bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Sensor-Based Occupancy Prediction in a Multi-Zone Office Building with Transformer
Authors: Qaisar Irfan , Sun Kailai , Zhao Qianchuan , Xing Tian , Yan Hu
Published: August 2023

Buildings are responsible for approximately 40% of the world’s energy consumption and 36% of the total carbon dioxide emissions. Building occupancy is essential, enabling occupant-centric control for zero emissions and decarbonization. Although existing machine learning and deep learning methods for building occupancy prediction have made notable progress, their analyses remain limited when applied to complex real-world scenarios. Moreover, there is a high expectation for Transformer algorithms to predict building occupancy accurately. Therefore, this paper presents an occupancy prediction Transformer network (OPTnet). We fused and fed multi-sensor data (building occupancy, indoor environmental conditions, HVAC operations) into a Transformer model to forecast the future occupancy presence in multiple zones. We performed experimental analyses and compared it to different occupancy prediction methods (e.g., decision tree, long short-term memory networks, multi-layer perceptron) and diverse time horizons (1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30 min). Performance metrics (e.g., accuracy and mean squared error) were employed to evaluate the effectiveness of the prediction algorithms. Our OPTnet method achieved superior performance on our experimental two-week data compared to existing methods. The improved performance indicates its potential to enhance HVAC control systems and energy optimization strategies.
Evaluation Method for the Bearing Capacity of Reinforced Concrete Beams Based on the Kaiser Effect
Authors: Xu Yongfeng , Wang Hailong , Li Minfeng , Li Pengfei , Zhao Pengfei , Ji Anquan , Liu Lei , Liu Yang
Published: August 2023

The Kaiser effect is an important phenomenon that occurs in acoustic emission. The estimation of reinforced concrete structures based on acoustic emission is receiving widespread attention. Cumulative acoustic emission parameters were used for the preliminary estimation of Kaiser points through the step loading experiments on four simply supported reinforced concrete beams under bending load. Taking this Kaiser point as the centre, an appropriate interval value was determined. After functional fitting of the “load-acoustic emission parameter” curve, the difference between the estimated value and the measured value was calculated. The Kaiser point was modified in accordance with the “load-difference” curve. The modified Kaiser point was used to calculate the Felicity ratio. The ratio of the maximum load to the ultimate bearing capacity of the beams was calculated. The curves of the ratio and the Felicity ratio were obtained. Fitting of the corresponding relational function was performed. Based on the relational function, the ultimate bearing capacity of the beams was estimated according to the mean of the experiment. The results showed that if there was a significant difference between the preliminarily estimated value and the measured value of the Kaiser point, modifications can be conducted to avoid any significant difference in the Kaiser point caused by human factors. Using the Felicity ratio and based on function fitting, the maximum difference in the ultimate bearing capacity of the beams was estimated to be no more than 10%. Moreover, it was concluded that the estimated ultimate bearing capacity of the beams was characterized by high stability in the case of different sample data. This method will provide a theoretical basis for evaluating the ultimate bearing capacity of reinforced concrete beams under bending load based on the Kaiser effect.
Targeting Cell Signaling Pathways in Lung Cancer by Bioactive Phytocompounds
Authors: Choudhary Neeraj , Bawari Sweta , Burcher Jack T. , Sinha Dona , Tewari Devesh , Bishayee Anupam
Published: August 2023

Lung cancer is a heterogeneous group of malignancies with high incidence worldwide. It is the most frequently occurring cancer in men and the second most common in women. Due to its frequent diagnosis and variable response to treatment, lung cancer was reported as the top cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide in 2020. Many aberrant signaling cascades are implicated in the pathogenesis of lung cancer, including those involved in apoptosis (B cell lymphoma protein, Bcl-2-associated X protein, first apoptosis signal ligand), growth inhibition (tumor suppressor protein or gene and serine/threonine kinase 11), and growth promotion (epidermal growth factor receptor/proto-oncogenes/phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase). Accordingly, these pathways and their signaling molecules have become promising targets for chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents. Recent research provides compelling evidence for the use of plant-based compounds, known collectively as phytochemicals, as anticancer agents. This review discusses major contributing signaling pathways involved in the pathophysiology of lung cancer, as well as currently available treatments and prospective drug candidates. The anticancer potential of naturally occurring bioactive compounds in the context of lung cancer is also discussed, with critical analysis of their mechanistic actions presented by preclinical and clinical studies.
Deep Learning for Lung Cancer Diagnosis, Prognosis and Prediction Using Histological and Cytological Images: A Systematic Review
Authors: Davri Athena , Birbas Effrosyni , Kanavos Theofilos , Ntritsos Georgios , Giannakeas Nikolaos , Tzallas Alexandros T. , Batistatou Anna
Published: August 2023

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, with a high incidence rate, especially in tobacco smokers. Lung cancer accurate diagnosis is based on distinct histological patterns combined with molecular data for personalized treatment. Precise lung cancer classification from a single H&E slide can be challenging for a pathologist, requiring most of the time additional histochemical and special immunohistochemical stains for the final pathology report. According to WHO, small biopsy and cytology specimens are the available materials for about 70% of lung cancer patients with advanced-stage unresectable disease. Thus, the limited available diagnostic material necessitates its optimal management and processing for the completion of diagnosis and predictive testing according to the published guidelines. During the new era of Digital Pathology, Deep Learning offers the potential for lung cancer interpretation to assist pathologists’ routine practice. Herein, we systematically review the current Artificial Intelligence-based approaches using histological and cytological images of lung cancer. Most of the published literature centered on the distinction between lung adenocarcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma, and small cell lung carcinoma, reflecting the realistic pathologist’s routine. Furthermore, several studies developed algorithms for lung adenocarcinoma predominant architectural pattern determination, prognosis prediction, mutational status characterization, and PD-L1 expression status estimation.
Clinical Significance of Nectins in HCC and Other Solid Malignant Tumors: Implications for Prognosis and New Treatment Opportunities—A Systematic Review
Authors: Klekowski Jakub , Zielińska Dorota , Hofman Adriana , Zajdel Natalia , Gajdzis Paweł , Chabowski Mariusz
Published: August 2023

The nectin family comprises four proteins, nectin-1 to -4, which act as cell adhesion molecules. Nectins have various regulatory functions in the immune system and can be upregulated or decreased in different tumors. The literature research was conducted manually by the authors using the PubMed database by searching articles published before 2023 with the combination of several nectin-related keywords. A total of 43 studies were included in the main section of the review. Nectins-1–3 have different expressions in tumors. Both the loss of expression and overexpression could be negative prognostic factors. Nectin-4 is the best characterized and the most consistently overexpressed in various tumors, which generally correlates with a worse prognosis. New treatments based on targeting nectin-4 are currently being developed. Enfortumab vedotin is a potent antibody–drug conjugate approved for use in therapy against urothelial carcinoma. Few reports focus on hepatocellular carcinoma, which leaves room for further studies comparing the utility of nectins with commonly used markers.
Clinical Relevance of Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW) in Endometrial Cancer: A Retrospective Single-Center Experience from Korea
Authors: Eoh Kyung-Jin , Lee Tae-Kyung , Nam Eun-Ji , Kim Sang-Wun , Kim Young-Tae
Published: August 2023

Background: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a standard parameter of complete blood count and indicates the variability in red blood cell size. This study aimed to determine whether preoperative RDW can be used to predict the recurrence and prognosis of endometrial carcinoma. Methods: The medical records of 431 patients diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed between May 2006 and June 2018. In addition to RDW, the clinicopathological factors, survival curves, and prognoses of the patients with endometrial carcinoma were compared between the high (n = 213) and low (n = 218) groups according to the median RDW value (12.8%). Results: The patients with high RDW had significantly advanced-stage (p = 0.00) pelvic lymph node metastasis (p = 0.01) and recurrence (p = 0.01) compared to those in the low-RDW group. In univariate analysis with DFS as the endpoint, surgical stage, type II histology, grade, RDW, and lymph node metastasis were independently associated with survival. Patients with high RDW values had significantly shorter disease-free survival and overall survival than those with low RDW values (log-rank p = 0.03, log-rank p = 0.04, respectively). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that RDW is a simple and convenient indicator of endometrial carcinoma recurrence. Prospective studies are needed to validate the findings of the current study.
Bioenergy Production from Agro-Industrial Wastewater Using Advanced Oxidation Processes as Pre-Treatment
Authors: Gomes Ana , Borges Amadeu , Peres José A. , Lucas Marco S.
Published: August 2023

Agro-industrial activities generate large volumes of wastewater. When this wastewater is discharged to the environment without proper treatment, it represents a serious problem. Bioenergy production can be conducted using wastewater, but the presence of some recalcitrant compounds may require a pre-treatment step. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) were traditionally used to treat hazardous materials but have recently been applied in various bioenergy production processes. AOPs are highly competitive water/wastewater treatment technologies and their application in the bioenergy sector is increasing as a pre-treatment process. Despite the increasing interest in using AOPs to enhance biofuel production, there is a lack of comprehensive documentation on their integration into biofuel production operations. This critical review highlights the application of AOPs as pre-treatment for agro-industrial wastewater (AIW) to enhance bioenergy production. It was noted that AOP applications can reduce the COD, VS, TS and total polyphenols, resulting in an improvement in their biodegradability. Moreover, these processes help remove hemicellulose and lignin contents, increasing the production of biogas, biodiesel and bioethanol. Among the different AOPs presented in this work, wet air oxidation showed promise for pre-treating lignocellulosic biomass to produce various energy types, while sonolysis and ozonation proved effective as a biosolid pre-treatment. Ozonolysis, Fenton reagents and photocatalysis are commonly used to selectively remove phenolic compounds and colorants from organic effluents. The high energy requirements and chemicals reagents costs are identified as obstacles to the application of AOPs in bioenergy production. Further studies should investigate the integration of AOPs with other treatment processes to improve the cost-effectiveness.
Aquaporin-7-Mediated Glycerol Permeability Is Linked to Human Sperm Motility in Asthenozoospermia and during Sperm Capacitation
Authors: Ribeiro João C. , Bernardino Raquel L. , Gonçalves Ana , Barros Alberto , Calamita Giuseppe , Alves Marco G. , Oliveira Pedro F.
Published: August 2023

Osmoregulation plays a vital role in sperm function, encompassing spermatogenesis, maturation, and fertilization. Aquaglyceroporins, a subclass of aquaporins (AQPs), facilitate the transport of water and glycerol across the sperm membrane, with glycerol serving as an important substrate for sperm bioenergetics. This study aimed to elucidate the significance of AQP-mediated glycerol permeability in sperm motility. The presence and localization of AQP3 and AQP7 in human sperm were assessed using immunofluorescence. Subsequently, the glycerol permeability of spermatozoa obtained from normozoospermic individuals (n = 30) was measured, using stopped-flow light scattering, after incubation with specific aquaporin inhibitors targeting AQP3 (DFP00173), AQP7 (Z433927330), or general aquaglyceroporin (phloretin). Sperm from asthenozoospermic men (n = 30) were utilized to evaluate the AQP7-mediated glycerol permeability, and to compare it with that of normozoospermic men. Furthermore, hypermotile capacitated sperm cells were examined, to determine the AQP7 expression and membrane glycerol permeability. AQP3 was predominantly observed in the tail region, while AQP7 was present in the head, midpiece, and tail of human sperm. Our findings indicate that AQP7 plays a key role in glycerol permeability, as the inhibition of AQP7 resulted in a 55% decrease in glycerol diffusion across the sperm membrane. Importantly, this glycerol permeability impairment was evident in spermatozoa from asthenozoospermic individuals, suggesting the dysregulation of AQP7-mediated glycerol transport, despite similar AQP7 levels. Conversely, the AQP7 expression increased in capacitated sperm, compared to non-capacitated sperm. Hence, AQP7-mediated permeability may serve as a valuable indicator of sperm motility, and be crucial in sperm function.
Knock Out of CGN and CGNL1 in MDCK Cells Affects Claudin-2 but Has a Minor Impact on Tight Junction Barrier Function
Authors: Maupérin Marine , Sassi Ali , Méan Isabelle , Feraille Eric , Citi Sandra
Published: August 2023

Cingulin (CGN) and paracingulin (CGNL1) are cytoplasmic proteins of tight junctions (TJs), where they play a role in tethering ZO-1 to the actomyosin and microtubule cytoskeletons. The role of CGN and CGNL1 in the barrier function of epithelia is not completely understood. Here, we analyzed the effect of the knock out (KO) of either CGN or CGNL1 or both on the paracellular permeability of monolayers of kidney epithelial (MDCK) cells. KO cells displayed a modest but significant increase in the transepithelial resistance (TER) of monolayers both in the steady state and during junction assembly by the calcium switch, whereas the permeability of the monolayers to 3 kDa dextran was not affected. The permeability to sodium was slightly but significantly decreased in KO cells. This phenotype correlated with slightly increased mRNA levels of claudin-2, slightly decreased protein levels of claudin-2, and reduced junctional accumulation of claudin-2, which was rescued by CGN or CGNL1 but not by ZO-1 overexpression. These results confirm previous observations indicating that CGN and CGNL1 are dispensable for the barrier function of epithelia and suggest that the increase in the TER in clonal lines of MDCK cells KO for CGN, CGNL1, or both is due to reduced protein expression and junctional accumulation of the sodium pore-forming claudin, claudin-2.
StemRegenin-1 Attenuates Endothelial Progenitor Cell Senescence by Regulating the AhR Pathway-Mediated CYP1A1 and ROS Generation
Authors: Lim Hye Ji , Jang Woong Bi , Rethineswaran Vinoth Kumar , Choi Jaewoo , Lee Eun Ji , Park Sangmi , Jeong Yeoreum , Ha Jong Seong , Yun Jisoo , Choi Young Jin , Hong Young Joon , Kwon Sang-Mo
Published: August 2023

Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)-based stem cell therapy is a promising therapeutic strategy for vascular diseases. However, continuous in vitro expansion for clinical studies induces the loss of EPC functionality due to aging. In this study, we investigated the effects of StemRegenin-1 (SR-1), an antagonist of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), on replicative senescence in EPCs. We found that SR-1 maintained the expression of EPC surface markers, including stem cell markers, such as CD34, c-Kit, and CXCR4. Moreover, SR-1 long-term-treated EPCs preserved their characteristics. Subsequently, we demonstrated that SR-1 showed that aging phenotypes were reduced through senescence-associated phenotypes, such as β-galactosidase activity, SMP30, p21, p53, and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). SR-1 treatment also increased the proliferation, migration, and tube-forming capacity of senescent EPCs. SR-1 inhibited the AhR-mediated cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A1 expression, reactive-oxygen species (ROS) production, and DNA damage under oxidative stress conditions in EPCs. Furthermore, as a result of CYP1A1-induced ROS inhibition, it was found that accumulated intracellular ROS were decreased in senescent EPCs. Finally, an in vivo Matrigel plug assay demonstrated drastically enhanced blood vessel formation via SR-1-treated EPCs. In summary, our results suggest that SR-1 contributes to the protection of EPCs against cellular senescence.
C9orf72 Toxic Species Affect ArfGAP-1 Function
Authors: Rossi Simona , Di Salvio Michela , Balì Marilisa , De Simone Assia , Apolloni Savina , D’Ambrosi Nadia , Arisi Ivan , Cipressa Francesca , Cozzolino Mauro , Cestra Gianluca
Published: August 2023

Compelling evidence indicates that defects in nucleocytoplasmic transport contribute to the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In particular, hexanucleotide (G4C2) repeat expansions in C9orf72, the most common cause of genetic ALS, have a widespread impact on the transport machinery that regulates the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of proteins and RNAs. We previously reported that the expression of G4C2 hexanucleotide repeats in cultured human and mouse cells caused a marked accumulation of poly(A) mRNAs in the cell nuclei. To further characterize the process, we set out to systematically identify the specific mRNAs that are altered in their nucleocytoplasmic distribution in the presence of C9orf72-ALS RNA repeats. Interestingly, pathway analysis showed that the mRNAs involved in membrane trafficking are particularly enriched among the identified mRNAs. Most importantly, functional studies in cultured cells and Drosophila indicated that C9orf72 toxic species affect the membrane trafficking route regulated by ADP-Ribosylation Factor 1 GTPase Activating Protein (ArfGAP-1), which exerts its GTPase-activating function on the small GTPase ADP-ribosylation factor 1 to dissociate coat proteins from Golgi-derived vesicles. We demonstrate that the function of ArfGAP-1 is specifically affected by expanded C9orf72 RNA repeats, as well as by C9orf72-related dipeptide repeat proteins (C9-DPRs), indicating the retrograde Golgi-to-ER vesicle-mediated transport as a target of C9orf72 toxicity.
Ammonia Mediated Silver Nanoparticles Based Detection of Bisphenol A, an Endocrine Disruptor, in Water Samples after Vortex-Assisted Liquid–Liquid Microextraction
Authors: Zaibi  , Shah Zafar Ali , Ullah Riaz , Ali Essam A. , Toloza Carlos A. T. , Hauser-Davis Rachel Ann , Muhammad Uzair , Khan Sarzamin
Published: August 2023

Bisphenol A (BPA), an alkylphenolic compound, is one of the most polluting and hazardous organic chemicals. Its routine detection is, however, still rather expensive due to high-cost equipment. In this context, we applied the effect caused by BPA to the optical properties of surfactant-stabilized silver nanoparticles further modified with the use of ammonia (AgNP-NH3) to develop a simple and quantitative approach for BPA determination. The experimental conditions of the AgNP-NH3 probe were adjusted to establish a stable and sensitive response toward BPA in aqueous media. The use of probe dispersion measured at a wavelength of 403 nm enabled a limit of detection of 2.0 nmol L−1 (0.5 ng mL−1), with a linear response as a function of a concentration of BPA ranging from 10 to 120 nmol L−1 (from 2.2 to 27 ng mL−1). The use of vortex-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction ensured the application of selective determination to real tap and stream water samples, with recoveries ranging from 85.0 to 111%. The protocol developed herein is simple, sensitive, and selective, does not require the use of toxic labeling agents, and can be easily adapted for the routine analysis of BPA in different real samples.
Long-Term Non-Congenital Cardiac and Renal Complications in Down Syndrome: A Study of 32,936 Patients
Authors: Huang Yu-Nan , Huang Jing-Yang , Wang Chung-Hsing , Su Pen-Hua
Published: August 2023

Background: Individuals with Down syndrome are at a higher risk of cardiac, renal, and other health issues due to a complex disease physiology. However, few data exist on long-term disease risks to guide prevention and care. We aimed to determine the 10-year incidence of cardiac, renal, and urinary tract complications in Down syndrome versus matched controls. Methods: This retrospective cohort study utilized a large collaborative database. We identified 32,444 patients with Down syndrome and matched controls, excluding those with pre-follow-up target events. Covariates included demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Outcomes were ischemic heart disease, hypertension, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, urinary tract infections and chronic kidney disease. We calculated unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Cox regression and plotted Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Findings: Over 10 years, Down syndrome patients showed a 3.7-fold higher ischemic heart disease risk (95% CI: 3.0–4.6) and a 1.6-fold higher hypertension risk (95% CI: 1.4–1.8) versus controls. Hypothyroidism (HR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.7–2.4), epilepsy (HR = 4.5; 95% CI: 3.5–5.8), and urinary tract infection (HR = 3.9; 95% CI: 3.4–4.6) risks were also higher. Chronic kidney disease risk was 2.7-fold greater (95% CI: 2.1–3.5). Survival analysis confirmed a significantly higher incidence of all outcomes in Down syndrome (p < 0.0001). Interpretation: This large study found major health challenges in Down syndrome, with risks 3- to 5-fold higher for chronic conditions versus matched controls over 10 years. Though survival remains high with proper care, focusing resources on the prevention and management of complications in this high-risk group can optimize well-being across the lifespan. Future research accounting for limitations here would provide definitive estimates of disease risk in Down syndrome to guide targeted health strategies.
Multidrug Resistance Profiles and Resistance Mechanisms to β-Lactams and Fluoroquinolones in Bacterial Isolates from Hospital Wastewater in Bangladesh
Authors: Manik Rasel Khan , Mahmud Zimam , Mishu Israt Dilruba , Hossen Md Sourav , Howlader Zakir Hossain , Nabi A. H. M. Nurun
Published: August 2023

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is one of the deadliest public health concerns of the 21st century, rendering many powerful antibiotics ineffective. The current study provides important insights into the prevalence and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in hospital wastewater isolates. In this study, we determined the MDR profile of 68 bacterial isolates collected from five different hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Of them, 48 bacterial isolates were identified as Enterobacteriaceae. Additionally, we investigated the prevalence and distribution of five beta-lactam resistance genes, as well as quinolone resistance mechanisms among the isolates. The results of this study showed that 87% of the wastewater isolates were resistant to at least three different antibiotic classes, as revealed using the disc diffusion method. Resistance to β-lactams was the most common, with 88.24% of the isolates being resistant, closely followed by macrolides (80.88% resistant). Polymyxin was found to be the most effective against wastewater isolates, with 29.41% resistant isolates. The most common β-lactam resistance genes found in wastewater isolates were blaTEM (76.09%), blaCTX-M1 (71.74%), and blaNDM (67.39%). Two missense mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) of gyrA (S83L and D87N) and one in both parC (S80I) and parE (S458A) were identified in all isolates, and one in parE (I529L), which had not previously been identified in Bangladesh. These findings suggest that hospital wastewater acts as an important reservoir of antibiotic-resistant bacteria wherein resistance mechanisms to β-lactams and fluoroquinolones are obvious. Our data also emphasize the need for establishing a nationwide surveillance system for antibiotic resistance monitoring to ensure that hospitals sanitize their wastewater before disposal, and regulation to ensure hospital wastewater is kept away from community settings.
Magnetic Molecular Imprinted Polymers-Based Nanozyme for Specific Colorimetric Detection of Protocatechuic Acid
Authors: Zhou Yufeng , Liu Anran , Li Ying , Liu Songqin
Published: August 2023

Magnetic molecular imprinted polymers nanozyme MIPs@Fe3O4-NH2 with high specificity and excellent peroxidase-like activity was prepared for colorimetric detection of protocatechuic acid (PCA). Firstly, MIPs@Fe3O4-NH2 was obtained by self-polymerization of dopamine as a functional monomer on the surface of Fe3O4-NH2, enabling the formation of specific recognition cavities. Later, the elution of PCA using polar solvents resulted in the creation of well-defined recognition sites on the surface of MIPs@Fe3O4-NH2. The synthesized MIPs@Fe3O4-NH2 exhibits rapid and selective magnetic separation of PCA. Meanwhile, MIPs@Fe3O4-NH2 possesses peroxidase-like activity, enabling it to undergo a colorimetric reaction 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of H2O2 and leading to a distinct color change. When the 3D recognition cavities on the surface of MIPs@Fe3O4-NH2 specifically bind to PCA, they restrict the exposures of the nanozyme’s activity sites and hinder their contact with the chromogenic substrate, which decreases the absorbance of the system. Based on this phenomenon, it demonstrates a good linear relationship between the decrease in absorbance and the concentration of PCA within the range of 1 to 250 μM, with a detection limit of 0.84 μM. Notably, this method offers excellent selectivity, and presents a straightforward preparation process, allowing for easy visualization of detection results. Consequently, it provides a promising and versatile strategy for the subsequent development of colorimetric sensors based on molecular imprinted polymers.
The Effects of a Multifunctional Rust Inhibitor on the Rust Resistance Mechanism of Carbon Steel and the Properties of Concrete
Authors: Niu Zhiqiang , Lu Xiaoming , Luo Yanan
Published: August 2023

To address rebar corrosion in existing concrete structures, a multifunctional compound rust inhibitor was developed. This study investigates the impact of this inhibitor on carbon steel rust resistance, as well as the mechanical properties and durability of concrete. The results demonstrate a significant reduction in weight loss of carbon steel when using a multifunctional rust inhibitor, with a rust inhibition efficiency of 82.6%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were employed to observe and analyze the surface elements of carbon steel, both with and without the presence of a rust inhibitor. The findings indicate that the use of a rust inhibitor leads to a smoother and more stable surface film. The results of the experiments on compressive strength, chloride ion electromobility, and the rapid carbonation test of concrete with varying rust inhibitor contents indicate that increasing the amount of rust inhibitor can improve the compressive performance of concrete and can regulate the mobility of chloride ions. Specifically, when the rust inhibitor content reaches 4%, it has a notable positive impact on the performance of concrete, and further increases in content lead to smoother results.
Study of the Influence of the Excipients Used for the Synthesis of Microspheres Loaded with Quercetin: Their Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Frent Olimpia-Daniela , Duda-Seiman Daniel Marius , Vicas Laura Gratiela , Duteanu Narcis , Nemes Nicoleta Sorina , Pascu Bogdan , Teusdea Alin , Morgovan Claudia Mona , Muresan Mariana Eugenia , Jurca Tunde , Pallag Annamaria , Micle Otilia , Marian Eleonora
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the potential pharmaceutical applications of quercetin—a natural flavonoid compound with a polyphenolic structure—following its encapsulation in polymeric microspheres resistant to degradation. The microspheres were prepared from natural polymeric compounds (chitosan and sodium alginate) via a complex coacervation method, with the goal of protecting quercetin from the degradation reactions that can affect its bioactivity. After the microspheres were prepared, they were characterized using various analytical methods. The encapsulation efficiency (EE (%)), swelling index (idxSWL%), roughness (measured using confocal laser scanning microscopy—CLSM), and surface morphology (measured using scanning electron microscopy—SEM) were all analyzed. In addition, the release capacity of quercetin from the microspheres (mQrel%) and the antimicrobial activity of the microspheres were evaluated in vitro. Finally, a multivariate statistical analysis (MANOVA, p = 0.05, PCA, and AHC) was conducted. This analysis showed that chitosan–sodium alginate–quercetin microspheres (CAQ-Ms) entrap 86.91 ± 1.10–93.11 ± 0.72% quercetin; in vitro, 71.46 ± 0.25–91.06 ± 0.15% quercetin was released, and the swelling index was higher (6701.29 ± 0.39–10,009.30 ± 1.11%) in the phosphate-buffered solution with a pH of 7.4. The CLSM and SEM analyses showed that the polymer concentration in CAQ-Ms was increased, and the roughness and smoothness of the microspheres were also increased. SEM also showed that the external layer of CAQ-Ms was formed from chitosan and the internal layer was formed from sodium alginate. Antimicrobial tests showed that CAQ-Ms had antibacterial and antifungal effects on the analyzed strains and produced larger inhibition zones between 15.3 and 14.4 mm on Escherichia coli and between 13.3 and 14.2 mm on Candida albicans, and smaller inhibition zones, between 12.4 and 13.6 mm, on Staphylococcus aureus. According to the obtained results, after the multivariate statistical analysis, it can be observed that the best performance was presented by samples P1, P2, and P3. In conclusion, the method used for the formulation of CAQ-Ms was efficient because it enabled an increase in the solubility of quercetin in water and its protection against external and internal degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. This system can be further used to produce new pills for oral administration that are able to reach the small intestine, where they can then release loaded active drugs.
The Working Performance and Mechanical Strength of Reactive Powder Concrete with the CO2 Curing Method on the Surface of Secondary Aluminum Ash
Authors: Tang Peng , Cai Xin , Wang Hui , Shi Feiting
Published: August 2023

Secondary aluminum ash (SAA) is a common waste that, without reasonable treatment, results in pollution to the environment. A large amount of CO2 is emitted by human activities every day. If the CO2 cannot be treated in a timely manner, it will accelerate the greenhouse effect and pollute the environment. The CO2 curing on the surface of SAA can reduce excess CO2 emissions while improving the performance of the SAA. The application of CO2-cured SAA can simultaneously consume the emitted CO2 and solidify the SAA. In this article, the effect of CO2-cured secondary aluminum ash on the rheological properties, the initial setting time, the flexural strength (ft), the compressive strength (fcu) of reactive powder concrete (RPC), and the corresponding dry shrinkage rate (DSR) are investigated. Meanwhile, the capillary water absorption, the chloride ion migration coefficient (CMC), and the carbonization depth of RPC are determined. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the X-ray diffraction spectrum curves are selected to reveal the mechanism of the macro performance. Results indicate that CO2-cured secondary aluminum ash can increase the fluidity and decrease the plastic viscosity of fresh RPC. The initial setting time is increased by the CO2 curing. CO2-cured secondary aluminum ash can increase the ft and fcu by (0%~26.3% and 0% to 68.7%), respectively. The DSR is increased by adding secondary aluminum ash with an increasing rate of 0% to 91.3%. The capillary water absorption of RPC increases in the form of a linear function. The CMC and the carbonization depth of RPC are decreased by adding the CO2-cured secondary aluminum ash with decreasing rates of 0%~46.7% and 0%~45.7%. The CO2-cured secondary aluminum ash can make the hydration more compact and increased increase the hydration products (Ca(OH)2).
Microstructure and Corrosion Behaviour of Mg-Ca and Mg-Zn-Ag Alloys for Biodegradable Hard Tissue Implants
Authors: Dragomir (Nicolescu) Lavinia , Antoniac Iulian , Manescu (Paltanea) Veronica , Antoniac Aurora , Miculescu Marian , Trante Octavian , Streza Alexandru , Cotruț Cosmin Mihai , Forna Doriana Agop
Published: August 2023

Trauma orthopaedic surgery was the first domain to use degradable metallic implants made of magnesium alloys since the early 20th century. Unfortunately, the major limitation that consists of rapid degradation and subsequent implant failure, which occur in physiological environments with a pH between 7.4 and 7.6, prevents its widespread application. The biggest challenge in corrosion assay is the choice of the testing medium in order to reproduce more closely in vivo conditions. The current study was focused on two Mg-Zn-Ag alloys (Mg7Zn1Ag and Mg6Zn3Ag) and the Mg1Ca alloy. Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) and Kokubo’s simulated body fluid solution (SBF) were selected as testing mediums and we follow the corrosion evaluation by the corrosion rate and mass loss. Also, the corrosion behaviour was interpreted in correlation with the microstructural features and alloying elements of the experimental magnesium-based alloys revealed by optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). The experimental results highlight the more corrosive nature of the SBF environment and that a higher percentage of silver (2.5 wt.%) exhibited a better corrosion resistance. We consider that the magnesium alloy Mg6Zn3Ag showed valuable biodegradation characteristics to be considered as raw materials for manufacturing small trauma implants.
Electronic and Optical Properties of Finite Gallium Sulfide Nano Ribbons: A First-Principles Study
Authors: Abd-Elkader Omar H. , Abdelsalam Hazem , Sakr Mahmoud A. S. , Teleb Nahed H. , Zhang Qinfang
Published: August 2023

The electronic and optical properties of finite GaS nanoribbons are investigated using density functional theory calculations. The effect of size, edge termination, and chemical modification by doping and edge passivation are taken into account. The dynamical stability is confirmed by the positive vibration frequency from infrared spectra; further, the positive binding energies ensure the stable formation of the considered nanoribbons. Accurate control of the energy gap has been achieved. For instance, in armchair nanoribbons, energy gaps ranging from ~ 1 to 4 eV were obtained in varying sizes. Moreover, the energy gap can be increased by up to 5.98 eV through edge passivation with F-atoms or decreased to 0.98 eV through doping with Si-atoms. The density of states shows that the occupied molecular orbitals are dominated by S-atoms orbitals, while unoccupied ones are mostly contributed to by Ga orbitals. Thus, S-atoms will be the electron donor sites, and Ga-atoms will be the electron acceptors in the interactions that the nanoribbons might undergo. The nature of electron–hole interactions in the excited states was investigated using various indices, such as electron–hole overlapping, charge–transfer length, and hole–electron Coulomb attraction energy. The UV-Vis absorption spectra reveal a redshift by increasing the size in the armchair or the zigzag directions. Chemical functionalization shows a significant influence on the absorption spectra, where a redshift or blueshift can be achieved depending on the dopant or the attached element.
Sex-Dependent Skin Aging and Rejuvenation Strategies
Authors: Gerasymchuk Marta , Robinson Gregory Ian , Vardinska Nataliia , Ayedun Samuel Abiola , Alozie Sandra Chinwe , Robinson John Wesley , Kovalchuk Olga , Kovalchuk Igor
Published: August 2023

The skin, the largest external organ, serves as the primary defensive barrier against various environmental factors such as ultraviolet exposure, pollution, dietary habits, pathogens, and chemical compounds. Consequently, the skin reflects our age through visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, age spots, dullness, and sagging. This review explores the gender-related aspects of cutaneous aging and the associated dermatological conditions. It highlights the different manifestations of aging in females and males that become evident after the age of 12, emphasizing the susceptibility to conditions such as seborrheic eczema, acne, and rosacea. Treatment strategies often vary between genders due to these disparities. While men tend to experience accelerated skin aging, most anti-aging products and strategies primarily target females. However, there has been a recent shift in men’s priorities, leading to increased interest in maintaining a youthful appearance and seeking cosmetic treatments. The manuscript covers a comprehensive range of modern dermal anti-aging and rejuvenation procedures, including plastic surgery, bio-revitalization methods, lasers, microneedling, and topical treatments. Additionally, it explores promising natural and synthetic therapeutics for combating age-related skin changes. The focus is on understanding the physiological aspects of gender-related cutaneous structure and aging to guide effective and tailored approaches in dermatological practice.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children and Adolescents; Diagnostic and Therapeutic Pitfalls
Authors: Kostopoulou Eirini , Sinopidis Xenophon , Fouzas Sotirios , Gkentzi Despoina , Dassios Theodore , Roupakias Stylianos , Dimitriou Gabriel
Published: August 2023

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) represents an acute, severe complication of relative insulin deficiency and a common presentation of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) primarily and, occasionally, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in children and adolescents. It is characterized by the biochemical triad of hyperglycaemia, ketonaemia and/or ketonuria, and acidaemia. Clinical symptoms include dehydration, tachypnoea, gastrointestinal symptoms, and reduced level of consciousness, precipitated by a variably long period of polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss. The present review aims to summarize potential pitfalls in the diagnosis and management of DKA. A literature review was conducted using the Pubmed/Medline and Scopus databases including articles published from 2000 onwards. Diagnostic challenges include differentiating between T1DM and T2DM, between DKA and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS), and between DKA and alternative diagnoses presenting with overlapping symptoms, such as pneumonia, asthma exacerbation, urinary tract infection, gastroenteritis, acute abdomen, and central nervous system infection. The mainstays of DKA management include careful fluid resuscitation, timely intravenous insulin administration, restoration of shifting electrolyte disorders and addressing underlying precipitating factors. However, evidence suggests that optimal treatment remains a therapeutic challenge. Accurate and rapid diagnosis, prompt intervention, and meticulous monitoring are of major importance to break the vicious cycle of life-threatening events and prevent severe complications during this potentially fatal medical emergency.
Cutaneous Metastasis of Endometrial Cancer and Long-Term Survival: A Scoping Review and Our Experience
Authors: Nienhaus Alexandra , Rajakulendran Rahavie , Bernad Elena
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives: Cutaneous and soft tissue metastases of endometrial cancer are rare. This review aims to examine the prevalence of cutaneous metastasis, the diagnosis and treatment options, and the impact of cutaneous metastasis of endometrial cancer on overall survival. We also present a particular case with a long-term overall survival. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and PubMed Central using the following keywords: endometrial carcinoma metastasis, cutaneous metastasis, and five-year overall survival. Results: We identified 326 results and checked their titles for eligibility. There were eight studies included. We also presented a case of a 51-year-old woman with cutaneous metastasis and a large soft tissue metastasis with a prolonged overall survival of about 13 years after the appearance of the first cutaneous metastasis. Conclusions: This paper highlights the importance of skin evaluations in patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Healthcare providers must consider the possibility of cutaneous metastasis localization in patients with endometrial cancer to assign the correct stage and apply the appropriate treatment to increase long-term survival.
Machine Learning Approach for the Prediction of In-Hospital Mortality in Traumatic Brain Injury Using Bio-Clinical Markers at Presentation to the Emergency Department
Authors: Mekkodathil Ahammed , El-Menyar Ayman , Naduvilekandy Mashhood , Rizoli Sandro , Al-Thani Hassan
Published: August 2023

Background: Accurate prediction of in-hospital mortality is essential for better management of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Machine learning (ML) algorithms have been shown to be effective in predicting clinical outcomes. This study aimed to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality in TBI patients using ML algorithms. Materials and Method: A retrospective study was performed using data from both the trauma registry and electronic medical records among TBI patients admitted to the Hamad Trauma Center in Qatar between June 2016 and May 2021. Thirteen features were selected for four ML models including a Support Vector Machine (SVM), Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XgBoost), to predict the in-hospital mortality. Results: A dataset of 922 patients was analyzed, of which 78% survived and 22% died. The AUC scores for SVM, LR, XgBoost, and RF models were 0.86, 0.84, 0.85, and 0.86, respectively. XgBoost and RF had good AUC scores but exhibited significant differences in log loss between the training and testing sets (% difference in logloss of 79.5 and 41.8, respectively), indicating overfitting compared to the other models. The feature importance trend across all models indicates that aPTT, INR, ISS, prothrombin time, and lactic acid are the most important features in prediction. Magnesium also displayed significant importance in the prediction of mortality among serum electrolytes. Conclusions: SVM was found to be the best-performing ML model in predicting the mortality of TBI patients. It had the highest AUC score and did not show overfitting, making it a more reliable model compared to LR, XgBoost, and RF.
Partnership Working among Families, Therapists and Educationalists to Enhance Collaboration Enabling Participation of Children with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Kinnunen Anu , Vesterinen Annastiina , Kippola-Pääkkönen Anu , Karhula Maarit
Published: August 2023

Backround: The collaboration of families, therapists and educationalists has been found to be an important factor in the successful rehabilitation of children with intellectual disabilities. Previous studies have focused on the effects of therapies and the perspectives of parents on collaboration in rehabilitiation. This study aims to describe the facilitators of, and barriers to, collaboration with adults in enhancing the participation of children with intellectual disabilities in education environments. Methods: In a qualitative study, the data were collected in 2021–2022 through individual interviews with parents (n = 16), focus group interviews (n = 17) with education professionals and an online survey tool with open-ended questions from therapists (n = 309). The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Two overaching themes were identified: the prerequisites of collaboration and the sharing of expertise in collaboration from the perspective of all the participants, which included the factors facilitating and hindering collaboration. Conclusions: In optimizing the benefits of collaboration, all these themes are essential to enhancing functioning and participation. There is a need for the development of participatory practises to improve and intensify collaboration. The development of collaboration and practises should be supported by the managers. Digital solutions should be further explored in order to improve the partnership of adults and children.
Automatic Real-Time Creation of Three-Dimensional (3D) Representations of Objects, Buildings, or Scenarios Using Drones and Artificial Intelligence Techniques
Authors: Cujó Blasco Jorge , Bemposta Rosende Sergio , Sánchez-Soriano Javier
Published: August 2023

This work presents the development and evaluation of a real-time 3D reconstruction system using drones. The system leverages innovative artificial intelligence techniques in photogrammetry and computer vision (CDS-MVSNet and DROID-SLAM) to achieve the accurate and efficient reconstruction of 3D environments. By integrating vision, navigation, and 3D reconstruction subsystems, the proposed system addresses the limitations of existing applications and software in terms of speed and accuracy. The project encountered challenges related to scheduling, resource availability, and algorithmic complexity. The obtained results validate the applicability of the system in real-world scenarios and open avenues for further research in diverse areas. One of the tests consisted of a one-minute-and-three-second flight around a small figure, while the reconstruction was performed in real time. The reference Meshroom software completed the 3D reconstruction in 136 min and 12 s, while the proposed system finished the process in just 1 min and 13 s. This work contributes to the advancement in the field of 3D reconstruction using drones, benefiting from advancements in technology and machine learning algorithms.
Quantifying Parameter Interdependence in Stochastic Discrete Models of Biochemical Systems
Authors: Gholami Samaneh , Ilie Silvana
Published: August 2023

Stochastic modeling of biochemical processes at the cellular level has been the subject of intense research in recent years. The Chemical Master Equation is a broadly utilized stochastic discrete model of such processes. Numerous important biochemical systems consist of many species subject to many reactions. As a result, their mathematical models depend on many parameters. In applications, some of the model parameters may be unknown, so their values need to be estimated from the experimental data. However, the problem of parameter value inference can be quite challenging, especially in the stochastic setting. To estimate accurately the values of a subset of parameters, the system should be sensitive with respect to variations in each of these parameters and they should not be correlated. In this paper, we propose a technique for detecting collinearity among models’ parameters and we apply this method for selecting subsets of parameters that can be estimated from the available data. The analysis relies on finite-difference sensitivity estimations and the singular value decomposition of the sensitivity matrix. We illustrated the advantages of the proposed method by successfully testing it on several models of biochemical systems of practical interest.