bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association between icaA and icaB Genes, Antibiotic Resistance and Biofilm Formation in Clinical Isolates of Staphylococci spp.
Authors: Abdel-Shafi Seham , El-Serwy Heba , El-Zawahry Yehia , Zaki Maysaa , Sitohy Basel , Sitohy Mahmoud
Published: March 2022

Sixty-six (66) Staphylococcus bacterial isolates were withdrawn from separate clinical samples of hospitalized patients with various clinical infections. Conventional bacteriological tests identified the species of all isolates, and standard microbiological techniques differentiated them into CoPS or CoNS. Their biofilm development was followed by an analysis via the MTP (microtiter tissue culture plates) technique, and we then investigated the presence/absence of icaA and icaB, which were qualified in the top-30 potent biofilm-forming isolates. Thirteen isolates (46.7%) showed the presence of one gene, six (20%) isolates exhibited the two genes, while ten (33.3%) had neither of them. The formation of staphylococci biofilms in the absence of ica genes may be related to the presence of other biofilm formation ica-independent mechanisms. CoPS was the most abundant species among the total population. S. aureus was the sole representative of CoPS, while S. epidermidis was the most abundant form of CoNS. Antibiotic resistance was developing against the most frequently used antimicrobial drugs, while vancomycin was the least-resisted drug. The totality of the strong and medium-strength film-forming isolates represented the majority proportion (80%) of the total investigated clinical samples. The biochemical pattern CoPS is associated with antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation and can be an alarming indicator of potential antibiotic resistance.
Effects of Nitrite Exposure on the Hematological Properties, Antioxidant and Stress Responses of Juvenile Hybrid Groupers, Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀
Authors: Kim Jun-Hwan , Kang Yue Jai , Lee Kyung Mi
Published: March 2022

Nitrite concentrations can reach high levels in indoor aquaculture systems, thus it is vital to determine the nitrite tolerance of aquaculture fish species. Here, juvenile hybrid groupers (Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀, Family: Serranidae) were exposed to waterborne nitrite at 0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg NO2−/L for 2 weeks. Nitrite exposure caused significant reductions in hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, significant increases in plasma calcium and plasma ALP levels, but had no significant effects on magnesium and total protein levels. Of the antioxidant responses investigated, SOD activity increased significantly in the liver and gills, but GST activity and GSH levels were significantly inhibited by nitrite exposure. Stress indicators, such as plasma cortisol and HSP 70 levels, were significantly stimulated by nitrite exposure. In brief, nitrite exposure over 20 mg NO2−/L had toxic effects and affected the hematological properties, antioxidant responses, and stress indicators of juvenile hybrid groupers.
Hydroxy Selenomethionine Alleviates Hepatic Lipid Metabolism Disorder of Pigs Induced by Dietary Oxidative Stress via Relieving the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Jing Jinzhong , Yin Shenggang , Liu Yan , Liu Yonggang , Wang Longqiong , Tang Jiayong , Jia Gang , Liu Guangmang , Tian Gang , Chen Xiaoling , Cai Jingyi , Kang Bo , Zhao Hua
Published: March 2022

This study used 40 castrated male pigs to determine the protective effects of a new selenium molecule (hydroxy selenomethionine, OH-SeMet) on dietary oxidative stress (DOS) induced hepatic lipid metabolism disorder, and corresponding response of selenotranscriptome. The pigs were randomly grouped into 5 dietary treatments and fed a basal diet formulated with either normal corn and oils or oxidized diet in which the normal corn and oils were replaced by aged corn and oxidized oils, and supplemented with OH-SeMet at 0.0, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 mg Se/kg for a period of 16 weeks (n = 8). The results showed that DOS induced liver damage, increased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, decreased serum triacylglycerol (TG) level, suppressed antioxidant capacity in the liver, and changed lipid metabolism enzyme activity, thus causing lipid metabolism disorder in the liver. The DOS-induced lipid metabolism disorder was accompanied with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, changes in lipid metabolism-related genes and selenotranscriptome in the liver. Dietary Se supplementation partially alleviated the negative impact of DOS on the lipid metabolism. These improvements were accompanied by increases in Se concentration, liver index, anti-oxidative capacity, selenotranscriptome especially 11 selenoprotein-encoding genes, and protein abundance of GPX1, GPX4 and SelS in the liver, as well as the decrease in SelF abundance. The Se supplementation also alleviated ER stress, restored liver lipid metabolism enzyme activity, increased the mRNA expression of lipid synthesis-related genes, and decreased the mRNA levels of lipidolysis-related genes. In conclusion, the dietary Se supplementation restored antioxidant capacity and mitigated ER stress induced by DOS, thus resisting hepatic lipid metabolism disorders that are associated with regulation of selenotranscriptome.
Impact of Respiratory Gating on Hemodynamic Parameters from 4D Flow MRI
Authors: Denecken Esteban , Sotelo Julio , Arrieta Cristobal , Andia Marcelo E. , Uribe Sergio
Published: March 2022

The hemodynamic parameters from 4D flow datasets have shown promising diagnostic value in different cardiovascular pathologies. However, the behavior of these parameters can be affected when the 4D flow data are corrupted by respiratory motion. The purpose of this work was to perform a quantitative comparison between hemodynamic parameters computed from 4D flow cardiac MRI both with and without respiratory self-gating. We considered 4D flow MRI data from 15 healthy volunteers (10 men and 5 women, 30.40 ± 6.23 years of age) that were acquired at 3T. Using a semiautomatic segmentation process of the aorta, we obtained the hemodynamic parameters from the 4D flow MRI, with and without respiratory self-gating. A statistical analysis, using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Bland–Altman, was performed to compare the hemodynamic parameters from both acquisitions. We found that the calculations of the hemodynamic parameters from 4D flow data that were acquired without respiratory self-gating showed underestimated values in the aortic arch, and the descending and diaphragmatic aorta. We also found a significant variability of the hemodynamic parameters in the ascending aorta of healthy volunteers when comparing both methods. The 4D flow MRI requires respiratory compensation to provide reliable calculations of hemodynamic parameters.
An Improved Static Residual Force Algorithm and Its Application in Cable Damage Identification for Cable-Stayed Bridges
Authors: Fang Rui , Wu Yanting , Wei Wang , Na Li , Biao Qian , Jiang Ping , Yang Qiuwei
Published: March 2022

For cable-stayed bridges, cables are very important components to maintain the safety of the whole bridge structure. It is well-known that change in cable force reflects the health of the cable-stayed bridge. Therefore, it is necessary to detect and quantify local damage in cables prior to the occurrence of a failure. To this end, an improved residual force algorithm independent of static load vector was proposed in this study. The proposed method mainly makes use of the particularity that only a few coefficients in the residual force and static load vectors are nonzero. By combining two different static loading modes, a new damage indicator vector was defined in the method for damage localization and quantification. Compared with existing static residual force methods, the significant advantage of the proposed algorithm is that the specific value and loading position of the static load are not required in the damage identification process. This special advantage causes this method to not require special static loading, but instead uses any load vehicle. This advantage can make the operation process of structural damage identification based on static tests easier and faster. A single tower cable-stayed bridge structure was used to verify the feasibility of the proposed method in cable damage identification. It was shown that the proposed method successfully identified cable damage, even if the value and loading point of the static load were uncertain.
Retrospective Study of Biohorizons® Implants Placed by Postgraduate Students at the University of Barcelona
Authors: Graterol-Duran Arianna , Ayuso-Montero Raùl , Saka-Herrán Constanza , Blazquez-Hinarejos Mónica , Roca-Obis Paula , Marí-Roig Antonio , López-López José
Published: March 2022

The study aimed to evaluate the survival and failure rate, in the short- and medium-term, in addition to its relationship with risk factors, in implants placed by postgraduate students of the Master of Medicine, Surgery, and Oral Implantology course from the University of Barcelona. The study was designed including 192 patients with 422 implants placed between 2015 and 2018. Variables of implant failure were evaluated and related. Failure was split into early failure and late failure. Qualitative data were compared using the chi-squared test, taking p ≤ 0.05 as a significant value. The comparison of quantitative variables was carried out using the Student’s t-test for independent samples. The survival rate in a period of 6 months to 3 years was 97.87%. The mean age of the patients was (54.5 ± 13), and the largest number of implants were placed in the 51–60 age range. The failure rate was 2.13% (N = 9), 6 failed early and 3 failed after definitive prosthetic loading, with a p value < 0.0001. When comparing the failures according to their location in the anterior/posterior sector of the arch, the anterior sector showed statistically significant results (p = 0.027). Failed implants had a statistically significant relationship when they were placed in the anterior sector and were performed in the early stage.
Thermally Controllable Decolorization of Reusable Radiochromic Complex of Polyvinyl Alcohol, Iodine and Silica Nanoparticles (PAISiN) Irradiated with γ-rays
Authors: Yasuda Hiroshi , Miyoshi Hirokazu
Published: March 2022

Some medical and industry workers using ionizing radiation sources have potential risks of accidental high-dose exposure of their extremities, particularly their hands. While practical dosimeters suitable for on-site real-time monitoring of hand exposure are not yet available, they are desirable to be developed. Thus, the authors focused on the application of a reusable radiochromic complex composed of polyvinyl alcohol, iodide and silica nanoparticles, named “PAISiN”, and examined their dose responses and thermal stabilities of radiochromic reactions. Three PAISiN samples each were irradiated with 5, 10 and 20 Gy of 137Cs γ-rays, and time changes of the radiation-induced colors were observed at different temperatures: 20 °C (in a laboratory), 40 °C (in an oven) and 5.5 °C (in a refrigerator). It was confirmed that the PAISiN samples presented a red color that was easily detectable by the naked eyesight immediately after irradiation. The coloration was cleared within 24 h for 5 Gy irradiation at room temperature. The decolorization process was remarkably accelerated at 40 °C; it was erased in just 2 h. In contrast, storing in the refrigerator (5.5 °C) kept the color persistently for at least 4 days. These findings indicate that we could flexibly control the decolorization process of PAISiN in accordance with the objective of radiation monitoring.
An Optimal Sizing Design Approach of Hybrid Energy Sources for Various Electric Vehicles
Authors: Chen Syuan-Yi , Chiu Chu-Yang , Hung Yi-Hsuan , Jen Kuo-Kuang , You Gwo-Huei , Shih Po-Lin
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we present a discussion about green energy sources that have been widely utilized in electric vehicles (EVs). To achieve different requirements of various EVs, the correct sizing of energy sources is crucial so that the cost and output performance will be optimized. In this research, three energy sources, supercapacitors (SCs), lithium titanate oxide (LTO) batteries, and Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NCM) (or Li3) batteries, were considered for hybridization. An effective global search algorithm (GSA) was designed for optimal sizing of hybrid electric energy systems (HEESs). The GSA procedures were: (1) vehicle specification and performance requirements of energy sources, (2) determination of cost function and constraints, (3) GSA optimization with for-loops, (4) optimal results. Five examples of EVs, the electric sedan, long-distance electric bus, short-distance electric bus, electric forklift, and electric sports car, were analyzed for optimal hybrid energy combination under different criteria and specifications. The GSA effectively optimized the designs of energy sizing. The performance indices and vehicle requirements studied were the specific price, specific energy at a constant volume, specific energy at a constant mass, and specific power at a constant mass for three energy sources, SCs, LTO batteries, and Li batteries. The vehicle requirements including the maximum output power, vehicle acceleration, climbability, and maximum speed have been formulated as the design constraints. A numerical analysis of five types of EVs was analyzed for optimal sizing of the HEES and the optimal position of the DC/DC converter with the lowest cost function. The integrated system and control designs of the HESS using the GSA, more applications for green energy sources, and different types of EVs will be studied in the future.
Investigation on the Effect of the Baseline Control System on Dynamic and Fatigue Characteristics of Modern Wind Turbines
Authors: Yuan Chenyang , Li Jing , Xie Yunfei , Bai Weifeng , Wang Jianyou
Published: March 2022

In order to investigate the effect of a baseline control system (BCS) on dynamic and fatigue characteristics of modern wind turbines, the simulation results of a 5-MW wind turbine subjected to wind loading without and with considering BCS (No. 1 and No. 2, respectively) were compared. The displacement and moment of tower and blades were compared, and the rainflow counting algorithm was used to analyze the fatigue load expressed in damage equivalent load (DEL). The results indicate that the mean and maximum values of structural dynamic responses in No. 2 have a great reduction with wind speed exceeding the rated speed comparing to No. 1; the 3P (3-times the frequency of rotor speed) of the wind turbine rotor speed will be close to the tower fore-aft (FA) natural frequency with the wind velocity around the cut-in speed in No. 2, which caused larger dynamic responses, number of load cycles, and DELs for the tower compared with No. 1; when wind velocity exceeds the rated wind speed, the BCS caused higher fluctuation of loads, increasing the related DELs. It is concluded that when analyzing the dynamic responses and designing wind turbine tower and blades, taking the BCS into account during analysis is significant.
Splitting Extensions of Nonassociative Algebras and Modules with Metagroup Relations
Authors: Ludkowski Sergey
Published: March 2022

A class of nonassociative algebras is investigated with mild relations induced from metagroup structures. Modules over nonassociative algebras are studied. For a class of modules over nonassociative algebras, their extensions and splitting extensions are scrutinized. For this purpose tensor products of modules and induced modules over nonassociative algebras are investigated. Moreover, a developed cohomology theory on them is used.
On Some New Ostrowski–Mercer-Type Inequalities for Differentiable Functions
Authors: Sial Ifra Bashir , Patanarapeelert Nichaphat , Ali Muhammad Aamir , Budak Hüseyin , Sitthiwirattham Thanin
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we establish a new integral identity involving differentiable functions, and then we use the newly established identity to prove some Ostrowski–Mercer-type inequalities for differentiable convex functions. It is also demonstrated that the newly established inequalities are generalizations of some of the Ostrowski inequalities established inside the literature. There are also some applications to the special means of real numbers given.
Ensemble Deep-Learning-Enabled Clinical Decision Support System for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Classification on Ultrasound Images
Authors: Ragab Mahmoud , Albukhari Ashwag , Alyami Jaber , Mansour Romany F.
Published: March 2022

Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) provide an efficient way to diagnose the presence of diseases such as breast cancer using ultrasound images (USIs). Globally, breast cancer is one of the major causes of increased mortality rates among women. Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) models are widely employed in the detection and classification of tumors in USIs. The CAD systems are designed in such a way that they provide recommendations to help radiologists in diagnosing breast tumors and, furthermore, in disease prognosis. The accuracy of the classification process is decided by the quality of images and the radiologist’s experience. The design of Deep Learning (DL) models is found to be effective in the classification of breast cancer. In the current study, an Ensemble Deep-Learning-Enabled Clinical Decision Support System for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Classification (EDLCDS-BCDC) technique was developed using USIs. The proposed EDLCDS-BCDC technique was intended to identify the existence of breast cancer using USIs. In this technique, USIs initially undergo pre-processing through two stages, namely wiener filtering and contrast enhancement. Furthermore, Chaotic Krill Herd Algorithm (CKHA) is applied with Kapur’s entropy (KE) for the image segmentation process. In addition, an ensemble of three deep learning models, VGG-16, VGG-19, and SqueezeNet, is used for feature extraction. Finally, Cat Swarm Optimization (CSO) with the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) model is utilized to classify the images based on whether breast cancer exists or not. A wide range of simulations were carried out on benchmark databases and the extensive results highlight the better outcomes of the proposed EDLCDS-BCDC technique over recent methods.
Endocannabinoid Modulation in Neurodegenerative Diseases: In Pursuit of Certainty
Authors: Vasincu Alexandru , Rusu Răzvan-Nicolae , Ababei Daniela-Carmen , Larion Mădălina , Bild Walther , Stanciu Gabriela Dumitrița , Solcan Carmen , Bild Veronica
Published: March 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases are an increasing cause of global morbidity and mortality. They occur in the central nervous system (CNS) and lead to functional and mental impairment due to loss of neurons. Recent evidence highlights the link between neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases of the CNS. These are typically associated with several neurological disorders. These diseases have fundamental differences regarding their underlying physiology and clinical manifestations, although there are aspects that overlap. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is comprised of receptors (type-1 (CB1R) and type-2 (CB2R) cannabinoid-receptors, as well as transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)), endogenous ligands and enzymes that synthesize and degrade endocannabinoids (ECBs). Recent studies revealed the involvement of the ECS in different pathological aspects of these neurodegenerative disorders. The present review will explore the roles of cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) and pharmacological agents that modulate CBRs or ECS activity with reference to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Huntington’s Disease (HD) and multiple sclerosis (MS).
UGT72, a Major Glycosyltransferase Family for Flavonoid and Monolignol Homeostasis in Plants
Authors: Speeckaert Nathanaël , El Jaziri Mondher , Baucher Marie , Behr Marc
Published: March 2022

Plants have developed the capacity to produce a diversified range of specialized metabolites. The glycosylation of those metabolites potentially decreases their toxicity while increasing their stability and their solubility, modifying their transport and their storage. The UGT, forming the largest glycosyltransferase superfamily in plants, combine enzymes that glycosylate mainly hormones and phenylpropanoids by using UDP-sugar as a sugar donor. Particularly, members of the UGT72 family have been shown to glycosylate the monolignols and the flavonoids, thereby being involved in their homeostasis. First, we explore primitive UGTs in algae and liverworts that are related to the angiosperm UGT72 family and their role in flavonoid homeostasis. Second, we describe the role of several UGT72s glycosylating monolignols, some of which have been associated with lignification. In addition, the role of other UGT72 members that glycosylate flavonoids and are involved in the development and/or stress response is depicted. Finally, the importance to explore the subcellular localization of UGTs to study their roles in planta is discussed.
Endogenous Human Proteins Interfering with Amyloid Formation
Authors: Gharibyan Anna L. , Wasana Jayaweera Sanduni , Lehmann Manuela , Anan Intissar , Olofsson Anders
Published: March 2022

Amyloid formation is a pathological process associated with a wide range of degenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes mellitus type 2. During disease progression, abnormal accumulation and deposition of proteinaceous material are accompanied by tissue degradation, inflammation, and dysfunction. Agents that can interfere with the process of amyloid formation or target already formed amyloid assemblies are consequently of therapeutic interest. In this context, a few endogenous proteins have been associated with an anti-amyloidogenic activity. Here, we review the properties of transthyretin, apolipoprotein E, clusterin, and BRICHOS protein domain which all effectively interfere with amyloid in vitro, as well as displaying a clinical impact in humans or animal models. Their involvement in the amyloid formation process is discussed, which may aid and inspire new strategies for therapeutic interventions.
Recent Advances of Immune Checkpoint Inhibition and Potential for (Combined) TIGIT Blockade as a New Strategy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Rovers Sophie , Janssens Annelies , Raskin Jo , Pauwels Patrick , van Meerbeeck Jan P. , Smits Evelien , Marcq Elly
Published: March 2022

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a fatal cancer type that affects the membranes lining the lungs, and is causally associated with asbestos exposure. Until recently, the first-line treatment consisted of a combination of chemotherapeutics that only had a limited impact on survival, and had not been improved in decades. With the recent approval of combined immune checkpoint inhibition for MPM, promising new immunotherapeutic strategies are now emerging for this disease. In this review, we describe the current preclinical and clinical evidence of various immune checkpoint inhibitors in MPM. We will consider the advantages of combined immune checkpoint blockade in comparison with single agent checkpoint inhibitor drugs. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests a role for T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), an inhibitory immunoreceptor, as a novel target for immunotherapy. As this novel immune checkpoint remains largely unexplored in mesothelioma, we will discuss the potential of TIGIT blockade as an alternative therapeutic approach for MPM. This review will emphasize the necessity for new and improved treatments for MPM, while highlighting the recent advances and future perspectives of combined immune checkpoint blockade, particularly aimed at PD-L1 and TIGIT.
HPLC-MS/MS Oxylipin Analysis of Plasma from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Mastrogiovanni Mauricio , Trostchansky Andrés , Naya Hugo , Dominguez Raúl , Marco Carla , Povedano Mònica , López-Vales Rubèn , Rubbo Homero
Published: March 2022

Oxylipins play a critical role in regulating the onset and resolution phase of inflammation. Despite inflammation is a pathological hallmark in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the plasma oxylipin profile of ALS patients has not been assessed yet. Herein, we develop an oxylipin profile-targeted analysis of plasma from 74 ALS patients and controls. We found a significant decrease in linoleic acid-derived oxylipins in ALS patients, including 9-hydroxy-octadecadienoic acid (9-HODE) and 13-HODE. These derivatives have been reported as important regulators of inflammation on different cell systems. In addition, some 5-lipoxygenase metabolites, such as 5-hydroxy- eicosatetraenoic acid also showed a significant decrease in ALS plasma samples. Isoprostanes of the F2α family were detected only in ALS patients but not in control samples, while the hydroxylated metabolite 11-HETE significantly decreased. Despite our effort to analyze specialized pro-resolving mediators, they were not detected in plasma samples. However, we found the levels of 14-hydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid, a marker pathway of the Maresin biosynthesis, were also reduced in ALS patients, suggesting a defective activation in the resolution programs of inflammation in ALS. We further analyze oxylipin concentration levels in plasma from ALS patients to detect correlations between these metabolites and some clinical parameters. Interestingly, we found that plasmatic levels of 13-HODE and 9-HODE positively correlate with disease duration, expressed as days since onset. In summary, we developed a method to analyze “(oxy)lipidomics” in ALS human plasma and found new profiles of metabolites and novel lipid derivatives with unknown biological activities as potential footprints of disease onset.
Combined Utilization of Construction and Demolition Waste and Propylene Fiber in Cement-Stabilized Soil
Authors: Zhang Genbao , Ding Zhiqing , Zhang Runhong , Chen Changfu , Fu Guihai , Luo Xiao , Wang Yufei , Zhang Chao
Published: March 2022

Construction and demolition (C&D) waste has become a research hotspot due to the need for environmental sustainability and strength enhancement of cementitious materials. However, wider applications of C&D waste are limited, as its non-homogeneous surface nature limits its workability. This research evaluated the feasible utilization of C&D waste as aggregates in polypropylene-fiber-reinforced cement-stabilized soil (CSS) under sulfate-alkali activation. CSS specimens incorporated Portland cement and C&D waste in 10%, 20%, and 30% proportions. Also, polypropylene fiber after alkali activation by sodium sulfate (at 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8% dosing level) was defined as 1%, 2%, and 4%. Strength enhancement was examined through unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and flexural strength tests at 7, 14 and 28 days. Test results indicated that mechanical properties showed significant improvement with increasing levels of Portland cement and sodium sulfate, while the improvement dropped after excessive addition of C&D waste and polypropylene fiber. Optimal proportioning was determined as 30%, 4%, 20%, and 0.8% for Portland cement, polypropylene fiber, C&D waste, and sodium sulfate, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis attributed the enhancement to hydration product (ettringite) formation, bridging effect and increased particle friction. Additionally, the decrease in amplification was ascribed to the destruction of interface transition-zone (ITZ) strength, resulting in premature failure.
Targeting STAT3 Signaling in COL1+ Fibroblasts Controls Colitis-Associated Cancer in Mice
Authors: Heichler Christina , Schmied Anabel , Enderle Karin , Scheibe Kristina , Murawska Marta , Schmid Benjamin , Waldner Maximilian J. , Neurath Markus F. , Neufert Clemens
Published: March 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common disease and has limited treatment options. The importance of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within the tumor microenvironment (TME) in CRC has been increasingly recognized. However, the role of CAF subsets in CRC is hardly understood and opposing functions of type I (COL1+) vs. type VI (COL6+) collagen-expressing subsets were reported before with respect to NFκB-related signaling. Here, we have focused on COL1+ fibroblasts, which represent a frequent CAF population in CRC and studied their role upon STAT3 activation in vivo. Using a dual strategy with a conditional gain-of-function and a conditional loss-of-function approach in an in vivo model of colitis-associated cancer, tumor development was evaluated by different readouts, including advanced imaging methodologies, e.g., light sheet microscopy and CT-scan. Our data demonstrate that the inhibition of STAT3 activation in COL1+ fibroblasts reduces tumor burden, whereas the constitutive activation of STAT3 promotes the development of inflammation-driven CRC. In addition, our work characterizes the co-expression and distribution of type I and type VI collagen by CAFs in inflammation-associated colorectal cancer using reporter mice. This work indicates a critical contribution of STAT3 signaling in COL1+ CAFs, suggesting that the blockade of STAT3 activation in type I collagen-expressing fibroblasts could serve as promising therapeutic targets in colitis-associated CRC. In combination with previous work by others and us, our current findings highlight the context-dependent roles of COL1+ CAFs and COL6+ CAFs that might be variable according to the specific pathway activated.
Familial Aspects of Mammographic Density Measures Associated with Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Nguyen Tuong L. , Li Shuai , Dowty James G. , Dite Gillian S. , Ye Zhoufeng , Nguyen-Dumont Tu , Trinh Ho N. , Evans Christopher F. , Tan Maxine , Sung Joohon , Jenkins Mark A. , Giles Graham G. , Southey Melissa C. , Hopper John L.
Published: March 2022

Cumulus, Cumulus-percent, Altocumulus, Cirrocumulus, and Cumulus-white are mammogram risk scores (MRSs) for breast cancer based on mammographic density defined in effect by different levels of pixel brightness and adjusted for age and body mass index. We measured these MRS from digitized film mammograms for 593 monozygotic (MZ) and 326 dizygotic (DZ) female twin pairs and 1592 of their sisters. We estimated the correlations in relatives (r) and the proportion of variance due to genetic factors (heritability) using the software FISHER and predicted the familial risk ratio (FRR) associated with each MRS. The ρ estimates ranged from: 0.41 to 0.60 (standard error [SE] 0.02) for MZ pairs, 0.16 to 0.26 (SE 0.05) for DZ pairs, and 0.19 to 0.29 (SE 0.02) for sister pairs (including pairs of a twin and her non-twin sister), respectively. Heritability estimates were 39% to 69% under the classic twin model and 36% to 56% when allowing for shared non-genetic factors specific to MZ pairs. The FRRs were 1.08 to 1.17. These MRSs are substantially familial, due mostly to genetic factors that explain one-quarter to one-half as much of the familial aggregation of breast cancer that is explained by the current best polygenic risk score.
Cytochrome c Oxidase Inhibition by ATP Decreases Mitochondrial ROS Production
Authors: Ramzan Rabia , Dolga Amalia M. , Michels Susanne , Weber Petra , Culmsee Carsten , Rastan Ardawan J. , Vogt Sebastian
Published: March 2022

This study addresses the eventual consequence of cytochrome c oxidase (CytOx) inhibition by ATP at high ATP/ADP ratio in isolated rat heart mitochondria. Earlier, it has been demonstrated that the mechanism of allosteric ATP inhibition of CytOx is one of the key regulations of mitochondrial functions. It is relevant that aiming to maintain a high ATP/ADP ratio for the measurement of CytOx activity effectuating the enzymatic inhibition as well as mitochondrial respiration, optimal concentration of mitochondria is critically important. Likewise, only at this concentration, were the differences in ΔΨm and ROS concentrations measured under various conditions significant. Moreover, when CytOx activity was inhibited in the presence of ATP, mitochondrial respiration and ΔΨm both remained static, while the ROS production was markedly decreased. Consubstantial results were found when the electron transport chain was inhibited by antimycin A, letting only CytOx remain functional to support the energy production. This seems to corroborate that the decrease in mitochondrial ROS production is solely the effect of ATP binding to CytOx which results in static respiration as well as membrane potential.
Three-Dimensional CFD Model Development and Validation for Once-Through Steam Generator (OTSG): Coupling Combustion, Heat Transfer and Steam Generation
Authors: Askari Mahvelati Ehsan , Forcinito Mario , Fitschy Laurent , Maesen Arthur
Published: March 2022

The current research studies the coupled combustion inside the furnace and the steam generation inside the radiant and convection tubes through a typical Once-Through Steam Generator (OTSG). A 3-D CFD model coupling the combustion and the two-phase flow was developed to model the entire system of OTSG. Once the combustion simulation was converged, the results were compared to field data showing a convincing agreement. The CFD analysis provides the detailed flow behavior inside the combustion chamber and the stack, as well as the two-phase flow steam generation process in the radiant and convective sections. The flame shape and orientation, the velocity, the species, and the temperature distribution at the various parts of the furnace, as well as the steam generation and the steam distribution inside the pipes were investigated using the developed CFD model
Pre-Birth Household Challenges Predict Future Child’s School Readiness and Academic Achievement
Authors: Husa Robyn A. , Parrish Jared W. , Johnson Heidi S.
Published: March 2022

Early developmental success and school readiness strongly influence future skill development, occupational opportunities, and health. Therefore, it is critical to identify and address early determinants of school readiness for supporting children’s overall well-being and success. In this retrospective cohort study, we examined the effects of pre-birth household challenges, such as homelessness or experiences of intimate partner violence, on children’s early school readiness. We linked data from the Alaska 2009–2011 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) to administrative and education records through 2019. Education records included kindergarten developmental scores, third grade reading assessments, and attendance records. Generalized linear models with Quasi-Poisson distributions for each outcome of interest examined the predictive value of pre-birth household challenges on the risks of not meeting school readiness expectations. We found that experiencing higher numbers of pre-birth household challenges was related to higher risk of the child not meeting developmental and reading proficiency and having chronic absenteeism. These results suggest that it is imperative support systems for pregnant persons and their families be introduced as soon as possible in pre-natal care routines to address current pre-birth household stressors and prevent future challenges. Such early prevention efforts are needed to ensure the best possible developmental start for children.
Application of Adaptive Neuro–Fuzzy Inference System for Forecasting Pavement Roughness in Laos
Authors: Gharieb Mohamed , Nishikawa Takafumi , Nakamura Shozo , Thepvongsa Khampaseuth
Published: March 2022

Laos Pavement Management System (PMS) manages 7700 km of National Roads (NRs) and estimates their Maintenance and Rehabilitation (MR) needs based on assessing pavement roughness conditions. This research aims to develop two International Roughness Index (IRI) models for Double Bituminous Surface Treatment (DBST) and Asphalt Concrete (AC) pavement sections using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). A historical database of 14 years was employed for predicting the IRI as a function of pavement age and Cumulative Equivalent Single-Axle Load (CESAL). The optimum ANFIS structure comprises a hybrid learning algorithm with six fuzzy rules of generalized bell curve membership functions (Gbellmf) for the DBST model and nine fuzzy rules of two-sided Gaussian membership functions (Gauss2mf) for the AC model. Both models used the constant membership function for the output variable (IRI). The statistical evaluation results revealed that both ANFIS models (DBST and AC) have a good prediction capacity with high values of coefficient of determination (R2 0.93 and 0.88) and low values of Mean Absolute Error (MAE 0.28 and 0.27) and Root Mean Squared Percentage Error (RMSPE 7.03 and 9.98). In addition, results revealed that ANFIS models yielded higher prediction accuracy than Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) models previously developed under the same conditions.
Influence of Surface Relief on Orientation of Nematic Liquid Crystals: Polyimide Doped with WS2 Nanotubes
Authors: Kamanina Natalia , Toikka Andrey , Barnash Yaroslav , Zak Alla , Tenne Reshef
Published: March 2022

Among the different methods for orienting liquid crystal (LC) molecules, adding nanoparticles into the matrix of the substrate material towards modifying its surface, is actively pursued. In this context, the influence of the nanoparticle content on the texture of the surface of polymer film used as the substrate for the LC orientation is of particular interest. Thus, in the current paper, WS2 nanotubes were used to dope the polyimide (PI) substrate-film in order to modify and control its surface morphology/roughness and properties. The modified organic surface structure is applied in order to achieve a new means for controlling the orientation of the LC molecules. This tool adds to the classical methods for controlling the orientation of the LC molecules, such as the display technique.
The Structure, Magnetic, and Gas Sensing Characteristics of W-Substituted Co-Ferrite Nanoparticles
Authors: Abd-Elkader Omar , Al-Enizi Abdullah M. , Shaikh Shoyebmohamad F. , Ubaidullah Mohd , Abdelkader Mohamed O. , Mostafa Nasser Y.
Published: March 2022

Ferrites have been broadly investigated as gas sensors. The present article reports on the synthesis of Co-ferrite doped with W ions and their gas sensing abilities. A series of single phase CoFe2O4 powder with different W-doping (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) was synthesized using sol-gel synthesis. A variation in the saturation magnetization (Ms) and the lattice dimension with W(VI) substitution was associated with a change in the distribution of Fe(III) ions between tetrahedral and octahedral sites. Introducing W(VI) ions into the spinel lattice induced the rearrangement of Fe(III) ions. The total Ms increased with W-doping up to x = 0.05 (Ms = 50.1 Am2/kg) and it dramatically decreased to 34.6 Am2/kg with x = 0.15 of doping. However, the lattice parameter increased with increasing doping levels. Different W-doped CoFe2O4 were examined for a gas sensing response in the temperature range of 200–450 °C. Comparing the sensor responses to various reducing gases, the material’s response was shown to be sensitive and selective for acetone. The addition of W (0.15%) had a significant impact on the response and on the operating temperature of the sensor material, indicating that it might be used as an acetone sensor.
Do Mixed Pinus yunnanensis Plantations Improve Soil’s Physicochemical Properties and Enzyme Activities?
Authors: Liang Chen , Liu Ling , Zhang Zhixiao , Ze Sangzi , Ji Mei , Li Zongbo , Yu Jinde , Yang Bin , Zhao Ning
Published: March 2022

Many survival and ecological problems have emerged in Pinus yunnanensis pure pine forest plantations that are usually assumed to be solved by creating mixed plantations. On this basis, we determined the physicochemical properties and enzyme activities of three soil layers in pure and three types of mixed P. yunnanensis plantation stands (admixed species: Alnus nepalensis, Celtis tetrandra, and Quercus acutissima) in Southwest China. We used one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s test to analyze the effects of plantation type and depth on the soil’s properties and variations among different depths. Principal component analysis combined with cluster analysis was used to evaluate the soil quality of different forest types comprehensively. The results showed that the stand with a mixing proportion of 2:1 of P. yunnanensis and A. nepalensis, C. tetrandra, and Q. acutissima had higher total porosity, moisture content, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, total phosphorus, sucrase, urease, and catalase enzyme activities than other proportions of mixed forest and P. yunnanensis pine pure forest. In general, the mixed P. yunnanensis plantation could improve the soil quality, especially its chemical properties and enzymes. This study provides a basis for creating a mixed-mode of P. yunnanensis and other tree species that can not only improve the economy of forest land but also enhance the ecological value.
Evaluation of the Diagnostic Accuracy of Nasal Cavity and Nasopharyngeal Swab Specimens for SARS-CoV-2 Detection via Rapid Antigen Test According to Specimen Collection Timing and Viral Load
Authors: Lee Seungjun , Widyasari Kristin , Yang Hye-Ryun , Jang Jieun , Kang Taejoon , Kim Sunjoo
Published: March 2022

The rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 is an essential aspect in the detection and control of the spread of COVID-19. We evaluated the accuracy of the rapid antigen test (RAT) using samples from the nasal cavity and nasopharynx based on sample collection timing and viral load. We enrolled 175 patients, of which 71 patients and 104 patients had tested positive and negative, respectively, based on real time-PCR. Nasal cavity and nasopharyngeal swab samples were tested using STANDARD Q COVID-19 Ag tests (Q Ag, SD Biosensor, Korea). The sensitivity of the Q Ag test was 77.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 67.8–87.2%) for the nasal cavity and 81.7% (95% [CI, 72.7–90.7%) for the nasopharyngeal specimens. The RAT results showed a substantial agreement between the nasal cavity and nasopharyngeal specimens (Cohen’s kappa index = 0.78). The sensitivity of the RAT for nasal cavity specimens exceeded 89% for <5 days after symptom onset (DSO) and 86% for Ct of E and RdRp < 25. The Q Ag test performed fairly well, especially in the early DSO when a high viral load was present, and the nasal cavity swab can be considered an alternative site for the rapid diagnosis of COVID-19.
Use of a FluoroType® System for the Rapid Detection of Patients with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis—State of the Art Case Presentations
Authors: Zabost Anna , Filipczak Dorota , Kupis Włodzimierz , Szturmowicz Monika , Olendrzyński Łukasz , Winiarska Agnieszka , Jagodziński Jacek , Augustynowicz-Kopeć Ewa
Published: March 2022

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 465,000 cases of tuberculosis caused by strains resistant to at least two first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs: rifampicin and isoniazid (MDR-TB). In light of the growing problem of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis across laboratories worldwide, the rapid identification of drug-resistant strains of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex poses the greatest challenge. Progress in molecular biology and the development of nucleic acid amplification assays have paved the way for improvements to methods for the direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in specimens from patients. This paper presents two cases that illustrate the implementation of molecular tools in the recognition of drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Information and Communication Technologies for Education Considering the Flipped Learning Model
Authors: Cueva Andrea , Inga Esteban
Published: March 2022

Technology development has been integrated into the educational environment and has led teachers to become much better trained in educational, technological tools. Currently, education is being transformed; for this, there are new methodological approaches, and education needs the integration of digital tools. Previously and still today, traditional and not very creative strategies are applied in the teaching–learning process, which does not fully contribute to the progress of education. The present work focuses on using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), considering the Flipped Learning Model (FL), an active methodology. However, it is also essential to know the appropriate ICT to apply during the learning process. The Information and Communication Technologies articulated with the Flipped Learning Model benefits and motivates students; in this way, through collaborative learning, communication between classmates and teachers is favored; in addition, it encourages autonomous work, helps the analysis of the contents in each of the subjects, and favors the construction of new knowledge. Therefore, knowing which ICTs are incorporated as the most efficient in the Flipped Learning Model is necessary. In this way, it is required to obtain information about the ICTs teachers have preferred to apply within the Flipped Learning Model and which ones are recommended from the classroom experience. The work shows which ICTs are most used and which ones benefit students to obtain significant learning. Consequently, considering the application of ICT and Flipped Learning in educational communities is a way to innovate the teaching–learning process.
Usability of Memes and Humorous Resources in Virtual Learning Environments
Authors: Antón-Sancho Álvaro , Nieto-Sobrino María , Fernández-Arias Pablo , Vergara-Rodríguez Diego
Published: March 2022

This research consists of a quantitative analysis of the perspective of a group of university professors from different areas of knowledge and from 19 different Latin American countries on the use of humor and memes in virtual learning environments (VLEs) in higher education. The data have been obtained from an own-design survey, and the answers have been analyzed in a descriptive and inferential way with the aim of knowing the opinion of the 401 participants (professors) about the didactic effectiveness of humor and the benefits and employability of memes in virtual classrooms. The analysis differentiates the sample by the professors’ area of knowledge as the main variable, and by gender, age and teaching experience. As results, the participants give a high evaluation of humorous didactic resources, particularly memes, although the evaluation of their usability in the classroom is intermediate. In this sense, it is shown that the area of knowledge has a significant influence on opinions in this regard.
A Deep Learning Model for Network Intrusion Detection with Imbalanced Data
Authors: Fu Yanfang , Du Yishuai , Cao Zijian , Li Qiang , Xiang Wei
Published: March 2022

With an increase in the number and types of network attacks, traditional firewalls and data encryption methods can no longer meet the needs of current network security. As a result, intrusion detection systems have been proposed to deal with network threats. The current mainstream intrusion detection algorithms are aided with machine learning but have problems of low detection rates and the need for extensive feature engineering. To address the issue of low detection accuracy, this paper proposes a model for traffic anomaly detection named a deep learning model for network intrusion detection (DLNID), which combines an attention mechanism and the bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) network, first extracting sequence features of data traffic through a convolutional neural network (CNN) network, then reassigning the weights of each channel through the attention mechanism, and finally using Bi-LSTM to learn the network of sequence features. In intrusion detection public data sets, there are serious imbalance data generally. To address data imbalance issues, this paper employs the method of adaptive synthetic sampling (ADASYN) for sample expansion of minority class samples, to eventually form a relatively symmetric dataset, and uses a modified stacked autoencoder for data dimensionality reduction with the objective of enhancing information fusion. DLNID is an end-to-end model, so it does not need to undergo the process of manual feature extraction. After being tested on the public benchmark dataset on network intrusion detection NSL-KDD, experimental results show that the accuracy and F1 score of this model are better than those of other comparison methods, reaching 90.73% and 89.65%, respectively.