bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Pharmacophore- and Structure-Based Virtual Screening Pipeline to Identify Novel EGFR Inhibitors That Suppress Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Growth
Authors: Weng Chia-Wei , Wei Chi-Hsuan , Tsai Jeng-Yuan , Lai Yi-Hua , Chang Gee-Chen , Chen Jeremy J. W.
Published: March 2022

Dysregulated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression is frequently observed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) growth and metastasis. Despite recent successes in the development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), inevitable resistance to TKIs has led to urgent calls for novel EGFR inhibitors. Herein, we report a rational workflow used to identify novel EGFR-TKIs by combining hybrid ligand- and structure-based pharmacophore models. Three types of models were developed in this workflow, including 3D QSAR-, common feature-, and structure-based EGFR-TK domain-containing pharmacophores. A National Cancer Institute (NCI) compound dataset was adopted for multiple-stage pharmacophore-based virtual screening (PBVS) of various pharmacophore models. The six top-scoring compounds were identified through the PBVS pipeline coupled with molecular docking. Among these compounds, NSC609077 exerted a significant inhibitory effect on EGFR activity in gefitinib-resistant H1975 cells, as determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Further investigations showed that NSC609077 inhibited the anchorage-dependent growth and migration of lung cancer cells. Furthermore, NSC609077 exerted a suppressive effect on the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway in H1975 cells. In conclusion, these findings suggest that hybrid virtual screening may accelerate the development of targeted drugs for lung cancer treatment.
Machine-Learning Analysis of Serum Proteomics in Neuropathic Pain after Nerve Injury in Breast Cancer Surgery Points at Chemokine Signaling via SIRT2 Regulation
Authors: Lötsch Jörn , Mustonen Laura , Harno Hanna , Kalso Eija
Published: March 2022

Background: Persistent postsurgical neuropathic pain (PPSNP) can occur after intraoperative damage to somatosensory nerves, with a prevalence of 29–57% in breast cancer surgery. Proteomics is an active research field in neuropathic pain and the first results support its utility for establishing diagnoses or finding therapy strategies. Methods: 57 women (30 non-PPSNP/27 PPSNP) who had experienced a surgeon-verified intercostobrachial nerve injury during breast cancer surgery, were examined for patterns in 74 serum proteomic markers that allowed discrimination between subgroups with or without PPSNP. Serum samples were obtained both before and after surgery. Results: Unsupervised data analyses, including principal component analysis and self-organizing maps of artificial neurons, revealed patterns that supported a data structure consistent with pain-related subgroup (non-PPSPN vs. PPSNP) separation. Subsequent supervised machine learning-based analyses revealed 19 proteins (CD244, SIRT2, CCL28, CXCL9, CCL20, CCL3, IL.10RA, MCP.1, TRAIL, CCL25, IL10, uPA, CCL4, DNER, STAMPB, CCL23, CST5, CCL11, FGF.23) that were informative for subgroup separation. In cross-validated training and testing of six different machine-learned algorithms, subgroup assignment was significantly better than chance, whereas this was not possible when training the algorithms with randomly permuted data or with the protein markers not selected. In particular, sirtuin 2 emerged as a key protein, presenting both before and after breast cancer treatments in the PPSNP compared with the non-PPSNP subgroup. Conclusions: The identified proteins play important roles in immune processes such as cell migration, chemotaxis, and cytokine-signaling. They also have considerable overlap with currently known targets of approved or investigational drugs. Taken together, several lines of unsupervised and supervised analyses pointed to structures in serum proteomics data, obtained before and after breast cancer surgery, that relate to neuroinflammatory processes associated with the development of neuropathic pain after an intraoperative nerve lesion.
Probiotics as Potential Biological Immunomodulators in the Management of Oral Lichen Planus: What’s New?
Authors: Zanetta Paola , Ormelli Margherita , Amoruso Angela , Pane Marco , Azzimonti Barbara , Squarzanti Diletta Francesca
Published: March 2022

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a T cell-mediated chronic inflammatory disorder with multifactorial aetiology and malignant transformation potential. Despite the treatments so far identified, new tailored and safe specific measures are needed. Recently, human microbiota imbalance has been linked to several immune-mediated diseases, opening new therapeutic perspectives for probiotics; besides their ability to directly interact with the host microbiota, they also display a strain-specific immune-modulatory effect. Thus, this non-systematic review aims to elucidate the molecular pathways underlying probiotic activity, mainly those of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria and their metabolites in OLP pathogenesis and malignant transformation, focusing on the most recent in vitro and in vivo research evidence. Findings related to their activity in other immune-mediated diseases are here included, suggesting a probiotic translational use in OLP. Probiotics show immune-modulatory and microbiota-balancing activities; they protect the host from pathogens, hamper an excessive effector T cell response, reduce nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) signalling and basal keratinocytes abnormal apoptosis, shifting the mucosal response towards the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, thus preventing uncontrolled damage. Therefore, probiotics could be a highly encouraging prevention and immunotherapeutic approach for a safer and more sustainable OLP management.
Influence of Umbelliferone on the Anticonvulsant and Neuroprotective Activity of Selected Antiepileptic Drugs: An In Vivo and In Vitro Study
Authors: Zagaja Mirosław , Zagaja Anna , Szala-Rycaj Joanna , Szewczyk Aleksandra , Lemieszek Marta Kinga , Raszewski Grzegorz , Andres-Mach Marta
Published: March 2022

Umbelliferone (7-hydroxycoumarin; UMB) is a coumarin with many biological properties, including antiepileptic activity. This study evaluated the effect of UMB on the ability of classical and novel antiepileptic drugs (e.g., lacosamide (LCM), levetiracetam (LEV), phenobarbital (PB) and valproate (VPA)) to prevent seizures evoked by the 6-Hz corneal-stimulation-induced seizure model. The study also evaluated the influence of this coumarin on the neuroprotective properties of these drugs in two in vitro models of neurodegeneration, including trophic stress and excitotoxicity. The results indicate that UMB (100 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly enhanced the anticonvulsant action of PB (p < 0.01) and VPA (p < 0.05), but not that of LCM orLEV, in the 6-Hz test. Whether alone or in combination with other anticonvulsant drugs (at their ED50 values from the 6-Hz test), UMB (100 mg/kg) did not affect motor coordination; skeletal muscular strength and long-term memory, as determined in the chimney; grip strength; or passive avoidance tests, respectively. Pharmacokinetic characterization revealed that UMB had no impact on total brain concentrations of PB or VPA in mice. The in vitro study indicated that UMB has neuroprotective properties. Administration of UMB (1 µg/mL), together with antiepileptic drugs, mitigated their negative impact on neuronal viability. Under trophic stress (serum deprivation) conditions, UMB enhanced the neurotrophic abilities of all the drugs used. Moreover, this coumarin statistically enhanced the neuroprotective effects of PB (p < 0.05) and VPA (p < 0.001) in the excitotoxicity model of neurodegeneration. The obtained results clearly indicate a positive effect of UMB on the anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties of the selected drugs.
The Potential of Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Films as Drug Delivery Materials
Authors: Potaś Joanna , Winnicka Katarzyna
Published: March 2022

Polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) represent a group of polyelectrolyte complex (PEC)–based materials widely investigated in the biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences. Despite the unflagging popularity of the aforementioned systems in tissue engineering, only a few updated scientific reports concerning PEM potential in drug administration can be found. In fact, PEM coatings are currently recognized as important tools for functionalizing implantable scaffolds; however, only a small amount of attention has been given to PEMs as drug delivery materials. Scientific reports on PEMs reveal two dominant reasons for the limited usability of multilayers in pharmaceutical technology: complex and expensive preparation techniques as well as high sensitivity of interacting polyelectrolytes to the varieties of internal and external factors. The aim of this work was to analyze the latest approaches, concerning the potential of PEMs in pharmacy, chemical technology, and (primarily) tissue engineering, with special attention given to possible polymer combinations, technological parameters, and physicochemical characteristics, such as hydrophilicity, adhesive and swelling properties, and internal/external structures of the systems formed. Careful recognition of the above factors is crucial in the development of PEM-based drug delivery materials.
Autophagy Alteration in ApoA-I Related Systemic Amyloidosis
Authors: Del Giudice Rita Del , Imbimbo Paola , Pietrocola Federico , Martins Isabelle , De Palma Fatima Domenica Elisa , Bravo-San Pedro José Manuel , Kroemer Guido , Maiuri Maria Chiara , Monti Daria Maria
Published: March 2022

Amyloidoses are characterized by the accumulation and aggregation of misfolded proteins into fibrils in different organs, leading to cell death and consequent organ dysfunction. The specific substitution of Leu 75 for Pro in Apolipoprotein A-I protein sequence (ApoA-I; L75P-ApoA-I) results in late onset amyloidosis, where deposition of extracellular protein aggregates damages the normal functions of the liver. In this work, we describe that the autophagic process is inhibited in the presence of the L75P-ApoA-I amyloidogenic variant in stably transfected human hepatocyte carcinoma cells. The L75P-ApoA-I amyloidogenic variant alters the redox status of the cells, resulting into excessive mitochondrial stress and consequent cell death. Moreover, L75P-ApoA-I induces an impairment of the autophagic flux. Pharmacological induction of autophagy or transfection-enforced overexpression of the pro-autophagic transcription factor EB (TFEB) restores proficient proteostasis and reduces oxidative stress in these experimental settings, suggesting that pharmacological stimulation of autophagy could be a promising target to alleviate ApoA-I amyloidosis.
Metallodrugs: Mechanisms of Action, Molecular Targets and Biological Activity
Authors: Ferraro Giarita , Merlino Antonello
Published: March 2022

The research interest in the field of inorganic medicinal chemistry had a large increase after the serendipitous discovery of the cytotoxic activity of cisplatin by Rosenberg at the end of 1960s [...]
Optimization of Short RNA Aptamers for TNBC Cell Targeting
Authors: Camorani Simona , d’Argenio Annachiara , Agnello Lisa , Nilo Roberto , Zannetti Antonella , Ibarra Luis Exequiel , Fedele Monica , Cerchia Laura
Published: March 2022

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive cancer with limited targeted therapies. RNA aptamers, suitably chemically modified, work for therapeutic purposes in the same way as antibodies. We recently generated 2′Fluoro-pyrimidines RNA-aptamers that act as effective recognition elements for functional surface signatures of TNBC cells. Here, we optimized three of them by shortening and proved the truncated aptamers as optimal candidates to enable active targeting to TNBC. By using prediction of secondary structure to guide truncation, we identified structural regions that account for the binding motifs of the full-length aptamers. Their chemical synthesis led to short aptamers with superb nuclease resistance, which specifically bind to TNBC target cells and rapidly internalize into acidic compartments. They interfere with the growth of TNBC cells as mammospheres, thus confirming their potential as anti-tumor agents. We propose sTN145, sTN58 and sTN29 aptamers as valuable tools for selective TNBC targeting and promising candidates for effective treatments, including therapeutic agents and targeted delivery nanovectors.
Ensemble Convolutional Neural Network Classification for Pancreatic Steatosis Assessment in Biopsy Images
Authors: Arjmand Alexandros , Tsakai Odysseas , Christou Vasileios , Tzallas Alexandros T. , Tsipouras Markos G. , Forlano Roberta , Manousou Pinelopi , Goldin Robert D. , Gogos  Christos , Glavas Evripidis , Giannakeas Nikolaos
Published: March 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty pancreas disease (NAFPD) is a common and at the same time not extensively examined pathological condition that is significantly associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance. These factors can lead to the development of critical pathogens such as type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), atherosclerosis, acute pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer. Until recently, the diagnosis of NAFPD was based on noninvasive medical imaging methods and visual evaluations of microscopic histological samples. The present study focuses on the quantification of steatosis prevalence in pancreatic biopsy specimens with varying degrees of NAFPD. All quantification results are extracted using a methodology consisting of digital image processing and transfer learning in pretrained convolutional neural networks for the detection of histological fat structures. The proposed method is applied to 20 digitized histological samples, producing an 0.08% mean fat quantification error thanks to an ensemble CNN voting system and 83.3% mean Dice fat segmentation similarity compared to the semi-quantitative estimates of specialist physicians.
A Practical Insecticide Resistance Monitoring Bioassay for Orally Ingested Dinotefuran in Anopheles Malaria Vectors
Authors: Parsons George John Ian , Lees Rosemary Susan , Balaska Sofia , Vontas John
Published: March 2022

Attractive Toxic Sugar Baits (ATSB) deployed outdoors are likely to be particularly effective against outdoor biting mosquitoes and, if they contain insecticides with a different mode of action, mosquitoes resistant to pyrethroids. One such ATSB based on the neonicotinoid dinotefuran is currently under evaluation in Africa. As with any insecticide-based intervention, it will be important to monitor for the possible emergence of vector resistance. While methods for detecting resistance to insecticides via tarsal contact are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), these may not be applicable for orally ingested insecticides. Here, a new ingestion assay, appropriate for a controlled laboratory setting, is described using fluorescein sodium salt (uranine) as a feeding marker. Conventional topical application bioassays, more appropriate for routine deployment, have also been used to apply dinotefuran to the thorax of adult Anopheles mosquitoes with an organic carrier to bypass lipid cuticle barriers. The two methods were compared by establishing lethal doses (LD) in several Anopheles strains. The similarity of the ratios of susceptibility to dinotefuran between pairs of pyrethroid susceptible and resistant strains validates topical application as a suitable, more practical and field applicable method for monitoring for the emergence of resistance to orally ingested dinotefuran. A discriminating dose is proposed, which will be further validated against field populations and used to routinely monitor for the emergence of resistance alongside ATSB trials.
A New Grading System for Migrated Lumbar Disc Herniation on Sagittal Magnetic Resonance Imaging: An Agreement Study
Authors: Ahn Yong , Kim Ji-Eun , Yoo Byung-Rhae , Jeong Yu-Mi
Published: March 2022

Understanding the degree of disc migration is essential in order to diagnose, treat, and assess the prognosis of migrated lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Based on anatomical configuration, we developed a simple six-level grading system for migrated lumbar disc herniation. We aimed to evaluate whether the new grading system was reliable and could replace the previous grading system. We selected 101 cases from our database. Two independent raters evaluated the magnetic resonance images using each grading system. Interobserver, intraobserver, and inter-grading system agreements were assessed using kappa statistics. The most common migration pattern was low-grade inferior migration. Interobserver agreements between the two readers showed substantial agreement in the first and second assessments (k = 0.753 and 0.756, respectively). The intraobserver agreement of reader 1 revealed substantial agreement (k = 0.733), while that of reader 2 revealed almost perfect agreement (k = 0.829). The strengths of the agreements of the new grading system were higher than those of the Lee-Kim grading system. The two grading systems agreed almost perfectly for most measurements. The new grading system was reliable and feasible to determine migrated LDH grade. It allowed for a more intuitive, objective measurement and helped select surgical options.
Heart-Focused Anxiety, General Anxiety, Depression and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Pulmonary Vein Isolation
Authors: Pavlicek Valérie , Wedegärtner Sonja Maria , Millenaar Dominic , Wintrich Jan , Böhm Michael , Kindermann Ingrid , Ukena Christian
Published: March 2022

(1) Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with anxiety, depression, and chronic stress, and vice versa. The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential effects of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) on psychological factors. (2) Methods: Psychological assessment was performed before PVI as well as after six months. (3) Results: A total of 118 patients [age 64 ± 9 years, 69% male, left ventricular ejection fraction 57 ± 8%, 56% paroxysmal AF] undergoing PVI were included. After PVI, significant improvements were observed in the mean total heart-focused anxiety (HFA) score, as well as in the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ) sub-scores: HFA attention, HFA fear, and HFA avoidance scores. Subgroup analyses showed an association of improvement with freedom of documented AF recurrence. Mean scores of general anxiety and depression evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) decreased significantly after PVI in all subgroups regardless of AF recurrence. Further, both physical and mental composite scores of the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) increased significantly from baseline. (4) Conclusions: PVI results in a significant reduction in HFA. Improvements in general anxiety and depressive symptoms did not seem to be related only to rhythm control per se. Therefore, CAQ may represent a more specific evaluation tool as HADS in patients with AF.
Association between the Beighton Score and Stress Ultrasonographic Findings of the Anterior Talofibular Ligament in Healthy Young Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yokoe Takuji , Tajima Takuya , Yamaguchi Nami , Morita Yudai , Chosa Etsuo
Published: March 2022

The Beighton score (BS) is widely used to evaluate generalized joint laxity. However, the association between the BS and lateral ankle laxity is unclear. This study compared the ultrasonographic (US) findings of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) between high- (≥6) and low- (≤3) BS groups of healthy young women. The ATFL lengths of healthy young women were measured in the stress and nonstress positions using the previously reported technique from March 2021 to January 2022. The ATFL ratio (ratio of stress to nonstress ATFL length) was used as an indicator of lateral ankle laxity. The anterior drawer test (ADT) was performed. The correlation between the BS and US findings was also examined. A total of 20 (high-BS group) and 61 (low-BS group) subjects with a mean age of 23.8 ± 1.0 years were included. The high-BS group showed a higher grade of ADT than the low-BS group. No significant differences were found in the nonstress and stress ATFL lengths and ATFL ratio (1.10 ± 0.05 vs. 1.09 ± 0.05, p = 0.19) between the groups. No correlation was found between the BS and US findings. In conclusion, this study did not detect significant differences in the US findings of the ATFL between the high- and low-BS groups.
Predictors of Positive Surgical Margins after Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy for Localized Renal Tumors: Insights from a Large Multicenter International Prospective Observational Project (The Surface-Intermediate-Base Margin Score Consortium)
Authors: Di Maida Fabrizio , Campi Riccardo , Lane Brian , De Cobelli Ottavio , Sanguedolce Francesco , Hatzichristodoulou Georgios , Antonelli Alessandro , Grosso Antonio , Noyes Sabrina , Rodriguez-Faba Oscar , Keeley Frank , Langenhuijsen Johan , Musi Gennaro , Klatte Tobias , Roscigno Marco , Akdogan Bulent , Furlan Maria , Simeone Claudio , Karakoyunlu Nihat , Marszalek Martin , Capitanio Umberto , Volpe Alessandro , Brookman-May Sabine , Gschwend Jürgen , Smaldone Marc , Uzzo Robert , Kutikov Alexander , Minervini Andrea ,   SIB International Consortium
Published: March 2022

Background: To explore predictors of positive surgical margins (PSM) after robotic partial nephrectomy (PN) in a large multicenter international observational project, harnessing the Surface-Intermediate-Base (SIB) margin score to report the resection technique after PN in a standardized way. Methods: Data from consecutive patients with cT1-2N0M0 renal masses treated with PN from September 2014 to March 2015 at 16 tertiary referral centers and included in the SIB margin score International Consortium were prospectively collected. For the present study, only patients treated with robotic PN were included. Uni- and multivariable analysis were fitted to explore clinical and surgical predictors of PSMs after PN. Results: Overall, 289 patients were enrolled. Median (IQR) preoperative tumor size was 3.0 (2.3–4.2) cm and median (IQR) PADUA score was 8 (7–9). SIB scores of 0–2 (enucleation), 3–4 (enucleoresection) and 5 (resection) were reported in 53.3%, 27.3% and 19.4% of cases, respectively. A PSM was recorded in 18 (6.2%) patients. PSM rate was 4.5%, 11.4% and 3.6% in case of enucleation, enucleoresection and resection, respectively. Patients with PSMs had tumors with a higher rate of contact with the urinary collecting system (55.6% vs. 27.3%; p < 0.001) and a longer median warm ischemia time (22 vs. 16 min; p = 0.02) compared with patients with negative surgical margins, while no differences emerged between the two groups in terms of other tumor features (i.e., pathological diameter, PADUA score). In multivariable analysis, only enucleoresection (SIB score 3–4) versus enucleation (SIB score 0–2) was found to be an independent predictor of PSM at final pathology (HR: 2.68; 95% CI: 1.25–7.63; p = 0.04), while resection (SIB score 5) was not. Conclusions: In our experience, enucleoresection led to a higher risk of PSMs as compared to enucleation. Further studies are needed to assess the differential impacts of resection technique and surgeon’s experience on margin status after robotic PN.
Early Virtual-Reality-Based Home Rehabilitation after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Fascio Edoardo , Vitale Jacopo Antonino , Sirtori Paolo , Peretti Giuseppe , Banfi Giuseppe , Mangiavini Laura
Published: March 2022

The benefits of early virtual-reality-based home rehabilitation following total hip arthroplasty (THA) have not yet been assessed. The aim of this randomized controlled study was to compare the efficacy of early rehabilitation via the Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS) versus traditional rehabilitation in improving functional outcomes after THA. Subjects were randomized either to an experimental (VRRS; n = 21) or a control group (control; n = 22). All participants were invited to perform a daily home exercise program for rehabilitation after THA with different administration methods—namely, an illustrated booklet for the control group and a tablet with wearable sensors for the VRRS group. The primary outcome was the hip disability (HOOS JR). Secondary outcomes were the level of independence and the degree of global perceived effect of the rehabilitation program (GPE). Outcomes were measured before surgery (T0) and at the 4th (T1), 7th (T2), and 15th (T3) day after surgery. Mixed-model ANOVA showed no significant group effect but a significant effect of time for all variables (p < 0.001); no differences were observed in HOOS JR between VRRS and the control at T0, T1, T2, or T3. Further, no differences in the level of independence were found between VRRS and the control, whereas the GPE was higher at T3 in VRSS compared to the control (4.76 ± 0.43 vs. 3.96 ± 0.65; p < 0.001). Virtual-reality-based home rehabilitation resulted in similar improvements in functional outcomes with a better GPE compared to the traditional rehabilitation program following THA. The application of new technologies could offer novel possibilities for service delivery in rehabilitation.
Remote Ischaemic Preconditioning in Intra-Abdominal Cancer Surgery (RIPCa): A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Papadopoulou Aikaterini , Dickinson Matthew , Samuels Theophilus L. , Heiss Christian , Hunt Julie , Forni Lui , Creagh-Brown Ben C.
Published: March 2022

There is limited evidence on the effect of remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) following non-cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of RIPC on morbidity following intra-abdominal cancer surgery. We conducted a double blinded pilot randomised controlled trial that included 47 patients undergoing surgery for gynaecological, pancreatic and colorectal malignancies. The patients were randomized into an intervention (RIPC) or control group. RIPC was provided by intermittent inflations of an upper limb tourniquet. The primary outcome was feasibility of the study, and the main secondary outcome was postoperative morbidity including perioperative troponin change and the urinary biomarkers tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (TIMP-2*IGFBP-7). The recruitment target was reached, and the protocol procedures were followed. The intervention group developed fewer surgical complications at 30 days (4.5% vs. 33%), 90 days (9.5% vs. 35%) and 6 months (11% vs. 41%) (adjusted p 0.033, 0.044 and 0.044, respectively). RIPC was a significant independent variable for lower overall postoperative morbidity survey (POMS) score, OR 0.79 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.99) and fewer complications at 6 months including pulmonary OR 0.2 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.92), surgical OR 0.12 (95% CI 0.007 to 0.89) and overall complications, OR 0.18 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.74). There was no difference in perioperative troponin change or TIMP2*IGFBP-7. Our pilot study suggests that RIPC may improve outcomes following intra-abdominal cancer surgery and that a larger trial would be feasible.
Association between Sagittal Cervical Spinal Alignment and Degenerative Cervical Spondylosis: A Retrospective Study Using a New Scoring System
Authors: Oh Chahyun , Lee Minwook , Hong Boohwi , Song Byong-Sop , Yun Sangwon , Kwon Sanghun , Ko Youngkwon , Lee Sun Yeul , Noh Chan
Published: March 2022

(1) Background: Prolonged neck flexion is thought to cause harmful loading on the cervical spine. Along with the degenerative process, cervical alignment tends to change toward lordotic curvature. The association between cervical alignment and cervical spondylosis remains unclear. (2) Methods: Three raters retrospectively assessed cervical radiographies of outpatients at a tertiary center in 2019 using degenerative cervical spondylosis score (DCS score; a newly developed scoring system), C2-7 absolute rotational angle (ARA), and C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA). (3) Results: A total of 561 patients were included in the analysis. Multiple regression analysis with adjustments for age and sex revealed that C2-7 ARA, rather than SVA, was a significant parameter for degenerative spondylosis. The interaction between age and C2-7 ARA was significant, indicating that the increase in DCS score with increasing age was more pronounced in patients with kyphotic cervical alignment. The direct effect of age on DCS score was 0.349 (95% CI 0.319 to 0.380, p < 0.001) and the proportion of the mediation effect of C2-7 ARA was −0.125 (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: C2-7 ARA was significantly associated with DCS after adjustment for both age and sex. Subjects with more kyphotic cervical alignment showed a greater correlation between increased DCS score and older age.
Comparison of Experimental and Calculated Tensile Properties of Flax Fibres
Authors: Soatthiyanon Niphaphun , Crosky Alan , Heitzmann Michael T.
Published: March 2022

The tensile properties of natural plant fibres are commonly determined by single fibre testing. The cross-sectional area used to determine the modulus and strength is usually obtained by measuring the fibre width and using this as the fibre diameter on the assumption that the fibres are circular in section. The assumption of circularity is reasonably true for synthetic fibres but is not correct for natural fibres, and this can lead to a substantial error when determining the tensile properties of the fibres. The incorporation of a fibre area correction factor, which takes into account the non-circularity of natural fibres, has been proposed by earlier workers, who used it successfully to predict the mechanical properties of jute fibre composites. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the wider applicability of this methodology by applying it to flax fibre composites. The work involved determination of the tensile properties of 113 flax technical fibres using an experimentally determined fibre area correction factor to account for the non-circularity of the fibres. The data were then compared with those obtained from back-calculation of the results obtained from longitudinal tensile testing of flax/vinyl ester unidirectional composites manufactured utilising identical fibres to those used in the single fibre tests. Account was taken of the effect of fibre length on strength. The experimentally determined fibre area correction factor was found to be 2.70. Taking this into account for the single fibre tests, the back-calculated modulus of the flax fibres was within 6% of that obtained from the single fibre tests, while the strength was within 7%.
Urban Infill Development: A Strategy for Saving Peri-Urban Areas in Developing Countries (the Case Study of Ardabil, Iran)
Authors: Mohammadi-Hamidi Somayeh , Beygi Heidarlou Hadi , Fürst Christine , Nazmfar Hossein
Published: March 2022

The overall objective of this study was to investigate urban infill development policies as a good solution to counteract urban sprawl and protect the peri-urban area of Ardabil in Northwestern Iran. In this context, we used a mixed methodology (two quantitative methods). Landsat imagery, including a patchy Landsat ETM+ for the year 2000 and a Landsat 8 for the year 2020, was used to map and assess land use to investigate sprawl and land-use change, and ArcGIS was used to investigate the potential for infill development in this city. The results show that between 2000 and 2020, 967 hectares of peri-urban land was lost to urban expansion. CA-Markov projections also showed that 452 hectares will be lost by 2030. The assessment of the city’s internal capacity for infill development showed that more than 999 hectares of land within the city are suitable to support this strategy and provide the land needed for urban expansion over the next decade. Finally, the study of the city’s master plan, which applies to all Iranian cities, discovered that there is a lack of adequate outlook regarding the amount of land available for future urban development, leading to misuse of urban land and urban sprawl in Iranian cities, suggesting that an infill development strategy could be a good way to address this issue.
Analysis of Effects of Sponge City Projects Applying the Geodesign Framework
Authors: Li Yaoxue , Kim Youngmin
Published: March 2022

This study aims is to verify the effects of sponge city projects focusing on the aspect of water pollutant control and urban flood control, applying the geodesign framework as an integrated planning method that can evaluate alternatives against the impacts of the designs. The study analyzed the effects of sponge city projects in Harbin, Quzhou, and Sanya, China. Three LULC scenarios are proposed based on the geodesign framework, and the spatial distribution and quantitative values are simulated by the InVEST NDR model and urban flood model study. By comparing different scenarios, the study proved the current sponge project could improve the water pollutant control capability by 11–18% and the stormwater control capability by 0.4–6.3%. If the city-wide green infrastructure network is introduced with sponge projects, the water pollutant control capability can increase by 9–15% and the stormwater control capability can increase by 0.8–2.9%. These results show that the current sponge projects can improve the city’s sustainability and be helpful strategies to fight climate change and global warming.
Indigenous Interests in Outer Space: Addressing the Conflict of Increasing Satellite Numbers with Indigenous Astronomy Practices
Authors: Finnegan Ciara
Published: March 2022

The number of satellites in low Earth orbit is constantly increasing, particularly with the introduction of larger satellite constellations in recent times. This has resulted in a very crowded environment in Outer Space, which poses a number of challenges, not only to activities in Outer Space but also to the activity of observing Outer Space. Prior to humankind’s entry into and progressive exploration of Outer Space, the practice of astronomy, what Venkatesan et al. describe as the “millennia-old ability to observe, discover and analyse the cosmos from the surface of the Earth”, linked humankind to Outer Space; in particular the Indigenous Peoples whose practice of astronomy is integral to their ways of life. The Indigenous relationship with Outer Space through astronomy requires protection to ensure the continuation of Indigenous culture. However, the aforementioned continual increase of satellites in Outer Space has started to disrupt the view of the night sky and its components from Earth, disrupting the practice of astronomy as a whole and, thus, Indigenous practice. Therefore, humankind’s future plans for Outer Space must be constructed with humankind as a whole in mind, including the astronomy practices essential to the way of life of many Indigenous Peoples.
Ablative Radiotherapy (ART) for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer (LAPC): Toward a New Paradigm?
Authors: Simoni Nicola , Rossi Gabriella , Cellini Francesco , Vitolo Viviana , Orlandi Ester , Valentini Vincenzo , Mazzarotto Renzo , Sverzellati Nicola , D’Abbiero Nunziata
Published: March 2022

Locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) represents a major urgency in oncology. Due to the massive involvement of the peripancreatic vessels, a curative-intent surgery is generally precluded. Historically, LAPC has been an indication for palliative systemic therapy. In recent years, with the introduction of intensive multi-agent chemotherapy regimens and aggressive surgical approaches, the survival of LAPC patients has significantly improved. In this complex and rapidly evolving scenario, the role of radiotherapy is still debated. The use of standard-dose conventional fractionated radiotherapy in LAPC has led to unsatisfactory oncological outcomes. However, technological advances in radiation therapy over recent years have definitively changed this paradigm. The use of ablative doses of radiotherapy, in association with image-guidance, respiratory organ-motion management, and adaptive protocols, has led to unprecedented results in terms of local control and survival. In this overview, principles, clinical applications, and current pitfalls of ablative radiotherapy (ART) as an emerging treatment option for LAPC are discussed.
Investigation of Ramped Compression Effect on the Dielectric Properties of Silicone Rubber Composites for the Coating of High-Voltage Insulation
Authors: Raza M. Hassan , Butt Safi Ullah , Khattak Abraiz , Alahmadi Ahmad Aziz
Published: March 2022

The incorporation of inorganic oxide fillers imparts superior dielectric properties in silicone rubber for high-voltage insulation. However, the dielectric characteristics are influenced by the mechanical stress. The effects of ramped compression on the dielectric properties of neat silicone rubber (NSiR), 15% SiO2 microcomposite (SSMC), 15% alumina trihydrate (ATH) microcomposite (SAMC) and 10% ATH + 2% SiO2 hybrid composite (SMNC) are presented in this study. The dielectric constant and dissipation factor were measured before and after each compression especially in the frequency range of 50 kHz to 2MHz. Before the compression, SSMC expressed the highest dielectric constant of 4.44 followed by SMNC and SAMC. After the compression cycle, SAMC expressed a better dielectric behavior exhibiting dielectric constant of 7.19 and a dissipation factor of 0.01164. Overall, SAMC expressed better dielectric response before and after compression cycle with dielectric constant and dissipation factor in admissible ranges.
Optimization of Single α-Phase for Promoting Ferromagnetic Properties of 44Fe–28Cr–22Co–3Mo–1Ti–2V Permanent Magnet with Varying Co Concentration for Energy Storage
Authors: Khan Inam Ullah , Tirth Vineet , Algahtani Ali , Khan Rajwali , Sohail Mohammad , Ali Amjad , Islam Saiful , Irshad Kashif
Published: March 2022

The thermal stability and structural, microstructural and magnetic properties of (40 + x) Fe–28Cr–(26 − x) Co–3Mo–1Ti–2V magnets with x = 0, 2, 4 addition in cobalt content were investigated and presented. The magnetic alloys were synthesized by vacuum arc melting and casting technique in a controlled argon atmosphere. Magnetic properties in the alloys were convinced by single-step isothermal field treatment and subsequent aging. The alloys were investigated for thermal stability, structural, microstructural and magnetic properties via differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffractometery (XRD), optical microscopy (OM), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and DC magnetometer. Metallurgical grains of size 300 ± 10 μm were produced in the specimens by casting and refined by subsequent thermal treatments. The magnetic properties of the alloys were achieved by refining the microstructure, the optimization of conventional thermomagnetic treatment to modified single-step isothermal field treatment and subsequent aging. The best magnetic properties achieved for the alloy 44Fe–28Cr–22Co–3Mo–0.9Ti–2V was coercivity Hc = 890 Oe (71 kA/m), Br = 8.43 kG (843 mT) and maximum energy product (BH)max = 3 MGOe (24 kJ/m3). The enhancement of remanence and coercivity enabled by the isothermal field treatment was due to the elongation of the ferromagnetic phase and step aging treatment due to the increase in the volume fraction. This work is interesting for spin-based electronics to be used for energy storage devices.
Theoretical Analysis Method of Variable Thickness GFRP Tray
Authors: Li Jianjun , Du Zhaolong , Geng Shaobo , Han Wenmei , Wu Yuxuan , Feng Hao
Published: March 2022

Glass-fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars are increasingly widely used in slope support instead of steel bars or steel pipes. GFRP Bars are generally connected with the slope by combining conical nut and tray, but the tray stress still lacks corresponding theoretical calculation and strength verification methods. Therefore, assuming that the tray is an equal thickness thin plate, the internal force distribution of the tray is calculated using the thin plate bending and cavity expansion theory, and compared with the finite element numerical analysis results of the tray. The calculation and analysis show that the elastic theoretical solution of internal force distribution of equal thickness tray is basically the same as the numerical simulation solution of variable thickness tray. The tray loading and free surface are controlled by hoop tensile and radial compressive stress, respectively. The inner wall of the free surface of the tray is the weakest part of the tray, and the ultimate strength of a GFRP tray is 35.81–53.00% of the standard tensile strength of Φ20 GFRP bars by distortion energy density. This theoretical method can be used for stress analysis of variable thickness trays and has played technical support for promoting the application of GFRP bars in slope support.
A New General Fatigue Limit Diagram and Its Application of Predicting Die Fatigue Life during Cold Forging
Authors: Joun Man-Soo , Ji Su-Min , Chung Wan-Jin , Cho Gue-Serb , Lee Kwang-Hee
Published: March 2022

Traditional fatigue fracture theory and practice focus principally on structural design. It is thus too conservative and inappropriate when used to predict the high-cycle fatigue life of dies used for metal forming, especially cold forging. We propose a novel mean stress correction model and diagram to predict the high-cycle fatigue lives of cold forging dies, which focuses on the upper part of the equivalent fatigue strength curve. Considering the features of die materials characterized by high yield strength and low ductility, a straight line is assumed for the tensile yield line. To the contrary, a general curve is used to represent the fatigue strength. They are interpolated, based on the distance ratio, when finding an appropriate equivalent fatigue strength curve at the mean stress and stress amplitude between the line and curve. The approach is applied to a well-defined literature example to verify its validity and shed light on the characteristics of die fatigue life. The approach is also applied to practical forging and useful qualitative results are obtained.
Performance of Luminescent Solar Concentrators Integrated with Negative Replica Layers of Leaf Surface Microstructures
Authors: Chen Bing-Mau , Fu Han-Yi , Ying Shang-Ping , Hsu Ting-Wei
Published: March 2022

In this study, a negative replica layer of leaf surface microstructures was used to cover the top surfaces of semitransparent thin-film luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) to enhance the concentrators’ performance. With low reflection on the air–glass interface of the glass plate in a thin-film LSC, a negative replica layer enables the scattering of incident sunlight and increases the path of light transmitted into the LSC and the thin phosphor layer at the bottom surface of the LSC. The incident sunlight is therefore more likely to interact with the phosphor particles in the thin-film phosphor layer, thereby enhancing the performance of the LSC. In this study, semitransparent thin-film LSCs with different inorganic phosphors were examined. The experimental results revealed that the optical collection efficiency of semitransparent thin-film LSCs covered with negative replica layers of leaf surface microstructures was higher than that of the semitransparent thin-film LSCs without negative replica layers. Furthermore, the LSCs with negative replica layers with high haze ratios exhibited high optical collection efficiency. Integrating negative replica layers of leaf surface microstructures as semitransparent layers in thin-film LSCs may optimize the application of LSCs in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs).
Reactive Sintering of Dysprosium-Iron Garnet via a Perovskite-Hematite Solid State Reaction and Physical Properties of the Material
Authors: Stan Magdalena , Lach Radosław , Krawczyk Paweł A. , Salamon Wojciech , Haberko Jakub , Nizioł Jacek , Trenczek-Zając Anita , Gondek Łukasz , Kowalski Błażej , Żywczak Antoni
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we report on a successful synthesis of dysprosium iron garnet Dy3Fe5O12 (DyIG) by a reactive synthesis method involving dysprosium iron perovskite and hematite. Phase formation was traced using dilatometry, and XRD measurements attested to the formation of the desired structure. Samples with relative density close to 97% were fabricated. The samples were characterized using vibrating sample magnetometry, dielectric spectroscopy, and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy. Magnetic properties were probed in temperatures between 80 and 700 K with a maximum applied field of 1 kOe. The measurements revealed several effects: the compensation of magnetic moments at a certain temperature, the inversion of the magnetocaloric effect, and the ability to measure the Curie temperature of the material. Activation energy was determined from UV-Vis-NIR and dielectric spectroscopy measurements. Characteristic magnetic temperatures and activation energy values of the samples were similar to bulk DyIG obtained using other methods.
Wear Mechanism Classification Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Sieberg Philipp Maximilian , Kurtulan Dzhem , Hanke Stefanie
Published: March 2022

Understanding the acting wear mechanisms in many cases is key to predicting lifetime, developing models describing component behavior, or for the improvement of the performance of components under tribological loading. Conventionally scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and sometimes additional analytical techniques are performed in order to analyze wear appearances, i.e., grooves, pittings, surface films, and others. In addition, experience is required in order to draw the correct and relevant conclusions on the acting damage and wear mechanisms from the obtained analytical data. Until now, different types of wear mechanisms are classified by experts examining the damage patterns manually. In addition to this approach based on expert knowledge, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) represents a promising alternative. Here, no expert knowledge is required, instead, the classification is done by a purely data-driven model. In this contribution, artificial neural networks are used to classify the wear mechanisms based on SEM images. In order to obtain optimal performance of the artificial neural network, a hyperparameter optimization is performed in addition. The content of this contribution is the investigation of the feasibility of an AI-based model for the automated classification of wear mechanisms.