bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Current and Future Outlook of Battery Chemistries for Electric Vehicles—Mini Review
Authors: Houache Mohamed , Yim Chae-Ho , Karkar Zouina , Abu-Lebdeh Yaser
Published: July 2022

As the electrification of the transportation industry is accelerating, the energy storage markets are trying to secure more reliable and environmentally benign materials. Advanced materials are the key performance enablers of batteries as well as a key element determining the cost structure, environmental impact, and recyclability of battery cells. In this review, we analyzed the state-of-the-art cell chemistries and active electrode and electrolyte materials for electric vehicles batteries, which we believe will dominate the battery chemistry landscape in the next decade. We believe that major breakthroughs and innovations in electrode materials such as high-nickel cathodes and silicon and metallic lithium anodes, along with novel liquid electrolyte formulations and solid-state electrolytes, will significantly improve the specific capacity of lithium batteries and reduce their cost, leading to accelerated mass-market penetration of EVs.
Storage Stability and In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Microencapsulated Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) Pomace Extract
Authors: Corrêa-Filho Luiz C. , Santos Diana I. , Brito Luísa , Moldão-Martins Margarida , Alves Vítor D.
Published: July 2022

Tomato pomace is rich in carotenoids (mainly lycopene), which are related to important bioactive properties. In general, carotenoids are known to react easily under environmental conditions, which may create a barrier in producing stable functional components for food. This work intended to evaluate the storage stability and in vitro release of lycopene from encapsulated tomato pomace extract, and its bioaccessibility when encapsulates were incorporated in yogurt. Microencapsulation assays were carried out with tomato pomace extract as the core material and arabic gum or inulin (10 and 20 wt%) as wall materials by spray drying (160 and 200 °C). The storage stability results indicate that lycopene degradation was highly influenced by the presence of oxygen and light, even when encapsulated. In vitro release studies revealed that 63% of encapsulated lycopene was released from the arabic gum particles in simulated gastric fluid, whereas for the inulin particles, the release was only around 13%. The feed composition with 20% inulin showed the best protective ability and the one that enabled releasing the bioactives preferentially in the intestine. The bioaccessibility of the microencapsulated lycopene added to yogurt increased during simulated gastrointestinal digestion as compared to the microencapsulated lycopene alone. We anticipate a high potential for the inulin microparticles containing lycopene to be used in functional food formulations.
Naringin and Naringenin: Their Mechanisms of Action and the Potential Anticancer Activities
Authors: Stabrauskiene Jolita , Kopustinskiene Dalia M. , Lazauskas Robertas , Bernatoniene Jurga
Published: July 2022

Naringin and naringenin are the main bioactive polyphenols in citrus fruits, the consumption of which is beneficial for human health and has been practiced since ancient times. Numerous studies have reported these substances’ antioxidant and antiandrogenic properties, as well as their ability to protect from inflammation and cancer, in various in vitro and in vivo experimental models in animals and humans. Naringin and naringenin can suppress cancer development in various body parts, alleviating the conditions of cancer patients by acting as effective alternative supplementary remedies. Their anticancer activities are pleiotropic, and they can modulate different cellular signaling pathways, suppress cytokine and growth factor production and arrest the cell cycle. In this narrative review, we discuss the effects of naringin and naringenin on inflammation, apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis and invasion processes and their potential to become innovative and safe anticancer drugs.
An Interplay between Epigenetics and Translation in Oocyte Maturation and Embryo Development: Assisted Reproduction Perspective
Authors: Dvoran Michal , Nemcova Lucie , Kalous Jaroslav
Published: July 2022

Germ cell quality is a key prerequisite for successful fertilization and early embryo development. The quality is determined by the fine regulation of transcriptomic and proteomic profiles, which are prone to alteration by assisted reproduction technology (ART)-introduced in vitro methods. Gaining evidence shows the ART can influence preset epigenetic modifications within cultured oocytes or early embryos and affect their developmental competency. The aim of this review is to describe ART-determined epigenetic changes related to the oogenesis, early embryogenesis, and further in utero development. We confront the latest epigenetic, related epitranscriptomic, and translational regulation findings with the processes of meiotic maturation, fertilization, and early embryogenesis that impact the developmental competency and embryo quality. Post-ART embryo transfer, in utero implantation, and development (placentation, fetal development) are influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. The review is emphasizing their epigenetic and ART contribution to fetal development. An epigenetic parallel among mouse, porcine, and bovine animal models and human ART is drawn to illustrate possible future mechanisms of infertility management as well as increase the awareness of the underlying mechanisms governing oocyte and embryo developmental complexity under ART conditions.
Activation of RAAS Signaling Contributes to Hypertension in Aged Hyp Mice
Authors: Latic Nejla , Zupcic Ana , Frauenstein Danny , Erben Reinhold G.
Published: July 2022

High circulating levels of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) are associated with left ventricular hypertrophy as well as increased morbidity and mortality in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease. However, the mechanisms underlying this association are controversial. Here, we aimed to further characterize the cardiovascular sequelae of long term endogenous FGF23 hypersecretion using 14-month-old male Hyp mice as a model of FGF23 excess. Hyp mice were characterized by a ~10-fold increase in circulating intact FGF23, hypophosphatemia, increased serum aldosterone, but normal kidney function, relative to wildtype (WT) controls. Cardiovascular phenotyping did not reveal any evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy or functional impairment in 14-month-old Hyp mice. Fractional shortening, ejection fraction, molecular markers of hypertrophy (Anp, Bnp), and intracardiac markers of contractility and diastolic function were all unchanged in these animals. However, intraarterial catheterization revealed an increase in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure of ~12 mm Hg in aged Hyp mice relative to WT controls. Hypertension in Hyp mice was associated with increased peripheral vascular resistance. To test the hypothesis that a stimulation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) contributes to hypertension in aged Hyp mice, we administered the angiotensin receptor blocker losartan (30 mg/kg twice daily) or the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist canrenone (30 mg/kg once daily) to aged Hyp and WT mice over 5 days. Both drugs had minor effects on blood pressure in WT mice, but reduced blood pressure and peripheral vascular resistance in Hyp mice, suggesting that a stimulation of the RAAS contributes to hypertension in aged Hyp mice.
Network Proximity-Based Drug Repurposing Strategy for Early and Late Stages of Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Authors: Shahini Endrit , Pasculli Giuseppe , Mastropietro Andrea , Stolfi Paola , Tieri Paolo , Vergni Davide , Cozzolongo Raffaele , Pesce Francesco , Giannelli Gianluigi
Published: July 2022

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic, cholestatic, immune-mediated, and progressive liver disorder. Treatment to preventing the disease from advancing into later and irreversible stages is still an unmet clinical need. Accordingly, we set up a drug repurposing framework to find potential therapeutic agents targeting relevant pathways derived from an expanded pool of genes involved in different stages of PBC. Starting with updated human protein–protein interaction data and genes specifically involved in the early and late stages of PBC, a network medicine approach was used to provide a PBC “proximity” or “involvement” gene ranking using network diffusion algorithms and machine learning models. The top genes in the proximity ranking, when combined with the original PBC-related genes, resulted in a final dataset of the genes most involved in PBC disease. Finally, a drug repurposing strategy was implemented by mining and utilizing dedicated drug–gene interaction and druggable genome information knowledge bases (e.g., the DrugBank repository). We identified several potential drug candidates interacting with PBC pathways after performing an over-representation analysis on our initial 1121-seed gene list and the resulting disease-associated (algorithm-obtained) genes. The mechanism and potential therapeutic applications of such drugs were then thoroughly discussed, with a particular emphasis on different stages of PBC disease. We found that interleukin/EGFR/TNF-alpha inhibitors, branched-chain amino acids, geldanamycin, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, genistein, antioestrogens, curcumin, antineovascularisation agents, enzyme/protease inhibitors, and antirheumatic agents are promising drugs targeting distinct stages of PBC. We developed robust and transparent selection mechanisms for prioritizing already approved medicinal products or investigational products for repurposing based on recognized unmet medical needs in PBC, as well as solid preliminary data to achieve this goal.
Genetic Basis of the Epidemiological Features and Clinical Significance of Renal Hypouricemia
Authors: Hakoda Masayuki , Ichida Kimiyoshi
Published: July 2022

A genetic defect in urate transporter 1 (URAT1) is the major cause of renal hypouricemia (RHUC). Although RHUC is detected using a serum uric acid (UA) concentration <2.0 mg/dL, the relationship between the genetic state of URAT1 and serum UA concentration is not clear. Homozygosity and compound heterozygosity with respect to mutant URAT1 alleles are associated with a serum UA concentration of <1.0 mg/dL and are present at a prevalence of ~0.1% in Japan. In heterozygous individuals, the prevalence of a serum UA of 1.1–2.0 mg/dL is much higher in women than in men. The frequency of mutant URAT1 alleles is as high as 3% in the general Japanese population. The expansion of a specific mutant URAT1 allele derived from a single mutant gene that occurred in ancient times is reflected in modern Japan at a high frequency. Similar findings were reported in Roma populations in Europe. These phenomena are thought to reflect the ancient migration history of each ethnic group (founder effects). Exercise-induced acute kidney injury (EI-AKI) is mostly observed in individuals with homozygous/compound heterozygous URAT1 mutation, and laboratory experiments suggested that a high UA load on the renal tubules is a plausible mechanism for EI-AKI.
Diabetes: A Multifaceted Disorder
Authors: Grau María , Pericas Carles
Published: July 2022

Diabetes is a chronic disease associated with increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney or liver disease [...]
Nucleus Accumbens Response to Reward among Children with a Family History of Alcohol Use Problems: Convergent Findings from the ABCD Study® and Michigan Longitudinal Study
Authors: Martz Meghan E. , Hardee Jillian E. , Cope Lora M. , McCurry Katherine L. , Soules Mary , Zucker Robert A. , Heitzeg Mary M.
Published: July 2022

Having a family history of alcohol use problems (FH+) conveys risk for alcohol use in offspring. Reward-related brain functioning may play a role in this vulnerability. The present study investigated brain function in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) associated with the anticipation of reward in youth with two biological parents with alcohol use problems (FH+2), one biological parent with alcohol use problems (FH+1), and no biological parents with alcohol use problems (FH-). Participants were from the large, national Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (mean age: 9.93; 48% female; FH+2 n = 223, FH+1 n = 1447, FH- n = 9690) and the Michigan Longitudinal Study (MLS), consisting of community-recruited families with high rates of alcohol use disorder (mean age: 10.54; 39.3% female; FH+2 n = 40, FH+1 n = 51, FH- n = 40). Reward anticipation was measured by the monetary incentive delay task. Regression models were used to assess associations between FH status and the anticipation of large rewards in right and left NAcc regions of interest. In both studies, FH+2 youth showed blunted anticipatory reward responding in the right NAcc compared to FH+1 youth. In the MLS, FH+2 youth also had blunted anticipatory reward responding in the right NAcc compared to the FH- group. Convergent results across two separate samples provide insights into a unique vulnerability of FH+2 youth and suggest that binary FH+ versus FH- categorizations may obscure important differences within FH+ youth.
Three-Hour Argon Inhalation Has No Neuroprotective Effect after Open Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats
Authors: Antonova Viktoriya V. , Silachev Denis N. , Ryzhkov Ivan A. , Lapin Konstantin N. , Kalabushev Sergey N. , Ostrova Irina V. , Varnakova Lydia A. , Grebenchikov Oleg A.
Published: July 2022

In vivo studies of the therapeutic effects of argon in traumatic brain injury (TBI) are limited, and their results are contradictory. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a three-hour inhalation of argon (70%Ar/30%O2) after an open TBI on the severity of the neurological deficit and the degree of brain damage in rats. The experiments were performed on male Wistar rats (n = 35). The TBI was simulated by the dosed open brain contusion injury. The animals were divided into three groups: sham-operated (SO, n = 7); TBI + 70%N2/30%O2 (TBI, n = 14); TBI + 70%Ar/30%O2 (TBI + iAr, n = 14). The Neurological status was assessed over a 14-day period (using the limb-placing and cylinder tests). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and a histological examination of the brain with an assessment of the volume of the lesions were performed 14 days after the injury. At each of the time points (days 1, 7, and 14), the limb-placing test score was lower in the TBI and TBI + iAr groups than in the SO group, while there were no significant differences between the TBI and TBI + iAr groups. Additionally, no differences were found between these groups in the cylinder test scores (day 13). The volume of brain damage (tissue loss) according to both the MRI and histological findings did not differ between the TBI and TBI + iAr groups. A three-hour inhalation of argon (70%Ar/30%O2) after a TBI had no neuroprotective effect.
Comprehensive Cortical Structural Features Predict the Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Yang Xiang-Yun , Liu Rui , Luo Jia , Huang Fang-Fang , Wang Peng-Chong , Yang Xiao-Jie , Wu Hang , Zhou Yuan , Li Zhan-Jiang
Published: July 2022

Although cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), 40% of OCD patients show a poor response to CBT. This study aimed to identify the cortical structural factors that predict CBT outcomes in OCD patients. A total of 56 patients with OCD received baseline structural MRI (sMRI) scanning and 14 individual CBT sessions. The linear support vector regression (SVR) models were used to identify the predictive performance of sMRI indices, including gray matter volume, cortical thickness, sulcal depth, and gyrification value. The patients’ OC symptoms decreased significantly after CBT intervention (p < 0.001). We found the model with the comprehensive variables exhibited better performance than the models with single structural indices (MAE = 0.14, MSE = 0.03, R2 = 0.36), showing a significant correlation between the true value and the predicted value (r = 0.63, p < 0.001). The results indicated that a model integrating four cortical structural features can accurately predict the effectiveness of CBT for OCD. Future models incorporating other brain indicators, including brain functional indicators, EEG indicators, neurotransmitters, etc., which might be more accurate for predicting the effectiveness of CBT for OCD, are needed.
A Qualitative Research on Usage Intention and Platform Swinging Behavior of Anonymous Social Applications “Soul”
Authors: Song Xiaoxiao , Yu Zhiyuan
Published: July 2022

By iheriting online natural properties, anonymous social media (ASM) applications have become popular and have attracted large amounts of mobile users (e.g., the youth) who can construct new identities for role-play and show themselves in anonymous ways. In order to investigate the influencing factors toward usage intention (UI) and platform swinging (PS) behavior among anonymous social applications, we choose one of the most active ASM App “Soul” as the example in China and then conducte a semi-structured interview with 23 valid Soul users using qualitative methods. The results show that the factors, i.e., perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived privacy riskiness, perceived anonymity, subjective norms, emotional attachments, and perceived interactivity, indeed affect UI among Soul users via online communication. Moreover, we find that PS behavior is ubiquitous among interviewees and mainly depends on diversified needs, which consist of nine dimensions including different position and function among apps, usage comparison, friend migration, etc. Nearly 80% of interviewees believe that there exists a relationship between UI and PS, which can be described as a inverted U-shaped curve, i.e., the higher or lower UI, the less probability of PS. For the individuals’ social media usage behavior, a closed loop “Attitude–Intention–Behavior” is summarized. By conducting qualitative research, we intend to provide some insights and deepen the understanding of UI among ASM users in daily life.
Circular Economy in the Construction Industry: A Step towards Sustainable Development
Authors: Ghufran Maria , Khan Khurram Iqbal Ahmad , Ullah Fahim , Nasir Abdur Rehman , Al Alahmadi Ahmad Aziz , Alzaed Ali Nasser , Alwetaishi Mamdooh
Published: July 2022

Construction is a resource-intensive industry where a circular economy (CE) is essential to minimize global impacts and conserve natural resources. A CE achieves long-term sustainability by enabling materials to circulate along the critical supply chains. Accordingly, recent research has proposed a paradigm shift towards CE-based sustainability. However, uncertainties caused by fluctuating raw material prices, scarce materials, increasing demand, consumers’ expectations, lack of proper waste infrastructure, and the use of wrong recycling technologies all lead to complexities in the construction industry (CI). This research paper aims to determine the enablers of a CE for sustainable development in the CI. The system dynamics (SD) approach is utilized for modeling and simulation purposes to address the associated process complexity. First, using content analysis of pertinent literature, ten enablers of a CE for sustainable development in CI were identified. Then, causality among these enablers was identified via interviews and questionnaire surveys, leading to the development of the causal loop diagram (CLD) using systems thinking. The CLD for the 10 shortlisted enablers shows five reinforcing loops and one balancing loop. Furthermore, the CLD was used to develop an SD model with two stocks: “Organizational Incentive Schemes” and “Policy Support.” An additional stock (“Sustainable Development”) was created to determine the combined effect of all stocks. The model was simulated for five years. The findings show that policy support and organizational incentive schemes, among other enablers, are critical in implementing a CE for sustainable development in CI. The outcomes of this study can help CI practitioners to implement a CE in a way that drives innovation, boosts economic growth, and improves competitiveness.
Zero Setup Margin Mask versus Frame Immobilization during Gamma Knife® Icon™ Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases
Authors: Kutuk Tugce , Kotecha Rupesh , Tolakanahalli Ranjini , Wieczorek D Jay J. , Lee Yongsook C. , Ahluwalia Manmeet S. , Hall Matthew D. , McDermott Michael W. , Appel Haley , Gutierrez Alonso N. , Mehta Minesh P. , Tom Martin C.
Published: July 2022

We compared the clinical outcomes of BM treated with mask immobilization with zero-SM (i.e., zero-PTV) to standard zero-SM frame immobilization SRS. Consecutive patients with BM, 0.5–2.0 cm in maximal diameter, treated with single-fraction SRS (22–24 Gy) during March 2019–February 2021 were included. Univariable and multivariable analysis were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression. A total of 150 patients with 453 BM met inclusion criteria. A total of 129 (28.5%) lesions were treated with a zero-SM mask immobilization and 324 (71.5%) with zero-SM frame immobilization. Frame immobilization treatments were associated with a higher proportion of gastrointestinal and fewer breast-cancer metastases (p = 0.024), and a higher number of treated lesions per SRS course (median 7 vs. 3; p < 0.001). With a median follow up of 15 months, there was no difference in FFLF between the mask and frame immobilization groups on univariable (p = 0.29) or multivariable analysis (p = 0.518). Actuarial FFLF at 1 year was 90.5% for mask and 92% for frame immobilization (p = 0.272). Radiation necrosis rates at 1 year were 12.5% for mask and 4.1% for frame immobilization (p = 0.502). For BM 0.5–2.0 cm in maximal diameter treated with single-fraction SRS using 22–24 Gy, mask immobilization with zero SM produces comparable clinical outcomes to frame immobilization. The initial findings support omitting a SM when using mask immobilization with this treatment approach on a Gamma Knife® Icon™.
“FLipping” the Story: FLT3-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia and the Evolving Role of FLT3 Inhibitors
Authors: Knight Tristan E. , Edwards Holly , Meshinchi Soheil , Taub Jeffrey W. , Ge Yubin
Published: July 2022

The treatment of many types of cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), has been revolutionized by the development of therapeutics targeted at crucial molecular drivers of oncogenesis. In contrast to broad, relatively indiscriminate conventional chemotherapy, these targeted agents precisely disrupt key pathways within cancer cells. FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3)—encoding a critical regulator of hematopoiesis—is the most frequently mutated gene in patients with AML, and these mutations herald reduced survival and increased relapse in these patients. Approximately 30% of newly diagnosed AML carries an FLT3 mutation; of these, approximately three-quarters are internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations, and the remainder are tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) mutations. In contrast to its usual, tightly controlled expression, FLT3-ITD mutants allow constitutive, “run-away” activation of a large number of key downstream pathways which promote cellular proliferation and survival. Targeted inhibition of FLT3 is, therefore, a promising therapeutic avenue. In April 2017, midostaurin became both the first FLT3 inhibitor and the first targeted therapy of any kind in AML to be approved by the US FDA. The use of FLT3 inhibitors has continued to grow as clinical trials continue to demonstrate the efficacy of this class of agents, with an expanding number available for use as both experimental standard-of-care usage. This review examines the biology of FLT3 and its downstream pathways, the mechanism of FLT3 inhibition, the development of the FLT3 inhibitors as a class and uses of the agents currently available clinically, and the mechanisms by which resistance to FLT3 inhibition may both develop and be overcome.
Advanced Neuroimaging Approaches to Pediatric Brain Tumors
Authors: Nikam Rahul M. , Yue Xuyi , Kaur Gurcharanjeet , Kandula Vinay , Khair Abdulhafeez , Kecskemethy Heidi H. , Averill Lauren W. , Langhans Sigrid A.
Published: July 2022

Central nervous system tumors are the most common pediatric solid tumors; they are also the most lethal. Unlike adults, childhood brain tumors are mostly primary in origin and differ in type, location and molecular signature. Tumor characteristics (incidence, location, and type) vary with age. Children present with a variety of symptoms, making early accurate diagnosis challenging. Neuroimaging is key in the initial diagnosis and monitoring of pediatric brain tumors. Conventional anatomic imaging approaches (computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) are useful for tumor detection but have limited utility differentiating tumor types and grades. Advanced MRI techniques (diffusion-weighed imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, functional MRI, arterial spin labeling perfusion imaging, MR spectroscopy, and MR elastography) provide additional and improved structural and functional information. Combined with positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission CT (SPECT), advanced techniques provide functional information on tumor metabolism and physiology through the use of radiotracer probes. Radiomics and radiogenomics offer promising insight into the prediction of tumor subtype, post-treatment response to treatment, and prognostication. In this paper, a brief review of pediatric brain cancers, by type, is provided with a comprehensive description of advanced imaging techniques including clinical applications that are currently utilized for the assessment and evaluation of pediatric brain tumors.
TNFRSF1A Gene Polymorphism (−610 T > G, rs4149570) as a Predictor of Malnutrition and a Prognostic Factor in Patients Subjected to Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy Due to Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Homa-Mlak Iwona , Mlak Radosław , Mazurek Marcin , Brzozowska Anna , Powrózek Tomasz , Rahnama-Hezavah Mansur , Małecka-Massalska Teresa
Published: July 2022

Background: Malnutrition is a nutritional disorder observed in 52% of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Malnutrition is frequently related to the increased level of proinflammatory cytokines. In turn, ongoing inflammation is associated with increased catabolism of skeletal muscle and lipolysis. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a pivotal role in the development of malnutrition and cachexia in cancer patients. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between a functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) −610 T > G (rs4149570) of the TNFRSF1A gene and the occurrence of nutritional disorders in patients subjected to RT due to HNC. Methods: The study group consisted of 77 patients with HNC treated at the Oncology Department of the Medical University in Lublin. Genotyping of the TNFRSF1A gene was performed using capillary electrophoresis (Genetic Analyzer 3500). Results: Multivariable analysis revealed that the TT genotype of the TNFRSF1A gene (−610 T > G) was an independent predictor of severe malnutrition (odds ratio—OR = 5.05; p = 0.0350). Moreover, the TT genotype of this gene was independently related to a higher risk of critical weight loss (CWL) (OR = 24.85; p = 0.0009). Conclusions: SNP (−610 T > G) of the TNFRSF1A may be a useful marker in the assessment of the risk of nutritional deficiencies in HNC patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).
Mixture of Sludge and Chicken Manure in Membrane-Less Microbial Fuel Cell for Simultaneous Waste Treatment and Energy Recovery
Authors: Malik Nurul Najwa Adam , Sabri Muhammad Najib Ikmal Mohd , Tajarudin Husnul Azan , Shoparwe Noor Fazliani , Shukor Hafiza , Makhtar Muaz Mohd Zaini , Abbas Syed Zaghum , Yong Yang-Chun , Rafatullah Mohd
Published: July 2022

In addition to disposal issues, the abundance of sludge and chicken manure has been a rising issue in Malaysia. Membrane-less microbial fuel cell (ML-MFC) technology can be considered as one of the potential solutions to the issues of disposal and electricity generation. However, there is still a lack of information on the performance of an ML-MFC powered by sludge and chicken manure. Hence, with this project, we studied the performance of an ML-MFC supplemented with sludge and chicken manure, and its operating parameters were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) through central composite design (CCD). The optimum operating parameters were determined to be 35 °C, 75% moisture content, and an electrode distance of 3 cm. Correspondingly, the highest power density, COD removal efficiency, and biomass acquired through this study were 47.2064 mW/m2, 98.0636%, and 19.6730 mg/L, respectively. The obtained COD values for dewatered sludge and chicken manure were 708 mg/L and 571 mg/L, respectively. COD values were utilized as a standard value for the substrate degradation by Bacillus subtilis in the ML-MFC. Through proximate analyses conducted by elemental analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), the composition of carbon and magnesium for sludge and chicken manure was23.75% and 34.20% and 78.1575 mg/L and 71.6098 mg/L, respectively. The proposed optimal RSM parameters were assessed and validated to determine the ML-MFC operating parameters to be optimized by RSM (CCD).
Editorial for Special Issue: Neuroglobin from Brain Protection to Cancer Progression
Authors: Marino Maria , Misasi Roberta , Ruoppolo Margherita
Published: July 2022

Since its discovery in 2000 [...]
Uterus: A Unique Stem Cell Reservoir Able to Support Cardiac Repair via Crosstalk among Uterus, Heart, and Bone Marrow
Authors: Ludke Ana , Hatta Kota , Yao Alina , Li Ren-Ke
Published: July 2022

Clinical evidence suggests that the prevalence of cardiac disease is lower in premenopausal women compared to postmenopausal women and men. Although multiple factors contribute to this difference, uterine stem cells may be a major factor, as a high abundance of these cells are present in the uterus. Uterine-derived stem cells have been reported in several studies as being able to contribute to cardiac neovascularization after injury. However, our studies uniquely show the presence of an “utero-cardiac axis”, in which uterine stem cells are able to home to cardiac tissue to promote tissue repair. Additionally, we raise the possibility of a triangular relationship among the bone marrow, uterus, and heart. In this review, we discuss the exchange of stem cells across different organs, focusing on the relationship that exists between the heart, uterus, and bone marrow. We present increasing evidence for the existence of an utero-cardiac axis, in which the uterus serves as a reservoir for cardiac reparative stem cells, similar to the bone marrow. These cells, in turn, are able to migrate to the heart in response to injury to promote healing.
The Succinate Receptor SUCNR1 Resides at the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Relocates to the Plasma Membrane in Hypoxic Conditions
Authors: Sanchez Melanie , Hamel David , Bajon Emmanuel , Duhamel François , Bhosle Vikrant K. , Zhu Tang , Rivera Jose Carlos , Dabouz Rabah , Nadeau-Vallée Mathieu , Sitaras Nicholas , Tremblay David-Étienne , Omri Samy , Habelrih Tiffany , Rouget Raphael , Hou Xin , Gobeil Fernand , Joyal Jean-Sébastien , Sapieha Przemyslaw , Mitchell Grant , Ribeiro-Da-Silva Alfredo , Mohammad Nezhady Mohammad Ali , Chemtob Sylvain
Published: July 2022

The GPCR SUCNR1/GPR91 exerts proangiogenesis upon stimulation with the Krebs cycle metabolite succinate. GPCR signaling depends on the surrounding environment and intracellular localization through location bias. Here, we show by microscopy and by cell fractionation that in neurons, SUCNR1 resides at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), while being fully functional, as shown by calcium release and the induction of the expression of the proangiogenic gene for VEGFA. ER localization was found to depend upon N-glycosylation, particularly at position N8; the nonglycosylated mutant receptor localizes at the plasma membrane shuttled by RAB11. This SUCNR1 glycosylation is physiologically regulated, so that during hypoxic conditions, SUCNR1 is deglycosylated and relocates to the plasma membrane. Downstream signal transduction of SUCNR1 was found to activate the prostaglandin synthesis pathway through direct interaction with COX-2 at the ER; pharmacologic antagonism of the PGE2 EP4 receptor (localized at the nucleus) was found to prevent VEGFA expression. Concordantly, restoring the expression of SUCNR1 in the retina of SUCNR1-null mice renormalized vascularization; this effect is markedly diminished after transfection of the plasma membrane-localized SUCNR1 N8A mutant, emphasizing that ER localization of the succinate receptor is necessary for proper vascularization. These findings uncover an unprecedented physiologic process where GPCR resides at the ER for signaling function.
The Paradox of Nuclear Lamins in Pathologies: Apparently Controversial Roles Explained by Tissue-Specific Mechanobiology
Authors: Urciuoli Enrica , Peruzzi Barbara
Published: July 2022

The nuclear lamina is a complex meshwork of intermediate filaments (lamins) that is located beneath the inner nuclear membrane and the surrounding nucleoplasm. The lamins exert both structural and functional roles in the nucleus and, by interacting with several nuclear proteins, are involved in a wide range of nuclear and cellular activities. Due their pivotal roles in basic cellular processes, lamin gene mutations, or modulations in lamin expression, are often associated with pathological conditions, ranging from rare genetic diseases, such as laminopathies, to cancer. Although a substantial amount of literature describes the effects that are mediated by the deregulation of nuclear lamins, some apparently controversial results have been reported, which may appear to conflict with each other. In this context, we herein provide our explanation of such “controversy”, which, in our opinion, derives from the tissue-specific expression of nuclear lamins and their close correlation with mechanotransduction processes, which could be very different, or even opposite, depending on the specific mechanical conditions that should not be compared (a tissue vs. another tissue, in vivo studies vs. cell cultures on glass/plastic supports, etc.). Moreover, we have stressed the relevance of considering and reproducing the “mechano-environment” in in vitro experimentation. Indeed, when primary cells that are collected from patients or donors are maintained in a culture, the mechanical signals deriving from canonical experimental procedures of cell culturing could alter the lamin expression, thereby profoundly modifying the assessed cell type, in some cases even too much, compared to the cell of origin.
Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum in Children with Viral Infections: Report of Three Cases Related to Rhinovirus or Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: Leinert Johanna L. , Perez Ortiz Alba , Rafat Neysan
Published: July 2022

Background: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SP) is generally a benign condition which can have various etiologies. Data on SP related to respiratory viral infections in children are rare and there are currently no official guidelines or consistent treatment recommendations for these patients. Aim: To discuss treatment options considering the recommendations for SP with different etiologies. Methods: We report three cases of SP, which were related to rhinovirus or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Results: All three patients presented with typical symptoms of a respiratory tract infection and required oxygen supplementation during the hospital stay. All children benefited from a conservative, supportive therapy, and bed rest, and could be discharged after seven days or less without remaining symptoms. Conclusion: Surveillance and monitoring might be reasonable to detect and treat potential complications in children with SP due to viral infections, as one child developed an increasing pneumothorax, which had to be treated with a thoracic drainage.
Indications for Hospitalization in Children with SARS-CoV-2 Infection during the Omicron Wave in New York City
Authors: Acker Karen P. , Levine Deborah A. , Varghese Mathew , Nash Katherine A. , RoyChoudhury Arindam , Abramson Erika L. , Grinspan Zachary M. , Simmons Will , Wu Alan , Han Jin-Young
Published: July 2022

The emergence of the Omicron variant was accompanied by an acute increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in New York City. An increased incidence of COVID-19-associated croup in children during the Omicron wave has been recognized, suggesting that there may be other changes in clinical symptoms and severity. To better understand clinical outcomes and health care utilization in children infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the Omicron wave, we performed a cross-sectional study in pediatric patients aged ≤18 years who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric emergency departments within a large medical system in New York City from 2 December 2021 to 23 January 2022. We described the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pediatric patients who presented to the pediatric emergency department and were hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the Omicron wave in New York City. There were 2515 children tested in the ED for SARS-CoV-2 of whom 794 (31.6%) tested positive. Fifty-eight children were hospitalized for a COVID-19-related indication, representing 7.3% of all COVID-19-positive children and 72% of hospitalized COVID-19-positive children. Most (64%) children hospitalized for a COVID-19-related indication were less than 5 years old. Indications for hospitalization included respiratory symptoms, clinical monitoring of patients with comorbid conditions, and exacerbations of underlying disease. Eleven (19%) hospitalized children were admitted to the ICU and six (10%) required mechanical ventilation. Children infected with COVID-19 during the Omicron wave, particularly those less than 5 years old, were at risk for hospitalization. A majority of hospitalizations were directly related to COVID-19 infection although clinical indications varied with less than a half being admitted for respiratory diseases including croup. Our findings underscore the need for an effective COVID-19 vaccine in those less than 5 years old, continued monitoring for changes in clinical outcomes and health care utilization in children as more SARS-CoV-2 variants emerge, and understanding that children are often admitted for non-respiratory diseases with COVID-19.
The Modernity of Ancient Pigments: A Historical Approach
Authors: Orna Mary Virginia , Fontani Marco
Published: July 2022

Naturally occurring and synthetic ancient pigments have a history of use spanning thousands of years. Curiously, some of their newly discovered properties make them excellent candidates for semiconductors, anticounterfeiting agents and so much more. In this paper, we will review their ancient roots in art and modern emergence as 21st century workhorses. You can never judge a pigment by its color alone!
High-Performance Computing in Meteorology under a Context of an Era of Graphical Processing Units
Authors: Nakaegawa Tosiyuki
Published: July 2022

This short review shows how innovative processing units—including graphical processing units (GPUs)—are used in high-performance computing (HPC) in meteorology, introduces current scientific studies relevant to HPC, and discusses the latest topics in meteorology accelerated by HPC computers. The current status surrounding HPC is distinctly complicated in both hardware and software terms, and flows similar to fast cascades. It is difficult to understand and follow the status for beginners; they need to overcome the obstacle of catching up on the information on HPC and connecting it to their studies. HPC systems have accelerated weather forecasts with physical-based models since Richardson’s dream in 1922. Meteorological scientists and model developers have written the codes of the models by making the most of the latest HPC technologies available at the time. Several of the leading HPC systems used for weather forecast models are introduced. Each institute chose an HPC system from many possible alternatives to best match its purposes. Six of the selected latest topics in high-performance computing in meteorology are also reviewed: floating points; spectral transform in global weather models; heterogeneous computing; exascale computing; co-design; and data-driven weather forecasts.
SEN2VENµS, a Dataset for the Training of Sentinel-2 Super-Resolution Algorithms
Authors: Michel Julien , Vinasco-Salinas Juan , Inglada Jordi , Hagolle Olivier
Published: July 2022

Boosted by the progress in deep learning, Single Image Super-Resolution (SISR) has gained a lot of interest in the remote sensing community, who sees it as an opportunity to compensate for satellites’ ever-limited spatial resolution with respect to end users’ needs. This is especially true for Sentinel-2 because of its unique combination of resolution, revisit time, global coverage and free and open data policy. While there has been a great amount of work on network architectures in recent years, deep-learning-based SISR in remote sensing is still limited by the availability of the large training sets it requires. The lack of publicly available large datasets with the required variability in terms of landscapes and seasons pushes researchers to simulate their own datasets by means of downsampling. This may impair the applicability of the trained model on real-world data at the target input resolution. This paper presents SEN2VENµS, an open-data licensed dataset composed of 10 m and 20 m cloud-free surface reflectance patches from Sentinel-2, with their reference spatially registered surface reflectance patches at 5 m resolution acquired on the same day by the VENµS satellite. This dataset covers 29 locations on earth with a total of 132,955 patches of 256 × 256 pixels at 5 m resolution and can be used for the training and comparison of super-resolution algorithms to bring the spatial resolution of 8 of the Sentinel-2 bands up to 5 m.
Diagnostic Value of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte, Platelet-to-Lymphocyte, and Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratios for the Assessment of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Patients with Undifferentiated Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Song Byung-Wook , Kim A-Ran , Kim Yun-Kyung , Kim Geun-Tae , Ahn Eun-Young , So Min-Wook , Lee Seung-Geun
Published: July 2022

Background: To investigate the diagnostic performance of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in subjects with undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis (UIA). Methods: This retrospective cohort study investigated 201 female patients with UIA (≥1 swollen joint) and 280 age-matched, healthy female controls. “Clinical RA” was defined based on the clinical judgment of a rheumatologist and “disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) RA” was defined as a case of initiating DMARDs treatment within 6 months after the first visit. “Classified RA” was defined as fulfilling the 2010 classification criteria for RA. Receiver operating characteristics were used to determine the optimal cut-off value. Results: UIA patients had a significantly higher NLR, PLR, and MLR than the controls. Among the 201 UIA patients, 65 (32.3%), 63 (31.3%), and 61 (30.3%) subjects were classified as clinical RA, DMARDs RA, and classified RA, respectively. At a cut-off of 0.24, MLR showed moderate accuracy for the diagnosis of DMARDs RA (sensitivity, 65.1%; specificity, 62.3%; area under the curve [AUC], 0.701; p < 0.001). However, the diagnostic accuracies of NLR and PLR were low. Conclusions: MLR may be used as a complementary diagnostic indicator for RA diagnosis in patients with UIA.
Cyto-Histopathological Correlations in Pathology Diagnostics
Authors: Kholová Ivana
Published: July 2022

Cyto-histopathological correlation is a key player in measuring quality in a quality programme [...]
The Flashlight-Sign: A Novel B-Flow Based Ultrasound Finding for Detection of Intraluminal, Wall-Adherent, Floating Structures of the Abdominal Aorta and Peripheral Arteries
Authors: Lottspeich Christian , Puhr-Westerheide Daniel , Stana Jan , Hoffmann Ulrich , Czihal Michael
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the potential diagnostic value of a novel, sonographic, B-Flow (BFl)-based sign (“flashlight sign”, FLS) for the detection of wall-adherent, floating arterial structures (WAFAS). The FLS, characterized by a fast moving, very bright, intraluminal signal, was detected in 28 patients with WAFAS. We divided this cohort into three subgroups according to the affected vascular segments: (1) peripheral arteries (n = 10); (2) native abdominal aorta (n = 8); and (3) abdominal aorta after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR; n = 10). Clinical characteristics were analyzed and BFl-findings were compared with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and computed tomography angiography (CTA). Seven patients (25%) suffered from arterial embolism downstream to the FLS (EVAR, n = 4; native abdominal aorta, n = 1; peripheral arteries, n = 2). WAFAS of the abdominal aorta (native or after EVAR), as indicated by the FLS, were visible by CEUS and CTA in 60% and 93.3%, respectively. Based on the largest cohort (to this point) of patients with WAFAS, we propose a clinically useful, BFl-based sonographic sign for the detection of these underrated arterial pathologies in the abdominal aorta and the peripheral arteries.
Radial Symmetry Does Not Preclude Condorcet Cycles If Different Voters Weight the Issues Differently
Authors: Potthoff Richard F.
Published: July 2022

Radial symmetry, by our definition, is a precise condition on continuous ideal-point distributions, rarely if ever found exactly in practice, that is similar to the classical 1967 symmetry condition of Plott but pertains to an infinite electorate; the bivariate normal distribution provides an example. A Condorcet cycle exists if the electorate prefers alternative X to Y, Y to Z, and Z to X. An alternative K is a Condorcet winner if there is no alternative that the electorate prefers to K. Lack of a Condorcet winner may engender turmoil. The nonexistence of a Condorcet winner implies that a Condorcet cycle exists. Radial symmetry precludes the existence of Condorcet cycles and thus guarantees a Condorcet winner; but this result assumes that all voters weight the dimensions alike. Our counterexamples show that a Condorcet cycle can arise, even under radial symmetry, if the weighting of issues varies across voters. This finding may be of more than theoretical value: It may suggest that in an empirical setting (without radial symmetry), a Condorcet cycle may be more frequent if voters differ as to how they weight the dimensions. We examine, for illustration based on two dimensions (left–right, linguistic), a Condorcet preference cycle in Finland’s 1931 presidential election.
Psychometric Properties of an Emotional Communication Questionnaire for Education and Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Hernández-Jorge Carmen M. , Rodríguez-Hernández Antonio F. , Kostiv Olena , Rivero Francisco , Domínguez-Medina Raquel
Published: July 2022

Educational and healthcare professionals need to develop emotional communication with schoolchildren and patients, respectively. This study aims to analyse the psychometric properties of an instrument that evaluates emotional communication among these professionals. A total of 406 professionals and students of education and health sciences took part in the study. They were administered a questionnaire using a Google Form that collected different elements of emotional communication. An exploratory factor analysis was carried out from which three factors were extracted: Communicative Proactivity, Openness and Authenticity, and Listening. These were supported by confirmatory factor analysis. The internal consistency of the scale is also adequate, ranging from 0.69 to 0.82. This instrument is valid, and, in a self-reported, straightforward and time-efficient manner, can assess the emotional communication of professionals and students of education and health sciences.