bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Contact and Non-Intrusive Add-on IoT Device for Wireless Remote Elevator Control
Authors: Rubies Elena , Bitriá Ricard , Clotet Eduard , Palacín Jordi
Published: March 2023

This work proposes an Internet-of-Things (IoT) device for remote elevator control. The new contribution of this proposal to the state-of-the-art is that it can convert a manually operated elevator into a remote controlled elevator without requiring any intrusive manipulation or wiring connection in the elevator. This IoT device has been designed as an add-on non-contact tool which is placed over the original elevator button panel, using servomotors to press the original buttons. This design allows its fast deployment as a remote control tool that increases elevator accessibility through the use of messages, a webpage or a QR code. Some application examples of this proposal are non-contact use of elevators in pandemic conditions, and the unsupervised use of elevators by autonomous cleaning or delivery mobile robots. The experimental evaluation of the IoT device in real operational conditions has validated its non-contact control features.
Fragments Inpainting for Tomb Murals Using a Dual-Attention Mechanism GAN with Improved Generators
Authors: Wu Meng , Chang Xiao , Wang Jia
Published: March 2023

As the only underground mural in the collection, the tomb murals are subject to damage due to temperature, humidity, and foundation settlement changes. Traditional mural inpainting takes a long time and requires experts to draw it manually. Therefore, the need for digital inpainting is increasing to save time and costs. Due to the scarcity of samples and the variety of damage, the image features are scattered and partially sparse, and the colors are less vivid than in other images. Traditional deep learning inpainting causes information loss and generates irrational structures. The generative adversarial network is, recently, a more effective method. Therefore, this paper presents an inpainting model based on dual-attention multiscale feature aggregation and an improved generator. Firstly, an improved residual prior and attention mechanism is added to the generator module to preserve the image structure. Secondly, the model combines spatial and channel attention with multiscale feature aggregation to change the mapping network structure and improve the inpainting accuracy. Finally, the segmental loss function and its training method are improved.The experimental results show that the results of using signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity (SSIM), and mean square error (MSE) on epitaxial mask, crack mask, random small mask, and random large mask are better than other methods. It demonstrates the performance of this paper in inpainting different diseases of murals. It can be used as a reference for experts in manual inpainting, saving the cost and time of manual inpainting.
Wearable Hand Orthotic Device for Rehabilitation: Hand Therapy with Multi-Mode Control and Real-Time Feedback
Authors: Megalingam Rajesh Kannan , Manoharan Sakthiprasad Kuttankulangara , Mohandas Sreekanth Makkal , Reddy Chennareddy Pavanth Kumar , Vijay Egumadiri , Naveen Polisetty Naga Venkata Koteswara , Chandrika Dega
Published: March 2023

IoT-based wearable devices are significantly contributing to personalized and pervasive modern healthcare. Traditional healthcare systems are handicapped by several factors, including shortages of physicians, nurses, healthcare devices, hospital beds, healthcare cost, etc. Conventional therapy is carried out either at a hospital or at home by certified therapists which is not affordable for many in developing nations. In this research work, we present IoT-based monitoring and an evaluation of key parameters and indicators of a wearable device used during the rehabilitation process in stroke patients’ hand therapy which can be operated by the users at home without the need for therapists. Sensors along with a controller board are used for signal acquisition, processing, and monitoring. The efficiency of therapy can be increased through real-time follow-up and feedback from therapists. Three different control methods are proposed and studied: smartphone-based speech, smartphone-based touch, and Internet of Things (IoT)-based dashboard. In addition, four different architectures, including: therapist therapy wearable, dual therapy wearable, user therapy wearable, and multiuser therapy wearable architectures are discussed. A rehabilitation therapy-based case study using the proposed wearable device with multiple volunteers was conducted. Therapists can remotely operate the device and train the users. Users can benefit and save on costs without the need to visit hospitals or therapy centers or hire therapists. Based on the results of the experiments with volunteers, we can confidently say that the proposed IoT-based wearable device can enhance the quality of life and well-being of the users.
Transport Properties of Intergrowth Structures Ba5In2Al2ZrO13 and Ba7In6Al2O19
Authors: Andreev Roman , Animitsa Irina
Published: March 2023

The development of solid oxide fuel cells operating at medium temperatures (500–700 °C and even lower) requires the search for proton conductors based on complex oxides that would have a wide range of required properties. This task stimulates the search for new promising phases with proton conductivity. The new hexagonal perovskite-related compound Ba7In6Al2O19 was synthesized by the solid-state method. The phase was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, and impedance spectroscopy (in a wide range of temperatures, and partial pressures of oxygen at various atmospheric humidities). The investigated phase had a hexagonal structure with a space group of P63/mmc; the lattice parameters for Ba7In6Al2O19 are a = 5.921(2) Å, c = 37.717(4) Å. The phase is capable of reversible hydration and incorporates up to 0.15 mol H2O. IR-data confirmed that protons in the hydrated compound are presented in the form of OH–-groups. Electrical conductivity data showed that the sample exhibited dominant oxygen-ion conductivity below 500 °C in dry air and dominant proton conductivity below 600 °C in wet air.
Regret and Hope on Transformers: An Analysis of Transformers on Regret and Hope Speech Detection Datasets
Authors: Sidorov Grigori , Balouchzahi Fazlourrahman , Butt Sabur , Gelbukh Alexander
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we analyzed the performance of different transformer models for regret and hope speech detection on two novel datasets. For the regret detection task, we compared the averaged macro-scores of the transformer models to the previous state-of-the-art results. We found that the transformer models outperformed the previous approaches. Specifically, the roberta-based model achieved the highest averaged macro F1-score of 0.83, beating the previous state-of-the-art score of 0.76. For the hope speech detection task, the bert-based, uncased model achieved the highest averaged-macro F1-score of 0.72 among the transformer models. However, the specific performance of each model varied slightly depending on the task and dataset. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of transformer models for hope speech and regret detection tasks, and the importance of considering the effects of context, specific transformer architectures, and pre-training on their performance.
Heterogeneous Graph Purification Network: Purifying Noisy Heterogeneity without Metapaths
Authors: Shen Sirui , Zhang Daobin , Li Shuchao , Dong Pengcheng , Liu Qing , Li Xiaoyu , Zhang Zequn
Published: March 2023

Heterogeneous graph neural networks (HGNNs) deliver the powerful capability to model many complex systems in real-world scenarios by embedding rich structural and semantic information of a heterogeneous graph into low-dimensional representations. However, existing HGNNs encounter great difficulty in balancing the ability to avoid artificial metapaths with resisting structural and informational noise in a heterogeneous graph. In this paper, we propose a novel framework called Heterogeneous Graph Purification Network (HGPN) which aims to solve such dilemma by adaptively purifying the noisy heterogeneity. Specifically, instead of relying on artificial metapaths, HGPN models heterogeneity by subgraph decomposition and adopts inter-subgraph and intra-subgraph aggregation methods. HGPN can learn to purify noisy edges based on semantic information with a parallel heterogeneous structure purification mechanism. Besides, we design a neighborhood-related dynamic residual update method, a type-specific normalization module and cluster-aware loss to help all types of node achieve high-quality representations and maintain feature distribution while preventing feature over-mixing problems. Extensive experiments are conducted on four common heterogeneous graph datasets, and results show that our approach outperforms all existing methods and achieves state-of-the-art performances consistently among all the datasets.
“Small Is Viable”: The Arts, Ecology, and Development in Peru
Authors: Fox Claire F.
Published: March 2023

This essay examines three Lima-based cultural projects dating from the 1980s through the 2000s that creatively adapt ideas and iconography associated with large-scale 1960s-era modernization initiatives to forge an alliance between “nature” and “culture” against capitalist development. Lima en un árbol (1981), an action and video by Rossana Agois, Wiley Ludeña, Hugo Salazar del Alcázar, and Armando Williams, and the installation and video Árbol (2002–2008) by Carmen Reátegui present trees as individuated, bearers of collective memory, and subjects of ritual interaction, while also contesting extractivist economies. The Micromuseo, founded in 1983 by Gustavo Buntinx and Susana Torres Márquez, conceptualized cultural networks as an ecosystem to articulate an “alternative museality” in the capital during eventful decades marked by devastating civil conflict and the implementation of austere neoliberalism. Inviting direct interaction with diverse publics, each of these ecologically oriented projects anticipates “cultural sustainability” as an emerging concept in cultural policy arenas. By drawing attention to how these cultural producers deliberately embrace the small and the everyday in opposition to elite institutional presentation, I want to bring greater recognition to cultural placemaking as a source of knowledge and a conduit for often marginalized perspectives to enter ongoing public conversations about human-environmental interactions.
Army Combat Fitness Test Relationships to Tactical Foot March Performance in Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Cadets
Authors: Withrow Kevin L. , Rubin Daniela A. , Dawes J. Jay , Orr Robin M. , Lynn Scott K. , Lockie Robert G.
Published: March 2023

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), consisting of deadlift, standing power throw, hand release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck or plank, and 2-mile run, is the United States Army’s new fitness test. The ACFT is designed to measure multiple fitness components required to perform combat tasks. One critical task is the tactical foot march (TFM), where soldiers cover long distances while carrying loads comprised of mission-essential equipment. As the ACFT is meant to predict soldier task performance, determining the relationships between the ACFT and the TFM is important. Data from 29 cadets (♂ = 20, ♀ = 9) from one university Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program were analyzed. The ACFT was recorded in raw and scaled scores. The TFM was performed over 6.44 km, with time recorded. Cadets carried a 15.88-kg rucksack, fighting load carrier, 3-L hydration pack, and replica M4 carbine. Independent samples t-tests evaluated ACFT and TFM between-sex differences. Partial correlations, controlling for sex, determined ACFT event and TFM relationships. Male cadets outperformed females in all ACFT tasks (p ≤ 0.039), except the push-up. ACFT total score, leg tuck, 2-mile run, and sprint-drag-carry showed large correlations with the TFM (r = ±0.463–0.531, p ≤ 0.026). Aerobic and anaerobic capacity and upper body/trunk strength were important fitness components for cadet TFM performance.
Applicability of International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) Scoring System for Autoimmune Hepatitis in Pediatrics
Authors: Sakulsaengprapha Vorada , Wasuwanich Paul , Naraparaju Gayathri , Korotkaya Yelena , Thawillarp Supharerk , Oshima Kiyoko , Karwowski Christine , Scheimann Ann , Karnsakul Wikrom
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Many hepatologic pathologies mimic autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Researchers developed the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) scoring system to compensate for the lack of specific diagnostic tests for AIH. The scoring system was not designed with pediatric patients in mind, so there are limits to its pediatric use. Additionally, there is limited information on the value of a liver biopsy in conjunction with its use. Methods: In this retrospective study, we evaluated the effect of liver biopsy scores on the IAIHG scoring system in patients that were 0–18 years old with suspected AIH. We also analyzed demographic data and laboratory values associated with a final AIH diagnosis. Results: We found that interface hepatitis and predominant plasma cells found during the biopsy were significantly associated with a final AIH diagnosis. We also found that abnormal laboratory values were associated with an AIH diagnosis. We found that IAIHG scores calculated post-liver biopsy showed a greater area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.95, which was compared to 0.88 for the scores calculated before a liver biopsy. Including biopsy metrics lowered the optimized cutoff score and test specificity. Conclusion: Incorporating liver histopathological features improved the performance of the IAIHG scoring system. Further studies to identify other potential elements in liver histology may improve the performance metrics of the IAIHG test in the pediatric population.
Environmental Enrichment and Metformin Improve Metabolic Functions, Hippocampal Neuron Survival, and Hippocampal-Dependent Memory in High-Fat/High-Sucrose Diet-Induced Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Ismail Teh Rasyidah , Yap Christina Gertrude , Naidu Rakesh , Pamidi Narendra
Published: March 2023

Background: The Western-style diet-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) may eventually trigger neurodegeneration and memory impairment. Thus, it is essential to identify effective therapeutic strategies to overcome T2D complications. This study aimed to investigate the effects of environmental enrichment (EE) and metformin interventions on metabolic dysfunctions, hippocampal neuronal death, and hippocampal-dependent memory impairments in high-fat/high-sucrose (HFS) diet-induced T2D rats. Methods: Thirty-two male rats (200–250 g) were divided into four groups: C group (standard diet + conventional cage); D group (HFS diet + conventional cage); DE group (HFS diet + EE cage/6hr daily); and DM group (HFS diet + metformin + conventional cage). Body weight was measured every week. T-maze tasks, anthropometric, biochemical, histological, and morphometric parameters were measured. The expression changes of hippocampal genes were also analyzed. Results: The anthropometric and biochemical parameters were improved in DE and DM groups compared with the D group. DE and DM groups had significantly higher T-maze percentages than the D group. These groups also had better histological and morphometric parameters than the D group. The interventions of EE and metformin enhanced the expression of hippocampal genes related to neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity (BDNF/TrkB binding, PI3K-Akt, Ras–MAPK, PLCγ–Ca2+, and LTP). Conclusion: Environmental enrichment (EE) and metformin improved metabolic functions, hippocampal neuron survival, and hippocampal-dependent memory in HFS diet-induced T2D rats. The underlying mechanisms of these interventions involved the expression of genes that regulate neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.
The Oncosuppressive Properties of KCTD1: Its Role in Cell Growth and Mobility
Authors: Smaldone Giovanni , Pecoraro Giovanni , Pane Katia , Franzese Monica , Ruggiero Alessia , Vitagliano Luigi , Salvatore Marco
Published: March 2023

The KCTD protein family is traditionally regarded as proteins that play key roles in neurological physiopathology. However, new studies are increasingly demonstrating their involvement in many other biological processes, including cancers. This is particularly evident for KCTD proteins not involved in protein ubiquitination and degradation, such as KCTD1. We explored the role of KCTD1 in colorectal cancer by knocking down this protein in the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line, SW480. We re-assessed its ability to downregulate β-catenin, a central actor in the WNT/β-catenin signalling pathway. Interestingly, opposite effects are observed when the protein is upregulated in CACO2 colorectal cancer cells. Moreover, interrogation of the TCGA database indicates that KCTD1 downregulation is associated with β-catenin overexpression in colorectal cancer patients. Indeed, knocking down KCTD1 in SW480 cells led to a significant increase in their motility and stemness, two important tumorigenesis traits, suggesting an oncosuppressor role for KCTD1. It is worth noting that similar effects are induced on colorectal cancer cells by the misregulation of KCTD12, a protein that is distantly related to KCTD1. The presented results further expand the spectrum of KCTD1 involvement in apparently unrelated physiopathological processes. The similar effects produced on colorectal cancer cell lines by KCTD1 and KCTD12 suggest novel, previously unreported analogous activities among members of the KCTD protein family.
Oral Immunization with Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 Expressing SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Induces Mucosal and Systemic Antibody Responses in Mice
Authors: Sarnelli Giovanni , Del Re Alessandro , Pesce Marcella , Lu Jie , Esposito Giovanni , Sanseverino Walter , Corpetti Chiara , Basili Franzin Silvia , Seguella Luisa , Palenca Irene , Rurgo Sara , De Palma Fatima Domenica Elisa , Zilli Aurora , Esposito Giuseppe
Published: March 2023

As of October 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a major public health conundrum, with increased rates of symptomatic infections in vaccinated individuals. An ideal vaccine candidate for the prevention of outbreaks should be rapidly scalable, easy to administer, and able to elicit a potent mucosal immunity. Towards this aim, we proposed an engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli) Nissle 1917 (EcN) strain with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP)-coding plasmid, which was able to expose SP on its cellular surface by a hybridization with the adhesin involved in diffuse adherence 1 (AIDA1). In this study, we presented the effectiveness of a 16-week intragastrically administered, engineered EcN in producing specific systemic and mucosal immunoglobulins against SARS-CoV-2 SP in mice. We observed a time-dependent increase in anti-SARS-CoV-2 SP IgG antibodies in the sera at week 4, with a titre that more than doubled by week 12 and a stable circulating titre by week 16 (+309% and +325% vs. control; both p < 0.001). A parallel rise in mucosal IgA antibody titre in stools, measured via intestinal and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of the treated mice, reached a plateau by week 12 and until the end of the immunization protocol (+300, +47, and +150%, at week 16; all p < 0.001 vs. controls). If confirmed in animal models of infection, our data indicated that the engineered EcN may be a potential candidate as an oral vaccine against COVID-19. It is safe, inexpensive, and, most importantly, able to stimulate the production of both systemic and mucosal anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike-protein antibodies.
Clinically Deployable Bioelectronic Sensing Platform for Ultrasensitive Detection of Transferrin in Serum Sample
Authors: Kaur Harleen , Chittineedi Prasanthi , Bellala Ravi Shankar , Bellala Venkata Madhavi , Singh Sandeep , Kumari Rohini , Chandra Pranjal , Pandrangi Santhi Latha , Singh Surinder P.
Published: March 2023

Varying levels of transferrin (Tf) have been associated with different disease conditions and are known to play a crucial role in various malignancies. Regular monitoring of the variations in Tf levels can be useful for managing related diseases, especially for the prognosis of certain cancers. We fabricated an immunosensor based on graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets to indirectly detect Tf levels in cancer patients. The GO nanosheets were deposited onto an indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass substrate and annealed at 120 °C to obtain reduced GO (rGO) films, followed by the immobilization of an antibody, anti-Tf. The materials and sensor probe used were systematically characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were also used for the stepwise sensor probe characterizations and Tf detection in serum samples, respectively. The anti-Tf/rGO/ITO immunosensor DPV output demonstrated an excellent Tf detection capability in the linear range of 0.1 mg mL−1 to 12 mg mL−1 compared to the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detection range, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.010 ± 0.007 mg mL−1. Furthermore, the results of the fabricated immunosensor were compared with those of the ELISA and autobioanalyzer techniques, showing an outstanding match with < 5% error and demonstrating the immunosensor’s clinical potential.
Biosensors in 2022
Authors: Marrazza Giovanna
Published: March 2023

Sixty years have passed since Clark and Lyons proposed the concept of using glucose enzyme electrodes to monitor the oxygen that is consumed during an enzyme-catalyzed reaction [...]
A Pilot Study: Extraction of a Neural Network and Feature Extraction of Generation and Reduction Mechanisms Due to Acute Stress
Authors: Choi Mi-Hyun
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to compare the functional connectivity (FC) assessed during acute stress and recovery after stress using the Montreal imaging stress task (MIST) in adults in their 20s and 30s with Korean Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores between 15 and 19 points inclusive. Four seed networks, including the salience network, default mode network, frontoparietal network, and dorsal attention network, were specified to extract the results. Healthy male and female adults who were required to make an effort to relieve stress were exposed to acute stress tasks, and the most common FCs were observed in the salience network, default mode network, and frontoparietal network during the stress and recovery phases. Compared to the stress phase, the increased effect size was significantly different in the recovery phase. In the stress phase, characteristically common FCs were observed in the dorsal attention network. During the recovery period, Salience network (Anterior Insula, R) and Salience network (anterior cingulate cortex, ACC)/Salience network (rostral prefrontal cortex, RPFC), Salience network (AInsula) and Salience network (RPFC), and Default Mode network (posterior cingulate) cortex, PCC) and fronto-parietal network (lateral prefrontal cortex, LPFC) FC were characteristically observed.
Motivation and Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction in Active Travel to Different Destinations: A Cluster Analysis with Adolescents Living in Germany
Authors: Renninger Denise , Bachner Joachim , García-Massó Xavier , Molina-García Javier , Reimers Anne Kerstin , Marzi Isabel , Beck Franziska , Demetriou Yolanda
Published: March 2023

Active travel in adolescence contributes to improved health outcomes. Self-Determination Theory suggests that motivation and basic psychological needs influence travel behavior. Person-centered approaches can examine interrelationships of these constructs underlying travel behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate (i) which clusters can be identified in adolescents, (ii) whether clusters explain overall active travel behavior, (iii) whether clusters were associated with travel mode to various destinations or distance, and (iv) whether differences across clusters appear regarding sex/gender, age, and weight status. The sample included 517 (263 male, 254 female) adolescents from Germany, aged 11–15. Self-organizing maps analysis identified six clusters from nine input variables: intrinsic motivation, integrated regulation, identified regulation, introjected regulation, external regulation, amotivation, autonomy satisfaction, competence satisfaction, and relatedness satisfaction. The most beneficial cluster regarding active travel demonstrated highest basic psychological needs satisfaction and autonomous motivation with low controlled motivation and amotivation. The most vulnerable cluster was characterized by generally low levels of motivation except for external regulation and amotivation. Clusters were not associated with distance to school, friends/relatives, shopping facilities, or leisure facilities. The findings support the importance of high quality and high quantity of motivation for active travel in adolescents.
Study on the Bearing Capacity of Steel Formwork Concrete Columns
Authors: Li Shengqiang , Wang Jin , Yu Zhiwei , Li Yadong , Guo Hongyan
Published: March 2023

Steel formworks are widely used in prefabricated buildings thanks to their good characteristics. With the rapid development of engineering construction in China, steel formwork concrete structures, characterized by convenient construction, good seismic performance, and high strength, are expected to be more extensively applied in engineering practice. However, the bearing capacity of different forms of steel formwork concrete is still unclear. Two prefabricated columns with different internal diaphragm styles were set up for axial compression tests to investigate the performance of steel formwork columns. This study conducts monotonic static loading tests on six prefabricated steel tube column specimens and performs finite element analysis by taking steel tube thickness, rebar diameter, and internal diaphragm style as the influencing parameters. The results show that the prefabricated specimens can work in the test process, and the ultimate bearing capacity is consistent between the tests and numerical simulation. Moreover, the nephograms obtained from numerical simulation also conformed to the failure mode of the specimens in the test process. Therefore, the finite element model proposed in this study can accurately predict the stress performance of steel formwork concrete stub columns. These results offer guidance for future engineering practices.
Early Diagnosis of Oral Cancer and Lesions in Fanconi Anemia Patients: A Prospective and Longitudinal Study Using Saliva and Plasma
Authors: Errazquin Ricardo , Carrasco Estela , Del Marro Sonia , Suñol Anna , Peral Jorge , Ortiz Jessica , Rubio Juan Carlos , Segrelles Carmen , Dueñas Marta , Garrido-Aranda Alicia , Alvarez Martina , Belendez Cristina , Balmaña Judith , Garcia-Escudero Ramon
Published: March 2023

Fanconi anemia (FA) patients display an exacerbated risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral potentially malignant lesions (OPMLs) at early ages. As patients have defects in their DNA repair mechanisms, standard-of-care treatments for OSCC such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, give rise to severe toxicities. New methods for early diagnosis are urgently needed to allow for treatment in early disease stages and achieve better clinical outcomes. We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study wherein liquid biopsies from sixteen patients with no clinical diagnoses of OPML and/or OSCC were analyzed for the presence of mutations in cancer genes. The DNA from saliva and plasma were sequentially collected and deep-sequenced, and the clinical evaluation followed over a median time of approximately 2 years. In 9/16 FA patients, we detected mutations in cancer genes (mainly TP53) with minor allele frequencies (MAF) of down to 0.07%. Importantly, all patients that had mutations and clinical follow-up data after mutation detection (n = 6) developed oral precursor lesions or OSCC. The lead-time between mutation detection and tumor diagnosis ranged from 23 to 630 days. Strikingly, FA patients without mutations displayed a significantly lower risk of developing precursor lesions or OSCCs. Therefore, our diagnostic approach could help to stratify FA patients into risk groups, which would allow for closer surveillance for OSCCs or precursor lesions.
Surgical Prehabilitation in Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancers: Impact of Unimodal and Multimodal Programs on Postoperative Outcomes and Prospects for New Therapeutic Strategies—A Systematic Review
Authors: Mareschal Julie , Hemmer Alexandra , Douissard Jonathan , Dupertuis Yves Marc , Collet Tinh-Hai , Koessler Thibaud , Toso Christian , Ris Frédéric , Genton Laurence
Published: March 2023

The advantages of prehabilitation in surgical oncology are unclear. This systematic review aims to (1) evaluate the latest evidence of preoperative prehabilitation interventions on postoperative outcomes after gastrointestinal (GI) cancer surgery and (2) discuss new potential therapeutic targets as part of prehabilitation. Randomized controlled trials published between January 2017 and August 2022 were identified through Medline. The population of interest was oncological patients undergoing GI surgery. Trials were considered if they evaluated prehabilitation interventions (nutrition, physical activity, probiotics and symbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and ghrelin receptor agonists), alone or combined, on postoperative outcomes. Out of 1180 records initially identified, 15 studies were retained. Evidence for the benefits of unimodal interventions was limited. Preoperative multimodal programs, including nutrition and physical activity with or without psychological support, showed improvement in postoperative physical performance, muscle strength, and quality of life in patients with esophagogastric and colorectal cancers. However, there was no benefit for postoperative complications, hospital length of stay, hospital readmissions, and mortality. No trial evaluated the impact of fecal microbiota transplantation or oral ghrelin receptor agonists. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings, identify patients who are more likely to benefit from surgical prehabilitation, and harmonize interventions.
Targeting AXL Using the AVB-500 Soluble Receptor and through Genetic Knockdown Inhibits Bile Duct Cancer Growth and Metastasis
Authors: Kim Jiyoung , Nam Gilyeong , Shin You Keun , Vilaplana-Lopera Nuria , Jeung Hei-Cheul , Moon Eui Jung , Lee Ik Jae
Published: March 2023

Bile duct cancer, or cholangiocarcinoma, is a rare disease with limited treatment options that include surgery and cytotoxic chemotherapy. The high recurrence rate and poor prognosis of this type of cancer highlights the need to identify new and more effective therapeutic targets. In this study, we found that AXL, a receptor tyrosine kinase, is highly expressed in biliary cancer patients and significantly correlated with poor patient outcomes, including metastasis and low survival rates. We also demonstrated that targeting AXL inhibits tumor progression. In vitro studies with bile duct cancer cells (SNU1196 and HUCCT1) showed that genetic knockdown of AXL significantly reduced both tumor cell growth and invasion. In addition, in vivo studies using subcutaneous and orthotopic intrahepatic models demonstrated that genetic inhibition of AXL resulted in tumor-growth delay. To further examine the possible clinical translation of AXL inhibition in the clinic, we tested the efficacy of AVB-500, a soluble AXL receptor, in reducing AXL activation and tumor growth. AVB-500 was effective at inhibiting AXL activation and decreasing the growth and invasion of SNU1196 and HUCCT1 tumors which possess high AXL expression. Most importantly, AVB-500 was highly effective at decreasing tumor dissemination of bile duct tumor cells in the peritoneal cavity. This study strongly supports the idea of using the AXL receptor as a new therapeutic target to treat the growth and progression of biliary cancer.
Coupling the Piezoelectric Effect and the Plasmonic Effect to Enhance the Photocatalytic Degradation of Ciprofloxacin in Au-Ferroelectric Bi4Ti3O12 Nanofibers
Authors: Meng Chao , Peng Junfeng , Wang Lei , Han Hao , Yang Kai , You Daotong
Published: March 2023

In this study, ferroelectric Bi4Ti3O12 and Au-Bi4Ti3O12 nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning and ion sputtering. The piezoelectric effect of Bi4Ti3O12 and the surface plasmon effect of Au were used to improve the photogenerated electron–hole separation and optical absorption. The results of the characterization showed successful preparation of the orthorhombic Bi4Ti3O12 nanofibers, in which the absorption band edge was 426 nm with a 2.91 eV band gap. The piezo-photocatalytic activity of the Bi4Ti3O12 was tested through the degradation of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin under three different experimental conditions: light, vibration, and light plus vibration. All of the ciprofloxacin was degraded after 80 min in piezo-photocatalytic conditions, with a piezo-photocatalytic degradation rate of 0.03141 min−1, which is 1.56 and 3.88 times, respectively, that of photocatalysis and piezo-catalysis. After loading Au on the Bi4Ti3O12, the degradation efficiency was improved under all three conditions, and the piezoelectric photocatalytic efficiency of Au-Bi4Ti3O12 for ciprofloxacin degradation was able to reach 100% in 60 min with a piezo-photocatalytic degradation rate of 0.06157 min−1. The results of the photocurrent and impedance tests indicated that the photocurrent density of Bi4Ti3O12 nanofibers loaded with Au is increased from 5.08 × 10−7 A/cm2 to 8.17 × 10−6 A/cm2, which is 16.08 times higher than without loading the Au. This work provides an effective way to improve the conversion efficiency of photocatalysis to degrade organic pollutants by combining the plasmon effect and the piezoelectric effect.
Quantification of the Microwave Effect in the Synthesis of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural over Sulfonated MIL-101(Cr)
Authors: Aljammal Noor , Lauwaert Jeroen , Biesemans Bert , Verpoort Francis , Heynderickx Philippe M. , Thybaut Joris W.
Published: March 2023

The potential benefits of microwave irradiation for fructose dehydration into 5 hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) have been quantified over a sulfonated metal–organic framework (MOF), MIL 101(Cr)-SO3H. The effects of temperature (140–170 °C), batch time (5–300 min), and catalyst-to-substrate ratio (0.1–0.01 g/g) were systematically mapped. After 10 min of microwave (MW) irradiation at 140 °C in a DMSO–acetone reaction medium, practically complete fructose conversion was obtained with a 70% yield of 5-HMF. Without MW, i.e., using conventional heating (CH) at the same conditions, the fructose conversion was limited to 13% without any 5-HMF yield. Rather, 90 min of CH was required to reach a similarly high conversion and yield. The profound impact of moving from CH towards MW conditions on the reaction kinetics, also denoted as the microwave effect, has been quantified through kinetic modeling via a change in the Gibbs free energy of the transition state. The modeling results revealed an eight-fold rate coefficient enhancement for fructose dehydration owing to MW irradiation, while the temperature dependence of the various reaction steps almost completely disappeared in the investigated range of operating conditions.
Promotion Effects of Ce-Doping on Catalytic Oxidation of Ethane over Pt/CexTi1−xO2
Authors: Wu Dengmao , Lv Xianyan , Ren Xiurong , Hou Changming , Ma Qianwei , Yao Junxuan , Hu Jiangliang
Published: March 2023

The catalytic oxidation of VOCs is widely acknowledged as the most available technology to reduce air pollution. Among the catalysts for VOCs, 1 wt%-Pt/TiO2 catalysts using metal as a doping element have shown amazing potential in many fields. However, achieving high catalytic performance at relatively low temperatures based on the activation of molecules is still a formidable challenge owing to the catalytic activity being highly dependent on temperature. Here, the role of the rare earth metal Ce in the catalytic oxidation of ethane was studied by preparing Pt/CexTi1−xO2 (x = 0, 0.002, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, and 0.05) catalysts. When the Ce/(Ce+Ti) molar ratio was 0.01, Pt/Ce0.01Ti0.99O2 achieved 90% ethane conversion at 436 °C. This reaction temperature is 15% lower than that for Pt/TiO2. The characterization results show that the doping of Ce caused lattice expansion of TiO2 and its distortion brought about by oxygen vacancies. Additionally, the appropriate amount of Ce-doping can alter the interaction between the active component Pt and the carrier TiO2, thereby improving the activity and concentration of the active surface lattice oxygen species of the catalyst. These results provide a foundation for the design of the catalytic oxidation of VOCs under mild operating conditions.
Coal as an Effective Catalyst for Selective Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane to Propene
Authors: Liu Qiuwen , Zhang Yuhua , Wu Yawei , Song Mingxia , Huang Caijin
Published: March 2023

Coal is a readily available and inexpensive material. However, its direct use as a catalyst is still rare, but attractive for practical application. In this paper, coal was directly used as a catalyst for the selective oxidative dehydrogenation of propane to propene. It exhibited a high selectivity over 90% with a yield of 8.4% at a high space velocity (12,000 mL·(h·g-cat)−1). The productivity up to 2.84 gC3H6 gcat−1 h−1 was obtained with propene selectivity above 80% (20,000 mL·(h·g-cat)−1). The kinetic showed first-order dependence with respect to propane or oxygen partial pressures. Meanwhile, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) demonstrated that the carbonyl groups act as active sites for oxidative dehydrogenation of propane to propene. This work expands the use of earth-abundant and low-price coal in catalysis with expectable scale application.
Endothelial Autophagy Dysregulation in Diabetes
Authors: Salemkour Yann , Lenoir Olivia
Published: March 2023

Diabetes mellitus is a major public health issue that affected 537 million people worldwide in 2021, a number that is only expected to increase in the upcoming decade. Diabetes is a systemic metabolic disease with devastating macro- and microvascular complications. Endothelial dysfunction is a key determinant in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Dysfunctional endothelium leads to vasoconstriction by decreased nitric oxide bioavailability and increased expression of vasoconstrictor factors, vascular inflammation through the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, a loss of microvascular density leading to low organ perfusion, procoagulopathy, and/or arterial stiffening. Autophagy, a lysosomal recycling process, appears to play an important role in endothelial cells, ensuring endothelial homeostasis and functions. Previous reports have provided evidence of autophagic flux impairment in patients with type I or type II diabetes. In this review, we report evidence of endothelial autophagy dysfunction during diabetes. We discuss the mechanisms driving endothelial autophagic flux impairment and summarize therapeutic strategies targeting autophagy in diabetes.
Transcriptional and Chromatin Accessibility Profiling of Neural Stem Cells Differentiating into Astrocytes Reveal Dynamic Signatures Affected under Inflammatory Conditions
Authors: Pavlou Maria Angeliki S. , Singh Kartikeya , Ravichandran Srikanth , Halder Rashi , Nicot Nathalie , Birck Cindy , Grandbarbe Luc , del Sol Antonio , Michelucci Alessandro
Published: March 2023

Astrocytes arise from multipotent neural stem cells (NSCs) and represent the most abundant cell type of the central nervous system (CNS), playing key roles in the developing and adult brain. Since the differentiation of NSCs towards a gliogenic fate is a precisely timed and regulated process, its perturbation gives rise to dysfunctional astrocytic phenotypes. Inflammation, which often underlies neurological disorders, including neurodevelopmental disorders and brain tumors, disrupts the accurate developmental process of NSCs. However, the specific consequences of an inflammatory environment on the epigenetic and transcriptional programs underlying NSCs’ differentiation into astrocytes is unexplored. Here, we address this gap by profiling in mice glial precursors from neural tissue derived from early embryonic stages along their astrocytic differentiation trajectory in the presence or absence of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a master pro-inflammatory cytokine. By using a combination of RNA- and ATAC-sequencing approaches, together with footprint and integrated gene regulatory network analyses, we here identify key differences during the differentiation of NSCs into astrocytes under physiological and inflammatory settings. In agreement with its role to turn cells resistant to inflammatory challenges, we detect Nrf2 as a master transcription factor supporting the astrocytic differentiation under TNF exposure. Further, under these conditions, we unravel additional transcriptional regulatory hubs, including Stat3, Smad3, Cebpb, and Nfkb2, highlighting the interplay among pathways underlying physiological astrocytic developmental processes and those involved in inflammatory responses, resulting in discrete astrocytic phenotypes. Overall, our study reports key transcriptional and epigenetic changes leading to the identification of molecular regulators of astrocytic differentiation. Furthermore, our analyses provide a valuable resource for understanding inflammation-induced astrocytic phenotypes that might contribute to the development and progression of CNS disorders with an inflammatory component.
In Vivo Efficacy and Safety Evaluations of Therapeutic Splicing Correction Using U1 snRNA in the Mouse Retina
Authors: Swirski Sebastian , May Oliver , Ahlers Malte , Wissinger Bernd , Greschner Martin , Jüschke Christoph , Neidhardt John
Published: March 2023

Efficacy and safety considerations constitute essential steps during development of in vivo gene therapies. Herein, we evaluated efficacy and safety of splice factor-based treatments to correct mutation-induced splice defects in an Opa1 mutant mouse line. We applied adeno-associated viruses to the retina. The viruses transduced retinal cells with an engineered U1 snRNA splice factor designed to correct the Opa1 splice defect. We found the treatment to be efficient in increasing wild-type Opa1 transcripts. Correspondingly, Opa1 protein levels increased significantly in treated eyes. Measurements of retinal morphology and function did not reveal therapy-related side-effects supporting the short-term safety of the treatment. Alterations of potential off-target genes were not detected. Our data suggest that treatments of splice defects applying engineered U1 snRNAs represent a promising in vivo therapeutic approach. The therapy increased wild-type Opa1 transcripts and protein levels without detectable morphological, functional or genetic side-effects in the mouse eye. The U1 snRNA-based therapy can be tailored to specific disease gene mutations, hence, raising the possibility of a wider applicability of this promising technology towards treatment of different inherited retinal diseases.
Telemedicine, E-Health, and Multi-Agent Systems for Chronic Pain Management
Authors: Ahmed Kamal Manar , Ismail Zainab , Shehata Islam Mohammad , Djirar Soumia , Talbot Norris C. , Ahmadzadeh Shahab , Shekoohi Sahar , Cornett Elyse M. , Fox Charles J. , Kaye Alan D.
Published: March 2023

Telemedicine, telehealth, and E-health all offer significant benefits for pain management and healthcare services by fostering the physician–patient relationship in otherwise challenging circumstances. A critical component of these artificial-intelligence-based health systems is the “agent-based system”, which is rapidly evolving as a means of resolving complicated or straightforward problems. Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) are well-established modeling and problem-solving modalities that model and solve real-world problems. MAS’s core concept is to foster communication and cooperation among agents, which are broadly considered intelligent autonomous factors, to address diverse challenges. MAS are used in various telecommunications applications, including the internet, robotics, healthcare, and medicine. Furthermore, MAS and information technology are utilized to enhance patient-centered palliative care. While telemedicine, E-health, and MAS all play critical roles in managing chronic pain, the published research on their use in treating chronic pain is currently limited. This paper discusses why telemedicine, E-health, and MAS are the most critical novel technologies for providing healthcare and managing chronic pain. This review also provides context for identifying the advantages and disadvantages of each application’s features, which may serve as a useful tool for researchers.
Characterization of Nitrogen-Doped TiO2 Films Prepared by Arc Ion Plating without Substrate Heating in Various N2/O2 Gas Mixture Ratios
Authors: Wu Hsing-Yu , Huang Wen-Chun , Wang Jyh-Liang , Yu Guo-Yu , Sun Yung-Shin , Hsu Jin-Cherng
Published: March 2023

Nitrogen-doped TiO2 films exhibit good photocatalytic ability in the visible (VIS) light region. This study reports the fabrication of these films using arc ion plating (AIP) in different ratios of nitrogen partial pressure (PN2) to oxygen partial pressure (PO2) without substrate heating and/or applied bias. This approach allows a significant broadening of the range of possible substrates to be used. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicate that these films deposited at room temperature are amorphous, and surface electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) images show that they have rough surfaces. Their transmittance and optical properties are measured with a spectrometer and ellipsometer, respectively. In addition, the bandgap energies of these amorphous films are derived by the ellipsometer from the Tauc–Lorentz (TL) model. The results indicate that the N-doped TiO2 film with a PN2/PO2 ratio of 1/4 attains the narrowest bandgap and the highest absorbance in the visible region. It can be attributed to the prominent Ti–N peaks observed in the sample’s Ti and N X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra. In addition, verified with the methylene blue (MB) test, this sample exhibits the best photocatalytic performance for its narrowest energy gap.
Tailored Biobased Resins from Acrylated Vegetable Oils for Application in Wood Coatings
Authors: Briede Sabine , Platnieks Oskars , Barkane Anda , Sivacovs Igors , Leitans Armands , Lungevics Janis , Gaidukovs Sergejs
Published: March 2023

The modern coating market is dominated by acrylic, polyurethane, and polyester polymer resins produced from unsustainable fossil resources. Herein, we propose the preparation of resins from biobased components to produce functional and solvent-free wood coatings with enhanced performance properties. Acrylated rapeseed, linseed, and grapeseed oils were prepared via a one-step synthesis and used as a basis for the control of resin viscosity and fatty acid content. A combination of vegetable oil acrylates was used as a matrix and the biobased monomer propoxylated glycerol triacrylate (GPT) was selected to tailor the properties of the UV crosslinked network. During polymerization, the GPT monomer induced a two-phase microstructure as indicated by an SEM analysis. The possibility of generating a tailored microstructure in the final material was examined in this study. The addition of GPT increased the storage modulus by up to five-fold, crosslink density by up to two-fold at 20 °C, and glass transition temperature by up to 10.2 °C. Pull-off adhesion tests showed a strength of 1.21 MPa. In addition, the photo-oxidation effect on samples, i.e., aging, was assessed with microhardness, sliding friction, and optical microscopy. Coatings showed a microhardness value up to 250 MPa, while a coefficient of friction (μ) was in the range of 0.21 to 0.88.