bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tribological Performance Optimization of Mg-WC Nanocomposites in Dry Sliding: A Statistical Approach
Authors: Banerjee Sudip , Sahoo Prasanta , Davim J. Paulo
Published: March 2022

Magnesium nanocomposites reinforced with ceramic reinforcements have emerged as a superior structural material for automotive applications due to their excellent specific properties. In this context, the current study aims to scrutinize the performance of Mg-WC nanocomposites in tribological applications. The effect of various input parameters (wt.% of reinforcement, load, and speed) on output responses (wear and coefficient of friction) is scrutinized using response surface methodology. Mg-WC nanocomposites having varying weight percentages of WC are synthesized using ultrasonic treatment associated the stir-casting technique. Typical characterizations of as-cast nanocomposites are done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). SEM micrographs confirm homogeneous dissemination of fortified particles in the base matrix while EDS confirms elemental composition. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) study is conducted to discover significant parameters affecting tribological performance. Surface plots and contour plots for tribological responses are also examined to observe interaction effects. ANOVA on wear confirms that wt.% of WC and speed are the most significant parameters while the interaction between wt.% of WC and speed has a significant influence. For the coefficient of friction, all the input parameters are significant, and interaction between wt.% of WC and load is of utmost significance. Regression equations for response parameters are also developed. Additionally, a desirability approach is considered to investigate both single- and multiple-objective-optimization criterions of output parameters. The desirability function for both single- and multi-optimization remains 0.9778, suggesting the presence of all input parameters within the working limit. Predicted and experimental values of the optimal setting possess a close fit for the current study. Minimum wear is achieved when wt.% of WC is 1.73%, load is 40 N, and speed is 100 rpm. Minimum friction is obtained when wt.% of WC is 1.78%, load is 40 N, and speed is 100 rpm. The multi-optimization result shows that the minimum value of wear and friction is achievable when wt.% of WC is 1.73%, load is 40 N, and speed is 100 rpm. Finally, the worn surface of samples is examined to observe possible wear mechanisms.
Development of a Robust CNN Model for Capturing Microstructure-Property Linkages and Building Property Closures Supporting Material Design
Authors: Mann Andrew , Kalidindi Surya R.
Published: March 2022

Recent works have demonstrated the viability of convolutional neural networks (CNN) for capturing the highly non-linear microstructure-property linkages in high contrast composite material systems. In this work, we develop a new CNN architecture that utilizes a drastically reduced number of trainable parameters for building these linkages, compared to the benchmarks in current literature. This is accomplished by creating CNN architectures that completely avoid the use of fully connected layers, while using the 2-point spatial correlations of the microstructure as the input to the CNN. In addition to increased robustness (because of the much smaller number of trainable parameters), the CNN models developed in this work facilitate the construction of property closures at very low computational cost. This is because it allows for easy exploration of the space of valid 2-point spatial correlations, which is known to be a convex hull. Consequently, one can generate new sets of valid 2-point spatial correlations from previously available valid sets of 2-point spatial correlations, simply as convex combinations. This work demonstrates the significant benefits of utilizing 2-point spatial correlations as the input to the CNN, in place of the voxelated discrete microstructures used in current benchmarks.
Chromatic Aberration Identification of Fair-Faced Concrete Research Based on Multi-Scale Lightweight Structured Data Algorithm
Authors: Yao Gang , Sun Wentong , Yang Yang , Sun Yujia , Xu Liangjin , Zhou Jian
Published: March 2022

Chromatic aberration is one of the quality defects in the appearance of fair-faced concrete (FFC). The mainly surface chromatic aberration identification (CAI) method being applied is manual observation, which is subjective and time-consuming. A multi-scale lightweight structured data algorithm (MSLSDA) for CAI in FFC is proposed in this manuscript. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is used for image acquisition. 2368 FFC sample images are collected to build the datasets. The FFC chromatic aberration features are identified by the improved Residual Network Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) framework to achieve chromatic aberration samples quantitative analysis. The method proposed in this manuscript can verify the generalization prediction ability of the MSLSDA for different building samples by generalization prediction set. The results show that the accuracy in CAI samples and chromatic aberration generalization prediction samples can achieve 92.1 and 99.6%, respectively. The FFC chromatic aberration detection platform (FFC-CADP) built by color space conversion, histogram equalization, image color recognition, image noise reduction and image mask algorithm is able to calculate boundary features, geometric parameter features (length and width), chromatic aberration ratio features, total chromatic aberration ratio and number of chromatic aberration.
Study on the Change Law of Red-Green-Blue Values of Infrared Thermal Image in the Process of Anthracite Oxidation and Spontaneous Combustion
Authors: Wang Liancong , Hu Weizhao , Hu Yuan
Published: March 2022

As the coal with the highest degree of coalification, anthracite is usually regarded as a mixture composed of organic and inorganic substances, with the characteristics of polymers and composites. It is very important to study the oxidation and spontaneous combustion characteristics of anthracite for the thermal properties of coal-based polymers and composites. Anthracite exhibits varying oxidation and spontaneous combustion characteristics at various stages of the oxidation and spontaneous combustion process, which cannot be fully demonstrated by the coal temperature alone. As a result, this paper develops an online method for characterizing the RGB values of infrared thermal images. The variation of the RGB value of an infrared thermal image during the oxidation and spontaneous combustion of anthracite was investigated. The findings show that there is a clear relationship between R (red), G (green), B (blue), RGB (red/green/blue) values, and coal temperature during the oxidation and spontaneous combustion of anthracite. The R and the G value curves each have one characteristic peak and two characteristic valleys in the experiment. However, the overall change range of the G value curve is relatively small; the B value curve has two characteristic peaks and one characteristic valley. There are no characteristic peaks and valleys in the RGB value curve, despite the influence of experimental instruments and the experimental environment.
Will Host Genetics Affect the Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines? Historical Precedents
Authors: Smatti Maria K. , Alkhatib Hebah A. , Al Thani Asmaa A. , Yassine Hadi M.
Published: March 2022

Recent progress in genomics and bioinformatics technologies have allowed for the emergence of immunogenomics field. This intersection of immunology and genetics has broadened our understanding of how the immune system responds to infection and vaccination. While the immunogenetic basis of the huge clinical variability in response to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is currently being extensively studied, the host genetic determinants of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines remain largely unknown. Previous reports evidenced that vaccines may not protect all populations or individuals equally, due to multiple host- and vaccine-specific factors. Several studies on vaccine response to measles, rubella, hepatitis B, smallpox, and influenza highlighted the contribution of genetic mutations or polymorphisms in modulating the innate and adaptive immunity following vaccination. Specifically, genetic variants in genes encoding virus receptors, antigen presentation, cytokine production, or related to immune cells activation and differentiation could influence how an individual responds to vaccination. Although such knowledge could be utilized to generate personalized vaccine strategies to optimize the vaccine response, studies in this filed are still scarce. Here, we briefly summarize the scientific literature related to the immunogenetic determinants of vaccine-induced immunity, highlighting the possible role of host genetics in response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines as well.
Breathing-Focused Yoga Intervention on Respiratory Decline in Chronically Pesticide-Exposed Farmers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Dhansoia Vipin , Majumdar Vijaya , Manjunath N. K. , Singh Gaharwar Usha , Singh Deepeshwar
Published: March 2022

Background

Occupational exposure to pesticides has been associated with lung and cognitive function exacerbations. In the present study, we tested the effectiveness of breathing focused yoga intervention on alleviation of adverse respiratory and cognitive effects associated with chronic pesticide exposure in farmers.

Methods

We undertook a parallel, two-armed randomized controlled trial with blinded outcome assessors on a chronically pesticide-exposed farming population. The study was conducted at district Panipat, State Haryana located in the Northern part of India from November 2019 to August 2020. A total of 634 farmers were screened, and 140 farmers were randomized to breathing-focused yoga intervention (BFY, n = 70) and waitlist control arms (n = 65). BFY was delivered weekly in 45-min group sessions over 12 weeks followed by home-based practice. The primary outcome was the change in spirometry-based markers of pulmonary function from baseline expressed as raw values, Global Lung Initiative (GLI) percent predicted (pp), and GLI z-scores after 24 weeks of intervention. Secondary variables were Trail making tests (TMT A and B), Digit symbol substitution (DSST), and WHO Quality of life-BREF (WHOQOL-Bref). Analysis was by intention-to-treat. Mediation analysis was done considering oxidative stress markers as potential mediators.

Results

At the end of 6 months of intervention, the overall follow-up in the participants was 87.85% (n = 123); 90% (n = 63) in the control group, and 85.71% in the yoga group (n = 60). The mean age of the study cohort (n = 140) was 38.75 (SD = 7.50) years. Compared with the control group, at 24 weeks post-intervention, the BFY group had significantly improved status of the raw sand z scores markers of airway obstruction, after adjusting for confounders, FEV1, FVC, FEF25-75 [z score-adjusted mean differences (95% CI); 1.66 (1.10–2.21) 1.88 (1.21–2.55), and 6.85 (5.12–8.57), respectively. A fraction of FEF25-75 change (mediation percentage 23.95%) was explained by glutathione augmentation. There were also significant improvements in cognitive scores of DSST, TMT-A and TMT-B, and WHOQOL-Bref.

Conclusion

In conclusion, regular practice of BFY could improve the exacerbations in the markers of airway obstruction in chronically pesticide-exposed farmers and cognitive variables. A significant mediating effect of glutathione augmentation was also observed concerning the effect of the intervention on FEF25-75. These findings provide an important piece of beneficial evidence of the breathing-based yoga intervention that needs validation across different farming ethnicities.

Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: CTRI/2019/11/021989.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Myopia: Current and Future Directions
Authors: Zhang Chenchen , Zhao Jing , Zhu Zhe , Li Yanxia , Li Ke , Wang Yuanping , Zheng Yajuan
Published: March 2022

With the continuous development of computer technology, big data acquisition and imaging methods, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical fields is expanding. The use of machine learning and deep learning in the diagnosis and treatment of ophthalmic diseases is becoming more widespread. As one of the main causes of visual impairment, myopia has a high global prevalence. Early screening or diagnosis of myopia, combined with other effective therapeutic interventions, is very important to maintain a patient's visual function and quality of life. Through the training of fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, and slit lamp images and through platforms provided by telemedicine, AI shows great application potential in the detection, diagnosis, progression prediction and treatment of myopia. In addition, AI models and wearable devices based on other forms of data also perform well in the behavioral intervention of myopia patients. Admittedly, there are still some challenges in the practical application of AI in myopia, such as the standardization of datasets; acceptance attitudes of users; and ethical, legal and regulatory issues. This paper reviews the clinical application status, potential challenges and future directions of AI in myopia and proposes that the establishment of an AI-integrated telemedicine platform will be a new direction for myopia management in the post-COVID-19 period.
Oral Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors (KAB) of German Dental Students: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Riad Abanoub , Buchbender Mayte , Howaldt Hans-Peter , Klugar Miloslav , Krsek Martin , Attia Sameh
Published: March 2022

Germany's 2030–oral health agenda incorporates behavioral targets such as twice-daily toothbrushing and routine dental check-ups. Given the professional and social roles of dentists in oral health promotion, the oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) of dentists and dental students became worth investigation. The present study was designed as a descriptive cross-sectional study that aimed to evaluate oral health KAB of German dental students using the Hiroshima University – Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI). A total of 508 dental students filled in the questionnaire, out of which 74.2% were females, 38.8% were clinical students, 11.4% reported tobacco smoking at least once week, 26.6% reported drinking alcohol at least once a week, and 82.9% reported suffering from problematic internet use. The overall HU-DBI score was high (7.67 ± 1.32), and it was slightly higher among females (7.70 ± 1.33) than males (7.59 ± 1.29), and gender-diverse students (7.33 ± 1.37). Clinical students (7.88 ± 1.26) had a significantly higher HU-DBI score, especially in the domain of oral health behaviors, compared with preclinical students (7.53 ± 1.34). A significant improvement in oral health behaviors and HU-DBI score was found between the third- vs. the fourth year, which corresponds to the period when prophylaxis, hygiene, and periodontology courses are delivered. Tobacco smoking was significantly associated with poor oral health knowledge, behaviors, and overall HU-DBI score. Problematic internet use and alcohol drinking had slightly lower HU-DBI scores. The findings of the present study call for early implementation of preventive dentistry elements in German curricula and addressing oral health needs of gender minorities in Germany by future epidemiologic studies.
A New Species in Pseudophialophora From Wild Rice and Beneficial Potential
Authors: Zhu Jia-Nan , Yu Yi-Jun , Dai Meng-Di , Zeng Yu-Lan , Lu Xuan-Jun , Wang Ling , Liu Xiao-Hong , Su Zhen-Zhu , Lin Fu-Cheng
Published: March 2022

Wild rice (Oryza granulata) is a natural resource pool containing abundant unknown endophytic fungi species. There are few reports on the endophytic fungi in wild rice. Here, one isolate recovered from wild rice roots was identified as a new speciesPseudophialophora oryzaesp. nov based on the molecular phylogeny and morphological characteristics. Fluorescent protein-expressingP. oryzaewas used to monitor the fungal colonization pattern. Hyphae invaded the epidermis to the inner cortex but not into the root stele. The inoculation ofP. oryzaepromoted the rice growth, with the growth parameters of chlorophyll content, shoot height, root length, fresh shoot weight, fresh root weight and dry weight increasing by 24.10, 35.32, 19.35, 90.00, 33.3, and 79.17%, respectively.P. oryzaeinduced up-regulation of nitrate transporterOsPTR9and potassium transporterOsHAK16by 7.28 ± 0.84 and 2.57 ± 0.80 folds, promoting nitrogen and potassium elements absorption. In addition,P. oryzaealso conferred a systemic resistance against rice blast, showing a 72.65 and 75.63% control rate in sterile plates and potting conditions. This systemic resistance was mediated by the strongly up-regulated expression of resistance-related genesNAC,OsSAUR2,OsWRKY71,EL5, andPR1α. SinceP. oryzaecan promote rice growth, biomass and induce systemic disease resistance, it can be further developed as a new biogenic agent for agricultural production, providing a new approach for biocontrol of rice blast.
Mechanism of Peptide Agonist Binding in CXCR4 Chemokine Receptor
Authors: Pawnikar Shristi , Miao Yinglong
Published: March 2022

Chemokine receptors are key G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that control cell migration in immune system responses, development of cardiovascular and central nervous systems, and numerous diseases. In particular, the CXCR4 chemokine receptor promotes metastasis, tumor growth and angiogenesis in cancers. CXCR4 is also used as one of the two co-receptors for T-tropic HIV-1 entry into host cells. Therefore, CXCR4 serves as an important therapeutic target for treating cancers and HIV infection. Apart from the CXCL12 endogenous peptide agonist, previous studies suggested that the first 17 amino acids of CXCL12 are sufficient to activate CXCR4. Two 17-residue peptides with positions 1–4 mutated to RSVM and ASLW functioned as super and partial agonists of CXCR4, respectively. However, the mechanism of peptide agonist binding in CXCR4 remains unclear. Here, we have investigated this mechanism through all-atom simulations using a novel Peptide Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (Pep-GaMD) method. The Pep-GaMD simulations have allowed us to explore representative binding conformations of each peptide and identify critical low-energy states of CXCR4 activated by the super versus partial peptide agonists. Our simulations have provided important mechanistic insights into peptide agonist binding in CXCR4, which are expected to facilitate rational design of new peptide modulators of CXCR4 and other chemokine receptors.
KRAS Mutation in Rare Tumors: A Landscape Analysis of 3453 Chinese Patients
Authors: Wang Shuhang , Li Qin , Ma Peiwen , Fang Yuan , Yu Yue , Jiang Ning , Miao Huilei , Tang Qiyu , Yang Yuqi , Xing Shujun , Chen Rongrong , Yi Xin , Li Ning
Published: March 2022

KRAS is the most commonly mutated oncogene in human cancers. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy for this gene have made remarkable progress in recent years. However, comprehensive molecular landscape analysis of KRAS in rare tumors is lacking. Retrospective analysis was performed on clinical samples from patients with rare tumors collected between September 2015 and September 2021, using hybrid-capture-based next-generation sequencing for genomic profiling and immunohistochemistry assay for PD-L1. Of the 3,453 patients included in analysis, KRAS mutations were identified in 8.7% patients in overall; mutation rate and mutation subtypes varied widely across tumor systems and subtypes. KRAS mutations included 21 missense mutations, of which G12D (29.2%), G12V (24.6%), and G13D (10.8%) were most common. Interestingly, KRAS G12C was observed in 0.6% patients overall, and in 5.7% of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung and 5.4% of clear cell ovarian cancer tumors, but none in small-bowel cancer tumors. 31.8% KRAS mutations and 36.4% KRAS G12C mutations co-occurred with other targetable alterations. No significant correlation was observed between TMB-H, MSI-H, PD-L1 status, and KRAS mutation status, which may be related to the high proportion of G12D. This study is the first KRAS mutation landscape study in rare tumors of large sample size in China and worldwide. Our results suggest that targeted therapy and immunotherapy are both feasible, albeit complex, in these patients. This information may have significant impact on the operation of clinical trials for rare tumor patients with KRAS mutations in China.
CIGB-300-Regulated Proteome Reveals Common and Tailored Response Patterns of AML Cells to CK2 Inhibition
Authors: Rosales Mauro , Rodríguez-Ulloa Arielis , Pérez George V. , Besada Vladimir , Soto Thalia , Ramos Yassel , González Luis J. , Zettl Katharina , Wiśniewski Jacek R. , Yang Ke , Perera Yasser , Perea Silvio E.
Published: March 2022

Protein kinase CK2 is a highly pleiotropic and ubiquitously expressed Ser/Thr kinase with instrumental roles in normal and pathological states, including neoplastic phenotype in solid tumor and hematological malignancies. In line with previous reports, CK2 has been suggested as an attractive prognostic marker and molecular target in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a blood malignant disorder that remains as an unmet medical need. Accordingly, this work investigates the complex landscape of molecular and cellular perturbations supporting the antileukemic effect exerted by CK2 inhibition in AML cells. To identify and functionally characterize the proteomic profile differentially modulated by the CK2 peptide-based inhibitor CIGB-300, we carried out LC-MS/MS and bioinformatic analysis in human cell lines representing two differentiation stages and major AML subtypes. Using this approach, 109 and 129 proteins were identified as significantly modulated in HL-60 and OCI-AML3 cells, respectively. In both proteomic profiles, proteins related to apoptotic cell death, cell cycle progression, and transcriptional/translational processes appeared represented, in agreement with previous results showing the impact of CIGB-300 in AML cell proliferation and viability. Of note, a group of proteins involved in intracellular redox homeostasis was specifically identified in HL-60 cell-regulated proteome, and flow cytometric analysis also confirmed a differential effect of CIGB-300 over reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in AML cells. Thus, oxidative stress might play a relevant role on CIGB-300-induced apoptosis in HL-60 but not in OCI-AML3 cells. Importantly, these findings provide first-hand insights concerning the CIGB-300 antileukemic effect and draw attention to the existence of both common and tailored response patterns triggered by CK2 inhibition in different AML backgrounds, a phenomenon of particular relevance with regard to the pharmacologic blockade of CK2 and personalized medicine.
Exploring New Characteristics: Using Deep Learning and 3D Reconstruction to Compare the Original COVID-19 and Its Delta Variant Based on Chest CT
Authors: Bai Na , Lin Ruikai , Wang Zhiwei , Cai Shengyan , Huang Jianliang , Su Zhongrui , Yao Yuanzhen , Wen Fang , Li Han , Huang Yuxin , Zhao Yi , Xia Tao , Lei Mingsheng , Yang Weizhen , Qiu Zhaowen
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Computer-aided diagnostic methods were used to compare the characteristics of the Original COVID-19 and its Delta Variant.

Methods: This was a retrospective study. A deep learning segmentation model was applied to segment lungs and infections in CT. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction was used to create 3D models of the patient’s lungs and infections. A stereoscopic segmentation method was proposed, which can subdivide the 3D lung into five lobes and 18 segments. An expert-based CT scoring system was improved and artificial intelligence was used to automatically score instead of visual score. Non-linear regression and quantitative analysis were used to analyze the dynamic changes in the percentages of infection (POI).

Results: The POI in the five lung lobes of all patients were calculated and converted into CT scores. The CT scores of Original COVID-19 patients and Delta Variant patients since the onset of initial symptoms were fitted over time, respectively. The peak was found to occur on day 11 in Original COVID-19 patients and on day 15 in Delta Variant patients. The time course of lung changes in CT of Delta Variant patients was redetermined as early stage (0–3 days), progressive and peak stage (4–16 days), and absorption stage (17–42 days). The first RT-PCR negative time in Original COVID-19 patients appeared earlier than in Delta Variant patients (22 [17–30] vs. 39 [31–44], p < 0.001). Delta Variant patients had more re-detectable positive RT-PCR test results than Original COVID-19 patients after the first negative RT-PCR time (30.5% vs. 17.1%). In the early stage, CT scores in the right lower lobe were significantly different (Delta Variant vs. Original COVID-19, 0.8 ± 0.6 vs. 1.3 ± 0.6, p = 0.039). In the absorption stage, CT scores of the right middle lobes were significantly different (Delta Variant vs. Original COVID-19, 0.6 ± 0.7 vs. 0.3 ± 0.4, p = 0.012). The left and the right lower lobes contributed most to lung involvement at any given time.

Conclusion: Compared with the Original COVID-19, the Delta Variant has a longer lung change duration, more re-detectable positive RT-PCR test results, different locations of pneumonia, and more lesions in the early stage, and the peak of infection occurred later.
Automated Synapse Detection Method for Cerebellar Connectomics
Authors: Park Changjoo , Gim Jawon , Lee Sungjin , Lee Kea Joo , Kim Jinseop S.
Published: March 2022

The connectomic analyses of large-scale volumetric electron microscope (EM) images enable the discovery of hidden neural connectivity. While the technologies for neuronal reconstruction of EM images are under rapid progress, the technologies for synapse detection are lagging behind. Here, we propose a method that automatically detects the synapses in the 3D EM images, specifically for the mouse cerebellar molecular layer (CML). The method aims to accurately detect the synapses between the reconstructed neuronal fragments whose types can be identified. It extracts the contacts between the reconstructed neuronal fragments and classifies them as synaptic or non-synaptic with the help of type information and two deep learning artificial intelligences (AIs). The method can also assign the pre- and postsynaptic sides of a synapse and determine excitatory and inhibitory synapse types. The accuracy of this method is estimated to be 0.955 in F1-score for a test volume of CML containing 508 synapses. To demonstrate the usability, we measured the size and number of the synapses in the volume and investigated the subcellular connectivity between the CML neuronal fragments. The basic idea of the method to exploit tissue-specific properties can be extended to other brain regions.
Wireless Closed-Loop Optical Regulation System for Seizure Detection and Suppression In Vivo
Authors: Li Yamin , Xu Shengwei , Wang Yang , Duan Yiming , Jia Qianli , Xie Jingyu , Yang Xiaowei , Wang Yiding , Dai Yuchuan , Yang Gucheng , Yuan Miao , Wu Xiaoting , Song Yilin , Wang Mixia , Chen Hongda , Wang Yijun , Cai Xinxia , Pei Weihua
Published: March 2022

There are approximately 50 million people with epilepsy worldwide, even about 25% of whom cannot be effectively controlled by drugs or surgical treatment. A wireless closed-loop system for epilepsy detection and suppression is proposed in this study. The system is composed of an implantable optrode, wireless recording, wireless energy supply, and a control module. The system can monitor brain electrical activity in real time. When seizures are recognized, the optrode will be turned on. The preset photosensitive caged compounds are activated to inhibit the seizure. When seizures are inhibited or end, the optrode is turned off. The method demonstrates a practical wireless closed-loop epilepsy therapy system.
Current State-of-the-Art and New Trends in Self-Assembled Nanocarriers as Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Paliwal Himanshu , Parihar Akshay , Prajapati Bhupendra G.
Published: March 2022

Self-assembled nanocarrier drug delivery has received profuse attention in the field of diagnosis and treatment of diseases. These carriers have proved that serious life-threatening diseases can be eliminated evidently by virtue of their characteristic design and features. This review is aimed at systematically presenting the research and advances in the field of self-assembled nanocarriers such as polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, liposomes, inorganic nanocarriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymerosomes, micellar systems, niosomes, and some other nanoparticles. The self-assembled delivery of nanocarriers has been developed in recent years for targeting diseases. Some of the innovative attempts with regard to prolonging drug action, improving bioavailability, avoiding drug resistance, enhancing cellular uptake, and so on have been discussed. The discussion about various delivery systems included the investigation conducted at the preliminary stage, i.e., preclinical trials and assessment of safety. The clinical studies of some of the recently developed self-assembled products are currently at the clinical trial phase or FDA approved.
sEMG-Based Natural Control Interface for a Variable Stiffness Transradial Hand Prosthesis
Authors: Hocaoglu Elif , Patoglu Volkan
Published: March 2022

We propose, implement, and evaluate a natural human-machine control interface for a variable stiffness transradial hand prosthesis that achieves tele-impedance control through surface electromyography (sEMG) signals. This interface, together with variable stiffness actuation (VSA), enables an amputee to modulate the impedance of the prosthetic limb to properly match the requirements of a task while performing activities of daily living (ADL). Both the desired position and stiffness references are estimated through sEMG signals and used to control the VSA hand prosthesis. In particular, regulation of hand impedance is managed through the impedance measurements of the intact upper arm; this control takes place naturally and automatically as the amputee interacts with the environment, while the position of the hand prosthesis is regulated intentionally by the amputee through the estimated position of the shoulder. The proposed approach is advantageous since the impedance regulation takes place naturally without requiring amputees' attention and diminishing their functional capability. Consequently, the proposed interface is easy to use, does not require long training periods or interferes with the control of intact body segments. This control approach is evaluated through human subject experiments conducted over able volunteers where adequate estimation of references and independent control of position and stiffness are demonstrated.
Detection of tACS Entrainment Critically Depends on Epoch Length
Authors: Mc Laughlin Myles , Khatoun Ahmad , Asamoah Boateng
Published: March 2022

Neural entrainment is the phase synchronization of a population of neurons to an external rhythmic stimulus such as applied in the context of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). tACS can cause profound effects on human behavior. However, there remain a significant number of studies that find no behavioral effect when tACS is applied to human subjects. To investigate this discrepancy, we applied time sensitive phase lock value (PLV) based analysis to single unit data from the rat motor cortex. The analysis revealed that detection of neural entrainment depends critically on the epoch length within which spiking information is accumulated. Increasing the epoch length allowed for detection of progressively weaker levels of neural entrainment. Based on this single unit analysis, we hypothesized that tACS effects on human behavior would be more easily detected in a behavior paradigm which utilizes longer epoch lengths. We tested this by using tACS to entrain tremor in patients and healthy volunteers. When the behavioral data were analyzed using short duration epochs tremor entrainment effects were not detectable. However, as the epoch length was progressively increased, weak tremor entrainment became detectable. These results suggest that tACS behavioral paradigms that rely on the accumulation of information over long epoch lengths will tend to be successful at detecting behavior effects. However, tACS paradigms that rely on short epoch lengths are less likely to detect effects.
Measuring Spinal Cord Potentials and Cortico-Spinal Interactions After Wrist Movements Induced by Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Wimmer Michael , Kostoglou Kyriaki , Müller-Putz Gernot R.
Published: March 2022

Electroencephalographic (EEG) correlates of movement have been studied extensively over many years. In the present work, we focus on investigating neural correlates that originate from the spine and study their connectivity to corresponding signals from the sensorimotor cortex using multivariate autoregressive (MVAR) models. To study cortico-spinal interactions, we simultaneously measured spinal cord potentials (SCPs) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) of wrist movements elicited by neuromuscular electrical stimulation. We identified directional connections between spine and cortex during both the extension and flexion of the wrist using only non-invasive recording techniques. Our connectivity estimation results are in alignment with various studies investigating correlates of movement, i.e., we found the contralateral side of the sensorimotor cortex to be the main sink of information as well as the spine to be the main source of it. Both types of movement could also be clearly identified in the time-domain signals.
Real-Time Control of a Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Mirror Myoelectric Interface During Functional Task Training
Authors: Sarasola-Sanz Andrea , López-Larraz Eduardo , Irastorza-Landa Nerea , Rossi Giulia , Figueiredo Thiago , McIntyre Joseph , Ramos-Murguialday Ander
Published: March 2022

Motor learning mediated by motor training has in the past been explored for rehabilitation. Myoelectric interfaces together with exoskeletons allow patients to receive real-time feedback about their muscle activity. However, the number of degrees of freedom that can be simultaneously controlled is limited, which hinders the training of functional tasks and the effectiveness of the rehabilitation therapy. The objective of this study was to develop a myoelectric interface that would allow multi-degree-of-freedom control of an exoskeleton involving arm, wrist and hand joints, with an eye toward rehabilitation. We tested the effectiveness of a myoelectric decoder trained with data from one upper limb and mirrored to control a multi-degree-of-freedom exoskeleton with the opposite upper limb (i.e., mirror myoelectric interface) in 10 healthy participants. We demonstrated successful simultaneous control of multiple upper-limb joints by all participants. We showed evidence that subjects learned the mirror myoelectric model within the span of a five-session experiment, as reflected by a significant decrease in the time to execute trials and in the number of failed trials. These results are the necessary precursor to evaluating if a decoder trained with EMG from the healthy limb could foster learning of natural EMG patterns and lead to motor rehabilitation in stroke patients.
Sensorimotor Rhythm-Brain Computer Interface With Audio-Cue, Motor Observation and Multisensory Feedback for Upper-Limb Stroke Rehabilitation: A Controlled Study
Authors: Li Xin , Wang Lu , Miao Si , Yue Zan , Tang Zhiming , Su Liujie , Zheng Yadan , Wu Xiangzhen , Wang Shan , Wang Jing , Dou Zulin
Published: March 2022

Several studies have shown the positive clinical effect of brain computer interface (BCI) training for stroke rehabilitation. This study investigated the efficacy of the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR)-based BCI with audio-cue, motor observation and multisensory feedback for post-stroke rehabilitation. Furthermore, we discussed the interaction between training intensity and training duration in BCI training. Twenty-four stroke patients with severe upper limb (UL) motor deficits were randomly assigned to two groups: 2-week SMR-BCI training combined with conventional treatment (BCI Group, BG,n= 12) and 2-week conventional treatment without SMR-BCI intervention (Control Group, CG,n= 12). Motor function was measured using clinical measurement scales, including Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE; primary outcome measure), Wolf Motor Functional Test (WMFT), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI), at baseline (Week 0), post-intervention (Week 2), and follow-up week (Week 4). EEG data from patients allocated to the BG was recorded at Week 0 and Week 2 and quantified by mu suppression means event-related desynchronization (ERD) in mu rhythm (8–12 Hz). All functional assessment scores (FMA-UE, WMFT, and MBI) significantly improved at Week 2 for both groups (p< 0.05). The BG had significantly higher FMA-UE and WMFT improvement at Week 4 compared to the CG. The mu suppression of bilateral hemisphere both had a positive trend with the motor function scores at Week 2. This study proposes a new effective SMR-BCI system and demonstrates that the SMR-BCI training with audio-cue, motor observation and multisensory feedback, together with conventional therapy may promote long-lasting UL motor improvement.

Clinical Trial Registration:[http://www.chictr.org.cn], identifier [ChiCTR2000041119].
Monophasic-Quadripulse Theta Burst Magnetic Stimulation for Motor Palsy Functional Evaluation After Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Fujiki Minoru , Matsushita Wataru , Kawasaki Yukari , Fudaba Hirotaka
Published: March 2022

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is commonly employed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes to enhance recovery following brain injury, such as stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Single-pulse TMS, most commonly used for diagnostic purposes and with motor evoked potential (MEP) recordings, is not suitable for clinical use in patients with severe motor paresis. To overcome this problem, we developed a quadripulse theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (QTS) device that combines the output from 16 stimulators to deliver a train of 16 monophasic magnetic pulses through a single coil. High-frequency theta rhythm magnetic bursts (bursts of four monophasic pulses, at 500 Hz, i.e., with a 2-ms interpulse interval, repeated at 5 Hz) were generated via a set of 16 separate magnetic stimulators connected to a specially designed combination module. No adverse effects or electroencephalogram (EEGs) abnormalities were identified during or after the recordings. MEP amplification in the QTS during four-burst theta rhythm stimulations produced four independent MEPs 20 ms after each burst onset maximizing the final third or fourth burst, which exhibited significantly greater amplitude than those resulting from a single burst or pulse. Motor functional palsy grades after ICH and QTS-MEP parameters and resting motor threshold (RMT) and amplitudes were significantly correlated (r = −0.83/−0.81 and 0.89/0.87; R2= 0.69/0.66 and 0.79/0.76,p< 0.001; anterior/posterior-stimulus polarity, respectively). In conclusion, QTS-MEPs enabled a linear functional evaluation in patients with various degrees of motor paresis. However, the benefits, safety, and limitations of this device should be further explored in future studies.
Short- and Mid-Term Impacts of COVID-19 Outbreak on the Nutritional Quality and Environmental Impact of Diet
Authors: Marty Lucile , de Lauzon-Guillain Blandine , Nicklaus Sophie
Published: March 2022

Background

Changes in dietary behaviors that occurred at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak and in particular during the first national lockdowns have been extensively studied across countries. Beyond the understanding of contextual changes in diets due to a temporary lockdown, it is of interest to study longer-term consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak as sustained changes in diets may have both an impact on population health and the environment.

Objectives

This study aimed to examine both short- (after 1 month) and mid-term (after 1 year) impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on the nutritional quality and environmental impact of diets, and as a secondary objective on food choice motives.

Methods

We collected dietary data [food frequency questionnaire (FFQ)] and the importance of nine food choice motives through online questionnaires before, during, and after 1 year of the first lockdown for 524 French participants. Adherence to the French dietary recommendations was estimated using the simplified PNNS-GS2, which scores from −17 to 11.5. Environmental impact of diets was assessed by calculating greenhouse gas emissions in CO2eq/2,000 kcal.

Results

We showed a short-term decrease in nutritional quality (−0.26 points on sPNNS-GS2, p = 0.017) and environmental impact (−0.17 kg CO2eq/2,000 kcal, p = 0.004) but this decrease was only temporary, and nutritional quality (−0.01 points on sPNNS-GS2, p = 0.974) and environmental impact (−0.04 kg CO2eq/2,000 kcal, p = 0.472) were not different from their initial values 1 year later. Some of the food choice motives followed the trend of a short-term increase and a mid-term stability (health, natural content, ethical concern, and weight control). On the contrary, we showed both short- and mid-term decreases in convenience, familiarity, and price motives.

Conclusion

Changes in diets and motives observed during the first lockdown were mostly temporary. However, we highlighted a sustained decrease in the importance of perceived constraints due to food shopping and food preparation which may suggest a trend toward a more positive perception of food-related activities.
Functions, Roles, and Biological Processes of Ferroptosis-Related Genes in Renal Cancer: A Pan-Renal Cancer Analysis
Authors: Chen Linbao , Wang Chao , Wang Yuning , Hong Tianyu , Zhang Guangwen , Cui Xingang
Published: March 2022

Ferroptosis is a cell death process discovered in recent years, highly related to cancer, acute kidney injury, and other diseases. In this study, a pan-renal cancer analysis of ferroptosis-associated genes in renal cancer was performed to construct a multigene joint signature for predicting prognosis in renal cancer patients. First, gene expression profiles were downloaded from the TCGA and GTEx databases to search for genes significantly associated with renal cancer prognosis through differential gene expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and survival analysis. Thereafter, the gene-set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to identify the biological processes in which ferroptosis-associated genes might be involved. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis resulted in 4,434 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 42 co-expression modules, among which ferroptosis-related genes were distributed in 11 gene modules. The survival analysis screening resulted in three DEGs associated with renal cancer prognosis, namely SLC7A11, HMOX1, and MT1G. Specifically, SLC7A11 and HMOX1 were upregulated in renal cancer tissues, while MT1G was downregulated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, combined with Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysis, revealed that high expression of SLC7A11 was a prognostic risk factor for four different renal cancers, that low expression of HMOX1 was a poor prognostic marker for patients, and that increased expression of MT1G increased the prognostic risk for three additional classes of renal cancer patients, except for renal papillary cell carcinoma. The GSEA results showed that the ferroptosis-related genes from these screens were mainly associated with signaling pathways related to tumor progression and tumor immunity. This study provides potential biological markers for prognosis prediction in renal cancer patients with different subtypes, and these results imply that ferroptosis is highly associated with renal carcinogenesis progression.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Revealed a 3-Gene Panel Predicted the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma and Associated With Tumor Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Chen Zuoyu , Wang Yizeng , Li Dongyang , Le Yuting , Han Yue , Jia Lanning , Yan Caigu , Tian Zhigang , Song Wenbin , Li Fuxin , Zhao Ke , He Xianghui
Published: March 2022

Objective

The objective of this research was to screen prognostic related genes of thyroid papillary carcinoma (PTC) by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), to construct the diagnostic and prognostic models based on The Cancer Genome Atlas Thyroid Cancer (TCGA-THCA) data, and to evaluate the association between tumor immune microenvironment and the prognostic model.

Method

The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and tumor evolution were analyzed by scRNA-seq based on public databases. The potential regulatory networks of DEGs related to prognosis were analyzed by multi-omics data in the THCA. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression were utilized to construct the diagnosis and prognostic model of PTC. The performance of the diagnostic model was verified by bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of our cohort. The tumor immune microenvironment associated with the prognostic model was evaluated using multi-omics data. In addition, qRT-PCR was performed on tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues of 20 patients to verify the expression levels of DEGs.

Results

The DEGs screened by scRNA-seq can distinguish between tumor and healthy samples. DEGs play different roles in the evolution from normal epithelial cells to malignant cells. Three DEGs ((FN1, CLU, and ANXA1)) related to prognosis were filtered, which may be regulated by DNA methylation, RNA methylation (m6A) and upstream transcription factors. The area under curve (AUC) of the diagnostic model based on 3-gene in the validation of our RNA-seq was 1. In the prognostic model based on 3-gene, the overall survival (OS) of high-risk patients was shorter. Combined with the clinical information of patients, a nomogram was constructed by using tumor size (pT) and risk score to quantify the prognostic risk. The age and tumor size of high-risk patients in the prognostic model were greater. In addition, the increase of tumor mutation burden (TMB) and diversity of T cell receptor (TCR), and the decrease of CD8+ T cells in high-risk group suggest the existence of immunosuppressive microenvironment.

Conclusion

We applied the scRNA-seq pipeline to focus on epithelial cells in PTC, simulated the process of tumor evolution, and revealed a prognostic prediction model based on 3 genes, which is related to tumor immune microenvironment.