bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Sirtuins in Osteogenic Differentiation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Vascular Calcification
Authors: Wang Shuangshuang , Hu Siwang
Published: June 2022

Vascular calcification (VC) is a common pathological change in many chronic diseases, such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease. It is mainly deposited in the intima and media of vessels in the form of hydroxyapatite. Recently, a lot of research has been performed to show that VC is associated with various cellular stresses, such as hyperphosphate, hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Unfortunately, our understanding of the pathogenesis of calcification is far from comprehensive. Sirtuins belong to a family of class III highly conserved deacetylases that are involved in the regulation of biological and cellular processes including mitochondrial biogenesis, metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, DNA repair, etc. Numerous studies have shown that sirtuins might play protective roles in VC, and restoring the activity of sirtuins may be a potentially effective treatment for VC. However, the exact mechanism of their vascular protection remains unclear. Here, we reviewed the roles of sirtuins in the osteogenic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells and the development of VC. We also elucidated the applications of sirtuins agonists for the treatment of VC.
A Randomized Comparison of the Healing Response Between the Firehawk Stent and the Xience Stent in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction at 6 Months of Follow-Up (TARGET STEMI OCT China Trial): An Optical Coherence Tomography Study
Authors: He Yuan , Wang Rutao , Liu Jianzheng , Li Fei , Li Jiayi , Li Chengxiang , Zhou Jingyu , Zhao Zhijing , Yang Wangwei , Mou Fangjun , Wang Jing , Kan Jing , Li Xiaobo , Li Yan , Zheng Ming , Chen Shaoliang , Gao Chao , Tao Ling
Published: June 2022

Background

The healing response of the Firehawk stent in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains unclear.

Aim

We compared the vascular healing of a biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent (Firehawk) vs. a durable polymer everolimus-eluting stent (Xience) at 6 months after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with STEMI.

Methods

In this prospective, multicenter, randomized, non-inferiority study, patients within 12 h of STEMI onset were randomized in a ratio of 1:1 to receive Firehawk or Xience stents. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) follow-up was performed 6 months after the index procedure and assessed frame by frame. The primary endpoint was the neointimal thickness (NIT) at 6 months evaluated by OCT. The safety endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF) at 12 months.

Results

The Firehawk stent was non-inferior to the Xience stent in terms of the neointimal thickness (73.03 ± 33.30 μm vs. 78.96 ± 33.29 μm; absolute difference: −5.94 [one-sided 95% lower confidence bound: −23.09]; Pnon−inferiority < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between the Firehawk and Xience groups regarding the percentage of uncovered struts (0.55 [0.08, 1.32]% vs. 0.40 [0.21, 1.19]%, P = 0.804), the percentage of malapposed struts (0.17 [0.00, 1.52]% vs. 0.17 [0.00, 0.69]%, P = 0.662), and the healing score (1.56 [0.23, 5.74] vs. 2.12 [0.91, 3.81], P = 0.647). At 12 months, one patient in the Firehawk group experienced a clinically indicated target lesion revascularization. No other TLF events occurred in both groups. Independent risk factors of the NIT included body mass index, hyperlipidemia, B2/C lesions, thrombus G3–G5, thrombus aspiration, and postdilation pressure.

Conclusion

In patients with STEMI, Firehawk was non-inferior to Xience in vascular healing at 6 months. Both stents exhibited nearly complete strut coverage, moderate neointimal formation, and minimal strut malapposition.

Clinical Trial Number

NCT04150016.
Senescence in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Zha Yiwen , Zhuang Wenwen , Yang Yongqi , Zhou Yue , Li Hongliang , Liang Jingyan
Published: June 2022

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the primary cell type involved in the atherosclerosis process; senescent VSMCs are observed in both aged vessels and atherosclerotic plaques. Factors associated with the atherosclerotic process, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and calcium-regulating factors, are closely linked to senescence in VSMCs. A number of experimental studies using traditional cellular aging markers have suggested that anti-aging biochemical agents could be used to treat atherosclerosis. However, doubt has recently been cast on such potential due to the increasingly apparent complexity of VSMCs status and an incomplete understanding of the role that these cells play in the atherosclerosis process, as well as a lack of specific or spectrum-limited cellular aging markers. The utility of anti-aging drugs in atherosclerosis treatment should be reevaluated. Promotion of a healthy lifestyle, exploring in depth the characteristics of each cell type associated with atherosclerosis, including VSMCs, and development of targeted drug delivery systems will ensure efficacy whilst evaluation of the safety and tolerability of drug use should be key aims of future anti-atherosclerosis research. This review summarizes the characteristics of VSMC senescence during the atherosclerosis process, the factors regulating this process, as well as an overview of progress toward the development and application of anti-aging drugs.
Alternate Day Fasting Improves Endothelial Function in Type 2 Diabetic Mice: Role of Adipose-Derived Hormones
Authors: Cui Jian , Lee Sewon , Sun Yan , Zhang Cuihua , Hill Michael A. , Li Yuhang , Zhang Hanrui
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Intermittent fasting, including alternate day fasting (ADF), has grown in popularity as it can produce clinically significant metabolic benefits and is often considered to be easier to adhere to than other types of diets such as chronic calorie restriction. However, the effects of ADF on diabetes-associated vascular dysfunction, and the role of adipose-derived hormones, i.e., adipokines, in mediating its effects, remain largely unknown.

Objective

We aimed to test the hypothesis that ADF protects against diabetes-associated endothelial dysfunction, at least partly through modulating adipokine profiles.

Methods

Control mice (m Leprdb) and diabetic mice (Leprdb) were treated with 12-weeks of ADF. Glucose metabolism, endothelial function, and adipokine profile were assessed.

Results

ADF reduced fasting blood glucose level and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and improved insulin sensitivity. ADF improved endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of small mesenteric arteries (SMA) of Leprdb mice. The improvement in endothelial function was largely attenuated by incubation with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L-NAME. These ADF-induced metabolic and vascular benefits were accompanied by increased circulating adiponectin. Adenovirus-mediated adiponectin supplementation improved endothelial function in Leprdb mice, supporting endothelial protective roles in diabetes-associated endothelial dysfunction. Protein tyrosine nitration is a post-translational modification that serves as a marker of oxidative stress. Nitrotyrosine protein levels in SMA and mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) were elevated in Leprdb mice. ADF reduced nitrotyrosine protein in SMA, but not in MAT, of Leprdb mice.

Conclusion

ADF exerts metabolic and endothelial protective benefits. The improvement of endothelial function was partly mediated by increased adiponectin, representing an important mechanism for the beneficial vascular effects resulting from ADF.
Mechanisms of Oxidized LDL-Mediated Endothelial Dysfunction and Its Consequences for the Development of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Jiang Hui , Zhou Yongwen , Nabavi Seyed M. , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Little Peter J. , Xu Suowen , Weng Jianping , Ge Jianjun
Published: June 2022

Atherosclerosis is an immuno-metabolic disease involving chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, epigenetics, and metabolic dysfunction. There is compelling evidence suggesting numerous modifications including the change of the size, density, and biochemical properties in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) within the vascular wall. These modifications of LDL, in addition to LDL transcytosis and retention, contribute to the initiation, development and clinical consequences of atherosclerosis. Among different atherogenic modifications of LDL, oxidation represents a primary modification. A series of pathophysiological changes caused by oxidized LDL (oxLDL) enhance the formation of foam cells and atherosclerotic plaques. OxLDL also promotes the development of fatty streaks and atherogenesis through induction of endothelial dysfunction, formation of foam cells, monocyte chemotaxis, proliferation and migration of SMCs, and platelet activation, which culminate in plaque instability and ultimately rupture. This article provides a concise review of the formation of oxLDL, enzymes mediating LDL oxidation, and the receptors and pro-atherogenic signaling pathways of oxLDL in vascular cells. The review also explores how oxLDL functions in different stages of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Future targeted pathways and therapies aiming at reducing LDL oxidation and/or lowering oxLDL levels and oxLDL-mediated pro-inflammatory responses are also discussed.
Using Innovation-Corps (I-Corps™) Methods to Adapt a Mobile Health (mHealth) Obesity Treatment for Community Mental Health Settings
Authors: Haddad Rita , Badke D'Andrea Carolina , Ricchio Amanda , Evanoff Bradley , Morrato Elaine H. , Parks Joseph , Newcomer John W. , Nicol Ginger E.
Published: June 2022

Background

We employed Innovation Corps (I-Corps™) methods to adaptation of a mobile health (mHealth) short-message-system (SMS) -based interactive obesity treatment approach (iOTA) for adults with severe mentall illness receiving care in community settings.

Methods

We hypothesized “jobs to be done” in three broad stakeholder groups: “decision makers” (DM = state and community clinic administrators), “clinician consumers” (CC = case managers, peer supports, nurses, prescribers) and “service consumers” (SC = patients, peers and family members). Semistructured interviews (N = 29) were recorded and transcribed ver batim and coded based on pragmatic-variant grounded theory methods.

Results

Four themes emerged across groups: education, inertia, resources and ownership. Sub-themes in education and ownership differed between DM and CC groups on implementation ownership, intersecting with professional development, suggesting the importance of training and supervision in scalability. Sub-themes in resources and intertia differed between CC and SC groups, suggesting illness severity and access to healthy food as major barriers to engagement, whereas the SC group identified the need for enhanced emotional support, in addition to pragmatic skills like menu planning and cooking, to promote health behavior change. Although SMS was percieved as a viable education and support tool, CC and DM groups had limited familiarity with use in clinical care delivery.

Conclusions

Based on customer discovery, the characteristics of a minimum viable iOTA for implementation, scalability and sustainability include population- and context-specific adaptations to treatment content, interventionist training and delivery mechanism. Successful implementation of an SMS-based intervention will likely require micro-adaptations to fit specific clinical settings.
Feasibility of Digital Memory Assessments in an Unsupervised and Remote Study Setting
Authors: Berron David , Ziegler Gabriel , Vieweg Paula , Billette Ornella , Güsten Jeremie , Grande Xenia , Heneka Michael T. , Schneider Anja , Teipel Stefan , Jessen Frank , Wagner Michael , Düzel Emrah
Published: June 2022

Sensitive and frequent digital remote memory assessments via mobile devices hold the promise to facilitate the detection of cognitive impairment and decline. However, in order to be successful at scale, cognitive tests need to be applicable in unsupervised settings and confounding factors need to be understood. This study explored the feasibility of completely unsupervised digital cognitive assessments using three novel memory tasks in a Citizen Science project across Germany. To that end, the study aimed to identify factors associated with stronger participant retention, to examine test-retest reliability and the extent of practice effects, as well as to investigate the influence of uncontrolled settings such as time of day, delay between sessions or screen size on memory performance. A total of 1,407 adults (aged 18–89) participated in the study for up to 12 weeks, completing weekly memory tasks in addition to short questionnaires regarding sleep duration, subjective cognitive complaints as well as cold symptoms. Participation across memory tasks was pseudorandomized such that individuals were assigned to one of three memory paradigms resulting in three otherwise identical sub-studies. One hundred thirty-eight participants contributed to two of the three paradigms. Critically, for each memory task 12 independent parallel test sets were used to minimize effects of repeated testing. First, we observed a mean participant retention time of 44 days, or 4 active test sessions, and 77.5% compliance to the study protocol in an unsupervised setting with no contact between participants and study personnel, payment or feedback. We identified subject-level factors that contributed to higher retention times. Second, we found minor practice effects associated with repeated cognitive testing, and reveal evidence for acceptable-to-good retest reliability of mobile testing. Third, we show that memory performance assessed through repeated digital assessments was strongly associated with age in all paradigms, and individuals with subjectively reported cognitive decline presented lower mnemonic discrimination accuracy compared to non-complaining participants. Finally, we identified design-related factors that need to be incorporated in future studies such as the time delay between test sessions. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of fully unsupervised digital remote memory assessments and identify critical factors to account for in future studies.
Washing Reagents for Remediating Heavy-Metal-Contaminated Soil: A Review
Authors: Zhang Heng , Xu Yongxin , Kanyerere Thokozani , Wang Yang-shuang , Sun Minhui
Published: June 2022

Heavy-metal pollution of soils has become a major environmental concern around the world presently. Soil washing provides an effective measure of removing contaminants from soil permanently, of which washing reagent plays a vital role in the process. This article reviews the current knowledge acquired on the main aspects concerning washing reagents of soil washing for remediation of heavy-metal-contaminated soil based on more than 150 published studies over a period from 1990 to 2021. The review identifies and discusses the types of washing reagents with their associated characteristics. Based on the factors influencing washing remediation, multi-criteria decision-analysis, together with an integrated four-step procedure, is put forward to manage the selection and prioritizing of washing reagents. It crops out from the literature survey that the selection of the washing reagents is a balanced process by considering washing effect, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness. On the basis of such observation and evaluation, it is recommended that further study should be focused on developing new washing reagents or compound washing reagents that possess the advantage over heavy-metal removal ability, eco-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness as well. Selecting washing agents that are capable of being recovered from waste such as dissolved organic matter would be a promising trend in washing remediation. Artificial intelligence is expected to assist in the selection of washing reagents.
Upper-Tropospheric Temperature Pattern Over the Asian-Pacific Region in CMIP6 Simulations: Climatology and Interannual Variability
Authors: Fan Qiwei , Zhou Botao
Published: June 2022

Temperature is a most important indicator for climate change. However, compared to surface air temperature, relatively less attention has been shown to the upper-tropospheric temperature (UTT). Given that the Asian-Pacific UTT plays a remarkable role in the climate system, its future change deserves great attention. In this study, based on the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) simulations, the fidelity of 30 CMIP6 models on the Asian-Pacific UTT patterns was evaluated and their future changes under the scenarios of the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) 2–4.5 and 5–8.5 were projected. The evaluation indicates that the CMIP6 models have a good capacity to reproduce the climatology and interannual variability of seasonal UTT during 1965–2014, with the multi-model ensemble mean (MME) outperforming individual models. The observed seesaw oscillation between the Asian UTT and the North Pacific UTT during four seasons, named Asian-Pacific Oscillation (APO), is also well performed. The MME projects a similar spatial change under both scenarios in the second half of the 21st century, with lager changes in magnitude under SSP5-8.5 than under SSP2-4.5. Compared to 1965–2014, during 2050–2099, spring, summer and autumn UTTs are projected to cool (warm) in a widespread area of Asia (the North Pacific). The projected winter UTT decreases in East Asia and most of the North Pacific. In addition, an increased interannual variability of seasonal UTT is anticipated particularly in the mid-low latitudes of the Asian-Pacific sector. The APO phenomenon is expected to still be dominant in the future climate, but its intensity (interannual variability) tends to weaken (enlarge) in each season as compared to the current.
Adaptive Learning Techniques for a Personalized Educational Software in Developing Teachers’ Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge
Authors: Christodoulou Andri , Angeli Charoula
Published: June 2022

The authors discuss the design and utilization of e-TPCK, a self-paced adaptive electronic learning environment designed to promote the development of teachers’ Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPCK). The system employs a technological solution that promotes teachers’ ongoing TPCK development by engaging them in personalized learning experiences using technology-infused design scenarios. Results from an experimental research study revealed that the experimental group outperformed the control group in developing TPCK on two design tasks, substantiating the claim that the use of technology can better facilitate the development of TPCK than traditional instruction. Furthermore, e-TPCK’s adaptive guidance using worked-out examples led to mathemagenic learning effects for novice student-teachers, while for the more experienced student-teachers learning with e-TPCK proved beneficial only at the beginning of their engagement with the system. Hence, the relative effectiveness of instructional techniques embedded in e-TPCK became less effective as a result of student-teachers’ increasing expertise, providing evidence for the expertise reversal effect. In conclusion, the findings of the research are encouraging for the advantages of personalized learning in teacher education and showed that the design of adaptive learning technologies must account for learners’ prior knowledge and changing levels of expertise throughout the ongoing interaction with the computer system.
How a New Learning Theory Can Benefit Transformative Learning Research: Empirical Hypotheses
Authors: Friedman Joshua
Published: June 2022

Transformative Learning research and practice has consistently stalled on three fundamental debates: (1) what transformative learning is, and how it’s differentiated from other learning; (2) what the preconditions for transformative learning are; and (3) what transformative learning’s predictable and relevant outcomes are. The following article attempts two main feats: (1) to provide a re-organization of transformative learning theory through the work of Vygotskian cultural-historical activity theory, and a newly synthesized meta-theory of learning and development generally, and (2) to use that re-organized model to articulate empirical research questions and hypotheses that are more amenable to observation and analysis than the typical time and cost intensive methods available to most researchers studying transformative learning today. The newly synthesized model draws on historical work in cognitive, social, educational, and clinical psychology, and clearly articulates the dialectical nature between the environment and experience, and what is meant by classical transformative learning concepts such as cognitive-rational frame of reference shifts, self/soul inner work, critical reflection, imaginative engagement, and everything in between.
The Academic Demoralization of Students in Online Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Muassomah Muassomah , Abdullah Irwan , Hasanah Umdatul , Dalmeri Dalmeri , Sihombing Adison Adrianus , Rodrigo Luis
Published: June 2022

Academic moralization, which has been internalized through educational institutions with teacher supervision at schools, now falls into a decline in line with the implementation of distance education due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This article aims to show that an educational system that does not offer in-person teaching leads to students ignoring the values of academic morality, such as plagiarism, discipline, and responsibility. This article employs a qualitative descriptive method by relying on online news mapping data as a secondary source and verified data from interviews with elementary school students as the primary source. The results of this study indicate that online education as a learning solution during the pandemic has caused students to plagiarize, cheat, rely on others to complete their tasks, and lose an overall sense of discipline and responsibility. This study suggests a new direction of moral education that does not only rely on teacher supervision but rather builds the wisdom of students' independence upon learning.
Can We Cryopreserve the Sperm of COVID-19 Patients During the Pandemic?
Authors: Wu Yongming , Zhang Xiaoxue , Wang Zhiqiang , Xia Xinyi
Published: June 2022

An extreme strain has been placed on healthcare facilities in the COVID-19 era. Initial stage of the pandemic, national and international societies for reproductive medicine suggested the suspension of new IVF treatments and non-essential cryopreservation of gametes. Accordingly, the demands of cryopreservation of semen with COVID-19 patients also was suspended by some of cryobanks to protect staff and patients from unnecessary viral exposure at the acute stage. However, the pandemic may stay with us longer than expected. In addition, there will be some male COVID-19 patients with cancer or critically illness who needs to cryopreserve their semen before medical treatments, otherwise they might loss the chance of getting their own offspring. In this document, we summarize available evidence to deepen and expand awareness of feasibility of sperm cryopreservation and propose some suggestions to help cryobanks carry out sperm preservation procedure for COVID-19 male patients.
Deciphering Obesity-Related Gene Clusters Unearths SOCS3 Immune Infiltrates and 5mC/m6A Modifiers in Ossification of Ligamentum Flavum Pathogenesis
Authors: Zhang Baoliang , Yuan Lei , Chen Guanghui , Chen Xi , Yang Xiaoxi , Fan Tianqi , Sun Chuiguo , Fan Dongwei , Chen Zhongqiang
Published: June 2022

Background

Ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF) is an insidious and debilitating heterotopic ossifying disease with etiological heterogeneity and undefined pathogenesis. Obese individuals predispose to OLF, whereas the underlying connections between obesity phenotype and OLF pathomechanism are not fully understood. Therefore, this study aims to explore distinct obesity-related genes and their functional signatures in OLF.

Methods

The transcriptome sequencing data related to OLF were downloaded from the GSE106253 in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The obesity-related differentially expressed genes (ORDEGs) in OLF were screened, and functional and pathway enrichment analysis were applied for these genes. Furthermore, protein-protein interactions (PPI), module analysis, transcription factor enrichment analysis (TFEA), and experiment validation were used to identify hub ORDEGs. The immune infiltration landscape in OLF was depicted, and correlation analysis between core gene SOCS3 and OLF-related infiltrating immune cells (OIICs) as well as 5mC/m6A modifiers in OLF was constructed.

Results

Ninety-nine ORDEGs were preliminarily identified, and functional annotations showed these genes were mainly involved in metabolism, inflammation, and immune-related biological functions and pathways. Integrative bioinformatic algorithms determined a crucial gene cluster associated with inflammatory/immune responses, such as TNF signaling pathway, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, and regulation of interferon-gamma-mediated signaling. Eight hub ORDEGs were validated, including 6 down-regulated genes (SOCS3, PPARG, ICAM-1, CCL2, MYC, and NT5E) and 2 up-regulated genes (PTGS2 and VEGFA). Furthermore, 14 differential OIICs were identified by ssGSEA and xCell, and SOCS3 was overlapped to be the core gene, which was associated with multiple immune infiltrates (dendritic cells, macrophage, and T cells) and six m6A modifiers as well as four 5mC regulators in OLF. Reduced SOCS3 and FTO expression and up-regulated DNMT1 level in OLF were validated by Western blotting.

Conclusion

This study deciphered immune/inflammatory signatures of obesity-related gene clusters for the first time, and defined SOCS3 as one core gene. The crosstalk between 5mC/m6A methylation may be a key mediator of SOCS3 expression and immune infiltration. These findings will provide more insights into molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets of obesity-related OLF.
The PACAP Paradox: Dynamic and Surprisingly Pleiotropic Actions in the Central Regulation of Energy Homeostasis
Authors: Le Nikki , Sayers Sarah , Mata-Pacheco Veronica , Wagner Edward J.
Published: June 2022

Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP), a pleiotropic neuropeptide, is widely distributed throughout the body. The abundance of PACAP expression in the central and peripheral nervous systems, and years of accompanying experimental evidence, indicates that PACAP plays crucial roles in diverse biological processes ranging from autonomic regulation to neuroprotection. In addition, PACAP is also abundantly expressed in the hypothalamic areas like the ventromedial and arcuate nuclei (VMN and ARC, respectively), as well as other brain regions such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc), bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST), and ventral tegmental area (VTA) – suggesting that PACAP is capable of regulating energy homeostasis via both the homeostatic and hedonic energy balance circuitries. The evidence gathered over the years has increased our appreciation for its function in controlling energy balance. Therefore, this review aims to further probe how the pleiotropic actions of PACAP in regulating energy homeostasis is influenced by sex and dynamic changes in energy status. We start with a general overview of energy homeostasis, and then introduce the integral components of the homeostatic and hedonic energy balance circuitries. Next, we discuss sex differences inherent to the regulation of energy homeostasis via these two circuitries, as well as the activational effects of sex steroid hormones that bring about these intrinsic disparities between males and females. Finally, we explore the multifaceted role of PACAP in regulating homeostatic and hedonic feeding through its actions in regions like the NAc, BNST, and in particular the ARC, VMN and VTA that occur in sex- and energy status-dependent ways.
Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Gubbi Sriram , Koch Christian A. , Klubo-Gwiezdzinska Joanna
Published: June 2022

The treatment options that are currently available for management of metastatic, progressive radioactive iodine (RAI)-refractory differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs), and medullary thyroid cancers (MTCs) are limited. While there are several systemic targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, that are being evaluated and implemented in the treatment of these cancers, such therapies are associated with serious, sometimes life-threatening, adverse events. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) has the potential to be an effective and safe modality for treating patients with somatostatin receptor (SSTR)+ RAI-refractory DTCs and MTCs. MTCs and certain sub-types of RAI-refractory DTCs, such as Hürthle cell cancers which are less responsive to conventional modalities of treatment, have demonstrated a favorable response to treatment with PRRT. While the current literature offers hope for utilization of PRRT in thyroid cancer, several areas of this field remain to be investigated further, especially head-to-head comparisons with other systemic targeted therapies. In this review, we provide a comprehensive outlook on the current translational and clinical data on the use of various PRRTs, including diagnostic utility of somatostatin analogs, theranostic properties of PRRT, and the potential areas for future research.
The Value of Multimodality PET/CT Imaging in Detecting Prostate Cancer Biochemical Recurrence
Authors: Jiang Jie , Tang Xiaoxia , Pu Yongzhu , Yang Yong , Yang Conghui , Yang Fake , Tian Yadong , Li Jindan , Sun Hua , Zhao Sheng , Chen Long
Published: June 2022

Prostate cancer (PCa) induced death is the predominant cause of cancer-related death among men in 48 countries. After radical treatment, biochemical recurrence has become an important factor for prognosis. The early detection and diagnosis of recurrent lesions are very helpful in guiding treatment and improving the prognosis. PET/CT is a promising method for early detection of lesions in patients with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. This article reviews the progress of the research on PET/CT in the PCa biochemical recurrence and aims to introduce new technologies and provide more direction for future research.
Blockchain Adoption for Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Economic, Environmental, and Social Perspectives
Authors: Munir M. Adeel , Habib M. Salman , Hussain Amjad , Shahbaz Muhammad Ali , Qamar Adnan , Masood Tariq , Sultan M. , Mujtaba M. A. , Imran Shahid , Hasan Mudassir , Akhtar Muhammad Saeed , Uzair Ayub Hafiz Muhammad , Salman Chaudhary Awais
Published: June 2022

Due to the rapid increase in environmental degradation and depletion of natural resources, the focus of researchers is shifted from economic to socio-environmental problems. Blockchain is a disruptive technology that has the potential to restructure the entire supply chain for sustainable practices. Blockchain is a distributed ledger that provides a digital database for recording all the transactions of the supply chain. The main purpose of this research is to explore the literature relevant to blockchain for sustainable supply chain management. The focus of this review is on the sustainability of the blockchain-based supply chain concerning environmental conservation, social equality, and governance effectiveness. Using a systematic literature review, a total of 136 articles were evaluated and categorized according to the triple bottom-line aspects of sustainability. Challenges and barriers during blockchain adoption in different industrial sectors such as aviation, shipping, agriculture and food, manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceutical, and textile industries were critically examined. This study has not only explored the economic, environmental, and social impacts of blockchain but also highlighted the emerging trends in a circular supply chain with current developments of advanced technologies along with their critical success factors. Furthermore, research areas and gaps in the existing research are discussed, and future research directions are suggested. The findings of this study show that blockchain has the potential to revolutionize the entire supply chain from a sustainability perspective. Blockchain will not only improve the economic sustainability of the supply chain through effective traceability, enhanced visibility through information sharing, transparency in processes, and decentralization of the entire structure but also will help in achieving environmental and social sustainability through resource efficiency, accountability, smart contracts, trust development, and fraud prevention. The study will be helpful for managers and practitioners to understand the procedure of blockchain adoption and to increase the probability of its successful implementation to develop a sustainable supply chain network.
Application of Smart City Construction in a New Data Environment
Authors: Zhao Yunhong , Li Suruo , Chen Huafeng , Xu Yuhua
Published: June 2022

With the rapid development in the internet, cloud computing, Internet of Things, mobile internet, and other information technologies, the big data technology is widely used in all aspects of smart city construction. This study analyzes the development status of big data in urban planning and construction and studies the application of the big data technology in smart city construction. This study mainly analyzes and studies the aspects of smart city planning, smart transportation, smart community, smart health care, and smart education and finally puts forward relevant thoughts.
Sorption of Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid Including Its Isomers to Soils: Effects of pH, Natural Organic Matter and Na2SO4
Authors: Uwayezu Jean-Noel , Yeung Leo W. Y. , Bäckström Mattias
Published: June 2022

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) has been produced in large quantities for the use in various applications. As a consequence, PFOS is ubiquitous in the environment. Managing transportation of PFOS requires a clear understanding of PFOS mobilization in soils and their interactions with different soil components. The current study investigated a pH-dependent sorption of PFOS isomers onto soil and the effect of dissolved humic substances and Na2SO4. Sorption experiments of PFOS isomers was conducted on top and subsoils to assess their capacity to retain PFOS. Topsoil and subsoil samples were sampled from two areas in Kvarntorp, Kumla, Sweden. Sorption experiments were performed by shaking a mixture of soil and soil solutions spiked with PFOS isomers. One way ANOVA showed that linear PFOS (L-PFOS) and branched PFOS (Br-PFOS) isomers showed different sorption behavior onto soils. Calculated logarithmic partition coefficients revealed that L-PFOS is readily sorbed onto soils sampled at area 1) at very low pH (<4.5) whereas it was the least sorbed onto soils collected at area 2) under the studied pH range. Electrostatic interactions governed the sorption of PFOS isomers during acidic conditions whereas other mechanism controlled the sorption during neutral to alkaline conditions. The presence of humic acid enhanced the sorption of all PFOS isomers whereas fulvic acid inhibited their sorption onto soil. Sorption results revealed that the topsoil had a high capacity to sorb all PFOS isomers compared to the subsoil from the same area. For soils collected from an area covered by young oak trees, a high sorption on the topsoil was attributed to a high organic content [measured as loss on ignition (LOI)] and cation exchange capacity (CEC). However, there was no correlation between sorption capacity and LOI or CEC content for soil collected from another area covered by spruce forest. This suggested that the sorption on latter soils was controlled by other physicochemical properties.
Aboveground Carbon Fixation and Nutrient Retention in Temporary Spontaneous Cover Crops in Olive Groves of Andalusia
Authors: Torrús-Castillo Milagros , Domouso Pablo , Herrera-Rodríguez José M. , Calero Julio , García-Ruiz Roberto
Published: June 2022

In Southern Spain, olive trees have traditionally been cultivated in marginal areas with relatively shallow and bare soils under rainfed conditions, resulting in heavy soil losses and soil degradation. The implementation of temporary spontaneous cover crops in the inter-rows of olive groves, has proven to be a suitable diversification strategy to reduce soil erosion but it can also contribute to climate change mitigation and the boosting of internal nutrient recycling. However, information on the contribution of cover crops to atmospheric CO2 fixation and on nutrient retention in olive groves is scarce, which is a major drawback when it comes to modelling on larger spatial scales. In this study, we aimed to assess the potential effects of temporary spontaneous cover crops in olive groves on CO2 fixation and nutrient retention. The aerial biomass of cover crops (0.25m2 frames) and contents of carbon and nitrogen (CNHS analyser), phosphorus and potassium (IPC-MS) were analyzed in 46 commercial olive groves with different tree densities and cover crop layouts; the whole farm (WCC), the whole farm except the area below the tree canopy (CCC) or in bands of a given width in the inter-row area (BCC). Cover crops of 56% of the olive groves were under BCC whereas only 17% were under WCC. The annual net primary production of cover crops under WCC (1,707.4 kg DM ha−1 y−1) was significantly higher than that of CCC (769.5 kg DM ha−1 y−1) and with intermediate values for BCC (1,186.4 kg DM ha−1 y−1). Similarly, the annual rate of C-CO2 fixation in the annual net primary production of olive groves with WCC (642.1 kg C ha−1 y−1) was 1.35 and 2.1 times higher than the olive groves with BCC and CCC, respectively. On average, 19.5 kg N ha−1 y−1, 2.48 kg P ha−1 y−1 and 24.30 kg K ha−1 y−1 was accumulated in the biomass of the cover crops. This study demonstrates that cover crops contribute significantly to CO2 reduction and the retention of significant amounts of tree-unused nutrients. In addition, the higher the area covered by cover crops, the higher the contribution to these ecosystem services.
DNA Metabarcoding of Preservative Ethanol Reveals Changes in Invertebrate Community Composition Following Rotenone Treatment
Authors: Kjærstad Gaute , Majaneva Markus , Falahati-Anbaran Mohsen , Topstad Lasse , Finstad Anders Gravbrøt , Arnekleiv Jo Vegar , Ekrem Torbjørn
Published: June 2022

The botanical compound rotenone is extensively used to eradicate populations and reduce the negative impacts of freshwater invasive animals. The method is controversial as non-target organisms often are negatively affected, but these effects are highly variable among taxa and may be difficult to monitor on species-level as many invertebrates are challenging or costly to identify using morphology. We investigated the effect of rotenone treatment on freshwater invertebrates in two Nordic lakes using both traditional morphological identification and DNA metabarcoding of the preservative ethanol DNA (peDNA). We used a before-after-control-impact design in assessing the effect of the rotenone treatment, with two treated and two control lakes, all sampled immediately before the rotenone treatment, immediately after and 1 year after the treatment. The two methods of identification gave different results: The peDNA based method detected 333 taxa, while 90 taxa were recorded by morphological identification. Twenty-eight taxa were in common for both methods. Both traditional morphological identification and identification using metabarcoding of peDNA showed a significant effect of the rotenone treatment on invertebrate community composition expressed as Bray-Curtis dissimilarities. Using the results from peDNA, the number of taxa decreased just after the treatment and increased again 1 year after the treatment in the treated lakes, indicating a short-term effect of the treatment and a subsequent recovery of the invertebrate community. We conclude that DNA metabarcoding of preservative ethanol has a promising potential to record effects of anthropogenic stressors such as rotenone treatment. However, as peDNA based metabarcoding missed several taxa, and detected DNA from species not living in the actual sampling sites, the method needs further improvement and should perhaps be used in combination with morphological-based identification until sufficiently refined.
Policy Compliance and Ritual Maintenance Dilemma: Can Chinese Folk Temples’ Air Pollution Control Measures Ensure Visitor Satisfaction?
Authors: Wang Kuo-Yan , Yu Jing
Published: June 2022

In recent years, the environmental authorities in Taiwan have begun paying attention to the management of burning incense and joss paper during the Chinese folk belief worship process due to it being a source of air pollution. However, because of the specific religious comfort function, as well as the corresponding economic and social influence of the folk temple itself, devout believers and visitors tend to be more concerned about the temple’s environmental measures under the new policy implementation. Chinese folk temples are a good case study, as they strongly represent the sacrificial habits of many residents on the island. The present study was conducted with this framework in mind. The main objectives include exploring the following: 1) the attitudes of the visitors toward air pollution control in the temple, 2) their willingness to visit after the worshipped temple improves air quality, and 3) factors affecting the worshippers’ visit intention and policy satisfaction. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were utilized. The research shows that, first, the findings strongly suggested that the visitors’ attitudes toward air pollution control in this area were positive; second, for air pollution control in the temple, the survey revealed that visitors’ education level and place attachment were the main factors affecting their visit intention and policy satisfaction. What we have discovered means that people prefer better air quality measures to maintain fundamental religious worship rituals. They had clear ideas about the trade-off between spirituality and environmental protection.
Rescue Strategy in a Termite: Workers Exposed to a Fungal Pathogen Are Reintegrated Into the Colony
Authors: Moran Megan N. , Aguero Carlos M. , Eyer Pierre-André , Vargo Edward L.
Published: June 2022

Social insect colonies are characterized by an efficient division of labor, allowing high-value individuals (i.e., reproductives and brood) to be sheltered from tasks associated with increased risk of pathogen exposure, such as foraging or corpse disposal. This social organization helps limit the transmission of disease throughout the colony. Further, individuals can actively respond to imminent disease threats by altering their behaviors as a means of social immunity. In subterranean termites, although workers typically avoid detected pathogens, they can be attracted to pathogen cues when a nestmate is infected. Infected termites are usually groomed, but they may instead be cannibalized if the infection has already become lethal. The mechanisms governing these changes in behavior are unclear. We set out to examine immediate changes in individual behaviors, investigating the role that the infected individual plays in communicating its infection status to nestmates. We also assessed gradual changes in social organization after the re-introduction of an infected termite to the colony. Our results reveal that infected termites likely do not signal their infection status to nestmates through shaking behaviors and reduced movements, suggesting the occurrence of other mechanisms used in communicating infection. We also found that infected termites do not self-isolate and may travel to the densest part of the colony, where they can potentially benefit from grooming by large groups of nestmates. These results provide new insights into how individual changes in immune behaviors contribute to overall colony health, highlighting that, at early stages of infection, termites favor a rescuing strategy rather than isolation and/or cannibalization.
A Framework to Assess Forest-Agricultural Landscape Management for Socioecological Well-Being Outcomes
Authors: Milheiras Sergio G. , Sallu Susannah M. , Marshall Andrew R. , Shirima Deo D. , Kioko Esther N. , Loveridge Robin , Moore Eleanor , Olivier Pieter , Teh Yit Arn , Rushton Stephen , Pfeifer Marion
Published: June 2022

Global demand for agricultural products continues to grow. However, efforts to boost productivity exacerbate existing pressures on nature, both on farms and in the wider landscape. There is widespread appreciation of the critical need to achieve balance between biodiversity and human well-being in rural tropical crop production landscapes, that are essential for livelihoods and food security. There is limited empirical evidence of the interrelationships between natural capital, the benefits and costs of nature and its management, and food security in agricultural landscapes. Agroforestry practices are frequently framed as win-win solutions to reconcile the provision of ecosystem services important to farmers (i.e., maintaining soil quality, supporting pollinator, and pest control species) with nature conservation. Yet, underlying trade-offs (including ecosystem disservices linked to pest species or human-wildlife conflicts) and synergies (e.g., impact of ecosystem service provision on human well-being) are seldom analysed together at the landscape scale. Here, we propose a systems model framework to analyse the complex pathways, with which natural capital on and around farms interacts with human well-being, in a spatially explicit manner. To illustrate the potential application of the framework, we apply it to a biodiversity and well-being priority landscape in the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania, a public-private partnership for increasing production of cash and food crops. Our framework integrates three main dimensions: biodiversity (using tree cover and wildlife as key indicators), food security through crop yield and crop health, and climate change adaptation through microclimate buffering of trees. The system model can be applied to analyse forest-agricultural landscapes as socio-ecological systems that retain the capacity to adapt in the face of change in ways that continue to support human well-being. It is based on metrics and pathways that can be quantified and parameterised, providing a tool for monitoring multiple outcomes from management of forest-agricultural landscapes. This bottom-up approach shifts emphasis from global prioritisation and optimisation modelling frameworks, based on biophysical properties, to local socio-economic contexts relevant in biodiversity-food production interactions across large parts of the rural tropics.