bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Study on Optimal Design and Seismic Capacity of Double-Span RC Frame Structures with Exterior Verandahs
Authors: Tang Zeren , Peng Zhenyu , Liu Xian
Published: November 2022

Frame structures with exterior verandahs, which are mostly built in densely populated areas such as teaching buildings and dormitories in southern China, are a special form of frame structure that must continue to be developed. However, compared with other frame structures in many post-earthquake fields, this type of building designed following the Chinese code has demonstrated poor seismic performance, leading to a significant number of casualties and property losses. Therefore, to complement the design requirements of this structural type in the present Chinese code, the seismic performance of this structural type needs to be improved and optimized. A typical double-span RC frame structure with an exterior verandah in the Lushan Earthquake as the structure prototype was selected in this paper. PKPM software is used to obtain design information for the structure prototype, and the finite element model is established by utilizing ABAQUS software for simulation and analysis. A series of various optimal conditions are created at the base of the structure prototype’s simulation results, and a thorough investigation of the structural seismic performance under each condition is performed. Eventually, suggestions and proposals for future Chinese codes concerning the structurally optimum design of this structural type are provided.
Blockchain Design with Optimal Maintenance Planning
Authors: Al-Refaie Abbas , Al-Hawadi Ahmad , Lepkova Natalija
Published: November 2022

Rapid advancement of data management and sharing technology has urged organizations to develop effective maintenance management systems. This research, therefore, proposes and implements an Electronic Repair Records (ERR) system for the blockchain of maintenance planning and management. In ERR, this research develops two optimization models for scheduling and sequencing failure repairs from different types over multiple periods. Each failure repair is treated as a block, for which the data, current hash, and previous hash are obtained from failure repair parameters, resources availability information, and the optimal values of the start and finish times of the assigned failure repairs. The scheduling model assigns failure repairs to technicians and in maintenance shops on each scheduling period at a minimal total cost of delay, undertime, and overtime costs, while the sequencing model sequences the assigned failure repairs at minimal total overtime costs and minimum total repair start times. Once the blocks are confirmed, the blockchain is then shared through an electronic network among all maintenance departments. The developed ERR system was implemented to manage the repairs of 36 failures from different failures in six maintenance shops over a period of three days. The results showed that this system is found to be effective in managing optimal repairs and efficient in improving the utilization of available resources in maintenance shops. These advantages may result in significant savings in maintenance costs and better utilization of resources. In conclusion, the developed ERR system including the optimization models can provide in real-time assistance and de-centralized technology to planning engineers when managing maintenance activities over multiple periods in a wide range of business applications.
Accurate Characterization of Bladder Cancer Cells with Intraoperative Flow Cytometry
Authors: Paliouras Athanasios , Markopoulos Georgios S. , Tsampalas Stavros , Mantziou Stefania , Giannakis Ioannis , Baltogiannis Dimitrios , Glantzounis Georgios K. , Alexiou George A. , Lampri Evangelia , Sofikitis Nikolaos , Vartholomatos George
Published: November 2022

Bladder cancer represents a major health issue. Transurethral resection is the first line treatment and an accurate assessment of tumor margins might warrant complete tumor removal. Genomic instability and proliferative potential are common hallmarks of cancer cells. We have previously demonstrated the utility of intraoperative flow cytometry (iFC), a next-generation margin evaluation methodology for assessment of DNA content, in the detection of several types of malignancy. In the current study we investigated the possible value of iFC in the characterization of bladder cancer during surgery. Samples from a population of 52 people with urothelial cancer were included in the study. The total time for iFC evaluation is 3–5 min per sample and included a two-step analysis, including DNA-index and Tumor-index calculation. First, DNA-index calculation revealed 24 hyperploid and one hypoploid tumor. Second, cell cycle analysis and Tumor-index calculation revealed that tumor samples are distinguished from normal cells based on their significantly higher proliferative potential. The standard for iFC evaluation was pathology assessment and revealed that our protocol exhibits an accuracy of 98% in defining the presence of cancer cells in a given sample. Our results support the further assessment of iFC value towards its use as a novel malignancy evaluation tool in transurethral resections.
Role of CAR T Cell Metabolism for Therapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Rial Saborido Judit , Völkl Simon , Aigner Michael , Mackensen Andreas , Mougiakakos Dimitrios
Published: November 2022

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells hold enormous potential. However, a substantial proportion of patients receiving CAR T cells will not reach long-term full remission. One of the causes lies in their premature exhaustion, which also includes a metabolic anergy of adoptively transferred CAR T cells. T cell phenotypes that have been shown to be particularly well suited for CAR T cell therapy display certain metabolic characteristics; whereas T-stem cell memory (TSCM) cells, characterized by self-renewal and persistence, preferentially meet their energetic demands through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), effector T cells (TEFF) rely on glycolysis to support their cytotoxic function. Various parameters of CAR T cell design and manufacture co-determine the metabolic profile of the final cell product. A co-stimulatory 4-1BB domain promotes OXPHOS and formation of central memory T cells (TCM), while T cells expressing CARs with CD28 domains predominantly utilize aerobic glycolysis and differentiate into effector memory T cells (TEM). Therefore, modification of CAR co-stimulation represents one of the many strategies currently being investigated for improving CAR T cells’ metabolic fitness and survivability within a hostile tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we will focus on the role of CAR T cell metabolism in therapeutic efficacy together with potential targets of intervention.
Classic and New Markers in Diagnostics and Classification of Breast Cancer
Authors: Beňačka Roman , Szabóová Daniela , Guľašová Zuzana , Hertelyová Zdenka , Radoňák Jozef
Published: November 2022

Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed form of female’s cancer, and in recent years it has become the most common cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Like many other tumours, breast cancer is a histologically and biologically heterogeneous disease. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in diagnosis, subtyping, and complex treatment of breast cancer with the aim of providing best suited tumour-specific personalized therapy. Traditional methods for breast cancer diagnosis include mammography, MRI, biopsy and histological analysis of tumour tissue in order to determine classical markers such as estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER, PR), cytokeratins (CK5/6, CK14, C19), proliferation index (Ki67) and human epidermal growth factor type 2 receptor (HER2). In recent years, these methods have been supplemented by modern molecular methodologies such as next-generation sequencing, microRNA, in situ hybridization, and RT-qPCR to identify novel molecular biomarkers. MicroRNAs (miR-10b, miR-125b, miR145, miR-21, miR-155, mir-30, let-7, miR-25-3p), altered DNA methylation and mutations of specific genes (p16, BRCA1, RASSF1A, APC, GSTP1), circular RNA (hsa_circ_0072309, hsa_circRNA_0001785), circulating DNA and tumour cells, altered levels of specific proteins (apolipoprotein C-I), lipids, gene polymorphisms or nanoparticle enhanced imaging, all these are promising diagnostic and prognostic tools to disclose any specific features from the multifaceted nature of breast cancer to prepare best suited individualized therapy.
A Retrospective, Single-Institution Experience of Bullous Pemphigoid as an Adverse Effect of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Shalata Walid , Weissmann Sarah , Itzhaki Gabay Sapir , Sheva Kim , Abu Saleh Omar , Jama Ashraf Abu , Yakobson Alexander , Rouvinov Keren
Published: November 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a class of cancer treatment drugs that stimulate the immune system’s ability to fight tumor cells. These drugs are monoclonal antibodies targeting im-mune-inhibiting proteins on cancer cells, such as CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1. Immune checkpoint inhibitors cause many immune-related adverse events. Cutaneous toxicities are of the most common adverse effects and occur with a range of severity. Bullous Pemphigoid is a rare adverse event with a high impact on quality of life that may occur after immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment. In this article, we investigate current research on immune checkpoint inhibitors, cutaneous adverse events, and common presentations and treatments, with a specific focus on Bullous Pemphigoid, its characteristics, onset timing, and treatment. Significant findings include a negative skew in the onset of presentation. Furthermore, we describe exclusive cases.
CAXII Is a Surrogate Marker for Luminal Breast Tumors Regulated by ER and GATA3
Authors: Porras Lucas , Gorse Faustine , Thiombane Ndeye Khady , Gaboury Louis , Mader Sylvie
Published: November 2022

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) expression in ~2/3 breast tumors selects patients for hormonal therapies. Tumors negative for ERα but positive for the progesterone receptor (PR, encoded by PGR) have also been candidates for ER-targeting therapies, as PR expression may reflect undetected ER activity. Conversely, PR− status in ER+ tumors predicts a worse therapeutic response. Our analysis of breast tumor transcriptome datasets, however, revealed that in tumors with lower PGR expression, the clinical PR status does not correlate accurately with the expression of ESR1 or of ER target genes, including PGR itself. We identified carbonic anhydrase 12 (CA12) as an estrogen target gene better correlated with ESR1 than PGR, reflecting CA12 regulation by both ERα and the luminal factor and upstream ESR1 regulator GATA3. Immunostaining supported strong positive correlations at the protein level with ERα and GATA3 in a cohort of 118 tumors. Most ER+PR− tumors expressed CAXII at levels similar to those of ER+PR+ tumors, consistent with observations in tumor transcriptome datasets and with active estrogenic signaling in some ER+PR− breast cancer cell lines. The few ER−PR+ tumors did not express CAXII or the other luminal markers FOXA1 and GATA3. Overall, CAXII is a luminal marker that can help interpret ER status in single ER/PR positive tumors.
Discovery of Mitochondrial Complex I Inhibitors as Anticancer and Radiosensitizer Drugs Based on Compensatory Stimulation of Lactate Release
Authors: Lan Junjie , Cadassou Octavia , Corbet Cyril , Riant Olivier , Feron Olivier
Published: November 2022

Cancer cells may stimulate glycolytic flux when O2 becomes insufficient. Increase in L-lactate release therefore appears as an escape mechanism to drugs targeting mitochondrial respiration but also represents a response that may be exploited to screen for compounds blocking either mitochondrial carriers of oxidizable substrates or the electron transport chain. Here, we developed a screening procedure based on the capacity of cancer cells to release L-lactate to gain insights on the development of mitochondrial complex I inhibitors. For this purpose, we synthesized derivatives of carboxyamidotriazole, a compound previously described as a potential OXPHOS inhibitor. Two series of derivatives were generated by cycloaddition between benzylazide and either cyanoacetamides or alkynes. A primary assay measuring L-lactate release as a compensatory mechanism upon OXPHOS inhibition led us to identify 15 hits among 28 derivatives. A secondary assay measuring O2 consumption in permeabilized cancer cells confirmed that 12 compounds among the hits exhibited reversible complex I inhibitory activity. Anticancer effects of a short list of 5 compounds identified to induce more L-lactate release than reference compound were then evaluated on cancer cells and tumor-mimicking 3D spheroids. Human and mouse cancer cell monolayers exhibiting high level of respiration in basal conditions were up to 3-fold more sensitive than less oxidative cancer cells. 3D tumor spheroids further revealed potency differences between selected compounds in terms of cytotoxicity but also radiosensitizing activity resulting from local reoxygenation. In conclusion, this study documents the feasibility to efficiently screen in 96-well plate format for mitochondrial complex I inhibitors based on the capacity of drug candidates to induce L-lactate release.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy for Heterogeneous Breast Cancer
Authors: Sun Xiaolu , Liu Kuai , Lu Shuli , He Weina , Du Zixiu
Published: November 2022

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in women worldwide, and it is a molecularly diverse disease. Heterogeneity can be observed in a wide range of cell types with varying morphologies and behaviors. Molecular classifications are broadly used in clinical diagnosis, including estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), and breast cancer gene (BRCA) mutations, as indicators of tumor heterogeneity. Treatment strategies differ according to the molecular subtype. Besides the traditional treatments, such as hormone (endocrine) therapy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, innovative approaches have accelerated BC treatments, which contain targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Among them, monoclonal antibodies, small-molecule inhibitors and antibody–drug conjugates, and targeted delivery systems are promising armamentarium for breast cancer, while checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T cell therapy, cancer vaccines, and tumor-microenvironment-targeted therapy provide a more comprehensive understanding of breast cancer and could assist in developing new therapeutic strategies.
An Effective Method for Lung Cancer Diagnosis from CT Scan Using Deep Learning-Based Support Vector Network
Authors: Shafi Imran , Din Sadia , Khan Asim , Díez Isabel De La Torre , Casanova Ramón del Jesús Palí , Pifarre Kilian Tutusaus , Ashraf Imran
Published: November 2022

The diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer is challenging due to its asymptomatic nature, especially given the repeated radiation exposure and high cost of computed tomography(CT). Examining the lung CT images to detect pulmonary nodules, especially the cell lung cancer lesions, is also tedious and prone to errors even by a specialist. This study proposes a cancer diagnostic model based on a deep learning-enabled support vector machine (SVM). The proposed computer-aided design (CAD) model identifies the physiological and pathological changes in the soft tissues of the cross-section in lung cancer lesions. The model is first trained to recognize lung cancer by measuring and comparing the selected profile values in CT images obtained from patients and control patients at their diagnosis. Then, the model is tested and validated using the CT scans of both patients and control patients that are not shown in the training phase. The study investigates 888 annotated CT scans from the publicly available LIDC/IDRI database. The proposed deep learning-assisted SVM-based model yields 94% accuracy for pulmonary nodule detection representing early-stage lung cancer. It is found superior to other existing methods including complex deep learning, simple machine learning, and the hybrid techniques used on lung CT images for nodule detection. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach can greatly assist radiologists in detecting early lung cancer and facilitating the timely management of patients.
Biological Hydrogen Production by Dark Fermentation in a Stirred Tank Reactor and Its Correlation with the pH Time Evolution
Authors: Martínez Verónica L. , Salierno Gabriel L. , García Rodrigo E. , Lavorante María José , Galvagno Miguel A. , Cassanello Miryan C.
Published: November 2022

Dark fermentation is a hydrogen generating process carried out by anaerobic spore-forming bacteria that metabolize carbon sources producing gas and short-chain acids. The process can be controlled, and the hydrogen harvested if bacteria are grown in a reactor with favorable conditions. In this work, bacteria selected from natural sources were grown with a defined culture media, while pH was monitored, with the aim of relating the amount of generated hydrogen to the increase in hydron ion concentration. Therefore, a model based on the acid-base species mass balance is proposed and solved to estimate the lag phase time and measure the hydrogen production efficiency and kinetics. Hydrogen production in a stirred batch reactor was performed for 150–200 h, at given operating conditions using a previously defined growth media, to validate the model. Using the proposed model, the cumulated moles of produced hydrogen correlate well with those predicted from the pH curve. Hence, the modified Gompertz model parameters, largely used for describing the hydrogen generation kinetics by dark fermentation, were estimated from the pH curve and from the experimentally measured generated hydrogen. Satisfactory agreement was found, thus, validating the method.
Agro-Industrial Food Waste as a Low-Cost Substrate for Sustainable Production of Industrial Enzymes: A Critical Review
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Tsai Mei-Ling , Nargotra Parushi , Chen Chiu-Wen , Kuo Chia-Hung , Sun Pei-Pei , Dong Cheng-Di
Published: November 2022

The grave environmental, social, and economic concerns over the unprecedented exploitation of non-renewable energy resources have drawn the attention of policy makers and research organizations towards the sustainable use of agro-industrial food and crop wastes. Enzymes are versatile biocatalysts with immense potential to transform the food industry and lignocellulosic biorefineries. Microbial enzymes offer cleaner and greener solutions to produce fine chemicals and compounds. The production of industrially important enzymes from abundantly present agro-industrial food waste offers economic solutions for the commercial production of value-added chemicals. The recent developments in biocatalytic systems are designed to either increase the catalytic capability of the commercial enzymes or create new enzymes with distinctive properties. The limitations of low catalytic efficiency and enzyme denaturation in ambient conditions can be mitigated by employing diverse and inexpensive immobilization carriers, such as agro-food based materials, biopolymers, and nanomaterials. Moreover, revolutionary protein engineering tools help in designing and constructing tailored enzymes with improved substrate specificity, catalytic activity, stability, and reaction product inhibition. This review discusses the recent developments in the production of essential industrial enzymes from agro-industrial food trash and the application of low-cost immobilization and enzyme engineering approaches for sustainable development.
Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO/Ag Nanoparticles Fabricated by a Spray Pyrolysis Method with Different O2:N2 Carrier Gas Ratios and Ag Contents
Authors: Hudandini Meditha , Puri Nurdiana Ratna , Winardi Sugeng , Widiyastuti Widiyastuti , Shimada Manabu , Kusdianto Kusdianto
Published: November 2022

Wastewaters of the textile industry, e.g., those generated in Gresik, Indonesia, are a possible threat to the environment and should be treated before disposal. Photodegradation is a more promising method to overcome this problem than conventional methods such as biodegradation. ZnO is widely used for photodegradation due to its unique physical and chemical properties and stability. In this study, Ag was loaded onto ZnO, which is non-toxic and inexpensive, can improve the electron–hole separation, and has a significant catalytic potential. Pristine ZnO and ZnO-Ag nanoparticles were fabricated by an ultrasonic spray pyrolysis system at different Ag contents (1, 5, and 10 wt%). The carrier gas ratio (O2:N2) was also changed (1:0, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, and 0:1) to examine its effects on the nanoparticle characteristics. The nanoparticle characteristics were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) specific surface area. The results were interpreted in relation to photodegradation under UV light irradiation. An increase in the ZnO-Ag activity compared with pristine ZnO was observed at a carrier gas ratio of 0:1 with reaction rate constants of 0.0059 and 0.0025 min−1, respectively.
Microscopic Description of Platelet Aggregates Induced by Escherichia coli Strains
Authors: Ezzeroug Ezzraimi Amina , Baudoin Jean-Pierre , Mariotti Antoine , Camoin-Jau Laurence
Published: November 2022

In addition to their role in haemostasis, platelets are also involved in the inflammatory and antimicrobial process. Interactions between pathogens and platelets, mediated by receptors can lead to platelet activation, which may be responsible for a granular secretion process or even aggregation, depending on the bacterial species. Granular secretion releases peptides with bactericidal activity as well as aggregating factors. To our knowledge, these interactions have been poorly studied for Escherichia coli (E. coli). Few studies have characterised the cellular organization of platelet-E. coli aggregates. The objective of our study was to investigate the structure of platelet aggregates induced by different E. coli strains as well as the ultrastructure of platelet-E. coli mixtures using a scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) approach. Our results show that the appearance of platelet aggregates is mainly dependent on the strain used. SEM images illustrate the platelet activation and aggregation and their colocalisation with bacteria. Some E. coli strains induce platelet activation and aggregation, and the bacteria are trapped in the platelet magma. However, some strains do not induce significant platelet activation and are found in close proximity to the platelets. The structure of the E. coli strains might explain the results obtained.
Synthesis of Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanoparticles for SARS-CoV-2 Virus Detection Using Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Bajaj Aabha , Trimpert Jakob , Abdulhalim Ibrahim , Altintas Zeynep
Published: November 2022

COVID-19 caused by a SARS-CoV-2 infection was first reported from Wuhan, China, and later recognized as a pandemic on March 11, 2020, by the World Health Organization (WHO). Gold standard nucleic acid and molecular-based testing have largely satisfied the requirements of early diagnosis and management of this infectious disease; however, these techniques are expensive and not readily available for point-of-care (POC) applications. The COVID-19 pandemic of the 21st century has emphasized that medicine is in dire need of advanced, rapid, and cheap diagnostic tools. Herein, we report on molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (MIP-NPs/nanoMIPs) as plastic antibodies for the specific detection of SARS-CoV-2 by employing a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor. High-affinity MIP-NPs directed against SARS-CoV-2 were manufactured using a solid-phase imprinting method. The MIP-NPs were then characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) prior to their incorporation into a label-free portable SPR device. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 was studied within a range of 104–106 PFU mL−1. The MIP-NPs demonstrated good binding affinity (KD = 0.12 pM) and selectivity toward SARS-CoV-2. The AFM, cyclic voltammetry, and square-wave voltammetry studies revealed the successful stepwise preparation of the sensor. A cross-reactivity test confirmed the specificity of the sensor. For the first time, this study demonstrates the potential of molecular imprinting technology in conjunction with miniaturized SPR devices for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 particles with high-affinity and specificity. Such sensors could help monitor and manage the risks related to virus contamination and infections also beyond the current pandemic.
Point-of-Care Using Vis-NIR Spectroscopy for White Blood Cell Count Analysis
Authors: Barroso Teresa Guerra , Ribeiro Lenio , Gregório Hugo , Monteiro-Silva Filipe , Neves dos Santos Filipe , Martins Rui Costa
Published: November 2022

Total white blood cells count is an important diagnostic parameter in both human and veterinary medicines. State-of-the-art is performed by flow cytometry combined with light scattering or impedance measurements. Spectroscopy point-of-care has the advantages of miniaturization, low sampling, and real-time hemogram analysis. While white blood cells are in low proportions, while red blood cells and bilirubin dominate spectral information, complicating detection in blood. We performed a feasibility study for the direct detection of white blood cells counts in canine blood by visible-near infrared spectroscopy for veterinary applications, benchmarking current chemometrics techniques (similarity, global and local partial least squares, artificial neural networks and least-squares support vector machines) with self-learning artificial intelligence, introducing data augmentation to overcome the hurdle of knowledge representativity. White blood cells count information is present in the recorded spectra, allowing significant discrimination and equivalence between hemogram and spectra principal component scores. Chemometrics methods correlate white blood cells count to spectral features but with lower accuracy. Self-Learning Artificial Intelligence has the highest correlation (0.8478) and a small standard error of 6.92 × 109 cells/L, corresponding to a mean absolute percentage error of 25.37%. Such allows the accurate diagnosis of white blood cells in the range of values of the reference interval (5.6 to 17.8 × 109 cells/L) and above. This research is an important step toward the existence of a miniaturized spectral point-of-care hemogram analyzer.
The Role of Family Function and Triadic Interaction on Preterm Child Development—A Systematic Review
Authors: Larsson Johanna , Nyborg Lisa , Psouni Elia
Published: November 2022

Preterm infants are at high risk of developmental disability/delay and are more dependent on their caregiving environment for regulation due to their neurological immaturity. A premature birth is also a major stressor to the family system that constitutes the infant’s caregiving environment. The following systematic review investigates whether families with preterm children differ from families with full-term children in their interactions, and what impact the quality of family interaction has on child development. Using the Cochrane model, we conducted a systematic review of quantitative studies published in psycINFO, socINDEX, and PubMed, concerning family quality in triadic interactions in families with premature infants and children, and at least one child development outcome variable. The quality of these studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale assessment form for cohort studies (NOS). Eleven studies were included in the review. Quality of family interactions is either equal to or poorer in families with preterm children, compared with families with full-term children. Importantly, the link between quality of family interactions and child development outcome is stronger in preterm children compared with full-term children, regarding both positive and negative influence. Our results highlight the importance of strengthening family interactions in order to promote development in preterm children. Notably, this review provides the first systematic overview of family function and the quality of triadic interactions in preterm families. The limited number of studies with a family-system focus makes it difficult for us to draw any definitive conclusions, while underscoring the need for more observational studies, particularly post-infancy, to be able to identify specific aspects of family interactions that may be critical for preterm child development.
The Influence of Increased Dairy Product Consumption, as Part of a Lifestyle Modification Intervention, on Diet Quality and Eating Patterns in Female Adolescents with Overweight/Obesity
Authors: Fraschetti Emily C. , Skelly Lauren E. , Ahmed Mavra , Biancaniello Emma C. , Klentrou Panagiota , Josse Andrea R.
Published: November 2022

Our study examined how increased dairy consumption versus habitually low dairy consumption, against a background of healthy eating (and exercise), influenced diet quality, nutrient intake, and snacking in Canadian female adolescents (14.8 ± 2.2 years) with overweight/obesity (OW/OB). We also explored dairy consumption patterns in the group consuming dairy products. Participants were randomized into two groups: higher/recommended dairy (RDa; 4 svg/d; n = 24) or low dairy (LDa; 0–2 svg/d; n = 23). Both groups participated in a 12-week, eucaloric, lifestyle modification intervention consisting of exercise training and nutritional counseling. The intervention increased the total Canadian Healthy Eating Index score (p < 0.001) with no differences between groups. The “other food” sub-score improved more in RDa than LDa (p = 0.02), and the “saturated fat” sub-score increased more in LDa than RDa (p = 0.02). The intervention significantly increased the consumption of dairy-related nutrients more in RDa than LDa (p < 0.05). The intervention also decreased snack size in both groups (p = 0.01) and improved percentage of healthy snack energy intake more in RDa than LDa (p = 0.04). More servings of dairy products were consumed as snacks than at breakfast, lunch, or dinner (p < 0.05). Thus, our study improved diet quality, and dairy product consumption improved intakes of key related nutrients and snack consumption in adolescents with OW/OB.
Electrodeposition of Cu-Reinforced Polyaniline Coating for Protection of AH36 Steel in Natural Seawater
Authors: Chi Nguyen Van , Quan Le Hong , Linh Cao Nhat , Quang Nong Quoc , Anh Nguyen Duc , Kien Dong Van , Hoa Nguyen Van
Published: November 2022

The marine environment is highly corrosive for mild and low alloy steels. This study aimed to enhance the corrosion resistance of the AH36 steel in a saline medium by coating it with a copper particles reinforced polyaniline (PANI) layer. PANI and Cu particles were grown on the steel surface by electrodepositing methods. Firstly, PANI was electropolymerized in the presence of oxalic acid, followed by the electrodeposition of Cu particles at different deposition times. The coating showed a well-distribution of Cu particles in the polymer matrix and excellent adhesion. Furthermore, the Cu particles and PANI-coated steels exhibited corrosion resistance significantly in the saline medium compared to the bare substrate and pristine PANI-coated samples. The improved corrosion protection of a Cu@PANI coating on the AH36 steel could contribute to forming a physical barrier by filling Cu particles on the PANI pores.
Effects of Nanosecond-Pulsed Laser Milling on the Surface Properties of Al2O3 Ceramics
Authors: Xu Zhaomei , Zhang Zhengye , Sun Qi , Xu Jiale , Meng Zhao , Liu Yizhi , Meng Xiankai
Published: November 2022

The effect of nanosecond-pulsed laser milling on the surficial microstructure of Al2O3 ceramics is studied in this work. The macrostructure, microstructure, surface roughness, and milling depth of the ceramics are analyzed via scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results reveal that the surface roughness and the milling depth of Al2O3 ceramics increase with increasing laser power, laser repetition rate, and scanning times. After nanosecond-pulsed laser milling, cavities as well as molten and granular solidified structures are observed on the Al2O3 ceramic surface, which indicate that the main mechanism of nanolaser milling is the melting and gasification caused by the interaction between the laser and the material.
Layer-by-Layer Extracellular Biological Synthesis of Sustainable Ag-Based Nanoparticles for Catalytic Reduction of Methylene Blue Dye
Authors: Kordy Mohamed G. M. , Ahmed Inas A. , Abdel-Gabbar Mohammed , Soliman Hanan A. , Altowyan Abeer S. , Shaban Mohamed
Published: November 2022

Novel cubic microstructures for the purposes of plasmonic Ag-based NPs were made using biological wastes produced from a microbial culture of Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) employing a bottom-up approach for the biosynthesis of metal-based nanomaterials. The unique surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of the as-prepared Ag-based NPs was detected at 405 nm. The infra-red spectrum revealed that the used biological waste effectively stabilized our Ag-based NPs. Scanning and transmission electron microscopes were used in order to evaluate the sizes and shapes of the distinctive structures present in our samples. The Ag NPs had a face-centered cubic structure, with a size of 64.4 nm for the (200) nano-crystallites, according to the X-ray diffraction that was conducted. The zeta potential was found to be −19.5 mV and the dynamic light scattering (DLS) size was 238.8 nm. Methylene blue’s (MB) reaction with NaBH4 was used in order to measure the catalytic activity of the generated Ag-based NPs over a period of 1 to 5 min. With an astonishing reaction rate of 0.2861 min−1, the MB elimination percentage reached 67% in just 5 min, displaying outstanding catalytic activity. This work can therefore encourage the use of this biowaste for the ecologically benign, cost-effective, and long-term synthesis of innovative Ag-based nanoparticles and nanostructures, as well as in their use as catalysts in the catalytic reduction in MB.
Structure and Molecular Dynamics in Metal-Containing Polyamide 6 Microparticles
Authors: Oliveira Filipa M. , Nunes Teresa G. , Dencheva Nadya V. , Denchev Zlatan Z.
Published: November 2022

Polymer microparticles are used in additive manufacturing, separation and purification devices, biocatalysis, or for the recognition of biomolecules. This study reports on the effect of metal fillers on the structure and molecular dynamics of polyamide 6 (PA6) microparticles (MPs) containing up to 19 wt.% of Al, Cu, or Mg. These hybrid MPs are synthesized via reactive microencapsulation by anionic ring-opening polymerization in solution, in the presence of the metal filler. 13C high-resolution solid-state NMR (ssNMR) spectroscopy is employed as the primary characterization method using magic angle spinning (MAS) and cross-polarization (CP)/MAS. Depending on the metal filler, the ssNMR crystallinity index of the MP varies between 39–50%, as determined by deconvolution of the 13C MAS and CP/MAS spectra. These values correlate very well with the crystallinity derived from thermal or X-ray diffraction data. The molecular dynamics study on PA6 and Cu-containing MP shows similar mobility of carbon nuclei in the kHz, but not in the MHz frequency ranges. The paramagnetic Al and Mg have an observable effect on the relaxation; however, conclusions regarding the PA6 carbon motions cannot be unequivocally made. These results are useful in the preparation of hybrid microparticles with customized structures and magneto-electrical properties.
Cancer Survivors’ Evolving Perceptions of a New Supportive Virtual Program
Authors: Robb Alexandra , Brown Tyler L. , Durand Andrew , Loiselle Carmen G.
Published: November 2022

This qualitative study begins to explore cancer survivors’ evolving perceptions of “Focus on the Future,” a 6-week supportive virtual program led by trained volunteers and health care professionals. Through purposive sampling, participants (n = 10) enrolled in the program were individually interviewed shortly before attending, mid-way through, and at program completion. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to develop key elements of program expectations and users’ perceptions over time. Three themes transpired from the data: (1) Trustworthiness and timeliness of survivorship information and expert guidance, (2) Normalization of survivors’ experiences, and (3) Virtual program delivery issues. Some participants’ perceptions remained unchanged from pre-program expectations to post-program completion such as appreciating the efficiency of virtual delivery and “health safe” exchanges given the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, other perceptions became more polarized including drawbacks related to “more superficial” virtual connections and uneven topic relevance as the program evolved. Program participants appreciated timely information and support from volunteers and experts through virtual means and consecutive weekly sessions. Gauging participants’ perceptions across time also offer opportunities to adjust program content and delivery features. Future research should explore key program development strategies to ensure that cancer supportive programs are optimally person-centered, co-designed, and situation-responsive.
Laparoscopic versus Open Total Gastrectomy for Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer: Short and Long-Term Results
Authors: Di Carlo Sara , Siragusa Leandro , Fassari Alessia , Fiori Enrico , La Rovere Francesca , Izzo Paolo , Usai Valeria , Cavallaro Giuseppe , Franceschilli Marzia , Dhimolea Sirvjo , Sibio Simone
Published: November 2022

Background: Laparoscopic gastrectomy for early gastric cancer is widely accepted and routinely performed. However, it is still debated whether the laparoscopic approach is a valid alternative to open gastrectomy in advanced gastric cancer (AGC). The aim of this study is to compare short-and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic (LG) and open (OG) total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy in patients with AGC. Methods: A retrospective comparative study was conducted on patients who underwent LG and OG for ACG between January 2015 and December 2021. Primary endpoints were the following: recurrence rate, 3-year disease-free survival, 3-year and 5-year overall survival. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to compare variables influencing outcomes and survival. Results: Ninety-two patients included: fifty-three OG and thirty-nine LG. No difference in morbidity and mortality. LG was associated with lower recurrence rates (OG 22.6% versus LG 12.8%, p = 0.048). No differences in 3-year and 5-year overall survival; 3-year disease-free survival was improved in the LG group on the univariate analysis but not after the multivariate one. LG was associated with longer operative time, lower blood loss and shorter hospital stay. Lymph node yield was higher in LG. Conclusion: LG for AGC seems to provide satisfactory clinical and oncological outcomes in medium volume centers, improved postoperative results and possibly lower recurrence rates.
Efficacy and Accuracy of Using Magnetic Seed for Preoperative Non-Palpable Breast Lesions Localization: Our Experience with Magseed
Authors: D’Angelo Anna , Trombadori Charlotte Marguerite Lucille , Caprini Flavia , Lo Cicero Stefano , Longo Valentina , Ferrara Francesca , Palma Simone , Conti Marco , Franco Antonio , Scardina Lorenzo , D’Archi Sabatino , Belli Paolo , Manfredi Riccardo
Published: November 2022

In this retrospective study we share our single-center experience using a magnetic seed for the preoperative localization of non-palpable breast lesions. Patients who underwent a preoperative localization with Magseed® (Endomagnetics, Cambridge, UK) placement between 2020 and 2022 were enrolled. Indications to Magseed placement have been established during multidisciplinary meetings prior to surgery and all patients underwent breast-conserving surgery (BCS). 45 patients were included. Magnetic seeds have been introduced under ultrasound guidance in 40 patients (88.9%) and under stereotactic guidance in 5 patients (11.1%). We registered a highly successful placement rate (97.8%), with only one case of migration (2.2%). After BCS, all the magnetic seeds were recovered (100% retrieval rate). The re-excision rate for positive margins was 0%. Our experience, with a highly successful placement and retrieval rate and a re-excision rate equal to 0%, is consistent with the encouraging literature published on Magseed so far, suggesting this technique to be extremely effective. Moreover, our single case of seed migration supports the existing data stating that Magseed migration is rare. In conclusion, despite acknowledging Magseed limitations, we highly value the advantages linked to this technique, and we, therefore, uphold its use.
Genomic Analysis of a Novel Heavy Metal Resistant Isolate from a Black Sea Contaminated Sediment with the Potential to Degrade Alkanes: Plantactinospora alkalitolerans sp. nov.
Authors: Carro Lorena , Veyisoglu Aysel , Guven Kiymet , Schumann Peter , Klenk Hans-Peter , Sahin Nevzat
Published: November 2022

Microorganisms that grow in poorly studied environments are of special interest when new biotechnological applications are searched. The Melet river offshore sediments at the Black Sea have been described to contain an important number of contaminants from upstream industries which have been accumulating for years. Bacteria of such habitats must be adapted to the presence of those compounds and in some cases, are able to use them as carbon sources. In the analysis of some samples recovered from this environment, an actinobacterial strain was isolated, named as S1510T, and its taxonomic position was determined using a combination of phenotypic and genotypic properties. Strain S1510T presented phenotypic properties typical of members of the family Micromonosporaceae and was assigned to the Plantactinospora genus, based on the phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene and whole-genome sequences. Low dDDH (digital DNA-DNA hybridization) values with other members of the genus confirmed that Plantactinospora sp. S1510T represents a novel species, and is proposed with the new name Plantactinospora alkalitolerans. The strain presented characteristics not previously described for other species in the genus, such as its high tolerance to alkaline pHs, the presence of genes related to the production and degradation of alkanes (oleABCD, ssuAD, almA), the degradation of several aromatic compounds, and the tolerance to high heavy metal concentrations. In addition, Plantactinospora sp. S1510T presents several bioclusters to produce nonribosomal peptide-synthetases, terpenes, polyketide synthases, and bacteriocins, that possess low similarities with known compounds.
Integration Factors of Design Participants in Performance-Based Building Design of Commercial Property
Authors: Astarini Sulfiah Dwi , Utomo Christiono , Rohman Mohammad Arif
Published: November 2022

Design practice has shifted towards a performance approach that is based on an awareness of sustainability goals. Achieving this goal requires the integration of all participants through communication, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing (CCKs), specifically at the design stage. The participants are from different stages of the project which are design management (DM), project management (PM), and facility/property management (FM). The current research has not been able to clearly describe the practice in achieving design performance, especially involving the main three stakeholders (DM, PM, and FM). Thus, this study aims to fill the research gap by focusing on the influence of factors CCKs on the design performance of the commercial property, especially retail property. This will form a design, construction, and operational integration model to achieve the performance of retail properties in forming an optimal space. This study uses a method of quantitative study using a questionnaire survey. It was collected from 111 practitioners of the project participants (DM, PM, FM) in retail property development in Indonesia. There are different results in the correlation that the higher the factor value, the lower the space value performance. This correlation occurs in collaboration for PM, communication for DM, and knowledge-sharing for FM. This interesting finding can be explained empirically according to the preferences of each participant. This study contributes to knowledge about the influence of CCKs, which focus on the design of performance-based retail buildings to get the highest space value.
A Case of Clinical Uncertainty Solved: Giant Cell Arteritis with Polymyalgia Rheumatica Swiftly Diagnosed with Long Axial Field of View PET
Authors: Nienhuis Pieter , van Sluis Joyce , van Snick Johannes , Glaudemans Andor , Meijering Sofie , Brouwer Elisabeth , Slart Riemer
Published: November 2022

The clinical presentation of giant cell arteritis (GCA) is often nonspecific. Differentiating GCA from infectious, malignant, or other autoimmune pathology based on signs, symptoms, and laboratory parameters may therefore be difficult. Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging is an established tool in the diagnostic workup of GCA. An advantage of 18F-FDG-PET/CT is its ability to assist in the differential diagnosis by being able to demonstrate infection, inflammation, and malignancy when used in conjunction with clinical and laboratory data. Downsides to the use of 18F-FDG-PET/CT include its relatively low spatial resolution, associated radiation exposure, and the relatively long duration of imaging, causing limited availability and patient inconvenience. The advent of long axial field-of-view (LAFOV) PET/CT systems allows for PET imaging at a reduced imaging time or reduced tracer dose while maintaining high image quality. Here, we provide the first reported case of a patient with GCA and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) diagnosed using LAFOV PET/CT imaging. The patient presented in this case report had already been experiencing nonspecific symptoms for several years for which no cause was found. Lab investigations showed increased inflammatory parameters as well as persistent anemia. 18F-FDG LAFOV PET/CT attained high-quality images with clear signs of GCA and PMR even at 1 min of scan duration.
Homogeneous Chronic Subdural Hematoma with Diverse Recurrent Possibilities
Authors: Kung Woon-Man , Wang Yao-Chin , Chen Wei-Jung , Lin Muh-Shi
Published: November 2022

Background: Evidence suggests that hyperdense (HD) chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) have a higher recurrence than hypodense (LD) chronic subdural hematomas. The value of mean hematoma density (MHD) has been proven to be associated with postoperative recurrence. The MHD levels in homogeneous CSDHs likely underestimate the risk of recurrence in HD homogeneous subtypes. Methods: This study investigated 42 consecutive CSDH cases between July 2010 and July 2014. The area of the hematoma was quantified to determine the MHD level using computer-based image analysis of preoperative brain CT scans. Results: In terms of the MHD distribution of the four types of CSDHs (homogeneous, laminar, separated, and trabecular), wide 95% CI (11.80–16.88) and high standard deviation (4.59) can be found in homogeneous types, reflecting a high variability in the MHD levels between cases (from low to high density). The categorization of homogeneous types into LD and HD (type five) displayed a minor standard deviation in the MHD levels for LD and HD subtypes (1.15, and 0.88, respectively). MHD values demonstrated concentrated distributions among the respective five types, compared to the four-type setting. Conclusions: In the current research, we provide a consideration that if LD and HD hematomas are separated from homogeneous CSDHs, the variability of the MHD quantification can potentially be reduced, thereby avoiding the possibility of undetected high-risk groups.