bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Youth Adoption of Innovative Digital Marketing and Cross-Cultural Disparities
Authors: Boustani Nada Mallah , Chammaa Claude
Published: June 2023

This paper aims to explore Youth’s attitudes towards digital marketing utility perception and its effect on behavioral patterns in a cross-cultural perspective. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT 2) model was adopted together with three new variables from the reasoned action theory and the 5S Internet marketing model to propose a theoretical model on Youth’s digital marketing adoption. A survey was conducted in Italy (N = 165) and Lebanon (N = 150), and PLS analysis was implemented for the empirical testing of the proposed research model. In the Italian sample, Hedonic motivation, social influence, facilitating conditions, and efficiency significantly predicted the behavioral intention of digital marketing which, in turn, was significantly related to use behavior. Subsequently, in the Lebanese sample, the subjective norms of hedonic motivation, social influence, experience and habit predicted behavioral intention, which was positively related with use behavior. The results led to the conclusion that national cultures still play an important role in affecting digital marketing adoption among younger generations, especially in less industrialized and technologically developed countries. Therefore, companies should keep this aspect in mind when innovating and developing digital marketing strategies targeting this generation.
Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Fruit Yield under Irrigation and Mycorrhiza Conditions
Authors: Buczkowska Halina , Sałata Andrzej , Nurzyńska-Wierdak Renata
Published: June 2023

The size and quality of the melon fruit yield depend on the cultivar, climatic and agronomic factors. A three-year field experiment investigated the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) application and irrigation (IR) on the fruit yield of melon (Cucumis melo L. var. saccharinus Naud.) cultivars. The study was conducted on a certified organic farm located in south-eastern Poland (51.36° N, 22.83° E). The factors of the experiment were as follows: cultivar (Melba, Emir F1, Seledyn F1, Oliwin) and cultivation method (AMF and IR; AMF and non-IR; non-AMF and IR; non-AMF and non-IR as control). The dry matter (%), soluble solid (%), total sugar and reducing sugar (% fresh weight, FM), L-ascorbic acid (mg · 100 g−1 FM), and carotenoid (mg · 100 g−1 FM) contents of the fruit were determined. The highest total and marketable fruit yields were obtained using AMF and IR. Fruit from the AMF series (IR and non-IR) had the most carotenoids (respectively: 801.5 and 788.8 µg · 100 g−1 FM). The fruits of the AMF and IR plants contained the most total sugars (5.98%) and reducing sugars (2.91%) compared to the others. The control plants had the lowest number of marketable fruit, total and marketable fruit yield, and accumulated the least L-ascorbic acid, total sugars and reducing sugars. We suggest that AMF and IR can be recommended as a practical agronomic solutions for the field cultivation of melon under temperate climate conditions.
Screening of Candidate Housekeeping Genes in Uterus Caruncle by RNA-Sequence and qPCR Analyses in Different Stages of Goat (Capra hircus)
Authors: Zhou Yumei , Li Xingchun , Zhang Xinyue , Li Minghui , Luo Nanjian , Zhao Yongju
Published: June 2023

The uterus is a critical pregnancy organ for mammals. The normal growth and development of ruminant uterus caruncles are crucial to maintain gestation and fetal health in goats. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is a reliable tool to study gene expression profiling for exploring the intrinsic mechanism underlying the conversion process of uterus caruncle tissue. However, the candidate housekeeping genes (HKGs) are required for normalizing the expression of function genes. In our study, 22 HKGs were selected from analyzing transcriptome data at non-pregnancy and pregnancy processes and previous reports about HKGs in goat tissues. We assessed them for expression suitability in 24 samples from uterus tissues at 15 non-pregnant days (Stage 1), early (Stage 2), and medium-later pregnant days (Stage 3). The expression stability of these genes was evaluated by using geNorm, Normfinder, Bestkeeper, and Delta Ct algorithms and, comprehensively, by ReFinder. In addition, the most and least stable HKGs were used to normalize the target genes expression of SPP1, VEGFA, and PAG8. It was found that traditional reference genes, such as ACTB and GAPDH, were not suitable for target gene normalization. In contrast, PPIB selected from RNA sequencing data and EIF3K selected from previous references showed the least variation and were recommended as the best HKGs during the nonpregnant stage and the whole stages of goat uterus caruncle tissue, respectively. It is the first time the HKGs genes in uterus during the non-pregnant day and throughout the total pregnancy have been explored. These findings found suitable HKGs in uterus caruncle tissues at various stages of non-pregnancy and pregnancy; these can be useful for gene expression studies to reveal the molecular mechanisms of uterus development in goats.
Analysis of Antibiotic-Resistant and Virulence Genes of Enterococcus Detected in Calf Colostrum—One Health Perspective
Authors: Cunha Sandra , Miranda Carla , Martins Ângela , Soares Rúben , Maia Manuel , Silva Filipe , Igrejas Gilberto , Poeta Patrícia
Published: June 2023

Enterococci are considered among the most prevalent global multidrug-resistant microorganisms globally. Their dissemination is a global concern, particularly by food-producing animals for both animals and humans. The aim of this study was to identify the species and investigate the antibiotic resistance and virulence profile of Enterococcus in bovine colostrum. Out of 88 presumptive Enterococcus isolates, species identification and susceptibility to 14 antimicrobials were tested using the disk diffusion method. An analysis of the antibiotic resistance and virulence genes was performed on the most prevalent species, using specific PCR assays. Enterococcus faecalis (54.5%), E. faecium (14.8%) and E. gallinarum (6.8%) were the identified species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of E. gallinarum in bovine colostrum. The majority of the isolates showed resistance to quinupristin-dalfopristin (95.9%), erythromycin (80.7%), tetracycline (80.7%) and streptomycin (58%). Ninety-two percent of isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant. The most frequently detected resistance genes were tet(K) (61.1%), tet(M) (75.9%), tet(L) (90.7%), erm(B) (55.6%) and ant(6)-Ia (46.3%). The most prevalent virulence factors were cpd, esp, agg and cylLL. Enterococcus faecium showed a higher probability of carrying the erm(C), tet(M), ace and gel(E) genes (p < 0.05). These results demonstrated that colostrum can constitute an important reservoir and vehicle for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes to the three niches included in a One Health perspective (humans, animals and the environment), highlighting the importance of hygiene sanitary measures to mitigate colostrum microbial contamination.
Complete Remission in Paralytic Late Tick-Borne Neurological Disease Comprising Mixed Involvement of Borrelia, Babesia, Anaplasma, and Bartonella: Use of Long-Term Treatments with Antibiotics and Antiparasitics in a Series of 10 Cases
Authors: Trouillas Paul , Franck Michel
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to demonstrate that severe neurological motor deficits in the context of late tick-borne disease with mixed microorganism involvement are eligible for long-term combined antibiotic/antiparasitic treatments. The inclusion criteria were: 1. neurological limb paralysis with a disability score >4 according to the EDSS Kurtzke disability scale; 2. serological tests pointing to an involvement of the main tick-borne microorganisms Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Babesia, Anaplasma, and Bartonella; 3. a general disease for more than 6 months with fatigue, pain and subjective cognitive deficit. The patients were administered long-term treatments with repeated cycles (at least three) of 35-day IV ceftriaxone and repeated oral regimens of azithromycin–doxycycline and azithromycin–doxycycline–rifampicin. For Babesia, repeated courses of atovaquone–azithromycin were administered. Ten patients had intractable or severe motor deficits before treatment in the context of Borrelia (two cases) Borrelia–Babesia (four cases), Borrelia–Babesia–Anaplasma (two cases), Borrelia–Babesia–Anaplasma–Bartonella (one case) and Babesia–Anaplasma (one case). For several months, five had been in wheelchairs, and four had been walking with sticks. Seven patients out of 10 (70%) showed complete remission after a mean active treatment duration of 20.1 + 6.6 months, with a mean number of 4 ceftriaxone cycles. Three patients showed an initial remission but suffered secondary antibiotic/antiparasitic-resistant motor recurrences. Among the nine patients with Borrelia serologic positivity, treatments obtained complete remission in seven cases (77%). The findings of this ten-case series suggest the usefulness of long-term antibiotic/antiparasitic treatments in patients with severe late tick-borne neurological deficits with highly significant elements of tick-borne involvement.
Do Patients’ Psychosocial Characteristics Impact Antibiotic Prescription Rates?
Authors: Stenlund Säde , Mâsse Louise C. , Stenlund David , Sillanmäki Lauri , Appelt Kirstin C. , Koivumaa-Honkanen Heli , Rautava Päivi , Suominen Sakari , Patrick David M.
Published: June 2023

Previous research suggests that the characteristics of both patients and physicians can contribute to the overuse of antibiotics. Until now, patients’ psychosocial characteristics have not been widely explored as a potential contributor to the overuse of antibiotics. In this study, the relationship between a patient’s psychosocial characteristics (self-reported in postal surveys in 2003) and the number of antibiotics they were prescribed (recorded in Finnish national registry data between 2004–2006) were analyzed for 19,300 working-aged Finns. Psychosocial characteristics included life satisfaction, a sense of coherence, perceived stress, hostility, and optimism. In a structural equation model, patients’ adverse psychosocial characteristics were not related to increased antibiotic prescriptions in the subsequent three years. However, these characteristics were strongly associated with poor general health status, which in turn was associated with an increased number of subsequent antibiotic prescriptions. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that individuals who used healthcare services more frequently also received more antibiotic prescriptions. The current study does not support the view that patients’ adverse psychosocial characteristics are related to an increased number of antibiotic prescriptions. This could encourage physicians to actively discuss treatment options with their patients.
NAD+ Metabolism and Immune Regulation: New Approaches to Inflammatory Bowel Disease Therapies
Authors: Chen Chaoyue , Yan Wei , Tao Meihui , Fu Yu
Published: June 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a multifactorial systemic inflammatory immune response. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a co-enzyme involved in cell signaling and energy metabolism. Calcium homeostasis, gene transcription, DNA repair, and cell communication involve NAD+ and its degradation products. There is a growing recognition of the intricate relationship between inflammatory diseases and NAD+ metabolism. In the case of IBD, the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis relies on a delicate balance between NAD+ biosynthesis and consumption. Consequently, therapeutics designed to target the NAD+ pathway are promising for the management of IBD. This review discusses the metabolic and immunoregulatory processes of NAD+ in IBD to examine the molecular biology and pathophysiology of the immune regulation of IBD and to provide evidence and theoretical support for the clinical use of NAD+ in IBD.
Design and Implementation of a Six-Degrees-of-Freedom Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle
Authors: Salem Khaled M. , Rady Mohammed , Aly Hesham , Elshimy Haitham
Published: June 2023

In recent decades, there has been considerable interest in developing underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) due to their vital role in exploring ocean depths to perform missions in various applications, including offshore oil and gas, military and defense, scientific research, and aquaculture. To this end, researchers must consider multiple aspects to develop ROVs, such as general design, power and thrust system, navigation and control, and obstacle avoidance. Accordingly, this paper proposes an integrated framework for designing and implementing an ROV prototype, considering the mechanical, electrical, and software systems. Eventually, image processing was implemented using Python to examine the ROV’s capabilities in performing underwater missions. The proposed design employs six thrusters to provide controllability of the ROV in six-degrees-of-freedom (DOF). We coated the track width of the printed circuit board (PCB) with a composite mixture of tin, silver, and gold to resist corrosion and harsh environments, enhance the circuit performance and solderability, and increase its life span. The PCB was designed to sustain 30 A with 10 cm × 10 cm dimensions. The image processing results revealed that the proposed ROV could successfully identify the benthic species, follow the desired routes, detect cracks, and analyze obstacles.
Flexible Coated Conductive Textiles as Ohmic Heaters in Car Seats
Authors: Petru Michal , Ali Azam , Khan Amir Sohail , Srb Pavel , Kucera Lubos , Militky Jiri
Published: June 2023

Pleasant interior conditions within cars, as well as a comfortable feeling, are primary needs of car drivers to perform vital body functions during driving. In a cooler outer environment, a warming system within seats can quite feasibly maintain a realistic thermal balance in the body. An inbuilt heating system in car seats can not only provide adequate heat to the driver but is also relevant to minimizing the energy consumption within the vehicle interior. In order to evenly distribute the heat over the body contact area of the automotive seats, conductive textiles are proposed. In fact, these textiles behave as a semiconductor (as an electrical conductor and also creating resistance, which in turn creates heat). Flexible textile ohmic heaters present great advantages due to their ability to bend, stretch, and stitch. These properties make them valuable to ensure uniform heaters for irregular geometries. The present review highlights the use of different textile-based ohmic heaters, their fabrication methods, range of heating, and durability. Moreover, this review also focuses on the comparative mechanical performance and comfort properties of the presented fabrics (used in car seats). This study is beneficial for future trends of minimizing energy consumption and providing an effective way to reduce the carbon emissions and air pollution produced by vehicles.
Temperature Regulation of Hot Vapor Preservation Treatment of Litchi Based on PSO-Fuzzy PID
Authors: Tang Hao , Ma Ruijun , Chen Yu , Huang Li , Jiao Rui
Published: June 2023

In this paper, a control method was designed based on particle swarm optimization (PSO)–fuzzy PID (PSO-Fuzzy PID). In order to address the issues of significant nonlinearity and extensive hysteresis in the vapor temperature of litchi hot vapor preservation treatment equipment, as well as the inadequacy of traditional control schemes, a PSO-Fuzzy PID controller was developed through the integration of particle swarm optimization and fuzzy logic algorithms. This controller incorporates a scale factor and quantization factor, building upon the foundation of the Fuzzy PID controller. Additionally, a transfer function model was established for both the heating and disturbance links, utilizing a combination of test data modeling methods and relevant theory. Thirdly, a system simulation model was built to compare and verify PID, Fuzzy PID, and PSO-Fuzzy PID control methods, which were carried out on the MATLAB/Simulink simulation platform. Finally, the litchi load test was conducted to further verify the control performance of the PSO-Fuzzy PID method, where the litchi variety was “Jinggang Hongnuo”. The simulation results showed that the overshoot of the optimized control system was reduced by 93.5% and 42.9% compared with the traditional PID control and Fuzzy PID, and the regulation time was shortened by 46% and 31%, which indicates a better control effect. The test results showed that PSO-Fuzzy PID showed better system stability and accuracy than the fuzzy PID control method in different processing temperature and processing time for litchi’s hot vapor treatment. The maximum temperature difference decreased by 0.56 °C on average and the interference adjustment time was reduced by 7.5 s on average. PSO-Fuzzy PID has a good control effect on the temperature of litchi hot vapor treatment, which can provide a reference for model building and temperature control of other similar fruit and vegetable heat treatment equipment.
Region-of-Interest Optimization for Deep-Learning-Based Breast Cancer Detection in Mammograms
Authors: Huynh Hoang Nhut , Tran Anh Tu , Tran Trung Nghia
Published: June 2023

The early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer may increase survival rates and reduce overall treatment costs. The cancer of the breast is a severe and potentially fatal disease that impacts individuals worldwide. Mammography is a widely utilized imaging technique for breast cancer surveillance and diagnosis. However, images produced with mammography frequently contain noise, poor contrast, and other anomalies that hinder radiologists from interpreting the images. This study develops a novel deep-learning technique for breast cancer detection using mammography images. The proposed procedure consists of two primary steps: region-of-interest (ROI) (1) extraction and (2) classification. At the beginning of the procedure, a YOLOX model is utilized to distinguish breast tissue from the background and to identify ROIs that may contain lesions. In the second phase, the EfficientNet or ConvNeXt model is applied to the data to identify benign or malignant ROIs. The proposed technique is validated using a large dataset of mammography images from various institutions and compared to several baseline methods. The pF1 index is used to measure the effectiveness of the technique, which aims to establish a balance between the number of false positives and false negatives, and is a harmonic mean of accuracy and recall. The proposed method outperformed existing methods by an average of 8.0%, obtaining superior levels of precision and sensitivity, and area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC AUC) and the precision–recall curve (PR AUC). In addition, ablation research was conducted to investigate the effects of the procedure’s numerous components. According to the findings, the proposed technique is another choice that could enhance the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer using mammography images.
Probiotic-Based Sanitation in the Built Environment—An Alternative to Chemical Disinfectants
Authors: Ramos Ashley M. , Frantz Aubrey L.
Published: June 2023

The use of conventional chemical disinfectants is a common practice in built environments and has drastically increased in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While effective for instantaneous disinfection, the application of chemical disinfectants to indoor surfaces is associated with recontamination and is prone to select for antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. In contrast, probiotic-based sanitation (PBS) relies on the premise that probiotic bacteria, namely apathogenic Bacillus spp., when combined with eco-friendly detergents and applied to indoor surfaces can outcompete and exclude pathogens. Recent in situ studies assessing PBS in healthcare settings have demonstrated overwhelmingly positive results, including significant reductions in pathogen burden, antimicrobial-resistant genes and nosocomial infections, yet these studies are limited in duration and scope. Here, we review results of Bacillus-based PBS in practice, identify knowledge gaps and discuss the considerations for the widespread use of PBS in built environments. In a time when indoor cleaning and disinfection has come to the forefront, PBS may offer an attractive, effective and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical disinfectants.
Interferometry Observations of the Gravity Wave Effect on the Sporadic E Layer
Authors: Seid Chane Moges , Su Ching-Lun , Wang Chien-Ya , Chu Yen-Hsyang
Published: June 2023

On the basis of interferometry measurement made with the Chung-Li VHF radar, we investigated the effects of upward propagating gravity waves on the spatial structures and dynamic behavior of the 3 m field-aligned irregularities (FAIs) of the sporadic E (Es) layer. The results demonstrate that the quasi-periodic gravity waves oscillating at a dominant wave period of about 46.3 min propagating from east-southeast to west-northwest not only modulated the Es layer but also significantly disturbed the Es layer. Interferometry analysis indicates that the plasma structures associated with gravity wave propagation were in clumpy or plume-like structures, while those not disturbed by the gravity waves were in a thin layer structure that descended over time at a rate of about 2.17 km/h. Observation reveals that the height of a thin Es layer with a thickness of about 2–4 km can be severely modulated by the gravity wave with a height as large as 10 km or more. Moreover, sharply inclined plume-like plasma irregularities with a tilted angle of about 55° or more with respect to the zonal direction were observed. In addition, concave and convex shapes of the Es layer caused by the gravity wave modulations were also found. Some of the wave-generated electric fields were so intense that the corresponding E × B drift velocities of the 3 m Es FAIs approximated 90 m s−1. Most interestingly, sharp Doppler velocity shear as large as 68 m/s/km of the Es FAIs at a height of around 108 km, which bore a strong association with the result of the gravity wave propagation, was provided. The plausible mechanisms responsible for this tremendously large Doppler velocity shear are discussed.
Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity of Temperature and Precipitation in Complex Terrain along the Northeastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Chunmiao , Zhang Wenyong , Zou Songbing , Xu Baorong , Zhang Ying
Published: June 2023

The study of climate element distribution models under complex terrain conditions is a popular topic in the field of GIS application in climatology, especially in plateau areas with a complex topography and scarce meteorological station information. In this paper, the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of temperature and precipitation at the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau was analyzed by taking the northeastern edge of the plateau as the study area and constructing a topographic spatial statistical model using 47 meteorological stations and digital elevation models from 1981 to 2010. The following conclusions were drawn from the study: (1) The ME of the temperature distribution model for each month is below 0.9 °C; the maximum ME of the precipitation distribution model for each month is −5.808 mm in July, and the precipitation distribution model has similar error characteristics with the temperature distribution model, which can reflect the horizontal zone distribution pattern of meteorological data and can clearly show the changes of temperature and precipitation as the altitude increases. (2) The spatial distribution pattern of temperature is as follows: the temperature in the study area gradually increases from the southwest to the northeast, with Zhouqu County in Linxia Prefecture and Gannan Prefecture as the main high-temperature areas; the spatial distribution of precipitation is as follows: the precipitation in the southwest of the study area is significantly higher than that in the north, and the precipitation in Linxia Prefecture is significantly lower than that in Gannan Prefecture. (3) The temporal distribution pattern of the temperature distribution model is as follows: the overall temperature in the study area is at its lowest level in January, and the maximum temperature is only 2.6 °C, until July, when the maximum temperature rises to 24.2 °C and then gradually starts to decline; the spatial distribution of precipitation is as follows: the precipitation in the study area gradually rises from January, and the maximum precipitation rises to July and then starts to decline, and in December the precipitation falls to the lowest level. The temporal distribution characteristics of the precipitation distribution model are similar to those of the air temperature model, with obvious hydrothermal synchronization characteristics.
A Novel BC2N Monolayer as Anode Material for Li-Ion Battery
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Lin Jiahe , Lin Qiubao , Li Renquan , He Hongsheng
Published: June 2023

The stability, mechanical and electronic properties of a BC2N monolayer and its potential use as an anode material for Li-ion batteries were explored using the density functional theory calculation. The proposed BC2N monolayer shows good thermal and dynamical stabilities, as indicated by the ab initio molecular dynamics simulations and phonon dispersion calculations. The BC2N monolayer exhibits highly anisotropic mechanical properties. The electronic structure calculation based on the hybrid functional suggests that the BC2N monolayer is an indirect bandgap (~1.8 eV) semiconductor. The BC2N monolayer shows linear dichroism and is able to harvest visible and ultraviolet light. To investigate the application of the BC2N monolayer as a potential anode material for Li-ion batteries, the Li adsorption and diffusion on the monolayer were studied. The BC2N monolayer exhibits a high theoretical capacity of 1098 mAh/g for Li-ion batteries. The calculated diffusion barrier of Li ion is 0.45 eV, suggesting a rapid Li-ion charge and discharge rate. The unique mechanical and optical properties of the BC2N monolayer also make it an attractive material for use in advanced nanomechanical and optoelectronic devices.
Synergy of Regenerative Periodontal Surgery and Orthodontics Improves Quality of Life of Patients with Stage IV Periodontitis: 24-Month Outcomes of a Multicenter RCT
Authors: Jepsen Karin , Tietmann Christina , Martin Conchita , Kutschera Eric , Jäger Andreas , Wüllenweber Peter , Gaveglio Lorena , Cardaropoli Daniele , Sanz-Sánchez Ignacio , Fimmers Rolf , Jepsen Søren
Published: June 2023

In stage IV periodontitis patients with pathologic tooth migration (PTM), interdisciplinary treatment includes regenerative periodontal surgery (RPS) with an application of biomaterials and orthodontic therapy (OT) to restore function, esthetics and thereby quality of life (QoL). In a 24-month randomized trial we explored the synergy between regenerative medicine and biomechanical force application. The following methods were used: Forty-three patients had been randomized to a combined treatment comprising RPS and subsequent OT starting either 4 weeks (early OT) or 6 months (late OT) post-operatively. Clinical periodontal parameters and oral health-related QoL (GOHAI) were recorded up to 24 months. We obtained the following results: Mean clinical attachment gain (∆CAL ± SD) was significantly higher with early OT (5.96 ± 2.1 mm) versus late OT (4.65 ± 1.76 mm) (p = 0.034). Pocket closure (PPD ≤ 4 mm) was obtained in 91% of defects with early OT compared to 90% with late OT. GOHAI-scores decreased significantly from 26.1 ± 7.5 to 9.6 ± 4.7 (early OT) and 25.1 ± 7.1 to 12.7 ± 5.6 (late OT). Inconclusion, teeth severely compromised by intrabony defects and PTM can be treated successfully by RPS followed by early OT with the advantage of an overall reduced treatment time. As a result of the combined periodontal-orthodontic therapy, the oral health-related QoL of patients was significantly improved. Early stimulation of wound healing with orthodontic forces had a favorable impact on the outcomes of regenerative periodontal surgery.
Distribution, Effect, and Control of Exotic Plants in Republic of Korea
Authors: Lim Bong Soon , Seok Ji Eun , Lim Chi Hong , Kim Gyung Soon , Shin Hyun Chul , Lee Chang Seok
Published: June 2023

This study was carried out to clarify the spatial distribution of exotic plants at national, regional, and local levels, as well as their ecological impacts, and to prepare a strategy to reduce the impacts in Republic of Korea. This study was attempted at the national, regional, and local levels throughout Republic of Korea. Compositae occupied the highest percentage among invading exotic plants in Republic of Korea. A review of the biological attributes of exotic plants based on the dormancy form, longevity, disseminule form, growth form, and radicoid form showed that therophytes, annual plants, plants that disperse seeds by gravity (D4), erect form (E), and nonclonal growth form (R5) occupied the highest proportion. At the national level, the spatial distribution of exotic plants tended to depend on topographic conditions such as elevation and slope degree, and to increase around urbanized areas, agricultural fields, and coastal areas. The habitat types that exotic plants established were similar in their native habitat and in Korea, where they invaded. They preferred disturbed land such as roadsides, bare ground, agricultural fields, and so on. The spatial distribution of vegetation types dominated by exotic plants was restricted in the lowland. The proportion of the exotic/native plants tended to proportionate reversely to the vegetation type richness (the number of vegetation types); that is, the ecological diversity. The proportion of the exotic plants was higher in artificial plantations, vegetation due to disturbance, and vegetation established on lower slopes compared with upper slopes. Even at the local level, the exotic plants appeared abundantly in the introduced vegetation, while they were rare in the native ones. In the vegetation infected by exotic species, not only the species composition changed significantly, but the species diversity also decreased. Restorative treatment by introducing mantle vegetation around the hiking trail inhibited the establishment of exotic plants. Further, the restoration practice recovered the similarity of the species composition compared to the reference vegetation and increased the species diversity.
Assessing the Effects of the Topical Application of L-Menthol on Pain-Related Somatosensory-Evoked Potentials Using Intra-Epidermal Stimulation
Authors: Makibuchi Taiki , Yamashiro Koya , Anazawa Sayaka , Fujimoto Tomomi , Ochi Genta , Ikarashi Koyuki , Sato Daisuke
Published: June 2023

L-menthol is known to activate transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) and induce analgesia to thermal stimuli. However, since thermal stimulation leads to the interaction among the other TRP channels, it was unclear whether L-menthol causes analgesia to stimuli other than thermal stimuli. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether activating TRPM8 via topical application of 10% menthol solution attenuates pain-related somatosensory-evoked potentials (pSEPs) and affects numerical rating scale (NRS) score using intra-epidermal electrical stimulation (IES). We applied 10% L-menthol or control solution on the dorsum of the right hand of 25 healthy participants. The pSEP and NRS, elicited by IES, and sensory threshold were measured before and after each solution was applied. The results showed that the topical application of 10% L-menthol solution significantly reduced N2–P2 amplitude in pSEPs compared with the control solution. Moreover, the N2 latency was significantly prolonged upon the topical application of L-menthol solution. NRS scores were similar under both conditions. These results suggest that topical application of L-menthol does not alter subjective sensation induced using IES, although it may attenuate afferent signals at free nerve endings even with stimuli that do not directly activate TRP channels.
A Quantitative Investigation of the Effect of Scan Planning and Multi-Technology Fusion for Point Cloud Data Collection on Registration and Data Quality: A Case Study of Bond University’s Sustainable Building
Authors: Zhu Zicheng , Chen Tianzhuo , Rowlinson Steve , Rusch Rosemarie , Ruan Xianhu
Published: June 2023

The construction industry requires comprehensive and accurate as-built information for a variety of applications, including building renovations, historic building preservation and structural health monitoring. Reality capture technology facilitates the recording of as-built information in the form of point clouds. However, the emerging development trends of scan planning and multi-technology fusion in point cloud acquisition methods have not been adequately addressed in research regarding their effects on point cloud registration quality and data quality in the built environment. This study aims to extensively investigate the impact of scan planning and multi-technology fusion on point cloud registration and data quality. Registration quality is evaluated using registration error (RE) and scan overlap rate (SOR), representing registration accuracy and registration coincidence rate, respectively. Conversely, data quality is assessed using point error (PE) and coverage rate (CR), which denote data accuracy and data completeness. Additionally, this study proposes a voxel centroid approach and the PCP rate to calculate and optimize the CR, tackling the industry’s challenge of quantifying point cloud completeness.
The Role of Multimodal Imaging in Pathological Response Prediction of Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Patients Treated by Chemoradiation Therapy Followed by Radical Surgery
Authors: Pasciuto Tina , Moro Francesca , Collarino Angela , Gambacorta Maria Antonietta , Zannoni Gian Franco , Oradei Marco , Ferrandina Maria Gabriella , Gui Benedetta , Testa Antonia Carla , Rufini Vittoria
Published: June 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to develop predictive models for pathological residual disease after neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) by integrating parameters derived from transvaginal ultrasound, MRI and PET/CT imaging at different time points and time intervals. Methods: Patients with histologically proven LACC, stage IB2–IVA, were prospectively enrolled. For each patient, the three examinations were performed before, 2 and 5 weeks after treatment (“baseline”, “early” and “final”, respectively). Multivariable logistic regression models to predict complete vs. partial pathological response (pR) were developed and a cost analysis was performed. Results: Between October 2010 and June 2014, 88 patients were included. Complete or partial pR was found in 45.5% and 54.5% of patients, respectively. The two most clinically useful models in pR prediction were (1) using percentage variation of SUVmax retrieved at PET/CT “baseline” and “final” examination, and (2) including high DWI signal intensity (SI) plus, ADC, and SUVmax collected at “final” evaluation (area under the curve (95% Confidence Interval): 0.80 (0.71–0.90) and 0.81 (0.72–0.90), respectively). Conclusion: The percentage variation in SUVmax in the time interval before and after completing neoadjuvant CRT, as well as DWI SI plus ADC and SUVmax obtained after completing neoadjuvant CRT, could be used to predict residual cervical cancer in LACC patients. From a cost point of view, the use of MRI and PET/CT is preferable.
Hyperleukocytosis in Childhood Acute Leukemia: Early Complications and Survival Outcomes
Authors: Kittivisuit Sirinthip , Jongthitinon Nichanan , Sripornsawan Pornpun , Songthawee Natsaruth , Chavananon Shevachut , Limratchapong Chompoonut , McNeil Edward B. , Chotsampancharoen Thirachit
Published: June 2023

Hyperleukocytosis and extreme hyperleukocytosis, defined as initial white blood cell counts greater than 100 × 109/L and 200 × 109/L, respectively, have been associated with unfavorable outcomes. This study aimed to determine the early complications and survival outcomes of childhood leukemia patients with hyperleukocytosis. The medical records of 690 children newly diagnosed with acute leukemia between January 1998 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test were used to assess and compare the survival outcomes. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine associated risk factors for overall survival. We found that 16.6% of 483 childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients and 20.3% of 207 childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients had hyperleukocytosis at diagnosis. ALL patients with hyperleukocytosis had more early complications than those without hyperleukocytosis (p < 0.05). Among the ALL group, the 5-year overall survival rate for those with hyperleukocytosis was significantly lower than for those without hyperleukocytosis (37.2% vs. 67.8%, p < 0.0001), while the difference was not statistically significant in the AML group (19.0% vs. 30.2%, respectively, p = 0.26). Hyperleukocytosis (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.04), extreme hyperleukocytosis (HR: 2.71), age less than 1 year (HR: 3.05), age greater than 10 years (HR: 1.64), and male sex (HR: 1.37) were independently associated with poorer overall survival in childhood ALL patients. Extreme hyperleukocytosis (HR: 2.63) and age less than 1 year (HR: 1.82) were independently associated with poorer overall survival in AML patients. Hyperleukocytosis was associated with adverse survival outcomes in childhood leukemia.
Radiogenomics Analysis Linking Multiparametric MRI and Transcriptomics in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dinis Fernandes Catarina , Schaap Annekoos , Kant Joan , van Houdt Petra , Wijkstra Hessel , Bekers Elise , Linder Simon , Bergman Andries M. , van der Heide Uulke , Mischi Massimo , Zwart Wilbert , Eduati Federica , Turco Simona
Published: June 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a highly prevalent cancer type with a heterogeneous prognosis. An accurate assessment of tumor aggressiveness can pave the way for tailored treatment strategies, potentially leading to better outcomes. While tumor aggressiveness is typically assessed based on invasive methods (e.g., biopsy), radiogenomics, combining diagnostic imaging with genomic information can help uncover aggressive (imaging) phenotypes, which in turn can provide non-invasive advice on individualized treatment regimens. In this study, we carried out a parallel analysis on both imaging and transcriptomics data in order to identify features associated with clinically significant PCa (defined as an ISUP grade ≥ 3), subsequently evaluating the correlation between them. Textural imaging features were extracted from multi-parametric MRI sequences (T2W, DWI, and DCE) and combined with DCE-derived parametric pharmacokinetic maps obtained using magnetic resonance dispersion imaging (MRDI). A transcriptomic analysis was performed to derive functional features on transcription factors (TFs), and pathway activity from RNA sequencing data, here referred to as transcriptomic features. For both the imaging and transcriptomic features, different machine learning models were separately trained and optimized to classify tumors in either clinically insignificant or significant PCa. These models were validated in an independent cohort and model performance was used to isolate a subset of relevant imaging and transcriptomic features to be further investigated. A final set of 31 imaging features was correlated to 33 transcriptomic features obtained on the same tumors. Five significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found, of which, three had moderate strength (|r| ≥ 0.5). The strongest significant correlations were seen between a perfusion-based imaging feature—MRDI A median—and the activities of the TFs STAT6 (−0.64) and TFAP2A (−0.50). A higher-order T2W textural feature was also significantly correlated to the activity of the TF STAT6 (−0.58). STAT6 plays an important role in controlling cell proliferation and migration. Loss of the AP2alpha protein expression, quantified by TFAP2A, has been strongly associated with aggressiveness and progression in PCa. According to our findings, a combination of texture features extracted from T2W and DCE, as well as perfusion-based pharmacokinetic features, can be considered for the prediction of clinically significant PCa, with the pharmacokinetic MRDI A feature being the most correlated with the underlying transcriptomic information. These results highlight a link between quantitative imaging features and the underlying transcriptomic landscape of prostate tumors.
Deep Learning- and Expert Knowledge-Based Feature Extraction and Performance Evaluation in Breast Histopathology Images
Authors: Kode Hepseeba , Barkana Buket D.
Published: June 2023

Cancer develops when a single or a group of cells grows and spreads uncontrollably. Histopathology images are used in cancer diagnosis since they show tissue and cell structures under a microscope. Knowledge-based and deep learning-based computer-aided detection is an ongoing research field in cancer diagnosis using histopathology images. Feature extraction is vital in both approaches since the feature set is fed to a classifier and determines the performance. This paper evaluates three feature extraction methods and their performance in breast cancer diagnosis. Features are extracted by (1) a Convolutional Neural Network, (2) a transfer learning architecture VGG16, and (3) a knowledge-based system. The feature sets are tested by seven classifiers, including Neural Network (64 units), Random Forest, Multilayer Perceptron, Decision Tree, Support Vector Machines, K-Nearest Neighbors, and Narrow Neural Network (10 units) on the BreakHis 400× image dataset. The CNN achieved up to 85% for the Neural Network and Random Forest, the VGG16 method achieved up to 86% for the Neural Network, and the knowledge-based features achieved up to 98% for Neural Network, Random Forest, Multilayer Perceptron classifiers.
Cancer Cell-Intrinsic Alterations Associated with an Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment and Resistance to Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer
Authors: Otegui Nerea , Houry Maeva , Arozarena Imanol , Serrano Diego , Redin Esther , Exposito Francisco , Leon Sergio , Valencia Karmele , Montuenga Luis , Calvo Alfonso
Published: June 2023

Despite the great clinical success of immunotherapy in lung cancer patients, only a small percentage of them (<40%) will benefit from this therapy alone or combined with other strategies. Cancer cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic mechanisms have been associated with a lack of response to immunotherapy. The present study is focused on cancer cell-intrinsic genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic and metabolic alterations that reshape the tumor microenvironment (TME) and determine response or refractoriness to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Mutations in KRAS, SKT11(LKB1), KEAP1 and TP53 and co-mutations of these genes are the main determinants of ICI response in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Recent insights into metabolic changes in cancer cells that impose restrictions on cytotoxic T cells and the efficacy of ICIs indicate that targeting such metabolic restrictions may favor therapeutic responses. Other emerging pathways for therapeutic interventions include epigenetic modulators and DNA damage repair (DDR) pathways, especially in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Therefore, the many potential pathways for enhancing the effect of ICIs suggest that, in a few years, we will have much more personalized medicine for lung cancer patients treated with immunotherapy. Such strategies could include vaccines and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) cells.
Foreword Special Issue Genomic Instability in Tumor Evolution and Therapy Response
Authors: Mitxelena Jone , Zubiaga Ana M.
Published: June 2023

From an evolutionary perspective, mutations in the DNA molecule act as a source of genetic variation and thus, are beneficial to the adaptation and survival of the species [...]
Delta Radiomic Analysis of Mesorectum to Predict Treatment Response and Prognosis in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: Chiloiro Giuditta , Cusumano Davide , Romano Angela , Boldrini Luca , Nicolì Giuseppe , Votta Claudio , Tran Huong Elena , Barbaro Brunella , Carano Davide , Valentini Vincenzo , Gambacorta Maria Antonietta
Published: June 2023

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the delta radiomics approach based on mesorectal radiomic features to develop a model for predicting pathological complete response (pCR) and 2-year disease-free survival (2yDFS) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). Methods: Pre- and post-nCRT MRIs of LARC patients treated at a single institution from May 2008 to November 2016 were retrospectively collected. Radiomic features were extracted from the GTV and mesorectum. The Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the performance of the features in predicting pCR and 2yDFS. Results: Out of 203 LARC patients, a total of 565 variables were evaluated. The best performing pCR prediction model was based on two GTV features with an AUC of 0.80 in the training set and 0.69 in the validation set. The best performing 2yDFS prediction model was based on one GTV and two mesorectal features with an AUC of 0.79 in the training set and 0.70 in the validation set. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest a possible role for delta radiomics based on mesorectal features in the prediction of 2yDFS in patients with LARC.
Brain Infection by Group B Streptococcus Induces Inflammation and Affects Neurogenesis in the Adult Mouse Hippocampus
Authors: Segklia Katerina , Matsas Rebecca , Papastefanaki Florentia
Published: June 2023

Central nervous system infections caused by pathogens crossing the blood–brain barrier are extremely damaging and trigger cellular alterations and neuroinflammation. Bacterial brain infection, in particular, is a major cause of hippocampal neuronal degeneration. Hippocampal neurogenesis, a continuous multistep process occurring throughout life in the adult brain, could compensate for such neuronal loss. However, the high rates of cognitive and other sequelae from bacterial meningitis/encephalitis suggest that endogenous repair mechanisms might be severely affected. In the current study, we used Group B Streptococcus (GBS) strain NEM316, to establish an adult mouse model of brain infection and determine its impact on adult neurogenesis. Experimental encephalitis elicited neurological deficits and death, induced inflammation, and affected neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the adult hippocampus by suppressing the proliferation of progenitor cells and the generation of newborn neurons. These effects were specifically associated with hippocampal neurogenesis while subventricular zone neurogenesis was not affected. Overall, our data provide new insights regarding the effect of GBS infection on adult brain neurogenesis.
Recent Insights into the Role of PPARs in Disease
Authors: Wagner Nicole , Wagner Kay-Dietrich
Published: June 2023

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors that play important roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and cancer [...]