bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia Increases Cell Proliferation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Carreres Lydie , Mercey-Ressejac Marion , Kurma Keerthi , Ghelfi Julien , Fournier Carole , Manches Olivier , Chuffart Florent , Rousseaux Sophie , Minoves Mélanie , Decaens Thomas , Lerat Herve , Macek Jilkova Zuzana
Published: June 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is characterized by chronic intermittent hypoxia and is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, including cancer mortality. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer, characterized by increasing incidence and high mortality. However, the link between HCC and OSA-related chronic intermittent hypoxia remains unclear. Herein, we used a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC model to investigate whether OSA-related chronic intermittent hypoxia has an impact on HCC progression. To elucidate the associated mechanisms, we first evaluated the hypoxia status in the DEN-induced HCC model. Next, to simulate OSA-related intermittent hypoxia, we exposed cirrhotic rats with HCC to intermittent hypoxia during six weeks. We performed histopathological, immunohistochemical, RT-qPCR, and RNA-seq analysis. Chronic DEN injections strongly promoted cell proliferation, fibrosis, disorganized vasculature, and hypoxia in liver tissue, which mimics the usual events observed during human HCC development. Intermittent hypoxia further increased cell proliferation in DEN-induced HCC, which may contribute to an increased risk of HCC progression. In conclusion, our observations suggest that chronic intermittent hypoxia may be a factor worsening the prognosis of HCC.
Impaired Alveolar Re-Epithelialization in Pulmonary Emphysema
Authors: Lin Chih-Ru , Bahmed Karim , Kosmider Beata
Published: June 2022

Alveolar type II (ATII) cells are progenitors in alveoli and can repair the alveolar epithelium after injury. They are intertwined with the microenvironment for alveolar epithelial cell homeostasis and re-epithelialization. A variety of ATII cell niches, transcription factors, mediators, and signaling pathways constitute a specific environment to regulate ATII cell function. Particularly, WNT/β-catenin, YAP/TAZ, NOTCH, TGF-β, and P53 signaling pathways are dynamically involved in ATII cell proliferation and differentiation, although there are still plenty of unknowns regarding the mechanism. However, an imbalance of alveolar cell death and proliferation was observed in patients with pulmonary emphysema, contributing to alveolar wall destruction and impaired gas exchange. Cigarette smoking causes oxidative stress and is the primary cause of this disease development. Aberrant inflammatory and oxidative stress responses result in loss of cell homeostasis and ATII cell dysfunction in emphysema. Here, we discuss the current understanding of alveolar re-epithelialization and altered reparative responses in the pathophysiology of this disease. Current therapeutics and emerging treatments, including cell therapies in clinical trials, are addressed as well.
Radiological and Microbiological Evaluation of the Efficacy of Alveolar Bone Repair Using Autogenous Dentin Matrix—Preliminary Study
Authors: Kubaszek Bartłomiej , Morawiec Tadeusz , Mertas Anna , Wachol Kacper , Nowak-Wachol Anna , Śmieszek-Wilczewska Joanna , Łopaciński Maciej , Cholewka Armand
Published: June 2022

Dental procedures for alveolar bone augmentation may be carried out using autologous bone graft material derived from the patient’s own tooth. The material obtained is subjected to strict procedures aimed at reducing the amount of bacteria in the autograft. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the efficacy of the autogenous dentine matrix produced by grinding the patient’s own tooth for the augmentation of maxillary bone defects and the evaluation of the microbiological status of the material obtained. Alveolar bone repair was performed with an autogenous dentin matrix in four patients. In each case, an autogenous bone graft substitute obtained by grinding the patient’s own tooth was used. The tooth-derived material was then used for alveolar augmentation. The obtained material was tested to assess its microbiological profile. For the purpose of comparison, other materials and tissues were also subjected to microbiological testing. Bone healing was assessed by CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scanning before and 6 months after surgery using the Hounsfield scale and the ImageJ software. Analysis of the bone regeneration process based on the bone density score in Hounsfield units showed significant differences in measurements on CBCT scans carried out on the treatment site, before surgery, and 6 months after it, using ImageJ software. All bacteria detected in the bone augmentation material constituted the patient’s bacterial flora. The microorganisms present in the augmentation material were also present in the patient’s bone and soft tissues. The use of an autogenous dentin matrix for alveolar bone repair ensures that the proper volume is obtained and that alveolar bone shape is preserved and does not introduce pathogenic microorganisms into the patient. The procedure for preparing and using an autogenous dentin matrix is described based on one clinical case.
Behaviour and Mechanisms of Alkali Metal Sulphate-Induced Cyclic Hot Corrosion in Relation to Gradients and Preoxidised MCrAlY-Type Coatings
Authors: Yu Daqian , Gong Jun , Sun Jianping , Qian Yuanji
Published: June 2022

In this study, two modified MCrAlY-type coatings were prepared by the same arc ion plating process. ‘Gradient annealing’ and ‘gradient annealing plus preoxidation’ were adopted as post-treatments for the two coatings. A two-layer scale of a mixed oxide layer and a pure alumina layer with the alumina next to the substrate was formed on the latter coating. A cyclic hot corrosion test was carried out on them with a conventional MCrAlY-type coating as a reference. The kinetics and evolution of the microstructure showed them to have greater hot corrosion resistance at 900 °C. The preformed inner alumina scale by preoxidation retarded the occurrence of internal oxidation–sulphidation to some extent. Additionally, the internal sulphidation–oxidation model is elucidated and extended.
A Database for Crystalline Organic Conductors and Superconductors
Authors: Ganter Owen , Feeny Kevin , Brooke-deBock Morgan , Winter Stephen M. , Agosta Charles C.
Published: June 2022

We present a prototype database for quasi two-dimensional crystalline organic conductors and superconductors based on molecules related to bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene (BEDT-TTF, ET). The database includes crystal structures, calculated electronic structures, and experimentally measured properties such as the superconducting transition temperature and critical magnetic fields. We obtained crystal structures from the Cambridge Structural Database and created a crystal structure analysis algorithm to identify cation molecules and execute tight binding electronic structure calculations. We used manual data entry to encode experimentally measured properties reported in publications. Crystalline organic conductors and superconductors exhibit a wide variety of electronic ground states, particularly those with correlations. We hope that this database will ultimately lead to a better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of such states.
Self-Healing of Cementitious Materials via Bacteria: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Demo Pavel , Přeučil Filip , Prošek Zdeněk , Tichá Petra , Domonkos Mária
Published: June 2022

Cracks on the surface of cementitious composites represent an entrance gate for harmful substances—particularly water—to devastate the bulk of material, which results in lower durability. Autogenous crack-sealing is a significantly limited mechanism due to a combination of the hydration process and calcite nucleation, and self-healing cementitious composites are a research area that require a great deal of scientific effort. In contrast to time-consuming experiments (e.g., only the preparation of an applicable bare concrete sample itself requires more than 28 days), appropriately selected mathematical models may assist in the deeper understanding of self-healing processes via bacteria. This paper presents theoretically oriented research dealing with the application of specific bacteria (B. pseudofirmus) capable of transforming available nutrients into calcite, allowing for the cracks on the surfaces of cementitious materials to be repaired. One of the principal objectives of this study is to analyze the sensitivity of the bacterial growth curves to the system parameters within the context of the logistic model in the Monod approach. Analytically calculated growth curves for various parameters (initial inoculation concentration, initial nutrition content, and metabolic activity of bacteria) are compared with experimental data. The proposed methodology may also be applied to analyze the growth of microorganisms of nonbacterial origin (e.g., molds, yeasts).
Runs of Homozygosity and Gene Identification in Pelibuey Sheep Using Genomic Data
Authors: Hernández-Montiel Wilber , Cob-Calan Nubia Noemi , Cahuich-Tzuc Lilia E. , Rueda José A. , Quiroz-Valiente Jorge , Meza-Villalvazo Víctor , Zamora-Bustillos Roberto
Published: June 2022

The runs of homozygosity (ROHs), the inbreeding coefficient, and the effective population size (Ne) in Pelibuey sheep were analyzed in 24 Pelibuey ewes from two lambs at parturition and 24 ewes that gave birth to a single lamb using the Ilumina OvineSNP50 BeadChip. The Ne decreased from 535 to 192 in the first ten generations. A total of 2194 ROHs were identified on the basis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), were identified in the prolific group and 2185 SNPs in ROH in the non-prolific group. The distribution of the lengths of the ROH, considering both groups, were found to be: 4065 less than 6 Mb, 213 between 6 and 12 Mb, 72 between 12 and 24 Mb, twenty between 24 and 48 Mb and 8 greater than 48 Mb. In prolific sheep, the ROH associated with prolificacy were identified near the LINGO2, FLRT2, ADGRB3 genes, related to “positive regulation of synapse assembly”; and the DGKG, DGKE, DGKB and DGKI genes, related to “protein kinase C-activating G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathway”. The present work present genes that can function as signal mediators or have activity in embryonic development, which is relevant to the economic activity of this species.
The Role of Imaging in the Detection of Non-COVID-19 Pathologies during the Massive Screening of the First Pandemic Wave
Authors: Canivet Perrine , Desir Colin , Thys Marie , Henket Monique , Frix Anne-Noëlle , Ernst Benoit , Walsh Sean , Occhipinti Mariaelena , Vos Wim , Maes Nathalie , Canivet Jean Luc , Louis Renaud , Meunier Paul , Guiot Julien
Published: June 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic induced by the SARS-CoV-2, numerous chest scans were carried out in order to establish the diagnosis, quantify the extension of lesions but also identify the occurrence of potential pulmonary embolisms. In this perspective, the performed chest scans provided a varied database for a retrospective analysis of non-COVID-19 chest pathologies discovered de novo. The fortuitous discovery of de novo non-COVID-19 lesions was generally not detected by the automated systems for COVID-19 pneumonia developed in parallel during the pandemic and was thus identified on chest CT by the radiologist. The objective is to use the study of the occurrence of non-COVID-19-related chest abnormalities (known and unknown) in a large cohort of patients having suffered from confirmed COVID-19 infection and statistically correlate the clinical data and the occurrence of these abnormalities in order to assess the potential of increased early detection of lesions/alterations. This study was performed on a group of 362 COVID-19-positive patients who were prescribed a CT scan in order to diagnose and predict COVID-19-associated lung disease. Statistical analysis using mean, standard deviation (SD) or median and interquartile range (IQR), logistic regression models and linear regression models were used for data analysis. Results were considered significant at the 5% critical level (p < 0.05). These de novo non-COVID-19 thoracic lesions detected on chest CT showed a significant prevalence in cardiovascular pathologies, with calcifying atheromatous anomalies approaching nearly 35.4% in patients over 65 years of age. The detection of non-COVID-19 pathologies was mostly already known, except for suspicious nodule, thyroid goiter and the ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm. The presence of vertebral compression or signs of pulmonary fibrosis has shown a significant impact on inpatient length of stay. The characteristics of the patients in this sample, both from a demographic and a tomodensitometric point of view on non-COVID-19 pathologies, influenced the length of hospital stay as well as the risk of intra-hospital death. This retrospective study showed that the potential importance of the detection of these non-COVID-19 lesions by the radiologist was essential in the management and the intra-hospital course of the patients.
Retroperitoneal Hematoma Caused by Lumbar Artery Injury during Percutaneous Disc Nucleoplasty: Successful Treatment Using Emergent Transarterial Embolization
Authors: Kim Dae Kyun , Kim Seok Won
Published: June 2022

Although minimally invasive percutaneous disc nucleoplasty (PDN) has been widely used for discogenic back pain or soft-disc herniation of the lumbar spine, complications can occur. Although rare, iatrogenic vascular injuries during PDN are serious complications that can be fatal without rapid diagnosis and effective management. Here, we present the case of a 38-year-old male patient with an injury to the right fifth lumbar artery that occurred during PDN, which was successfully treated using emergent transarterial embolization. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of successful transarterial embolization without open hematoma evacuation for a lumbar artery injury that occurred during PDN.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Pathways of Intramuscular Myxoma
Authors: Reiter Alonja , Trumm Katharina , Ballhause Tobias M. , Weiss Sebastian , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Korthaus Alexander , Bechler Ulrich , Duprée Anna , Luebke Andreas , Bannas Peter , Schlickewei Carsten W. , Priemel Matthias H.
Published: June 2022

Intramuscular myxomas (IMMs) are benign tumors. Evidence regarding diagnostic and therapeutic pathways is rare, and guidelines do not exist due to their low incidence. The aim of this study was a retrospective analysis at a university cancer center and the interdisciplinary re-evaluation of the individual diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Overall, 38 patients were included in the study. IMMs occurred mostly in middle-aged women. At the time of first consultation, 57.9% had few symptoms or were asymptomatic. In 92.1% of the cases, the tumor was localized in the extremities. The lower extremity was affected in 73.7%. The average size of IMMs was 5.0 cm. The proximally located tumors in the gluteus, thighs, and upper arms were significantly larger (p = 0.02) than the distally-located tumors in the forearms and lower legs. An MRI was performed in 97.4%. Based on imaging, an IMM was suspected in 5.6% by radiologists and in 54.1% by musculoskeletal surgeons. An incision biopsy was performed in 68.4% and led in 100.0% to the right histopathological diagnosis. In total, 89.5% of IMMs were resected. Postoperative complications requiring revision occurred in 8.8%. Recurrences or degenerations of IMMs were not reported in any of these cases.
Optimal Pole-Swapping in Bipolar DC Networks Using Discrete Metaheuristic Optimizers
Authors: Montoya Oscar Danilo , Medina-Quesada Ángeles , Hernández Jesus C.
Published: June 2022

Bipolar direct current (DC) networks are emerging electrical systems used to improve the distribution capabilities of monopolar DC networks. These grids work with positive, negative, and neutral poles, and they can transport two times the power when compared to monopolar DC grids. The distinctive features of bipolar DC grids include the ability to deal with bipolar loads (loads connected between the positive and negative poles) and with unbalanced load conditions, given that the loads connected to the positive and neutral poles are not necessarily equal to the negative and neutral ones. This load imbalance deteriorates voltages when compared to positive and negative poles, and it causes additional power losses in comparison with balanced operation scenarios. This research addresses the problem of pole-swapping in bipolar DC networks using combinatorial optimization methods in order to reduce the total grid power losses and improve the voltage profiles. Bipolar DC networks with a non-solidly grounded neutral wire composed of 21 and 85 nodes are considered in the numerical validations. The implemented combinatorial methods are the Chu and Beasley genetic algorithm, the sine-cosine algorithm, and the black-hole optimization algorithm. Numerical results in both test feeders demonstrate the positive effect of optimal pole-swapping in the total final power losses and the grid voltage profiles. All simulations were run in the MATLAB programming environment using the triangular-based power flow method, which is intended for radial distribution system configurations.
Vertical Stratification and Seasonal Dynamics of Coleoptera in Open Biotopes of Forest Ecosystems (Centre of European Russia)
Authors: Ruchin Alexander B. , Egorov Leonid V.
Published: June 2022

There are few studies on the vertical distribution and seasonal activity of arthropods in open habitats (in glades) in temperate forests due to methodological problems associated with the arrangement of certain structures for trapping. However, glades in forests are places of significant biodiversity of native animals, which are attracted to such areas by the possibilities of nutrition, reproduction, and wintering. The research was carried out on the territory of the Republic of Mordovia (the center of the European part of Russia). Fermental traps (bait—fermenting beer with sugar) were used to collect Coleoptera. They were installed on a special structure at heights of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 m. The collections were carried out from May to October 2020 in a glade with an area of 0.93 hectares in a deciduous forest. At the end of the research, 745 specimens of 80 species were registered from 30 Coleoptera families. The greatest species diversity was recorded in Nitidulidae (11 species), Cerambycidae (10 species), Scarabaeidae (7 species), Elateridae, Coccinellidae, and Curculionidae (5 species each). The greatest species diversity (53 species) and numerical abundance were obtained at a height of 2 m, and the smallest one (16 species) at a height of 10 m. The largest differences in the Jaccard similarity index were obtained between samples from a height of 2 and 10 m. The maximum values of the Shannon index and the minimum values of the Simpson index were recorded at the height of 2 m. The most significant relative number of saproxylic species was obtained at a height of 4 m. The relative number of anthophilic species was minimal at a height of 10 m. The seasonal dynamics of Coleoptera abundance were the same at different heights and the highest abundance was observed in late May and early June. However, the seasonal dynamics were different for some Coleoptera species in the glade located and inside the forest. Our data confirm the relevance of sampling in open biotopes at different heights in the study of arthropod biodiversity.
Advanced Technologies for Increasing the Durability of Timber and Extending Its Service Life
Authors: Palanti Sabrina , Terziev Nasko
Published: June 2022

Wood is one of most used and appreciated material among humans, and is an irreplaceable choice for building furniture, utility poles, bridges, and more [...]
Advances in Biosynthesis and Pharmacological Effects of Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl Essential Oil
Authors: Du Yuqing , Zhou Hua , Yang Liying , Jiang Luyuan , Chen Duanfen , Qiu Deyou , Yang Yanfang
Published: June 2022

Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl essential oil (CCEO) is a volatile oil with aroma and is extracted from various tissues of Cinnamomumcamphora. It is traditionally used as a spice, preservative, as an anti-inflammatory and for sterilization. Terpenoids are the main active components in CCEO. Based on currently available research, considerable effort is still needed to study the biosynthesis and regulation of terpenoids in CCEO. In this review, the research progress related to terpenoid biosynthesis and bioactivity in CCEO in recent years is summarized, with the data compiled and presented mainly from online resources such as PubMed, Scopus and CNKI in China up to May 2022. The research advances related to key enzymes in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway are mainly discussed. Previous studies have isolated some genes encoding key enzymes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis; however, among these genes, only a few TPS genes have been verified to catalyze the production of terpenoid synthases at the protein level. Most genes encoding key enzymes have been cloned and isolated, but no transgenic experiments have been carried out to verify gene function. In-depth study of the biosynthesis of terpenoids in CCEO may contribute to a better understanding of the differential accumulation of terpenoids in different types of C. camphora and provide reference for improving terpenoid content in CCEO.
Analysis of Factors Related to Forest Fires in Different Forest Ecosystems in China
Authors: Wu Zechuan , Li Mingze , Wang Bin , Tian Yuping , Quan Ying , Liu Jianyang
Published: June 2022

Forests are the largest terrestrial ecosystem with major benefits in three areas: economy, ecology, and society. However, the frequent occurrence of forest fires has seriously affected the structure and function of forests. To provide a strong scientific basis for forest fire prevention and control, Ripley’s K(d) function and the LightGBM algorithm were used to determine the spatial pattern of forest fires in four different provinces (Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Hebei) in China from 2019 to 2021 and the impact of driving factors on different ecosystems. In addition, this study also identified fire hotspots in the four provinces based on kernel density estimation (KDE). An artificial neural network model (ANN) was created to predict the probability of occurrence of forest fires in the study area. The results showed that the forest fires were spatially clustered, but the variable importance of different factors varied widely among the different forest ecosystems. Forest fires in Heilongjiang and Liaoning Provinces were mainly caused by human-driven factors. For Jilin, meteorological factors were important in the occurrence of fires. Topographic and vegetation factors exhibited the greatest importance in Hebei Province. The selected driving factors were input to the ANN model to predict the probability of fire occurrence in the four provinces. The ANN model accurately captured 93.17%, 90.28%, 83.16%, and 89.18% of the historical forest fires in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, and Hebei Provinces; Precision, Recall, and F-measure based on the full dataset are 0.87, 0.88, and 0.87, respectively. The results of this study indicated that there were differences in the driving factors of fire in different forest ecosystems. Different fire management policies must be formulated in response to this spatial heterogeneity.
Association of CX36 Protein Encoding Gene GJD2 with Refractive Errors
Authors: Kunceviciene Edita , Muskieta Tomas , Sriubiene Margarita , Liutkeviciene Rasa , Smalinskiene Alina , Grabauskyte Ingrida , Insodaite Ruta , Juoceviciute Dovile , Kucinskas Laimutis
Published: June 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the associations of GJD2 (rs634990, rs524952) and RASGRF1 (rs8027411, rs4778879, rs28412916) gene polymorphisms with refractive errors. Methods: The study included 373 subjects with refractive errors (48 myopia, 239 myopia with astigmatism, 14 hyperopia, and 72 hyperopia with astigmatism patients) and 104 ophthalmologically healthy subjects in the control group. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method was chosen for genotyping. Statistical calculations and analysis of results were performed with IBM SPSS Statistics 27 software. Results: The correlations in monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs were higher compared to DZ pairs, indicating genetic effects on hyperopia and astigmatism. The heritability (h2) of hyperopia and astigmatism was 0.654 for the right eye and 0.492 for the left eye. The GJD2 rs634990 TT genotype increased the incidence of hyperopia with astigmatism by 2.4-fold and the CT genotype decreased the incidence of hyperopia with astigmatism by 0.51-fold (p < 0.05). The GJD2 rs524952 AT genotype reduced the incidence of hyperopia with astigmatism by 0.53-fold (p < 0.05). Haplotype analysis of SNPs in the GJD2 gene revealed two statistically significant haplotypes: ACTAGG for rs634990 and TTTAGA for rs524952, which statistically significantly reduced the incidence of hyperopia and hyperopia with astigmatism by 0.41-fold (95% CI: 0.220–0.765) and 0.383-fold (95% CI: 0.199–0.737), respectively (p < 0.05). It was also found that, in the presence of haplotypes ACTAGG for rs634990 and TATAGA for rs524952, the possibility of hyperopia was reduced by 0.4-fold (p < 0.05). Conclusions: the heritability of hyperopia and hyperopia with astigmatism was 0.654–0.492, according to different eyes in patients between 20 and 40 years. The GJD2 rs634990 was identified as an SNP, which has significant associations with the co-occurrence of hyperopia and astigmatism. Patients with the GJD2 gene rs634990 TT genotype were found to have a 2.4-fold higher risk of develop hyperopia with astigmatism.
Phylogenomic Coalescent Analyses of Avian Retroelements Infer Zero-Length Branches at the Base of Neoaves, Emergent Support for Controversial Clades, and Ancient Introgressive Hybridization in Afroaves
Authors: Gatesy John , Springer Mark S.
Published: June 2022

Retroelement insertions (RIs) are low-homoplasy characters that are ideal data for addressing deep evolutionary radiations, where gene tree reconstruction errors can severely hinder phylogenetic inference with DNA and protein sequence data. Phylogenomic studies of Neoaves, a large clade of birds (>9000 species) that first diversified near the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary, have yielded an array of robustly supported, contradictory relationships among deep lineages. Here, we reanalyzed a large RI matrix for birds using recently proposed quartet-based coalescent methods that enable inference of large species trees including branch lengths in coalescent units, clade-support, statistical tests for gene flow, and combined analysis with DNA-sequence-based gene trees. Genome-scale coalescent analyses revealed extremely short branches at the base of Neoaves, meager branch support, and limited congruence with previous work at the most challenging nodes. Despite widespread topological conflicts with DNA-sequence-based trees, combined analyses of RIs with thousands of gene trees show emergent support for multiple higher-level clades (Columbea, Passerea, Columbimorphae, Otidimorphae, Phaethoquornithes). RIs express asymmetrical support for deep relationships within the subclade Afroaves that hints at ancient gene flow involving the owl lineage (Strigiformes). Because DNA-sequence data are challenged by gene tree-reconstruction error, analysis of RIs represents one approach for improving gene tree-based methods when divergences are deep, internodes are short, terminal branches are long, and introgressive hybridization further confounds species–tree inference.
Evaluation of the Effect of Geomechanical Parameters and In Situ Stress on Tunnel Response Using Equivalent Mohr-Coulomb and Generalized Hoek-Brown Criteria
Authors: Saeidi Ali , Cloutier Côme , Kamalibandpey Abbas , Shahbazi Alireza
Published: June 2022

The generalized Hoek-Brown (GHB) failure criterion can estimate the rock mass parameters required for rock mechanics–related analyses such as numerical modeling in geomechanics. The determination of GHB parameters has been developed in the field of rock mechanics. Due to the wide use of the Mohr-Coulomb criterion and the lack of an existing relationship for determining its parameters for a rock mass, equivalent Mohr-Coulomb parameters (EMC) can be derived from the GHB. To determine the differences in the use of these two criteria, we analyzed the behavior of a deep circular tunnel in nine stress states for three metamorphic rocks recovered from the Canadian Shield from rock masses that present a very blocky structure. We carried out 241 simulations using the finite element code RS2 to assess the effect of the geological strength index (GSI), in situ stress, and rock type on the deviation of wall displacement, the number of yielded elements, and the differential stress obtained by the GHB and EMC parameters. A combination of low in situ stress and high GSI yielded similar results when using both failure criteria.
Combining Telecom Data with Heterogeneous Data Sources for Traffic and Emission Assessments—An Agent-Based Approach
Authors: Grujić Nastasija , Brdar Sanja , Osinga Sjoukje , Hofstede Gert Jan , Athanasiadis Ioannis N. , Pljakić Miloš , Obrenović Nikola , Govedarica Miro , Crnojević Vladimir
Published: June 2022

To create quality decision-making tools that would contribute to transport sustainability, we need to build models relying on accurate, timely, and sufficiently disaggregated data. In spite of today’s ubiquity of big data, practical applications are still limited and have not reached technology readiness. Among them, passively generated telecom data are promising for studying travel-pattern generation. The objective of this study is twofold. First, to demonstrate how telecom data can be fused with other data sources and used to feed up a traffic model. Second, to simulate traffic using an agent-based approach and assess the emission produced by the model’s scenario. Taking Novi Sad as a case study, we simulated the traffic composition at 1-s resolution using the GAMA platform and calculated its emission at 1-h resolution. We used telecom data together with population and GIS data to calculate spatial-temporal movement and imported it to the ABM. Traffic flow was calibrated and validated with data from automatic vehicle counters, while air quality data was used to validate emissions. The results demonstrate the value of using diverse data sets for the creation of decision-making tools. We believe that this study is a positive endeavor toward combining big data and ABM in urban studies.
Prototype Development of a Temperature-Sensitive High-Adhesion Medical Tape to Reduce Medical-Adhesive-Related Skin Injury and Improve Quality of Care
Authors: Swanson Shawn , Bashmail Rahaf , Fellin Christopher , Luu Vivian , Shires Nicholas , Cox Phillip , Nelson Alshakim , MacKenzie Devin , Taroc Ann-Marie , Nelson Leonard , Seibel Eric
Published: June 2022

Medical adhesives are used to secure wound care dressings and other critical devices to the skin. Without means of safe removal, these stronger adhesives are difficult to painlessly remove from the skin and may cause medical-adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSI), including skin tears and an increased risk of infection. Lower-adhesion medical tapes may be applied to avoid MARSI, leading to device dislodgement and further medical complications. This paper outlines the development of a high-adhesion medical tape designed for low skin trauma upon release. By warming the skin-attached tape for 10–30 s, a significant loss in adhesion was achieved. A C14/C18 copolymer was developed and combined with a selected pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) material. The addition of 1% C14/C18 copolymer yielded the largest temperature-responsive drop in surface adhesion. The adhesive film was characterized using AFM, and distinct nanodomains were identified on the exterior surface of the PSA. Our optimized formulation yielded 67% drop in adhesion when warmed to 45 °C, perhaps due to melting nanodomains weakening the adhesive–substrate boundary layer. Pilot clinical testing resulted in a significant decrease in pain when a heat pack was used for removal, giving an average pain reduction of 66%.
Nanoparticles Influence Lytic Phage T4-like Performance In Vitro
Authors: Stachurska Xymena , Cendrowski Krzysztof , Pachnowska Kamila , Piegat Agnieszka , Mijowska Ewa , Nawrotek Paweł
Published: June 2022

Little is known about interactions of non-filamentous, complex-structured lytic phages and free, non-ordered nanoparticles. Emerging questions about their possible bio-sanitization co-applications or predictions of possible contact effects in the environment require testing. Therefore, we revealed the influence of various nanoparticles (NPs; SiO2, TiO2-SiO2, TiO2, Fe3O4, Fe3O4-SiO2 and SiO2-Fe3O4-TiO2) on a T4-like phage. In great detail, we investigated phage plaque-forming ability, phage lytic performance, phage progeny burst times and titers by the eclipse phase determinations. Additionally, it was proved that TEM micrographs and results of NP zeta potentials (ZP) were crucial to explain the obtained microbiological data. We propose that the mere presence of the nanoparticle charge is not sufficient for the phage to attach specifically to the NPs, consequently influencing the phage performance. The zeta potential values in the NPs are of the greatest influence. The threshold values were established at ZP < −35 (mV) for phage tail binding, and ZP > 35 (mV) for phage head binding. When NPs do not meet these requirements, phage–nanoparticle physical interaction becomes nonspecific. We also showed that NPs altered the phage lytic activity, regardless of the used NP concentration. Most of the tested nanoparticles positively influenced the phage lytic performance, except for SiO2 and Fe3O4-SiO2, with a ZP lower than −35 (mV), binding with the phage infective part—the tail.
The Development, Differentiation, and Toxicity in Reproduction
Authors: Kim Byeongseok , Choi Youngsok
Published: June 2022

This Special Issue is intended to provide up-to-date information on reproduction, including the reproduction of germ cells and reproductive organs (ovary, testis, and uterus) [...]
The Role of Microglia in the (Mal)adaptive Response to Traumatic Experience in an Animal Model of PTSD
Authors: Nahum Kesem , Todder Doron , Zohar Joseph , Cohen Hagit
Published: June 2022

The present study investigates whether predator scent-stress (PSS) shifts the microglia from a quiescent to a chronically activated state and whether morphological alterations in microglial activation differ between individuals displaying resilient vs. vulnerable phenotypes. In addition, we examined the role that GC receptors play during PSS exposure in the impairment of microglial activation and thus in behavioral response. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to PSS or sham-PSS for 15 min. Behaviors were assessed with the elevated plus-maze (EPM) and acoustic startle response (ASR) paradigms 7 days later. Localized brain expression of Iba-1 was assessed, visualized, and classified based on their morphology and stereological counted. Hydrocortisone and RU486 were administered systemically 10 min post PSS exposure and behavioral responses were measured on day 7 and hippocampal expression of Ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1) was subsequently evaluated. Animals whose behavior was extremely disrupted (PTSD-phenotype) selectively displayed excessive expression of Iba-1 with concomitant downregulation in the expression of CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) in hippocampal structures as compared with rats whose behavior was minimally or partially disrupted. Changes in microglial morphology have also been related only to the PTSD-phenotype group. These data indicate that PSS-induced microglia activation in the hippocampus serves as a critical mechanistic link between the HPA-axis and PSS-induced impairment in behavioral responses.
Molecular Recognition of Surface Trans-Sialidases in Extracellular Vesicles of the Parasite Trypanosoma cruzi Using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
Authors: Prescilla-Ledezma Alexa , Linares Fátima , Ortega-Muñoz Mariano , Retana Moreira Lissette , Jódar-Reyes Ana Belén , Hernandez-Mateo Fernando , Santoyo-Gonzalez Francisco , Osuna Antonio
Published: June 2022

Trans-sialidases (TS) are important constitutive macromolecules of the secretome present on the surface of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) that play a central role as a virulence factor in Chagas disease. These enzymes have been related to infectivity, escape from immune surveillance and pathogenesis exhibited by this protozoan parasite. In this work, atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based single molecule-force spectroscopy is implemented as a suitable technique for the detection and location of functional TS on the surface of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by tissue-culture cell-derived trypomastigotes (Ex-TcT). For that purpose, AFM cantilevers with functionalized tips bearing the anti-TS monoclonal antibody mAb 39 as a sense biomolecule are engineered using a covalent chemical ligation based on vinyl sulfonate click chemistry; a reliable, simple and efficient methodology for the molecular recognition of TS using the antibody-antigen interaction. Measurements of the breakdown forces between anti-TS mAb 39 antibodies and EVs performed to elucidate adhesion and forces involved in the recognition events demonstrate that EVs isolated from tissue-culture cell-derived trypomastigotes of T. cruzi are enriched in TS. Additionally, a mapping of the TS binding sites with submicrometer-scale resolution is provided. This work represents the first AFM-based molecular recognition study of Ex-TcT using an antibody-tethered AFM probe.
Activation of the eIF2α-ATF4 Pathway by Chronic Paracetamol Treatment Is Prevented by Dietary Supplementation with Cysteine
Authors: Carraro Valérie , Combaret Lydie , Coudy-Gandilhon Cécile , Parry Laurent , Averous Julien , Maurin Anne-Catherine , Jousse Céline , Voyard Guillaume , Fafournoux Pierre , Papet Isabelle , Bruhat Alain
Published: June 2022

Chronic treatment with acetaminophen (APAP) induces cysteine (Cys) and glutathione (GSH) deficiency which leads to adverse metabolic effects including muscle atrophy. Mammalian cells respond to essential amino acid deprivation through the phosphorylation of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α). Phosphorylated eIF2α leads to the recruitment of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) to specific CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-ATF response element (CARE) located in the promoters of target genes. Our purpose was to study the activation of the eIF2α-ATF4 pathway in response to APAP-induced Cys deficiency, as well as the potential contribution of the eIF2α kinase GCN2 and the effect of dietary supplementation with Cys. Our results showed that chronic treatment with APAP activated both GCN2 and PERK eIF2α kinases and downstream target genes in the liver. Activation of the eIF2α-ATF4 pathway in skeletal muscle was accompanied by muscle atrophy even in the absence of GCN2. The dietary supplementation with cysteine reversed APAP-induced decreases in plasma-free Cys, liver GSH, muscle mass, and muscle GSH. Our new findings demonstrate that dietary Cys supplementation also reversed the APAP-induced activation of GCN2 and PERK and downstream ATF4-target genes in the liver.
Preventive Intrathecal Injection of Bupivacaine Alleviated Microglia Activation and Neuropathic Pain in a Rat Model of Chronic Constriction Injury
Authors: Wu Chih-Cheng , Chang Cheng-Yi , Tzeng Chung-Yuh , Huang Jen-Hsuan , Hung Chih-Jen , Chen Wen-Ying , Liao Su-Lan , Kuan Yu-Hsiang , Chen Chun-Jung
Published: June 2022

Spinal microglia are crucial to neuronal hyper-excitability and pain hypersensitivity. The local anesthetic bupivacaine is commonly used for both peripheral and spinal anesthesia. The pain-relief effects resulting from the peripheral and systemic administration of bupivacaine have been previously reported. In this study, the preventive effects of intrathecal bupivacaine administration against neuropathic pain were revealed in a rat model of sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI). Using a CCI rat model, pain hypersensitivity, characterized by mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, correlated well with microglia M1 polarization, activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in both spinal cord dorsal horns and sciatic nerves. Bupivacaine attenuated pain behaviors and inflammatory alternations. We further identified that the Interferon Regulatory Factor 5 (IRF5)/P2X Purinoceptor 4 (P2X4R) and High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1)/Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB inflammatory axes may each play pivotal roles in the acquisition of microglia M1 polarization and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression under CCI insult. The relief of pain paralleled with the suppression of microglia M1 polarization, elevation of microglia M2 polarization, and inhibition of IRF5/P2X4R and HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB in both the spinal cord dorsal horns and sciatic nerve. Our findings provide molecular and biochemical evidence for the anti-neuropathic effect of preventive bupivacaine.
Implementation and Performance of Face Recognition Payment System Securely Encrypted by SM4 Algorithm
Authors: Zhou Yukun , Wu Ningsheng , Hu Baidong , Zhang Yitao , Qiu Jingyun , Cai Weiming
Published: June 2022

Face recognition payment is a new type of payment method, with AI face recognition technology as the core, and its speed and convenience are more in line with the users’ payment habits. However, the face is a biological feature with weak privacy, and the protection of user information security is particularly important. At present, face payment technology still has security risks, and the data transmitted during the transaction process are vulnerable to attacks. Aiming at the security problems in the payment process, a payment system that is jointly encrypted by the SM4 algorithm and the face liveness detection algorithm was proposed in this paper, which supports a variety of communication methods. The hardware platform adopts an octa-core 64-bit ARM processor with a main frequency of 1.8 GHz, which has powerful computing and processing capabilities. Based on the Android intelligent operating system, the development environment is more secure and convenient. It is also equipped with a liveness detection 3D structured light camera, which dynamically collects face information and accurately analyzes the characteristics of living bodies. Through the data encryption and decryption test and face performance index detection, the expected effect of the system was achieved, which greatly improved the performance of the face payment system currently studied. The SM4 encryption algorithm improved the running rate of encrypted data and the security of face transaction data transmission, the face detection algorithm improved the accuracy of living body feature recognition, and the payment system effectively improved the accuracy and security of face payment.
A Snapshot of Children’s Attitudes toward Machine Translation
Authors: Liubinienė Vilmantė , Lisaitė Donata , Motiejūnienė Jurgita
Published: June 2022

Technologies offered and used on the Internet play a significant part in the lives of children; nevertheless, little research has been done on how children view and use machine translation (MT). According to recent literature, there are various benefits to using MT in teaching/learning foreign languages, such as more fluent writing, more effective communication, and fewer errors. Nevertheless, the use of MT in classroom settings is often viewed as problematic by language teachers. Despite the fact that a vast number of students have used MT for various purposes or have tried experimenting with MT for certain academic or entertainment purposes, they seem to have mixed feelings about it. The present qualitative study is based on semi-structured interviews and aims to capture a snapshot of Lithuanian children’s perceptions and awareness of MT technologies. The results of the interviews reveal that children mostly find out about MT as a result of their own efforts and employ MT tools for a variety of purposes; however, at school no systematic guidance and/or support in terms of MT use is provided and children tend to perceive that their teachers generally hold negative attitudes towards MT.
Serum Calcification Propensity T50 Associates with Disease Severity in Patients with Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum
Authors: Nollet Lukas , Van Gils Matthias , Fischer Suzanne , Campens Laurence , Karthik Swapna , Pasch Andreas , De Zaeytijd Julie , Leroy Bart P. , Devos Daniel , De Backer Tine , Coucke Paul J. , Vanakker Olivier M.
Published: June 2022

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a currently intractable genetic disorder characterized by progressive ectopic calcification in the skin, eyes and arteries. Therapeutic trials in PXE are severely hampered by the lack of reliable biomarkers. Serum calcification propensity T50 is a blood test measuring the functional anticalcifying buffer capacity of serum. Here, we evaluated T50 in PXE patients aiming to investigate its determinants and suitability as a potential biomarker for disease severity. Fifty-seven PXE patients were included in this cross-sectional study, and demographic, clinical, imaging and biochemical data were collected from medical health records. PXE severity was assessed using Phenodex scores. T50 was measured using a validated, nephelometry-based assay. Multivariate models were then created to investigate T50 determinants and associations with disease severity. In short, the mean age of patients was 45.2 years, 68.4% was female and mean serum T50 was 347 min. Multivariate regression analysis identified serum fetuin-A (p < 0.001), phosphorus (p = 0.007) and magnesium levels (p = 0.034) as significant determinants of T50, while no correlations were identified with serum calcium, eGFR, plasma PPi levels or the ABCC6 genotype. After correction for covariates, T50 was found to be an independent determinant of ocular (p = 0.013), vascular (p = 0.013) and overall disease severity (p = 0.016) in PXE. To conclude, shorter serum T50—indicative of a higher calcification propensity—was associated with a more severe phenotype in PXE patients. This study indicates, for the first time, that serum T50 might be a clinically relevant biomarker in PXE and may thus be of importance to future therapeutic trials.
Study of Prevalence, Severity and Risk Factors of Periodontal Disease in a Portuguese Population
Authors: Relvas Marta , López-Jarana Paula , Monteiro Luis , Pacheco José Júlio , Braga Ana Cristina , Salazar Filomena
Published: June 2022

Periodontal disease is a common worldwide oral inflammation/infection affecting tissues that surround and support teeth. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, extent and severity of periodontal diseases and its risk factors, according to the most recent periodontal classification, in an adult population of Northern Portugal. This observational study collected data from clinical records of patients who attended the University Clinic of Gandra between April 2021 and April 2022. Of a total of 941 patients included, 457 (48.6%) had periodontitis, 253 (26.9%) had gingivitis and the remaining 231 (24.5%) were healthy patients. The prevalence of stage III severe periodontitis was 51.2%, more prevalent in males, and in the age group of 61–70 years. Gingivitis was more prevalent in females, and in the age group of 31–40 years; in both diseases, the most prevalent extension was the generalized one. Using a binary logistic regression, we observe a significant relation of the risk of periodontitis with age (p = 0.019; OR 1.033; 95% CI 1.005–1.062), tooth brushing (p = 0.002; OR 0.25; 95% CI 0.105–0.599) and dental flossing (p = 0.015; OR 0.63; 95% CI 0.09–0.768). This study revealed a high prevalence of periodontitis. Increased age, lack of tooth brushing and flossing were identified as potential risk factors for periodontitis in the investigated Portuguese population.