to eventually use miRNAs molecules in clinical practice for the benefit of BC patients.
Extracellular Vesicles in Aging: An Emerging Hallmark?
Authors: Manni Giorgia , Buratta Sandra , Pallotta Maria Teresa , Chiasserini Davide , Di Michele Alessandro , Emiliani Carla , Giovagnoli Stefano , Pascucci Luisa , Romani Rita , Bellezza Ilaria , Urbanelli Lorena , Fallarino Francesca
Published: February 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-enclosed particles secreted by cells and circulating in body fluids. Initially considered as a tool to dispose of unnecessary material, they are now considered an additional method to transmit cell signals. Aging is characterized by a progressive impairment of the physiological functions of tissues and organs. The causes of aging are complex and interconnected, but there is consensus that genomic instability, telomere erosion, epigenetic alteration, and defective proteostasis are primary hallmarks of the aging process. Recent studies have provided evidence that many of these primary stresses are associated with an increased release of EVs in cell models, able to spread senescence signals in the recipient cell. Additional investigations on the role of EVs during aging also demonstrated the great potential of EVs for the modulation of age-related phenotypes and for pro-rejuvenation therapies, potentially beneficial for many diseases associated with aging. Here we reviewed the current literature on EV secretion in senescent cell models and in old vs. young individual body fluids, as well as recent studies addressing the potential of EVs from different sources as an anti-aging tool. Although this is a recent field, the robust consensus on the altered EV release in aging suggests that altered EV secretion could be considered an emerging hallmark of aging.