bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Effects of a Focal Muscle Vibration Protocol on Sensorimotor Integration in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Manzo Nicoletta , Ginatempo Francesca , Belvisi Daniele , Arcara Giorgio , Parrotta Ilaria , Leodori Giorgio , Deriu Franca , Celletti Claudia , Camerota Filippo , Conte Antonella
Published: April 2023

Background: The ability to perceive two tactile stimuli as asynchronous can be measured using the somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold (STDT). In healthy humans, the execution of a voluntary movement determines an increase in STDT values, while the integration of STDT and movement execution is abnormal in patients with basal ganglia disorders. Sensorimotor integration can be modulated using focal muscle vibration (fMV), a neurophysiological approach that selectively activates proprioceptive afferents from the vibrated muscle. Method: In this study, we investigated whether fMV was able to modulate STDT or STDT–movement integration in healthy subjects by measuring them before, during and after fMV applied over the first dorsalis interosseous, abductor pollicis brevis and flexor radialis carpi muscles. Results: The results showed that fMV modulated STDT–movement integration only when applied over the first dorsalis interosseous, namely, the muscle performing the motor task involved in STDT–movement integration. These changes occurred during and up to 10 min after fMV. Differently, fMV did not influence STDT at rest. We suggest that that fMV interferes with the STDT–movement task processing, possibly disrupting the physiological processing of sensory information. Conclusions: This study showed that FMV is able to modulate STDT–movement integration when applied over the muscle involved in the motor task. This result provides further information on the mechanisms underlying fMV, and has potential future implications in basal ganglia disorders characterized by altered sensorimotor integration.
Histone Deacetylase 4 Inhibition Reduces Rotenone-Induced Alpha-Synuclein Accumulation via Autophagy in SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Wang Luxi , Liu Ling , Han Chao , Jiang Haiyang , Ma Kai , Guo Shiyi , Xia Yun , Wan Fang , Huang Jinsha , Xiong Nian , Wang Tao
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common movement disorder. Imbalanced protein homeostasis and α-syn aggregation are involved in PD pathogenesis. Autophagy is related to the occurrence and development of PD and can be regulated by histone deacetylases (HDACs). Various inhibitors of HDACs exert neuroprotective effects within in vitro and in vivo models of PD. HDAC4, a class Ⅱ HDAC, colocalizes with α-synuclein and ubiquitin in Lewy bodies and also accumulates in the nuclei of dopaminergic neurons in PD models. (2) Methods: In the present study, the gene expression profile of HDACs from two previously reported datasets in the GEO database was analyzed, and the RNA levels of HDAC4 in brain tissues were compared between PD patients and healthy controls. In vitro, SH-SY5Y cells transfected with HDAC4 shRNA or pretreated with mc1568 were treated with 1 μM of rotenone for 24 h. Then, the levels of α-syn, LC3, and p62 were detected using Western blot analysis and immunofluorescent staining, and cell viabilities were detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). (3) Results: HDAC4 was highly expressed in PD substantia nigra and locus coeruleus. Mc1568, an inhibitor of HDAC4, decreased α-synuclein levels in rotenone-treated SH-SY5Y cells in a concentration-dependent manner and activated autophagy, which was impaired by rotenone. The knockdown of HDAC4 reversed rotenone-induced α-syn accumulation in SH-SY5Y cells and protected the neurons by enhancing autophagy. (4) Conclusions: HDAC4 is a potential therapeutic target for PD. The inhibition of HDAC4 by mc1568 or a gene block can reduce α-syn levels by regulating the autophagy process in PD. Mc1568 is a promising therapeutic agent for PD and other disorders related to α-syn accumulation.
A Lack of Focus, Not Task Avoidance, Makes the Difference: Work Routines in Procrastinators and Non-Procrastinators
Authors: Di Nocera Francesco , De Piano Rosa , Rullo Marika , Tempestini Giorgia
Published: April 2023

Procrastination may be seen as the outcome of a learning history of delaying the onset of task execution and its completion, both in terms of time and effort. In this study, we examined the performance of 55 university students who carried out two writing tasks consisting of summarizing two academic papers, each within a different time slot (i.e., five vs. three days to complete). The two assignments were part of the class activity and were perceived by participants as homogeneous in terms of text appreciation and difficulty, therefore making the two conditions comparable. The Pure Procrastination Scale was used to categorize subjects as high and low procrastinators, and to compare their performances. Results show that students who report more procrastination behaviors tend to increase their productivity as the deadline approaches, while low procrastinators are more productive throughout the time at their disposal, with peak activity during the intermediate day. Such a strategy was consistent across two deadlines (five vs. three days), and the difference between the two subgroups can be ascribed to the task-oriented coping style, which seems to be lacking in high-procrastinators.
Architectural Characteristics and Determination Seismic Risk Priorities of Traditional Masonry Structures: A Case Study for Bitlis (Eastern Türkiye)
Authors: Arkan Enes , Işık Ercan , Harirchian Ehsan , Topçubaşı Mine , Avcil Fatih
Published: April 2023

The loss of life due to large-scale structural damage has again demonstrated the importance of taking precautions before an earthquake. In this context, determining the risk priorities for the existing building stock and making the final decisions about the buildings is one of the basic measures to be taken before an earthquake. Within the scope of this study, the regional risk priorities have been determined for twenty different masonry buildings in Bitlis (Türkiye), located in the Lake Van Basin, which has a high earthquake risk. The Turkish Rapid Assessment Method was used for masonry structures in this study which was updated in 2019 using the necessary data obtained for each structure on site. In addition, information about the architectural characteristics and current structural conditions of traditional Bitlis houses is given in this study. Current seismic parameters are also obtained for the location of each building. All data in the article were obtained from field research, and this is one of the first studies in which the rapid assessment method was used. In this method, buildings with low scores have a higher risk priority, and building performance scores were obtained between 25 and 85. With this and similar studies, regional risk priorities can be determined, and the number of buildings subjected to detailed assessment can be reduced.
Spatial–Temporal Differentiation of Housing Burden of Urban Floating Population and Migration in China
Authors: Wang Jiekai , Luo Yanhua , Song Weixuan
Published: April 2023

Housing costs, including rent, have become a significant economic burden for millions of floating population families in urban China, affecting their living standards and influencing migration decision-making. Using data from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS) in 2012 and 2017, this study analyzes the spatial patterns of rent, family income, and the rent-to-income ratio among different regions, cities, and groups. Results show that rent and the rent-to-income ratio have an inverse correlation with the regional economy, with lower ratios observed in eastern coastal areas compared to the central and western regions, especially the northeast. High-level cities record higher incomes, higher rents, and higher rent-to-income ratios, and groups with higher educational levels and occupational characteristics exhibit higher affordability. Rent plays a role in the flow and changes of the floating population, and the housing burden has become a key constraint for long-term residence or migration. Developed provinces and municipalities in the eastern region and high-level cities remain major destinations for migrants, but rising house prices impede permanent settlement through commercial house purchases. The government should consider migrants’ demands for housing and increase the supply of subsidized housing, such as public rental housing, for the floating population.
Numerical Simulations on the Flexural Behaviours of Reinforced Concrete Girders Strengthened with Bolts
Authors: Al-Maliki Hadi , Alshimmeri Ahmad , Al-Balhawi Ali , Zhang Binsheng
Published: April 2023

Precast reinforced concrete (RC) girders with dapped ends are used in order to reduce the overall depths of concrete floors and bridge decking and meet architectural requirements. The structural requirements by reducing the depths of these girders result in stress concentrations within the recessed zones. Thus, girders with dapped ends require special details for the strengthening systems. The use of open transverse holes in RC sections is for the passage of various service lines such as telecommunication cables, gas lines, water pipes, electricity cables, etc. The behaviours of RC girders with dapped ends and openings strengthened by bolts subjected to two vertical concentrated loads were numerically simulated by utilising commercial finite element software ANSYS. The numerical results from the simulated models were identical and compatible with those experimental results stated in literature. The validation of the numerical results with those experimental ones was based on the statistical analysis by including the calculations of the correlation coefficients, arithmetic means, and standard deviations for all the simulated girder models in terms of loads and deflections. The obtained numerical results showed that an increase in the compressive strength of concrete by 20% would cause an increase in the loading resistance of the models by 13% and a decrease in the deflection by 21%, respectively. Also, it was indicated that the type of section, i.e., the change of the section from solid to open (with transverse openings), would decrease the resistance of the section by 8–16% and increase the deflections by 15–20%. Similarly, an increase in the number of holes would result in the decreases in the load resistance by up to 6% and the increases in the deflections by up to 24% under the same applied loads. Strengthening openings using vertical bolts has an important role in enhancing the resistance of the models by 8–20% and decreasing the deflections by 20–30%. The failure patterns were hybrid, e.g., flexure and shear, and identical with the experimental ones. Finally, the effect of using the cylindrical compressive strength of concrete as a mechanical parameter on the structural behaviours of the simulated models was investigated, which could improve the resistance loading and decrease the deflections of the models.
The Analysis of the Maintained/Disowned Relationship among Firmitas, Utilitas, and Venustas to Preserve the Cultural Heritage: An H-BIM Approach for the Management of Historic Buildings
Authors: Cernaro Alessandra , Fiandaca Ornella , Lione Raffaella , Minutoli Fabio
Published: April 2023

Understanding the transformations of a historic building is a complex but necessary operation to plan future, more aware maintenance works that preserve the architectural quality. This study proposed to analyze the changes undergone by an edifice over time by virtue of the Vitruvian triad, namely the criteria formalised by Vitruvius to judge architecture: firmitas (construction system), utilitas (utility), and venustas (aesthetics). These criteria depend on the designer’s mindset but also the influence of historical, cultural, or local factors. The theme required a prior reflection on the mutations of the Vitruvian triad over time. Based upon these relationships, the analysis of the architectural heritage of Messina was started because it is emblematic due to historical events: buildings constructed after the earthquake of 1908, subject to war damage repairs, and then maintenance. Their firmitas, utilitas, and venustas changed for historical, cultural, social, and normative reasons. In this regard, the former Fascist House has significant features: the repeated changes in intended use that produced planimetric variations, technical-constructive modifications sometimes connected to formal choices, and to the abolition, albeit partial, of fascist symbols. The current appeal to experiment with digital technologies has led to examination of the opportunities of the BIM methodology, finding in the model historicisation a way to document and record the triad variations of an existing building in the virtual environment. The research topic proposes an operative approach for more incisive analysis and digitalisation of historical buildings, trying to make a contribution to Target 4 of Goal 11 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: to strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard cultural heritage.
Estimating Maximum Surface Settlement Caused by EPB Shield Tunneling Utilizing an Intelligent Approach
Authors: Moghtader Tohid , Sharafati Ahmad , Naderpour Hosein , Gharouni Nik Morteza
Published: April 2023

To control tunneling risk, the prediction of the surface settlement rate induced by shield tunneling using earth pressure balance plays a crucial role. To achieve this, ten independent variables were identified that can affect the amount of settlement. The nonlinear relationship between maximum ground surface settlements and ten influential independent variables was considered in artificial neural network (ANN) models. A total of 150 genuine datasets derived from the Southern Development Section of the Tehran Metro Line 6 project were used to train, validate, and test ANN techniques. Hence, the ground surface settlements of the mentioned project were predicted by the most accurate back propagation ANN technique. Ultimately, the importance level of different influential parameters on ground settlement at tunneling is relatively determined based on the results of the optimal neural network. The results used in this paper to evaluate the relative importance of each variable involved in the rate of ground surface settlement demonstrate that the parameters of grout injection and permeability equivalent to the proportions of approximately 16.91% and 5.07% have the highest and lowest impact, successively.
Safety of Reinforced Concrete Columns: Effect of Initial Imperfections and Material Deterioration under Emergency Actions
Authors: Alekseytsev Anatoly Victorovich , Kurchenko Natalia Sergeevna
Published: April 2023

The effect of (1) initial imperfections and (2) material degradation of reinforced concrete columns on their safety in emergency situations was investigated. The research was limited to low- and medium-flexibility columns. Numerical modeling and proven regulatory methods of analysis were applied to determine the ultimate bearing capacity, taking into account supplementary dynamic loading by a longitudinal force and a bending moment in case of emergency. The numerical model, describing the column structure, has 3D elements simulating concrete, and rebars simulating reinforcement frames (cages). Imperfections are simulated by (1) the physical loss of elements, (2) unzip of nodal elements, and (3) unzip and further zip using nonlinear elements simulating gaps and cohesion between concrete and reinforcement. Implicit dynamics and an incremental method were employed to make computations. Within the framework of this computational scheme, a nonlinear problem was solved using the Newton–Raphson method with nodal forces convergence. The effect of imperfections, such as geometrical deviations and deterioration of mechanical characteristics, on the bearing capacity of compressed bending elements was identified under emergency actions. Risks of mechanical safety loss were analyzed to find that columns in the frame structures of highly hazardous, technically complex, and unique buildings and structures, subjected to supplementary loading, need an additional safety margin in the range of 3–21%. Rectangular cross-sections of columns are the most effective in terms of the safety criterion.
Role of β-Catenin Activation in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Immunotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Morita Masahiro , Nishida Naoshi , Aoki Tomoko , Chishina Hirokazu , Takita Masahiro , Ida Hiroshi , Hagiwara Satoru , Minami Yasunori , Ueshima Kazuomi , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: April 2023

Recently, the therapeutic combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab was widely used to treat advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). According to recent clinical trials, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and molecular target agents are expected to be key therapeutic strategies in the future. Nonetheless, the mechanisms underlying molecular immune responses and immune evasion remain unclear. The tumor immune microenvironment plays a vital role in HCC progression. The infiltration of CD8-positive cells into tumors and the expression of immune checkpoint molecules are key factors in this immune microenvironment. Specifically, Wnt/β catenin pathway activation causes “immune exclusion”, associated with poor infiltration of CD8-positive cells. Some clinical studies suggested an association between ICI resistance and β-catenin activation in HCC. Additionally, several subclassifications of the tumor immune microenvironment were proposed. The HCC immune microenvironment can be broadly divided into inflamed class and non-inflamed class, with several subclasses. β-catenin mutations are important factors in immune subclasses; this may be useful when considering therapeutic strategies as β-catenin activation may serve as a biomarker for ICI. Various types of β-catenin modulators were developed. Several kinases may also be involved in the β-catenin pathway. Therefore, combinations of β-catenin modulators, kinase inhibitors, and ICIs may exert synergistic effects.
MRI-Based Tumor Necrosis Depiction in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Can It Predict Tumor Aggressiveness?
Authors: Anderson Mark A. , Knipp David E. , Noda Yoshifumi , Kamran Sophia C. , Baliyan Vinit , Kordbacheh Hamed , Hong Theodore S. , Kambadakone Avinash
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether tumor necrosis depicted on contrast-enhanced abdominal MRI can predict tumor aggressiveness in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In this retrospective analysis, we included 71 patients with pathology-proven PDAC who underwent contrast-enhanced MRI from 2006 to 2020. Assessment for the presence/absence of imaging detected necrosis was performed on T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images. Primary tumor characteristics, regional lymphadenopathy, metastases, stage, and overall survival were analyzed. Fisher’s exact and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis. Of the 72 primary tumors, necrosis was identified on MRI in 58.3% (42/72). Necrotic PDACs were larger (44.6 vs. 34.5 mm, p = 0.0016), had higher rates of regional lymphadenopathy (69.0% vs. 26.7%, p = 0.0007), and more frequent metastases (78.6% vs. 40.0%, p = 0.0010) than those without MRI-evident necrosis. A non-statistically significant reduction in median overall survival was observed in patients with versus without MRI-evident necrosis (15.8 vs. 38.0 months, p = 0.23). PDAC tumor necrosis depicted on MRI was associated with larger tumors and higher frequency of regional lymphadenopathy and metastases.
VISTA Ligation Reduces Antitumor T-Cell Activity in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Digomann David , Strack Johannes , Heiduk Max , Plesca Ioana , Rupp Luise , Reiche Charlotte , Nicolaus Simone , Beer Carolin , Sommer Ulrich , Schmitz Marc , Distler Marius , Weitz Jürgen , Seifert Adrian M. , Seifert Lena
Published: April 2023

Immunotherapy has shown promising results in multiple solid tumors and hematological malignancies. However, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been largely refractory to current clinical immunotherapies. The V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) inhibits T-cell effector function and maintains peripheral tolerance. Here, we determine VISTA expression in nontumorous pancreatic (n = 5) and PDAC tissue using immunohistochemistry (n = 76) and multiplex immunofluorescence staining (n = 67). Additionally, VISTA expression on tumor-infiltrating immune cells and matched blood samples (n = 13) was measured with multicolor flow cytometry. Further, the effect of recombinant VISTA on T-cell activation was investigated in vitro, and VISTA blockade was tested in an orthotopic PDAC mouse model in vivo. PDAC showed significantly higher VISTA expression compared to that of a nontumorous pancreas. Patients with a high density of VISTA-expressing tumor cells had reduced overall survival. The VISTA expression of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was increased after stimulation and particularly after a coculture with tumor cells. We detected a higher level of proinflammatory cytokine (TNFα and IFNγ) expression by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, which was reversed with the addition of recombinant VISTA. A VISTA blockade reduced tumor weights in vivo. The VISTA expression of tumor cells has clinical relevance, and its blockade may be a promising immunotherapeutic strategy for PDAC.
New Treatment Options in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Fudalej Marta , Kwaśniewska Daria , Nurzyński Paweł , Badowska-Kozakiewicz Anna , Mękal Dominika , Czerw Aleksandra , Sygit Katarzyna , Deptała Andrzej
Published: April 2023

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the seventh leading cause of cancer death across the world. Poor prognosis of PC is associated with several factors, such as diagnosis at an advanced stage, early distant metastases, and remarkable resistance to most conventional treatment options. The pathogenesis of PC seems to be significantly more complicated than originally assumed, and findings in other solid tumours cannot be extrapolated to this malignancy. To develop effective treatment schemes prolonging patient survival, a multidirectional approach encompassing different aspects of the cancer is needed. Particular directions have been established; however, further studies bringing them all together and connecting the strengths of each therapy are needed. This review summarises the current literature and provides an overview of new or emerging therapeutic strategies for the more effective management of metastatic PC.
Obesity Measured via Body Mass Index May Be Associated with Increased Incidence but Not Worse Outcomes of Immune-Mediated Diarrhea and Colitis
Authors: Kono Miho , Shatila Malek , Xu Guofan , Lu Yang , Mathew Antony , Mohajir Wasay , Varatharajalu Krishnavathana , Qiao Wei , Thomas Anusha S. , Wang Yinghong
Published: April 2023

Obesity defined by high body mass index (BMI) has traditionally been associated with gastrointestinal inflammatory processes but has recently been correlated with better survival in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). We sought to investigate the association between BMI and immune-mediated diarrhea and colitis (IMDC) outcomes and whether BMI reflects body fat content on abdominal imaging. This retrospective, single-center study included cancer patients with ICI exposure who developed IMDC and had BMI and abdominal computed tomography (CT) obtained within 30 days before initiating ICI from April 2011 to December 2019. BMI was categorized as <25, ≥25 but <30, and ≥30. Visceral fat area (VFA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA), total fat area (TFA: VFA+SFA), and visceral to subcutaneous fat (V/S) ratio were obtained from CT at the umbilical level. Our sample comprised 202 patients; 127 patients (62.9%) received CTLA-4 monotherapy or a combination, and 75 (37.1%) received PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy. Higher BMIs ≥ 30 were associated with a higher incidence of IMDC than BMIs ≤ 25 (11.4% vs. 7.9%, respectively; p = 0.029). Higher grades of colitis (grade 3–4) correlated with lower BMI (p = 0.03). BMI level was not associated with other IMDC characteristics or did not influence overall survival (p = 0.83). BMI is strongly correlated with VFA, SFA, and TFA (p < 0.0001). Higher BMI at ICI initiation was linked to a higher incidence of IMDC but did not appear to affect outcomes. BMI strongly correlated with body fat parameters measured by abdominal imaging, suggesting its reliability as an obesity index.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy versus Surgical Resection for Stage I/II Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Birgin Emrullah , Hetjens Svetlana , Tam Moses , Correa-Gallego Camilo , Rahbari Nuh N.
Published: April 2023

SBRT is an emerging locoregional treatment modality for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although local tumor control rates seem encouraging, large-scale survival data comparing SBRT to surgical resection are lacking. We identified patients with stage I/II HCC from the National Cancer Database amenable for potential surgical resection. Patients undergoing hepatectomy were matched by propensity score (1:2) with patients who underwent SBRT as primary treatment. A total of 3787 (91%) and 366 (9%) patients underwent surgical resection or SBRT between 2004 and 2015, respectively. After propensity matching, the 5-year overall survival was 24% (95% CI 19–30%) in the SBRT group versus 48% (95% CI 43–53%) in the surgery group (p < 0.001). The association of surgery with overall survival was consistent in all subgroups. In patients treated with SBRT, a biologic effective dose (BED) of ≥100 Gy (31%, 95% CI 22%–40%) compared with BED < 100 Gy (13%, 95% CI 8–22%) was associated with a higher 5-year overall survival rate (hazard ratio of mortality of 0.58, 95% CI 0.43–0.77; p < 0.001). Surgical resection may be associated with prolonged overall survival compared with SBRT in patients with stage I/II HCC.
Update on Calcitonin Screening for Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma and the Results of a Retrospective Analysis of 12,984 Patients with Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Broecker-Preuss Martina , Simon Dietmar , Fries Mirka , Kornely Elisabeth , Weber Manuel , Vardarli Irfan , Gilman Elena , Herrmann Ken , Görges Rainer
Published: April 2023

Background: We provide an update on calcitonin (Ctn) screening for the early detection of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and present the results of a large single-center analysis evaluating sex-specific cut-off-levels and long-term courses. Methods: A total of 12,984 consecutive adult patients (20.1% male and 79.9% female) with thyroid nodules who had undergone routine Ctn measurement were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with confirmed suspicious Ctn values were referred for surgery. Results: Ctn measurements were elevated in 207 (1.6%) patients, with values below twice the sex-specific reference limit in 82% of these cases. Further clarification was possible in 124/207 cases, of which MTC could be ruled out in 108 cases. Histopathological assessment confirmed MTC in 16/12,984 patients. Conclusions: Our extrapolated MTC prevalence of 0.14% is significantly lower than that described in early international screening studies. The stimulation test can usually be dispensable when using a decision-making concept based on sex-specific basal Ctn cut-off values. Ctn screening is recommended even in patients with very small thyroid nodules. High quality standards in pre-analytics, laboratory measurements, and the interpretation of data must be ensured, as well as close interdisciplinary cooperation between medical disciplines.
Classifying Malignancy in Prostate Glandular Structures from Biopsy Scans with Deep Learning
Authors: Fogarty Ryan , Goldgof Dmitry , Hall Lawrence , Lopez Alex , Johnson Joseph , Gadara Manoj , Stoyanova Radka , Punnen Sanoj , Pollack Alan , Pow-Sang Julio , Balagurunathan Yoganand
Published: April 2023

Histopathological classification in prostate cancer remains a challenge with high dependence on the expert practitioner. We develop a deep learning (DL) model to identify the most prominent Gleason pattern in a highly curated data cohort and validate it on an independent dataset. The histology images are partitioned in tiles (14,509) and are curated by an expert to identify individual glandular structures with assigned primary Gleason pattern grades. We use transfer learning and fine-tuning approaches to compare several deep neural network architectures that are trained on a corpus of camera images (ImageNet) and tuned with histology examples to be context appropriate for histopathological discrimination with small samples. In our study, the best DL network is able to discriminate cancer grade (GS3/4) from benign with an accuracy of 91%, F1-score of 0.91 and AUC 0.96 in a baseline test (52 patients), while the cancer grade discrimination of the GS3 from GS4 had an accuracy of 68% and AUC of 0.71 (40 patients).
Unraveling the Roles of MW/UV/TiO2 Photocatalysis Technologies for Organic Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Xia Hui , Ahmad Muhammad Arslan , Guo Jungang , Yang Yuesuo
Published: April 2023

Microwave-induced oxidation and UV/TiO2 photocatalytic technologies are widely used for organic wastewater treatment. Furthermore, the combination of these technologies (MW/UV/TiO2) result in a new advanced oxidation process. As a green and efficient photocatalytic degradation technology, MW/UV/TiO2 is favored for its advantages of high removal rate, short time use, wide concentration range, low cost, good stability, and no secondary pollution. Herein, this paper has summarized insights into the removal process by unveiling the degradation mechanism of organic compounds with MW-assisted technology. Additionally, water quality factors and process parameters affect the photocatalytic efficiencies, consisting of initial concentration, initial volume, TiO2 dosage, UV intensity, microwave power, temperature, pH, and fluid velocity, which have been systematically analyzed. Finally, possible future research directions and guidelines are proposed. Our findings will provide a way forward for the development of effective microwave-assisted remediation technologies that are broadly applicable to various environmental contamination scenarios.
Applications of Brewer’s Spent Grain Hemicelluloses in Biorefineries: Extraction and Value-Added Product Obtention
Authors: Schmidt Aline Ruth , Dresch Aline Perin , Alves Junior Sergio Luiz , Bender João Paulo , Treichel Helen
Published: April 2023

A circular economy is imperative for environmental sustainability. In this context, biorefineries stand out as a means of production able to reduce the carbon footprint and the impact of global warming. Biorefineries may employ lignocellulosic biomass from various plant sources to produce bioproducts with the potential to replace fossil derivatives through synthesis by microorganisms without competing with food crops. Brewer’s spent grain (BSG), the residue of the brewery production process, is an option with potential for use, being a cheap raw material highly available throughout the year. The chemical composition of this biomass is quite variable, with significant amounts of hemicellulose, mainly consisting of xylose and arabinose monomers that can be technologically converted into value-added products such as xylooligosaccharides, xylitol, second-generation ethanol (2G ethanol), biofilms and furfural. To this end, catalysts are unusual in making biorefineries increasingly competitive in the market, selectively optimizing reactions and reducing the environmental impact of the production processes of these bioproducts. The present review addresses the primary methods for extracting and processing hemicelluloses from BSG using either biocatalysts (enzymes) or homogenous (acids, alkali, and salts) and heterogenous catalysts (solid acids and metal oxide) that can be used to pretreat the biomass and obtain the preferred byproducts. The state of the art of optimized catalysis mechanisms is also presented.
C-H versus C-O Addition: A DFT Study of the Catalytic Cleavage of the β-O-4 Ether Linkage in Lignin by Iridium and Cobalt Pincer Complexes
Authors: Mensah Mary , Tia Richard , Adei Evans , de Leeuw Nora H.
Published: April 2023

The potential energy surfaces of the reactions involved in the catalytic cleavage of 2-phenoxy-1-phenylethanol, a model of the β-O-4 linkage in lignin, by (iprPCP)-Ir, (iprPCOP)-Ir, (iprPCP)-Co and (iprPCOP)-Co complexes have been studied using the M06/6-311G**/LANL2TZ level of theory. Both iridium and cobalt are found to be active towards the cleavage of the β-O-4 linkage, with rate constants of 44.7 s−1 and 5.1 × 106 s−1, respectively. The iridium catalysts prefer the ‘initial C-H addition’ pathway, showing a kinetic preference of 16.8 kcal mol−1 over the ‘direct C-O insertion’ pathway, while the cobalt catalysts prefer the ‘direct C-O insertion’ route which is kinetically favored by 15.7 kcal mol−1 over the ‘initial C-H addition’ pathway. A two-state reactivity occurs along the preferred pathway for the cobalt-catalyzed reaction.
Recent Combinations of Electrospinning with Photocatalytic Technology for Treating Polluted Water
Authors: Lv He , Liu Yanan , Bai Yubin , Shi Hongpu , Zhou Wen , Chen Yaoning , Liu Yang , Yu Deng-Guang
Published: April 2023

Dyes, antibiotics, heavy metal ions, and bacteria are important sources of water pollution. How to solve these issues has become a problem in the fields of science and technology. People have developed a variety of technologies to treat pollutants in water. Photocatalytic technology came into being. As a simple and environmentally friendly treatment technology, it has been widely studied by the scientific community. Traditional powder photocatalysts cause secondary pollution to the environment and are not conducive to recycling. Therefore, large specific surface area and reusable membrane photocatalysts built by electrospinning technology have become a favorite of today’s scientific community. Nanofiber membranes prepared by electrospinning technology have a variety of structures, which can meet the needs of different occasions. This review summarizes and discusses research progress in electrospinning technology, the relationship between the structure and treatment of electrospun fiber membranes, and their impacts on the photocatalytic performance of nanofiber membranes. The performance, challenges, and future development directions of nanofiber membranes with different structures, prepared by different kinds of electrospinning techniques using photocatalysis to treat different pollutants, are reviewed.
A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of the Archena Infancia Saludable Project on 24-h Movement Behaviors and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among Schoolchildren: A Pilot Study Protocol
Authors: López-Gil José Francisco , García-Hermoso Antonio , Smith Lee , Gallego Alejandra , Victoria-Montesinos Desirée , Ezzatvar Yasmin , Hershey Maria S. , Gutiérrez-Espinoza Héctor , Mesas Arthur Eumann , Jiménez-López Estela , Sánchez-Miguel Pedro Antonio , López-Benavente Alba , Moreno-Galarraga Laura , Chen Sitong , Brazo-Sayavera Javier , Fernandez-Montero Alejandro , Alcaraz Pedro Emilio , Panisello Royo Josefa María , Tárraga-López Pedro J. , Kales Stefanos N.
Published: April 2023

Objective: The aim of this paper is to describe the protocol of pilot cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) that will evaluate the effects of a lifestyle-based intervention. The Archena Infancia Saludable project will have several objectives. The primary objective of this project is to determine the 6-month effects of a lifestyle-based intervention on adherence to 24-h movement behaviors and Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) in schoolchildren. The secondary objective of this project is to test the intervention effects of this lifestyle-based intervention on a relevant set of health-related outcomes (i.e., anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, perceived physical fitness, sleep habits, and academic performance). The tertiary objective is to investigate this intervention’s “halo” effect on parents’/guardians’ 24-h movement behaviors and adherence to the MedDiet. Methods: The Archena Infancia Saludable trial will be a cluster RCT submitted to the Clinical Trials Registry. The protocol will be developed according to SPIRIT guidelines for RCTs and CONSORT statement extension for cluster RCTs. A total of 153 eligible parents/guardians with schoolchildren aged 6–13 years will be randomized into an intervention group or a control group. This project focuses on two fundamental pillars: 24-h movement behaviors and MedDiet. It will mainly focus on the relationship between parents/guardians and their children. Behavior change strategies for dietary and 24-h movement behaviors in schoolchildren will be based on healthy lifestyle education for parents/guardians through infographics, video recipes, brief video clips, and videos. Conclusions: Most of the current knowledge on 24-h movement behaviors and adherence to the MedDiet is based on cross-sectional or longitudinal cohort studies, warranting a need to design and conduct RCTs to obtain more robust evidence on the effect of a healthy lifestyle program to increase 24-h movement behaviors and to improve adherence to the MedDiet in schoolchildren.
Therapy of Patients with Cardiac Malposition
Authors: Rao P. Syamasundar
Published: April 2023

Positional abnormalities per se do not require treatment, but in their place, the accompanying pulmonary pathology in dextroposition patients and pathophysiologic hemodynamic abnormalities resulting from multiple defects in patients with cardiac malposition should be the focus of treatment. At the time of the first presentation, treating the pathophysiologic aberrations caused by the defect complex, whether it is by improving the pulmonary blood flow or restricting it, is the first step. Some patients with simpler or single defects are amenable to surgical or transcatheter therapy and should be treated accordingly. Other associated defects should also be treated appropriately. Biventricular or univentricular repair dependent on the patient’s cardiac structure should be planned. Complications in-between Fontan stages and after conclusion of Fontan surgery may occur and should be promptly diagnosed and addressed accordingly. Several other cardiac abnormalities unrelated to the initially identified heart defects may manifest in adulthood, and they should also be treated.
Structural Properties of Zn-Fe Alloy Coatings and Their Corrosion Resistance
Authors: Bhat Ramesh Sooryanarayana , Balakrishna Manjunatha Krishna , Parthasarathy Poornesh , Hegde Ampar Chitharanjan
Published: April 2023

Single-layer and multilayer alloy deposits were coated onto a mild steel substrate by a single-bath electroplating process. The developed coating consists of Zn and Fe alloys having different compositions with different layers. The anticorrosion behavior of single-layer and multilayer deposits was evaluated by the potentiodynamic polarization method. The surface morphology of the deposits was studied with a scanning electron microscope. The crystal structure of the deposits was analyzed with the X-ray diffraction technique. The Fe content in the deposit was analyzed by a colorimeter and verified with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The micro-hardness tester with a Vickers indenter was used to evaluate the microhardness of the developed single-layer and multilayer coatings. It was found that the microhardness increased with applied current densities. The Zn-Fe multilayer coatings with 300 layers deposited with square and triangular pulses at the applied current density of 2.0/3.0 A dm−2 were five and four times more corrosion-resistant, respectively, than the single-layer coating of the same thickness. The development of Zn-Fe coatings that are resistant to corrosion is particularly important for the automotive industry and steel-based vehicle parts.
Tensile Failure Behaviors and Theories of Carbon/Glass Hybrid Interlayer and Intralayer Composites
Authors: Wu Weili
Published: April 2023

Hybrid composites combine various types of fiber that not only provide an effective method to minimize material costs but also enhance the mechanical properties of composites. The tensile fracture behaviors of hybrid composites are more complex than single-fiber composites due to various reinforcing fibers and hybrid effects, and the relationship between tensile behaviors and hybrid structures is not clear. In this paper, various structures of C/G (carbon/glass) interlayer and intralayer hybrid composites were designed, and tensile behaviors were investigated; it revealed that tensile failure is characterized by the synergistic effect and failure acceleration effect. Second, the tensile properties of interlayer and intralayer hybrid composites with various hybrid ratios and stacking structures were systematically analyzed; our results demonstrated that the tensile strength of interlayer and intralayer hybrid composites was predominantly impacted by the hybrid ratio of C/G and increased with the increase in carbon fiber content. For interlayer hybrid composites, with the assistance of the synergistic effect, excellent tensile strength could be obtained for the glass fiber sandwiched carbon fiber structure. For intralayer hybrid composites, the tensile strength was small, while the dispersion degree was high. We compared the tensile properties with theoretically calculated values based on the rule of mixing (ROM) and revealed that the tensile modulus and strength of interlayer and intralayer hybrid composites exhibited a positive hybrid effect. This work serves as a foundation for the structural optimization and potential applications of C/G non-crimp hybrid composites.
Effect of Salt Bath Nitriding and Reoxidation Composite Texture on Frictional Properties of Valve Steel 4Cr10Si2Mo
Authors: Dai Yifan , Tan Zefei , Chen Wengang , Li Dongyang , Zhang Jubang , Wang Zexiao , Mao Yukun , Wang Yuhao , Guo Wenxuan
Published: April 2023

In order to improve the service life of 4Cr10Si2Mo valve steel, laser processing technology was used to prepare triangular textures with different area occupancies on the surface of 4Cr10Si2Mo, and then 4Cr10Si2Mo was subjected to salt bath nitridation (salt bath temperature 580 °C) and oxidation (oxidation temperature 400 °C). The mechanism of composite surface treatment technology on friction and wear performance of valve steel was explored. The effect of triangular texture on working surface stress and hydrodynamic pressure was explored using simulation technology, and the mechanism of texture in friction was further studied. The XRD test results showed that after salt bath nitriding and reoxidation treatment, the surface of 4Cr10Si2Mo mainly contained Fe2N oxide film and Fe3O4 and other components. The XPS test showed that the nitriding layer contained Cr-N, and the surface hardness reached 710.5 HV0.5. The simulation results showed that introducing surface texture will increase the stress on the contact surface, especially near the texture. However, under lubricating conditions, the flow field in the textured lumen produces a wedge effect, which increases the oil film pressure. After salt bath nitriding composite texture treatment, the wear resistance of 4Cr10Si2Mo significantly improved under the synergistic effect of the nitrided layer dominated by the magnetite phase (Fe3O4) and the microtexture. Fe3O4 can reduce the friction coefficient and resist oxidation reactions. In addition, the texture of the area occupancy of the texture also affects the surface tribological properties. The texture with an area occupancy rate of 11.45% (low × high is 0.3 mm × 0.3 mm) had the best anti-friction effect, and the friction coefficient reduced by 65%.
Biodegradability of Starch Nanocomposite Films Containing Different Concentrations of Chitosan Nanoparticles in Compost and Planting Soils
Authors: Othman Siti Hajar , Ronzi Nur Diana Arisya , Shapi’i Ruzanna Ahmad , Dun Mao , Ariffin Siti Hajar , Mohammed Mohd Afandi P.
Published: April 2023

Starch-based nanocomposite films containing chitosan nanoparticles (S/CNP films) are biodegradable and promising alternatives for non-biodegradable synthetic plastics. Nonetheless, limited work has been conducted to investigate the biodegradability of the films in soil. Thus, this work is aimed at investigating the biodegradation of starch-based films containing different concentrations of CNP (0, 10, 15, 20, 25% w/w solid starch) via a soil burial test using compost and planting soils. The biodegradability was investigated in terms of weight loss, visual appearance, morphology, and structural changes. It was found that S/CNP films biodegraded slower than neat starch films, and the degradation rate was reduced by 46 and 44% in compost and planting soils, respectively, with the increase in the concentrations of CNP from 10 to 25% w/w incorporated into the films. The degradation rate of films in compost soil after 8 days was found to be higher (0.0617 g/day) than in planting soil (0.0266 g/day). Visual appearance, morphology, and structural change results also supported these findings. The biodegradable S/CNP films can be used to reduce the usage of synthetic plastic.
Recent Progress of Film Fabrication Process for Carbon-Based All-Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Haifeng , Wang Hui , Wang Ke , Liu Dongqi , Zhao Lifang , Chen Dazheng , Zhu Weidong , Zhang Jincheng , Zhang Chunfu
Published: April 2023

Although the certified power conversion efficiency of organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has reached 25.7%, their thermal and long-term stability is a major challenge due to volatile organic components. This problem has been a major obstacle to their large-scale commercialization. In the last few years, carbon-based all-inorganic perovskite solar cells (C−IPSCs) have exhibited high stability and low-cost advantages by adopting the all-inorganic component with cesium lead halide (CsPbI3−xBrx, x = 0 ~ 3) and eliminating the hole-transporting layer by using cheap carbon paste as the back electrode. So far, many astonishing developments have been achieved in the field of C−IPSCs. In particular, the unencapsulated CsPbBr3 C-IPSCs exhibit excellent stability over thousands of hours in an ambient environment. In addition, the power conversion efficiencies of CsPbI3 and CsPbI2Br C-IPSCs have exceeded 15%, which is close to that of commercial multicrystalline solar cells. Obtaining high-quality cesium lead halide-based perovskite films is the most important aspect in the preparation of high-performance C-IPSCs. In this review, the main challenges in the high-quality film fabrication process for high performance C-IPSCs are summarized and the film fabrication process strategies for CsPbBr3, CsPbIBr2, CsPbI2Br, and CsPbI3 are systematically discussed, respectively. In addition, the prospects for future film fabrication processes for C-IPSCs are proposed.