bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fractional-Order PID Controllers for Temperature Control: A Review
Authors: Jamil Adeel Ahmad , Tu Wen Fu , Ali Syed Wajhat , Terriche Yacine , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: May 2022

Fractional-order proportional integral derivative (FOPID) controllers are becoming increasingly popular for various industrial applications due to the advantages they can offer. Among these applications, heating and temperature control systems are receiving significant attention, applying FOPID controllers to achieve better performance and robustness, more stability and flexibility, and faster response. Moreover, with several advantages of using FOPID controllers, the improvement in heating systems and temperature control systems is exceptional. Heating systems are characterized by external disturbance, model uncertainty, non-linearity, and control inaccuracy, which directly affect performance. Temperature control systems are used in industry, households, and many types of equipment. In this paper, fractional-order proportional integral derivative controllers are discussed in the context of controlling the temperature in ambulances, induction heating systems, control of bioreactors, and the improvement achieved by temperature control systems. Moreover, a comparison of conventional and FOPID controllers is also highlighted to show the improvement in production, quality, and accuracy that can be achieved by using such controllers. A composite analysis of the use of such controllers, especially for temperature control systems, is presented. In addition, some hidden and unhighlighted points concerning FOPID controllers are investigated thoroughly, including the most relevant publications.
Reducing Carbon Emissions from the Tourist Accommodation Sector on Non-Interconnected Islands: A Case Study of a Medium-Sized Hotel in Rhodes, Greece
Authors: Spiller Martin , Müller Corinna , Mulholland Zara , Louizidou Paraskevi , Küpper Frithjof C. , Knosala Kevin , Stenzel Peter
Published: May 2022

Reducing the carbon emissions from hotels on non-interconnected islands (NII) is essential in the context of a low carbon future for the Mediterranean region. Maritime tourism is the major source of income for Greece and many other countries in the region, as well as hot-temperate and tropical regions worldwide. Like many NIIs, Rhodes attracts a high influx of tourists every summer, doubling the island’s energy demand and, given the high proportion of fossil fuels in the Rhodian energy supply, increasing carbon emissions. Using the theoretical framework ‘FINE’, this paper presents the optimisation of a medium-sized hotel’s energy system with the aim of reducing both cost and carbon emissions. By introducing a Photovoltaic (PV) net metering system, it was found that the carbon emissions associated with an NII hotel’s energy system could be reduced by 31% at an optimised cost. It is suggested that large-scale deployment of PV or alternative renewable energy sources (RES) in NII hotels could significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with the accommodation sector in Greece and help mitigate climate change.
Commercial Red Food Dyes Preparations Modulate the Oxidative State in Three Model Organisms (Cucumis sativus, Artemia salina, and Danio rerio)
Authors: Napolitano Gaetana , Motta Chiara Maria , Agnisola Claudio , Venditti Paola , Fasciolo Gianluca , Ferrandino Ida , Capriello Teresa , Vitale Ermenegilda , Costanzo Giulia , Avallone Bice , Simoniello Palma , Arena Carmen
Published: May 2022

The growing environmental spreading of food synthetic dyes and bio-colors have the potential for altering organisms’ redox states. Here, three model species for aquatic pollution trials, Cucumis sativus seeds, Artemia salina cysts, and Danio rerio embryos, were short-term exposed to a fixed concentration of the artificial red E124, and two red bio-colors, cochineal E120, and vegan red (VEGR). In the animal models, we evaluated the total reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the susceptibility to in vitro oxidative stress, and in C. sativus, H2O2 production and antioxidant capacity. We also measured organismal performance indices (routine oxygen consumption in the animal models, dark oxygen consumption, and photosynthetic efficiency in C. sativus). In C. sativus, only E124 increased ROS and affected dark oxygen consumption and photosynthetic efficiency, while all dyes enhanced the antioxidant defenses. In the A. salina nauplii, all dyes increased ROS, while E120 and E124 reduced the susceptibility to oxidative stress. In D. rerio, treatments did not affect ROS content, and reduced oxidative stress susceptibility. Our data show that red food dyes affect the redox state of the developing organisms, in which ROS plays a significant role. We suggest a potentially toxic role for red food dyes with environmentally relevant consequences.
The Effects of Selenium on Rumen Fermentation Parameters and Microbial Metagenome in Goats
Authors: Tian Xingzhou , Wang Xu , Li Jiaxuan , Luo Qingyuan , Ban Chao , Lu Qi
Published: May 2022

This study evaluated the effects of selenium yeast (SY) on rumen fermentation parameters, rumen bacterial diversity, and expression pathways in goats. A total of 18 Qianbei-pockmarked weather goats from Guizhou (body weight, 25.75 ± 1.75 kg; mean ± standard deviation) were assigned to three groups according to a completely randomized design. Control group (CON, n = 6) kids were fed a basal diet, while treatment 1 (LS, n = 6) and treatment 2 (HS, n = 6) kids were fed a basal diet with 2.4 and 4.8 mg/kg SY, respectively. The feeding trial lasted for 74 days. The results indicated that the ruminal fluid of LS goats had significantly higher levels of propionic, caproic, isobutyric, and isovaleric acids than that of the CON. The levels of butyric and valeric acids were higher in the HS group than in the CON. The acetate:propionate ratio was significantly higher in the CON than in the two treatments. In addition, the inclusion of 2.4 mg/kg SY can lead to a significant decrease in the relative abundances of Euryarchaeota, and Proteobacteria at the phylum level compared to the CON and the HS groups. At the genus level, the LS group had a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Methanobrevibacter and Sarcina, whereas it could lead to a significant increase in the relative abundance of Clostridium in the ruminal fluid relative of the other two groups. At the species level, the LS group had a significant decrease in the relative abundance of bacterium_P3, bacterium_P201, and Sarcina_sp._DSM_11001 compared to the other groups. Moreover, the CON group had a significant decrease in the relative abundance of bacterium_P201 compared to the other two treatments. Compared to the CON, the addition of 2.4 mg/kg SY significantly enriched carbohydrate metabolism pathways in the ruminal fluid for gene encoding. Additionally, goats receiving SY showed a significant upregulation of glycosyl transferase and carbohydrate binding module pathways. These results suggest that dietary supplementation with SY modulates fermentation parameters, and it affects microbial diversity and microbial metagenome in the rumen of Qianbei-pockmarked goats.
Freeze-Drying Processes Applied to Melon Peel: Assessment of Physicochemical Attributes and Intrinsic Microflora Survival during Storage
Authors: Sroy Sengly , Miller Fátima A. , Fundo Joana F. , Silva Cristina L. M. , Brandão Teresa R. S.
Published: May 2022

Melon peel is recognized as a source of healthy nutrients and oxidant compounds. Being considered a non-edible part with no profit value, large amounts of melon rinds are discharged by fruit industries. Innovative food ingredients with potential health benefits may arise if these parts were conveniently transformed. The objective was to freeze-dry small melon peel cubes to attain a potential edible matrix. An ozone pre-treatment was applied seeking decontamination purposes and quality retention. The effect of these processes was assessed in terms of physicochemical parameters (moisture content, water activity and color), bioactive compounds (total phenolics, vitamin C and chlorophylls) and antioxidant capacity, during 7 weeks of storage at room temperature. Intrinsic microflora (mesophylls, yeasts and molds) were also monitored. Results showed that the freeze-drying process allowed retention of the most bioactive compounds analyzed, except for total phenolic content. In this case, the ozone pre-treatment was important for phenolics preservation. During the storage period, ozonated samples presented a higher content of bioactive compounds. In terms of microflora, the ozone and freeze-drying effects were not significant. Freeze-drying proved to be a suitable preservation method for melon peel. The ozone impact was not relevant in terms of decontamination.
Sentiment Analysis of Customer Reviews of Food Delivery Services Using Deep Learning and Explainable Artificial Intelligence: Systematic Review
Authors: Adak Anirban , Pradhan Biswajeet , Shukla Nagesh
Published: May 2022

During the COVID-19 crisis, customers’ preference in having food delivered to their doorstep instead of waiting in a restaurant has propelled the growth of food delivery services (FDSs). With all restaurants going online and bringing FDSs onboard, such as UberEATS, Menulog or Deliveroo, customer reviews on online platforms have become an important source of information about the company’s performance. FDS organisations aim to gather complaints from customer feedback and effectively use the data to determine the areas for improvement to enhance customer satisfaction. This work aimed to review machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) methods to predict customer sentiments in the FDS domain. A literature review revealed the wide usage of lexicon-based and ML techniques for predicting sentiments through customer reviews in FDS. However, limited studies applying DL techniques were found due to the lack of the model interpretability and explainability of the decisions made. The key findings of this systematic review are as follows: 77% of the models are non-interpretable in nature, and organisations can argue for the explainability and trust in the system. DL models in other domains perform well in terms of accuracy but lack explainability, which can be achieved with XAI implementation. Future research should focus on implementing DL models for sentiment analysis in the FDS domain and incorporating XAI techniques to bring out the explainability of the models.
Recent Advancements in Materials and Coatings for Biomedical Implants
Authors: Amirtharaj Mosas Kamalan Kirubaharan , Chandrasekar Ashok Raja , Dasan Arish , Pakseresht Amirhossein , Galusek Dušan
Published: May 2022

Metallic materials such as stainless steel (SS), titanium (Ti), magnesium (Mg) alloys, and cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloys are widely used as biomaterials for implant applications. Metallic implants sometimes fail in surgeries due to inadequate biocompatibility, faster degradation rate (Mg-based alloys), inflammatory response, infections, inertness (SS, Ti, and Co-Cr alloys), lower corrosion resistance, elastic modulus mismatch, excessive wear, and shielding stress. Therefore, to address this problem, it is necessary to develop a method to improve the biofunctionalization of metallic implant surfaces by changing the materials’ surface and morphology without altering the mechanical properties of metallic implants. Among various methods, surface modification on metallic surfaces by applying coatings is an effective way to improve implant material performance. In this review, we discuss the recent developments in ceramics, polymers, and metallic materials used for implant applications. Their biocompatibility is also discussed. The recent trends in coatings for biomedical implants, applications, and their future directions were also discussed in detail.
Artificial Intelligence in NICU and PICU: A Need for Ecological Validity, Accountability, and Human Factors
Authors: Choudhury Avishek , Urena Estefania
Published: May 2022

Pediatric patients, particularly in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (NICUs and PICUs), are typically at an increased risk of fatal decompensation. That being said, any delay in treatment or minor errors in medication dosage can overcomplicate patient health. Under such an environment, clinicians are expected to quickly and effectively comprehend large volumes of medical information to diagnose and develop a treatment plan for any baby. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the clinical workflow can be a potential solution to safeguard pediatric patients and augment the quality of care. However, before making AI an integral part of pediatric care, it is essential to evaluate the technology from a human factors perspective, ensuring its readiness (technology readiness level) and ecological validity. Addressing AI accountability is also critical to safeguarding clinicians and improving AI acceptance in the clinical workflow. This article summarizes the application of AI in NICU/PICU and consecutively identifies the existing flaws in AI (from clinicians’ standpoint), and proposes related recommendations, which, if addressed, can improve AIs’ readiness for a real clinical environment.
Seed Maturity and Its In Vitro Initiation of Chilean Endemic Geophyte Alstroemeriapelegrina L.
Authors: Guerra Francesca , Peñaloza Patricia , Vidal Alexis , Cautín Ricardo , Castro Mónica
Published: May 2022

Alstroemeria pelegrina (A. pelegrina), a Chilean endemic, is considered vulnerable as its natural habitat is currently threatened. The decline in the reproductive capacity of the species due to anthropogenic impacts and climate change has made it imperative to address the problem by developing large-scale propagation methods. The objective of this study was to establish protocols for breaking the dormancy and in vitro germination of A. pelegrina seeds to speed up the germination and seedling production processes. The research began with morphological observations of the reproductive process, followed by in vitro sowing. The results showed that the seeds reached full maturity in 51 days, and physiological maturity in 41 days, at which point the seeds could be harvested for in vitro germination. The mechanical scarification pretreatment improves the in vitro germination rate to 96% and the germination time to 7 days, showing that the species is characterized by physical seed dormancy. On the other hand, if the seed coat incisions are deeper than 0.5 mm, 30% of the potential plants are lost due to embryo damage. The study provides scientific evidence for the feasibility of large-scale in vitro propagation of the species and establishes an efficient method of seedling production.
A Sustainable Intercropping System for Organically Produced Lettuce and Green Onion with the Use of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inocula
Authors: Papoui Eleni , Bantis Filippos , Kapoulas Nikolaos , Ipsilantis Ioannis , Koukounaras Athanasios
Published: May 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are efficient for improving crop production and quality in organic farming systems. Our objective was to examine the effects of two AMF inocula, Rhizophagus intraradices and Diversispora spp., against a non-inoculated control on lettuce and green onion grown organically in an intercropping cropping system. At time of harvest, colonization levels were very low, and not different compared to the control that was colonized by the native mycorrhizal community. The yield of inoculated lettuce and green onion was unchanged, as also observed in the root system architecture analysis parameters. In both crops, color was not affected, limiting the possibility for consumers to reject the product. Nitrate accumulation was well below the limits set by European Commission in all treatments. Sugar, chlorophyll, K, Na and P contents were also quantified, showing no particular variations. In AMF-treated lettuce, important phytochemical characteristics, such as phenol content and ascorbic acid, showed a tendency for reduced values, while antioxidant capacity was significantly reduced by both AMF treatments. The study provides a description about the effect of AMF on two important co-cultivated crops. Research should be continued in order to determine best matches between plant material and AMF inocula that could result in enhanced production and nutritional quality.
Assessment of Pain-Related Fear in Indigenous Australian Populations Using the Fear of Pain Questionnaire-9 (FPQ-9)
Authors: Mittinty Manasi Murthy , Santiago Pedro H. R. , Jamieson Lisa
Published: May 2022

In this study, we examined the psychometric properties of the Fear of Pain Questionnaire (FPQ-9) in Indigenous Australian people. FPQ-9, a shorter version of the original Fear of Pain Questionnaire-III, was developed to support the demand for more concise scales with faster administration time in the clinical and research setting. The psychometric properties of FPQ-9 in Indigenous Australian participants (n = 735) were evaluated with network psychometrics, such as dimensionality, model fit, internal consistency and reliability, measurement invariance, and criterion validity. Our findings indicated that the original FPQ-9 three-factor structure had a poor fit and did not adequately capture pain-related fear in Indigenous Australian people. On removal of two cross-loading items, an adapted version Indigenous Australian Fear of Pain Questionnaire-7 (IA-FPQ-7) displayed good fit and construct validity and reliability for assessing fear of pain in a sample of Indigenous Australian people. The IA-FPQ-7 scale could be used to better understand the role and impact of fear of pain in Indigenous Australian people living with chronic pain. This could allow for more tailored and timely interventions for managing pain in Indigenous Australian communities.
A Systematic Study Site Selection Protocol to Determine Environmental Flows in the Headwater Catchments of the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve
Authors: Gumbo Anesu D. , Kapangaziwiri Evison , Mathivha Fhumulani I.
Published: May 2022

Developing nations will be worst hit by the impacts of climate change because limited resources hinder the spatial reach of climate studies, effort, and subsequent implementation to help with the improvement of livelihoods. Therefore, finding the best-case study is an essential undertaking in environmental assessments. This study explains one systematic approach to selecting a study site for an environmental assessment project. A desktop review of relevant literature, a simple factor scoring assessment process, reliance on expert opinion, and a field survey for ground-truthing were conducted. The desktop review showed the most critical factors to site selection. The scoring of these factors selected those that were crucial for the study. Experts validated the results and suggested the best study site among the ones identified. While the design is simplified, the proposed approach selects the most appropriate study site for environmental assessments.
Fournier’s Gangrene under Sodium–Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors Therapy in Gynecological Patients
Authors: Serrano Olave Adriana , Bueno Moral Ana Isabel , Martínez Bañón Carmen , González Mesa Ernesto , Jiménez López Jesús S.
Published: May 2022

Fournier’s gangrene (FG) is a serious pathology of the soft tissues and fascia of the perineum and genital region with a high morbidity and mortality rate. In recent years, the SGLT-2 inhibitor oral antidiabetic has been related to this entity. According to the new warnings from the main drug agencies, a compilation of cases has been initiated to establish or deny a possible causal relationship. Most of these cases have been reported in men. However, it is important not to underestimate this entity in the gynecological field, since it is extremely serious and requires intense and rapid aggressive treatment based on surgery and empiric antibiotherapy. Later, some cares are needed to involve surgical reconstruction of the defects introduced by debridement. As a result of the low incidence of FG, clinical trials’ data may be insufficient to robustly assess this issue because of the limited numbers of participants. Real-world evidence may help to clarify the association between SGLT2i and FG. The aim of this review is to describe and compare the reported cases of GF in diabetic women who received SGLT2 inhibitors as antiglycemic agents.
Experiences, Emotions, and Health Consequences among COVID-19 Survivors after Intensive Care Unit Hospitalization
Authors: Piras Ilenia , Piazza Maria Francesca , Piccolo Cristina , Azara Antonio , Piana Andrea , Finco Gabriele , Galletta Maura
Published: May 2022

Literature suggested that COVID-19 patients experienced hospitalization as a physically and psychologically stressful event, with the risk to develop post-traumatic stress symptoms. The study aimed to understand psychological experiences of COVID-19 survivors with severe complications during and after ICU hospitalization, and any relevant health consequences. From October 2020 to January 2021, a qualitative study was conducted in Italy via semi-structured interviews by phone or video call addressed to COVID-19 survivors, randomly enrolled among people who released their stories publicly on newspapers, television, or social media. Fifteen individuals (three women and twelve men with average age of 56.4 years) were interviewed. Four main themes emerged: (i) emotion of fear; (ii) isolation and loneliness; (iii) unawareness about the gravity of the situation as a protective factor; (iv) “Long COVID” as consequences of the disease on physical and psychological health. During hospitalization, 66.7% of participants had mild or moderate values of anxiety and depression. After discharge, 86.7% moved to normal values. The results suggest that long-COVID is an important problem to manage to improve patients’ quality of life. It is essential to guarantee a holistic take in charge starting before the discharge and continuing care after discharge in the community where they live.
“Compared to COVID, HIV Is Nothing”: Exploring How Onshore East Asian and Sub-Saharan African International Students in Sydney Navigate COVID-19 versus BBVs/STIs Risk Spectrum
Authors: Okeke Sylvester Reuben
Published: May 2022

Background: While a large body of evidence indicates changes in alcohol and other drug use among young people as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a lack of evidence around changes in sexual practices and how the pandemic may be impacting the potential spread of blood-borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections (BBVs/STIs). Most of what we know about sex during COVID-19 lockdowns is largely based on solitary sexual practices, which may not answer the critical question around how the pandemic may be shaping sexual practices among young people. Against this backdrop, this study explored how the COVID-19 pandemic may be shaping BBVs/STIs risk and protective practices among a sample of onshore African and Asian international students in Sydney, Australia. Methods: This phenomenological qualitative study involved semi-structured telephone and face-to-face interviews with 16 international university students in Sydney, between September 2020–March 2021. Generated data were coded using NVivo and analysis was guided by reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Participants reported elevated mental health distress because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some participants reported engaging in casual sexual hook-ups as a strategy to mitigate the mental health distress they were experiencing. Some of these sexual hook-ups were condomless partly because COVID-related disruptions impacted condom accessibility. Additionally, the preventive practices of some participants who were sexually active during the lockdowns were focused on preventing COVID-19, while the risk of BBVs/STIs were downplayed. Conclusions: This study indicates a need for a comprehensive public health response to the evolving and near-endemic COVID-19 situation. Such a comprehensive approach should focus on empowering young people to prevent both SARS-CoV-2 and BBVs/STIs.
Does Fiscal Stress Improve the Environmental Efficiency? Perspective Based on the Urban Horizontal Fiscal Imbalance
Authors: Sun Youshuai , Zhu Demi , Zhang Zhenyu , Yan Na
Published: May 2022

The resilience of the fiscal system has a driving effect on environmental governance, and it is always a challenge to solve the problem of matching fiscal power with administrative power. Based on the panel data of 193 cities in China from 2013 to 2018, the data envelopment analysis method was used to evaluate the comprehensive indicators of urban environmental efficiency. The impact of fiscal stress on environmental efficiency is examined from the perspective of urban horizontal imbalance. We find that the smaller the fiscal stress, the higher urban environmental efficiency. The endogeneity is mitigated by using instrumental variables and the generalized method of moments, and the results are still robust after considering the interference of sample selection bias and variable estimation bias. At the same time, the impact of fiscal stress on environmental efficiency varies with spatial location, ecological strategic planning, economic development, and other factors, especially in southern cities, cities in the Yangtze River Basin, and cities in urban agglomerations, where reducing fiscal stress promotes environmental efficiency. In addition, green production and public environmental services are important channels for its role, and the rational allocation of self-raised funds can effectively moderate the improvement of environmental efficiency.
Understanding COVID-19 Halal Vaccination Discourse on Facebook and Twitter Using Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis and Text Emotion Analysis
Authors: Feizollah Ali , Anuar Nor Badrul , Mehdi Riyadh , Firdaus Ahmad , Sulaiman Ainin
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges for people and governments. Vaccines are an available solution to this pandemic. Recipients of the vaccines are of different ages, gender, and religion. Muslims follow specific Islamic guidelines that prohibit them from taking a vaccine with certain ingredients. This study aims at analyzing Facebook and Twitter data to understand the discourse related to halal vaccines using aspect-based sentiment analysis and text emotion analysis. We searched for the term “halal vaccine” and limited the timeline to the period between 1 January 2020, and 30 April 2021, and collected 6037 tweets and 3918 Facebook posts. We performed data preprocessing on tweets and Facebook posts and built the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model to identify topics. Calculating the sentiment analysis for each topic was the next step. Finally, this study further investigates emotions in the data using the National Research Council of Canada Emotion Lexicon. Our analysis identified four topics in each of the Twitter dataset and Facebook dataset. Two topics of “COVID-19 vaccine” and “halal vaccine” are shared between the two datasets. The other two topics in tweets are “halal certificate” and “must halal”, while “sinovac vaccine” and “ulema council” are two other topics in the Facebook dataset. The sentiment analysis shows that the sentiment toward halal vaccine is mostly neutral in Twitter data, whereas it is positive in Facebook data. The emotion analysis indicates that trust is the most present emotion among the top three emotions in both datasets, followed by anticipation and fear.
Functional Outcomes in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Schizophrenia
Authors: Chen Chyi-Rong , Hung Chi-Fa , Lee Yi-Wen , Tseng Wei-Ting , Chen Mei-Li , Chen Tzu-Ting
Published: May 2022

Deficits in cognition, physical, and social functions in adults with schizophrenia may become salient with aging. While animal-assisted therapy (AAT) can benefit physical function in older adults and improve symptoms of psychotic disorders, the effect of AAT on middle-aged patients with schizophrenia is unclear. The current randomized controlled trial aimed to explore the efficacy of AAT for middle-aged patients with schizophrenia. Forty participants were randomly assigned to either the AAT or control group. The AAT group participated in one-hour sessions with dog-assisted group activities once a week for 12 weeks. The controls participated in dose-matched, non-animal-related recreational activities. Both groups remained on their usual psychotropic medication during the trial. Evaluations included the Chair Stand Test (CST), Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), 5-Meter walk test (5MWT), and Assessment of Communication and Interaction Skills (ACIS). The increases in CST repetitions and ACIS scores were larger in the AAT group than in the controls. The two groups did not differ significantly in MoCA scores, TUG performance, or the 5MWT. The AAT group showed a greater increase in lower extremity strength and social skills, but no improvement in cognitive function, agility, or mobility. Further research with more sensitive evaluations and longer follow-up is needed.
Anticancer Treatment Goals and Prognostic Misperceptions among Advanced Cancer Outpatients
Authors: Paiva Carlos Eduardo , Teixeira Ana Clara , Minto Lourenço Bruna , Preto Daniel D’Almeida , Valentino Talita Caroline de Oliveira , Mingardi Mirella , Paiva Bianca Sakamoto Ribeiro
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: In the context of cancer incurability, the communication processes involving clinicians and patients with cancer are frequently complex. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study that investigated outpatients with advanced cancers and their oncologists. Both were interviewed immediately after a medical appointment in which there was disease progression and/or clinical deterioration, and were asked about the patient’s chance of curability and the goals of the prescribed cancer treatment. The patients were asked whether they would like to receive information about prognosis and how they would like to receive it. The analyses of agreement on perceptions were performed using the Kappa’s test. (3) Results: the sample consisted of 90 patients and 28 oncologists. Seventy-eight (87.6%) patients answered that they wanted their oncologist to inform them about their prognosis; only 35.2% (n = 31) of them said they received such information at their present appointment. Regarding how they would prefer prognostic disclosure, 61.8% (n = 55) mentioned that the oncologist should consider ways to keep the patient’s hope up; 73% (n = 65) of the patients reported odds >50% of cure. The agreement between oncologists’ and their patients’ perceptions regarding the treatment goals and curability was slight (k = 0.024 and k = 0.017, respectively). (4) Conclusions: The perceptions of patients and their oncologists regarding the goals of treatment and their chances of cure were in disagreement. New approaches are needed to improve the communication process between oncologists and patients with advanced cancer.
Association between Fathers’ Use of Heated Tobacco Products and Urinary Cotinine Concentrations in Their Spouses and Children
Authors: Onoue Ayumi , Inaba Yohei , Machida Kentaro , Samukawa Takuya , Inoue Hiromasa , Kurosawa Hajime , Ogata Hiromitsu , Kunugita Naoki , Omori Hisamitsu
Published: May 2022

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) have become increasingly popular among smokers, especially among young adults in Japan in recent years. Assessments of secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure due to HTPs are scarce. The present study aimed to assess the urinary levels of total nicotine metabolites (TNMs) of non-smoking spouses and their children following SHS exposure due to their fathers’ use of HTPs. A total of 41 families including 129 participants were recruited between 2018 and 2021. The number of non-smoking spouses and children of the fathers who smoke combustion cigarettes, the fathers who use HTPs, and the fathers who are non-users or have never smoked was 27, 66, and 36, respectively. The urinary levels of TNMs, including cotinine (Cot) and 3′-hydroxycotinine (3-OHCot), were measured using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The spouses and children of fathers who use HTPs had significantly higher levels of TNMs in their urine compared to those with fathers who were non-smokers or non-users. The current study is the first to assess SHS exposure due to HTP use, and to suggest the importance of strategies to prevent exposure to SHS from HTP use in public places and educational strategies to protect non-smokers from secondhand HTP aerosol exposure in households and other private places.
The Association between Comorbidities and Comorbid Injuries on Treatment Outcome in Pediatric and Elderly Patients with Injuries in Korea: An Observational Study
Authors: Lee Kyunghee , Hwang Jieun
Published: May 2022

We aimed to compare the characteristics and types of injuries affecting pediatric and elderly patients and to identify factors associated with treatment outcomes. We used data from the 2006–2017 Korea National Hospital Discharge Survey. The patients were divided into two groups, children (0–12 years) and elderly (≥65 years), based on their age at discharge. In total, 47,528 (11,842 children and 35,686 older adults) patients with injuries were identified. The number of deaths and the LOS were 36 (0.3%) and 7.6 days (±10.1), respectively, in the children group, and 861 (2.4%) and 18.5 days (±27.3), respectively, in the elderly group (p < 0.001). In the children group, there were increased odds for surgery among boys, Medicaid and health insurance subscribers, patients with multiple injuries, patients without a subdiagnosis, and an increasing number of hospital beds. In the elderly group, there were increased odds for surgery among women, Medicaid and health insurance subscribers, patients who died, patients with a single injury, patients with a subdiagnosis, and increasing numbers of hospital beds. Treatment outcomes could be improved by providing early diagnosis and prompt treatment in pediatric patients and by taking multilateral approaches for multiple injuries and comorbidities in elderly patients.
Pathways Related to NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation Induced by Gold Nanorods
Authors: Vandebriel Rob J. , Remy Sylvie , Vermeulen Jolanda P. , Hurkmans Evelien G. E. , Kevenaar Kirsten , Bastús Neus G. , Pelaz Beatriz , Soliman Mahmoud G. , Puntes Victor F. , Parak Wolfgang J. , Pennings Jeroen L. A. , Nelissen Inge
Published: May 2022

The widespread and increasing use of engineered nanomaterials (ENM) increases the risk of human exposure, generating concern that ENM may provoke adverse health effects. In this respect, their physicochemical characteristics are critical. The immune system may respond to ENM through inflammatory reactions. The NLRP3 inflammasome responds to a wide range of ENM, and its activation is associated with various inflammatory diseases. Recently, anisotropic ENM have become of increasing interest, but knowledge of their effects on the immune system is still limited. The objective of the study was to compare the effects of gold ENM of different shapes on NLRP3 inflammasome activation and related signalling pathways. Differentiated THP-1 cells (wildtype, ASC- or NLRP3-deficient), were exposed to PEGylated gold nanorods, nanostars, and nanospheres, and, thus, also different surface chemistries, to assess NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Next, the exposed cells were subjected to gene expression analysis. Nanorods, but not nanostars or nanospheres, showed NLRP3 inflammasome activation. ASC- or NLRP3-deficient cells did not show this effect. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed that gold nanorod-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation was accompanied by downregulated sterol/cholesterol biosynthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and purinergic receptor signalling. At the level of individual genes, downregulation of Paraoxonase-2, a protein that controls oxidative stress, was most notable. In conclusion, the shape and surface chemistry of gold nanoparticles determine NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Future studies should include particle uptake and intracellular localization.
Small ORFs as New Regulators of Pri-miRNAs and miRNAs Expression in Human and Drosophila
Authors: Dozier Christine , Montigny Audrey , Viladrich Mireia , Culerrier Raphael , Combier Jean-Philippe , Besson Arnaud , Plaza Serge
Published: May 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory non-coding RNAs, resulting from the cleavage of long primary transcripts (pri-miRNAs) in the nucleus by the Microprocessor complex generating precursors (pre-miRNAs) that are then exported to the cytoplasm and processed into mature miRNAs. Some miRNAs are hosted in pri-miRNAs annotated as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and defined as MIRHGs (for miRNA Host Genes). However, several lnc pri-miRNAs contain translatable small open reading frames (smORFs). If smORFs present within lncRNAs can encode functional small peptides, they can also constitute cis-regulatory elements involved in lncRNA decay. Here, we investigated the possible involvement of smORFs in the regulation of lnc pri-miRNAs in Human and Drosophila, focusing on pri-miRNAs previously shown to contain translatable smORFs. We show that smORFs regulate the expression levels of human pri-miR-155 and pri-miR-497, and Drosophila pri-miR-8 and pri-miR-14, and also affect the expression and activity of their associated miRNAs. This smORF-dependent regulation is independent of the nucleotidic and amino acidic sequences of the smORFs and is sensitive to the ribosome-stalling drug cycloheximide, suggesting the involvement of translational events. This study identifies smORFs as new cis-acting elements involved in the regulation of pri-miRNAs and miRNAs expression, in both Human and Drosophila melanogaster.
Research Progress on Transorgan Regulation of the Cardiovascular and Motor System through Cardiogenic Exosomes
Authors: Gao Haoyang , Zhang Lingli , Wang Zhikun , Yan Kai , Zhao Linlin , Xiao Weihua
Published: May 2022

The heart is the core organ of the circulatory system. Through the blood circulation system, it has close contact with all tissues and cells in the body. An exosome is an extracellular vesicle enclosed by a phospholipid bilayer. A variety of heart tissue cells can secrete and release exosomes, which transfer RNAs, lipids, proteins, and other biomolecules to adjacent or remote cells, mediate intercellular communication, and regulate the physiological and pathological activities of target cells. Cardiogenic exosomes play an important role in regulating almost all pathological and physiological processes of the heart. In addition, they can also reach distant tissues and organs through the peripheral circulation, exerting profound influence on their functional status. In this paper, the composition and function of cardiogenic exosomes, the factors affecting cardiogenic exosomes and their roles in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology are discussed, and the close relationship between cardiovascular system and motor system is innovatively explored from the perspective of exosomes. This study provides a reference for the development and application of exosomes in regenerative medicine and sports health, and also provides a new idea for revealing the close relationship between the heart and other organ systems.
MDM2-Mediated Ubiquitination of RXRβ Contributes to Mitochondrial Damage and Related Inflammation in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Zeng Yi , Cao Ji , Li Chun-Xia , Wang Chun-Yan , Wu Ruo-Man , Xu Xiao-Le
Published: May 2022

A novel function of retinoid X receptor beta (RXRβ) in endothelial cells has been reported by us during the formation of atherosclerosis. Here, we extended the study to explore the cellular mechanisms of RXRβ protein stability regulation. In this study, we discovered that murine double minute-2 (MDM2) acts as an E3 ubiquitin ligase to target RXRβ for degradation. The result showed that MDM2 directly interacted with and regulated RXRβ protein stability. MDM2 promoted RXRβ poly-ubiquitination and degradation by proteasomes. Moreover, mutated MDM2 RING domain (C464A) or treatment with an MDM2 inhibitor targeting the RING domain of MDM2 lost the ability of MDM2 to regulate RXRβ protein expression and ubiquitination. Furthermore, treatment with MDM2 inhibitor alleviated oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced mitochondrial damage, activation of TLR9/NF-κB and NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in endothelial cells. However, all these beneficial effects were reduced by the transfection of RXRβ siRNA. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of MDM2 attenuated the development of atherosclerosis and reversed mitochondrial damage and related inflammation in the atherosclerotic process in LDLr-/- mice, along with the increased RXRβ protein expression in the aorta. Therefore, our study uncovers a previously unknown ubiquitination pathway and suggests MDM2-mediated RXRβ ubiquitination as a new therapeutic target in atherosclerosis.
Novel Azocoumarin Derivatives—Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Piechowska Katarzyna , Baranowska-Łączkowska Angelika , Łączkowski Krzysztof Z. , Konieczkowska Jolanta , Siwy Mariola , Vasylieva Marharyta , Gnida Paweł , Nitschke Paweł , Schab-Balcerzak Ewa
Published: May 2022

The paper presents synthesis and characterization of nine new thiazolyl-(phenyldiazenyl)-2H-chromen-2-one dyes. The impact of substituent structure in thiazole ring in the synthesized azocoumarin derivatives on electrochemical properties, photoisomerization process and photovoltaic response was examined. The dyes were electrochemically active and undergo reduction and oxidation processes. They showed low electrochemically estimated energy band gap in the range of 1.71–2.13 eV. Photoisomerization process of the synthesized molecules was studied in various solvents such as ethanol, chloroform and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) upon the UV illumination. It was found that novel azodyes showed reversible trans-cis-trans isomerization and exhibited long thermal back to the trans form, that was even 7 days in DMF. Selected azocoumarin were molecularly dispersed in polystyrene for preparation of guest-host azopolymer systems to study the cis-trans thermal isomerization of obtained dyes in solid state. The photovoltaic activity of the azochromophores was tested in bulk-heterojunction solar cells. They acting as weak donors in device with structure ITO/PEDOT:PSS/dye:PC70BM/Al. No photovoltaic response of cells with azocoumarin derivatives bearing 4-fluorobenzene, 3,4-dichlorobenzene, or 4-(1-adamantyl) unit was found. Additionally, dye which showed the best activity was examined in three-component solar cells ITO/PEDOT:PSS/PTB7:PC70BM:dye/PFN/Al.
Association of DNA Methylation of the NLRP3 Gene with Changes in Cortical Thickness in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Han Kyu-Man , Choi Kwan Woo , Kim Aram , Kang Wooyoung , Kang Youbin , Tae Woo-Suk , Han Mi-Ryung , Ham Byung-Joo
Published: May 2022

The Nod-like receptor pyrin containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been reported to be a convergent point linking the peripheral immune response induced by psychological stress and neuroinflammatory processes in the brain. We aimed to identify differences in the methylation profiles of the NLRP3 gene between major depressive disorder (MDD) patients and healthy controls (HCs). We also investigated the correlation of the methylation score of loci in NLRP3 with cortical thickness in the MDD group using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. A total of 220 patients with MDD and 82 HCs were included in the study, and genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of the NLRP3 gene was performed. Among the total sample, 88 patients with MDD and 74 HCs underwent T1-weighted structural MRI and were included in the neuroimaging–methylation analysis. We identified five significant differentially methylated positions (DMPs) in NLRP3. In the MDD group, the methylation scores of cg18793688 and cg09418290 showed significant positive or negative correlations with cortical thickness in the occipital, parietal, temporal, and frontal regions, which showed significant differences in cortical thickness between the MDD and HC groups. Our findings suggest that NLRP3 DNA methylation may predispose to depression-related brain structural changes by increasing NLRP3 inflammasome-related neuroinflammatory processes in MDD.
Cancer Cells Haploinsufficient for ATM Are Sensitized to PARP Inhibitors by MET Inhibition
Authors: D’Ambrosio Concetta , Erriquez Jessica , Capellero Sonia , Cignetto Simona , Alvaro Maria , Ciamporcero Eric , Di Renzo Maria Flavia , Perera Timothy , Valabrega Giorgio , Olivero Martina
Published: May 2022

The MET oncogene encodes a tyrosine kinase (TK) receptor. Its activation protects cells from death but also stimulates DNA damage response by triggering excess replicative stress. Transcriptomic classification of cancer cell lines based on MET expression showed that response to the PARP inhibitor (PARPi) olaparib is poorer in MET overexpressing cell lines. Accordingly, a high MET expressing lung carcinoma cell line was sensitized to PARPi by MET TK inhibition. This was not linked solely to MET overexpression: other MET overexpressing cell lines were biochemically but not functionally responsive to combined inhibition. Moreover, exogenously induced MET overexpression was unable to induce resistance to PARPi. The MET overexpressing cell line, responsive to the combined PARP and MET inhibition, carried a heterozygous mutation of the ATM gene and showed an attenuated response of ATM to PARPi. Among the downstream targets of ATM activation, NuMA was phosphorylated only in response to the combined PARP and MET inhibition. Given the role played by NuMA in mitosis, data show that the latter is affected by MET and PARP inhibition in cells with haploinsufficient ATM. This is important as ATM heterozygous mutation is frequently found in human cancer and in lung carcinomas in particular.
Therapeutic Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Improves Bladder Overactivity in the Pathogenesis of Ketamine-Induced Ulcerative Cystitis in a Rat Model
Authors: Chueh Kuang-Shun , Huang Kuan-Hua , Lu Jian-He , Juan Tai-Jui , Chuang Shu-Mien , Lin Rong-Jyh , Lee Yi-Chen , Long Cheng-Yu , Shen Mei-Chen , Sun Ting-Wei , Juan Yung-Shun
Published: May 2022

The present study attempted to elucidate whether intravesical instillation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) could decrease bladder inflammation and ameliorate bladder hyperactivity in ketamine ulcerative cystitis (KIC) rat model. Female Sprague Dawley (S-D) rats were randomly divided into control group, ketamine-treated group, ketamine with PRP treated group, and ketamine with platelet-poor plasma (PPP) treated group. Cystometry and micturition frequency/volume studies were performed to investigate bladder function. The morphological change of bladder was investigated by Mason’s trichrome staining. Western blotting analysis were carried out to examine the protein expressions of inflammation, urothelial differentiation, proliferation, urothelial barrier function, angiogenesis and neurogenesis related proteins. The results revealed that treatment with ketamine significantly deteriorated bladder capacity, decreased voiding function and enhanced bladder overactivity. These pathological damage and interstitial fibrosis may via NF-κB/COX-2 signaling pathways and muscarinic receptor overexpression. PRP treatment decreased inflammatory fibrotic biosynthesis, attenuated oxidative stress, promoted urothelial cell regeneration, and enhanced angiogenesis and neurogenesis, thereafter recovered bladder dysfunction and ameliorate the bladder hyperactivity in KIC rat model. These findings suggested that the PRP therapy may offer new treatment options for those clinical KIC patients.