bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Three-Dimensional Environmental Hydraulic Modeling in Scour Hole
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hoang Thao , Park Sungwon , Jang Dongmin , Ahn Jungkyu
Published: April 2022

The main goal of this study was comparing the performance of an open-source code OpenFOAM and a commercial software Ansys Fluent in simulating the turbulent flow through a scour hole developed in a sand bed channel, which helps to give a hint in choosing the appropriate calculating tool. Both models were set with the same mesh and as similar as possible numerical settings, with RANS turbulence modeling, applying the k-ωSST model, in transient simulations. The results of flow pattern, velocity, and turbulence properties were collected and compared with laboratory experimental data. The analyzed results showed that, although both of the two models cannot perfectly reproduce the values from a laboratory experiment, they can quite well capture the flow in scour hole near the wall, with a bit higher performance coming from the OpenFOAM model application.
Current Trends in Adjuvant Therapies for Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Authors: Shim Gyu-Jo , Ohe Joo-Young , Yoon Young-Jae , Kwon Yong-Dae , Kim Deog-Yoon
Published: April 2022

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a refractory disease, and a standard protocol for its treatment has not yet been established. In addition, owing to the old age of MRONJ patients and various complications, treatment goals focus on relieving the symptoms and improving the quality of life. For this reason, different treatments such as conservative, surgical, and adjunctive treatments have been attempted. In particular, adjunctive treatment, which is effective for promoting healing and reducing recurrence, is gaining increasing interest, and several studies and clinical trials related to it have been published. Representative adjuvant therapies include teriparatide, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2, hyperbaric oxygen, photobiomodulation and platelet concentrates. All have generally shown beneficial effects; however, no standard protocol for adjunctive treatment exists. Therefore, in this literature review, we briefly summarized the different adjuvant therapies and reviewed clinical reports to help decide whether to use adjuvant therapies in treating patients with MRONJ.
Effect of Forefoot–Rearfoot and Pelvic–Scapular Weight Shifts on Lower-Limb and Lumbar Muscle Activity during Static Wall-Squat Exercises
Authors: Biscarini Andrea , Dieni Cristina V. , Losavio Raffaele , Panichi Roberto , Contemori Samuele
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: The static body-weight wall-squat (SBWS) exercise is often included in the early rehabilitation stages of the lower limb. To establish its effectiveness and optimise its application, it is important to precisely quantify the muscle contribution to different versions of this exercise. (2) Methods: We analysed the electromyographic activity of lower limb and lumbar muscles during the SBWS with knees flexed at 45° by manipulating three different variables: horizontal distance of the ankles from the wall; scapular or pelvic location of the centre of pressure Cwall of the force exerted by the wall on the back; rearfoot or forefoot location of the centre of pressure CGR of the ground reaction force. (3) Results: The forefoot-to-rearfoot CGR shift significantly increased the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, and tibialis anterior activity up to 23%, 26%, and 44% of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). The lumbar muscle activity was maximised (23% MVIC) shifting CGR at the forefoot, Cwall at the scapular zone, and placing the feet far from the wall. (4) Conclusions: These SBWS methods might be effective for quadriceps, tibialis anterior, and lumbar muscles strengthening in the early phase of rehabilitation intervention as soon as the patient can tolerate partial weight-bearing. The exercise appears suitable for patients with low back pain and limited lumbar muscle endurance, or quadriceps weakness and inhibition secondary to a knee injury.
Identification of Friction Behavior Variation in the Minor Flank of Square Shoulder Milling Cutters under Vibration
Authors: Jiang Bin , Li Weiheng , Zhao Peiyi , Fan Lili , Sun Meng
Published: April 2022

In the milling process, the friction and wear of the tooth minor flank of the square shoulder milling cutter directly affects the machined surface quality and the cutter’s life. The friction of the minor flank of the cutter tooth presents a nonlinear distribution, and its variation cannot be revealed by using a single parameter. It is difficult to identify the dynamic characteristics of the friction of the minor flank of the cutter tooth. In this work, the friction velocity model for the cutter tooth minor flank was developed by using the relative motion relationship between the flank area element and the workpiece transition surface. In accordance with the atomic excitation theory developed under the potential energy field at the friction interface of the cutter, the model for friction energy consumption under the friction velocity and thermal-stress coupling field on the minor flank of the cutter tooth was developed. Based on the mechanism of the interfacial atomic thermal vibration, the model for the friction coefficient under thermal-stress mechanical coupling was developed. Using the instantaneous friction coefficient and normal stress, the instantaneous friction distribution function of the flank was obtained. Finally, an identification method for the friction dynamic characteristics of the shoulder milling cutter tooth flank under vibration was proposed and verified by experiments.
Study on Surface Integrity and Surface Roughness Model of Titanium Alloy TC21 Milling Considering Tool Vibration
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Li Hongyu , Yu Tianbiao
Published: April 2022

Due to its excellent strength, plasticity, and fracture toughness, titanium alloy has been widely used in the aerospace field. The specificity of its application environment places high demands on the surface quality of titanium alloy. In this paper, we study the effects of different lubrication methods on the microscopic topography, surface roughness, and microhardness of titanium alloy TC21 during the milling process. The lubrication methods include dry, high-pressure air cooling, and minimum quantity lubrication (MQL). Compared with dry milling and high-pressure air cooling conditions, the MQL environment can effectively suppress plastic deformation and surface defects of titanium alloy TC21. MQL is significant for improving the milling process of titanium alloy TC21. In addition, a surface roughness model considering milling vibration is developed. According to the results of orthogonal experiments, the prediction accuracy of the surface roughness model is acceptable, and the prediction errors are all below 20%.
Compressed Sensing Super-Resolution Method for Improving the Accuracy of Infrared Diagnosis of Power Equipment
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Jialin , Wang Lingjie
Published: April 2022

The infrared image of power equipment plays a crucial role in identifying faults, monitoring equipment condition, and so on. The low resolution and low definition of infrared images in applications contribute to the low accuracy of infrared diagnosis. A super-resolution reconstruction method of infrared image, based on compressed sensing theory, is proposed. Firstly, by analyzing the variation of high-frequency information in infrared images with different blurring degrees, the image gradient norm ratio is introduced to estimate the blur kernel matrix in the degradation model a priori. Then, in the process of image reconstruction, we add the full variational regularization term to the traditional compressed sensing model, and design a two-step full variational sparse reconstruction algorithm. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of the method. Compared with the existing classical super-resolution methods, this method offers improvement in subjective visual effect and objective evaluation index. In addition, the final image recognition and infrared diagnosis experiments show that this method is helpful to improve the accuracy of infrared diagnosis of power equipment.
Atmospheric Hg Levels in Tree Barks Due to Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining Activity in Bunut Seberang Village in Indonesia
Authors: Taufiq Azhary , Riniarti Melya , Widiastuti Endang Linirin , Prasetia Hendra , Yuwono Slamet Budi , Asmarahman Ceng , Rendra Tedy
Published: April 2022

Mercury (Hg) is a useful heavy metal; however, it is toxic to both humans and the environment. Tree bark is an excellent bioindicator, which has been proven to be effective in studying the level of atmospheric Hg contamination. This study aimed to determine the distribution of evaporated Hg using the total weight of Hg (THg) in tree barks in Indonesia at the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) area of Bunut Seberang Village and Lampung University, respectively. Samples were taken using purposive sampling, based on the criteria of forestry trees at a height level of 1.3 m above ground as wide as 100 cm2. The samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry and Scanning electron microscopy to determine the levels of THg and to investigate the bark structures. Results showed that the highest THg values were found in a Magnolia champaca sample (56.5 µg), followed by Swietenia mahagoni (45.8 µg) and Swietenia mahagoni (33.5 µg). All species studied showed THg levels in the tree barks at an elevation from 30 to 320 m above sea level. The Hg amounts found in the sampled barks indicated the dispersion of Hg throughout the ASGM area, which signified hazardous atmospheric conditions in the area.
Soft Rω-Open Sets and the Soft Topology of Soft δω-Open Sets
Authors: Al Ghour Samer
Published: April 2022

The author devotes this paper to defining a new class of soft open sets, namely soft Rω-open sets, and investigating their main features. With the help of examples, we show that the class of soft Rω-open sets lies strictly between the classes of soft regular open sets and soft open sets. We show that soft Rω-open subsets of a soft locally countable soft topological space coincide with the soft open sets. Moreover, we show that soft Rω-open subsets of a soft anti-locally countable coincide with the soft regular open sets. Moreover, we show that the class of soft Rω-open sets is closed under finite soft intersection, and as a conclusion, we show that this class forms a soft base for some soft topology. In addition, we define the soft δω-closure operator as a new operator in soft topological spaces. Moreover, via the soft δω-closure operator, we introduce soft δω-open sets as a new class of soft open sets which form a soft topology. Moreover, we study the correspondence between soft δω-open in soft topological spaces and δω-open in topological spaces.
Frame-Related Sequences in Chains and Scales of Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Balazs Peter , Bellomonte Giorgia , Hosseinnezhad Hessam
Published: April 2022

Frames for Hilbert spaces are interesting for mathematicians but also important for applications in, e.g., signal analysis and physics. In both mathematics and physics, it is natural to consider a full scale of spaces, and not only a single one. In this paper, we study how certain frame-related properties of a certain sequence in one of the spaces, such as completeness or the property of being a (semi-) frame, propagate to the other ones in a scale of Hilbert spaces. We link that to the properties of the respective frame-related operators, such as analysis or synthesis. We start with a detailed survey of the theory of Hilbert chains. Using a canonical isomorphism, the properties of frame sequences are naturally preserved between different spaces. We also show that some results can be transferred if the original sequence is considered—in particular, that the upper semi-frame property is kept in larger spaces, while the lower one is kept in smaller ones. This leads to a negative result: a sequence can never be a frame for two Hilbert spaces of the scale if the scale is non-trivial, i.e., if the spaces are not equal.
Artificial Feature Extraction for Estimating State-of-Temperature in Lithium-Ion-Cells Using Various Long Short-Term Memory Architectures
Authors: Kopp Mike , Ströbel Marco , Fill Alexander , Pross-Brakhage Julia , Birke Kai Peter
Published: April 2022

The temperature in each cell of a battery system should be monitored to correctly track aging behavior and ensure safety requirements. To eliminate the need for additional hardware components, a software based prediction model is needed to track the temperature behavior. This study looks at machine learning algorithms that learn physical behavior of non-linear systems based on sample data. Here, it is shown how to improve the prediction accuracy using a new method called “artificial feature extraction” compared to classical time series approaches. We show its effectiveness on tracking the temperature behavior of a Li-ion cell with limited training data at one defined ambient temperature. A custom measuring system was created capable of tracking the cell temperature, by installing a temperature sensor into the cell wrap instead of attaching it to the cell housing. Additionally, a custom early stopping algorithm was developed to eliminate the need for further hyperparameters. This study manifests that artificially training sub models that extract features with high accuracy aids models in predicting more complex physical behavior. On average, the prediction accuracy has been improved by ΔTcell=0.01 °C for the training data and by ΔTcell=0.007 °C for the validation data compared to the base model. In the field of electrical energy storage systems, this could reduce costs, increase safety and improve knowledge about the aging progress in an individual cell to sort out for second life applications.
Improved Titer in Late-Stage Mammalian Cell Culture Manufacturing by Re-Cloning
Authors: He Qin , Rehmann Matthew S. , Tian Jun , Xu Jianlin , Sabino Luzmary , Vandermark Erik , Basson Ziev , Po Iris , Bierilo Kathleen , Tremml Gabi , Rizzi Giovanni , Langsdorf Erik F. , Qian Nan-Xin , Borys Michael C. , Khetan Anurag , Li Zheng-Jian
Published: April 2022

Improving productivity to reduce the cost of biologics manufacturing and ensure that therapeutics can reach more patients remains a major challenge faced by the biopharmaceutical industry. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines are commonly prepared for biomanufacturing by single cell cloning post-transfection and recovery, followed by lead clone screening, generation of a research cell bank (RCB), cell culture process development, and manufacturing of a master cell bank (MCB) to be used in early phase clinical manufacturing. In this study, it was found that an additional round of cloning and clone selection from an established monoclonal RCB or MCB (i.e., re-cloning) significantly improved titer for multiple late phase monoclonal antibody upstream processes. Quality attributes remained comparable between the processes using the parental clones and the re-clones. For two CHO cells expressing different antibodies, the re-clone performance was successfully scaled up at 500-L or at 2000-L bioreactor scales, demonstrating for the first time that the re-clone is suitable for late phase and commercial manufacturing processes for improvement of titer while maintaining comparable product quality to the early phase process.
Isolation of NELL 1 Aptamers for Rhabdomyosarcoma Targeting
Authors: Duan Chengchen , Townley Helen Elizabeth
Published: April 2022

NELL1 (Neural epidermal growth factor-like (EGFL)-like protein) is an important biomarker associated with tissue and bone development and regeneration. NELL1 upregulation has been linked with metastasis and negative prognosis in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Furthermore, multiple recent studies have also shown the importance of NELL1 in inflammatory bowel disease and membranous nephropathy, amongst other diseases. In this study, several anti-NELL1 DNA aptamers were selected from a randomized ssDNA pool using a fluorescence-guided method and evaluated for their binding affinity and selectivity. Several other methods such as a metabolic assay and confocal microscopy were also applied for the evaluation of the selected aptamers. The top three candidates were evaluated further, and AptNCan3 was shown to have a binding affinity up to 959.2 nM. Selectivity was examined in the RH30 RMS cells that overexpressed NELL1. Both AptNCan2 and AptNCan3 could significantly suppress metabolic activity in RMS cells. AptNCan3 was found to locate on the cell membrane and also on intracellular vesicles, which matched the location of NELL1 shown by antibodies in previous research. These results indicate that the selected anti-NELL1 aptamer showed strong and highly specific binding to NELL1 and therefore has potential to be used for in vitro or in vivo studies and treatments.
Comparison of Unsupervised Machine Learning Approaches for Cluster Analysis to Define Subgroups of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction with Different Outcomes
Authors: Nouraei Hirmand , Nouraei Hooman , Rabkin Simon W.
Published: April 2022

Heart failure with preserved ejection (HFpEF) is a heterogenous condition affecting nearly half of all patients with heart failure (HF). Artificial intelligence methodologies can be useful to identify patient subclassifications with important clinical implications. We sought a comparison of different machine learning (ML) techniques and clustering capabilities in defining meaningful subsets of patients with HFpEF. Three unsupervised clustering strategies, hierarchical clustering, K-prototype, and partitioning around medoids (PAM), were used to identify distinct clusters in patients with HFpEF, based on a wide range of demographic, laboratory, and clinical parameters. The study population had a median age of 77 years, with a female majority, and moderate diastolic dysfunction. Hierarchical clustering produced six groups but two were too small (two and seven cases) to be clinically meaningful. The K-prototype methods produced clusters in which several clinical and biochemical features did not show statistically significant differences and there was significant overlap between the clusters. The PAM methodology provided the best group separations and identified six mutually exclusive groups (HFpEF1-6) with statistically significant differences in patient characteristics and outcomes. Comparison of three different unsupervised ML clustering strategies, hierarchical clustering, K-prototype, and partitioning around medoids (PAM), was performed on a mixed dataset of patients with HFpEF containing clinical and numerical data. The PAM method identified six distinct subsets of patients with HFpEF with different long-term outcomes or mortality. By comparison, the two other clustering algorithms, the hierarchical clustering and K-prototype, were less optimal.
Uncovering Forensic Taphonomic Agents: Animal Scavenging in the European Context
Authors: Indra Lara , Errickson David , Young Alexandria , Lösch Sandra
Published: April 2022

Animal scavenging by vertebrates can significantly alter human bodies and their deposition site. For instance, vertebrate animals can cause postmortem modification to a body, alter perimortem trauma, influence decomposition rates, disarticulate and scatter body parts or evidence, and affect the identification of the deceased. Animal scavenging is a relatively common occurrence in forensic investigations. Even so, studies on the subject are scattered and rare, with most focussing on geographical areas outside of Europe. For that reason, we intend to collate the literature to provide an account of forensically relevant vertebrate scavengers in Europe, their impacts on human remains, and their implications for forensic investigations. Here, we provide an overview of forensic aspects where the knowledge of animal scavenging is crucial, as well as an account of potential scavengers of human remains in Europe and their typical alterations to soft tissue and, in particular, to bones. In addition, we are the first to provide a guide for forensic practitioners to identify the presence of vertebrate scavenging and subsequently inform outdoor search strategies for affected human remains.
Chronic Stress-Related Gastroenteric Pathology in Cheetah: Relation between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors
Authors: Mangiaterra Sara , Marker Laurie , Cerquetella Matteo , Galosi Livio , Marchegiani Andrea , Gavazza Alessandra , Rossi Giacomo
Published: April 2022

The rapid decline of cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) throughout their range and long-term studies of captive breeding has increased conservation action for this species including the study of chronic diseases. Gastritis is one of the captive diseases that leads to high mortality presented with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and weight loss. The disease presents different histological lesions in the gastrointestinal tract that are characterized by inconstant and different clinical appearance in captive and free-range cheetahs. The aim of this review is to summarize the causes of chronic gastritis in the cheetah. Factors including diet, living conditions, infections with gastric Helicobacter-like organisms (GHLOs), the lack of genetic polymorphism and the cheetah’s specific-immunocompetence are analyzed. All studies on gastroenteric cheetah pathologies, conducted between 1991 (to the best of our knowledge, the first report on online databases) and 2021, are included in this review, highlighting the possible correlation between stress-related captive conditions and chronic gastric pathology.
Environmental Factors and the Risk of Developing Type 1 Diabetes—Old Disease and New Data
Authors: Zorena Katarzyna , Michalska Małgorzata , Kurpas Monika , Jaskulak Marta , Murawska Anna , Rostami Saeid
Published: April 2022

The incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is increasing worldwide. The onset of T1D usually occurs in childhood and is caused by the selective destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells (β-cells) by autoreactive T cells, leading to insulin deficiency. Despite advanced research and enormous progress in medicine, the causes of T1D are still not fully understood. Therefore, an extensive online search for scientific research on environmental factors associated with diabetes and the identification of new factors of unexplained etiology has been carried out using the PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases. The search results were limited to the past 11 years of research and discovered 143 manuscripts published between 2011 and 2022. Additionally, 21 manuscripts from between 2000 and 2010 and 3 manuscripts from 1974 to 2000 were referenced for historical reference as the first studies showcasing a certain phenomenon or mechanism. More and more scientists are inclined to believe that environmental factors are responsible for the increased incidence of diabetes. Research results show that higher T1D incidence is associated with vitamin D deficiency, a colder climate, and pollution of the environment, as well as the influence of viral, bacterial, and yeast-like fungi infections. The key viral infections affecting the risk of developing T1DM are rubella virus, mumps virus, Coxsackie virus, cytomegalovirus, and enterovirus. Since 2020, i.e., from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more studies have been looking for a link between Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and diabetes development. A better understanding of the role of viral, bacterial, and yeast-like fungi infections related to the risk of T1DM in children and adolescents and the identification of new risk factors, especially those spread by the droplet route, is of great importance for people and families with diabetes.
Integrative Gene Expression and Metabolic Analysis Tool IgemRNA
Authors: Grausa Kristina , Mozga Ivars , Pleiko Karlis , Pentjuss Agris
Published: April 2022

Genome-scale metabolic modeling is widely used to study the impact of metabolism on the phenotype of different organisms. While substrate modeling reflects the potential distribution of carbon and other chemical elements within the model, the additional use of omics data, e.g., transcriptome, has implications when researching the genotype–phenotype responses to environmental changes. Several algorithms for transcriptome analysis using genome-scale metabolic modeling have been proposed. Still, they are restricted to specific objectives and conditions and lack flexibility, have software compatibility issues, and require advanced user skills. We classified previously published algorithms, summarized transcriptome pre-processing, integration, and analysis methods, and implemented them in the newly developed transcriptome analysis tool IgemRNA, which (1) has a user-friendly graphical interface, (2) tackles compatibility issues by combining previous data input and pre-processing algorithms in MATLAB, and (3) introduces novel algorithms for the automatic comparison of different transcriptome datasets with or without Cobra Toolbox 3.0 optimization algorithms. We used publicly available transcriptome datasets from Saccharomyces cerevisiae BY4741 and H4-S47D strains for validation. We found that IgemRNA provides a means for transcriptome and environmental data validation on biochemical network topology since the biomass function varies for different phenotypes. Our tool can detect problematic reaction constraints.
In Vitro Model of Human Trophoblast in Early Placentation
Authors: Bačenková Darina , Trebuňová Marianna , Čížková Daša , Hudák Radovan , Dosedla Erik , Findrik-Balogová Alena , Živčák Jozef
Published: April 2022

The complex process of placental implantation and development affects trophoblast progenitors and uterine cells through the regulation of transcription factors, cytokines, adhesion receptors and their ligands. Differentiation of trophoblast precursors in the trophectoderm of early ontogenesis, caused by the transcription factors, such as CDX2, TEAD4, Eomes and GATA3, leads to the formation of cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast populations. The molecular mechanisms involved in placental formation inside the human body along with the specification and differentiation of trophoblast cell lines are, mostly due to the lack of suitable cell models, not sufficiently elucidated. This review is an evaluation of current technologies, which are used to study the behavior of human trophoblasts and other placental cells, as well as their ability to represent physiological conditions both in vivo and in vitro. An in vitro 3D model with a characteristic phenotype is of great benefit for the study of placental physiology. At the same time, it provides great support for future modeling of placental disease.
Recognition of Tumor Nidogen-1 by Neutrophil C-Type Lectin Receptors
Authors: Sionov Ronit Vogt , Lamagna Chrystelle , Granot Zvi
Published: April 2022

Neutrophil-mediated cytotoxicity toward tumor cells requires cell contact and is mediated by hydrogen peroxide. We have recently shown that Cathepsin G expressed on the neutrophil surface interacts with tumor RAGE, and this interaction facilitates neutrophil cytotoxicity. Interruption of the Cathepsin G–RAGE interaction led to 50–80% reduction in cytotoxicity, suggesting that additional interactions are also involved. Here we show that blocking antibodies to the C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) Clec4e and Dectin-1, but not those to NKG2D, attenuated murine neutrophil cytotoxicity towards murine tumor cells, suggesting a contributing role for these CLRs in neutrophil recognition of tumor cells. We further observed that the CLRs interact with tumor Nidogen-1 and Hspg2, two sulfated glycoproteins of the basement membrane. Both Nidogen-1 and Hspg2 were found to be expressed on the tumor cell surface. The knockdown of Nidogen-1, but not that of Hspg2, led to reduced susceptibility of the tumor cells to neutrophil cytotoxicity. Altogether, this study suggests a role for CLR–Nidogen-1 interaction in the recognition of tumor cells by neutrophils, and this interaction facilitates neutrophil-mediated killing of the tumor cells.
Testicular “Inherited Metabolic Memory” of Ancestral High-Fat Diet Is Associated with Sperm sncRNA Content
Authors: Crisóstomo Luís , Bourgery Matthieu , Rato Luís , Raposo João F. , Batterham Rachel L. , Kotaja Noora , Alves Marco G.
Published: April 2022

Excessive adiposity caused by high-fat diets (HFDs) is associated with testicular metabolic and functional abnormalities up to grand-offspring, but the mechanisms of this epigenetic inheritance are unclear. Here we describe an association of sperm small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) with testicular “inherited metabolic memory” of ancestral HFD, using a transgenerational rodent model. Male founders were fed a standard chow for 200 days (CTRL), HFD for 200 days (HFD), or standard chow for 60 days followed by HFD for 140 days (HFDt). The male offspring and grand-offspring were fed standard chow for 200 days. The sncRNA sequencing from epidydimal spermatozoa revealed signatures associated with testicular metabolic plasticity in HFD-exposed mice and in the unexposed progeny. Sperm tRNA-derived RNA (tsRNA) and repeat-derived small RNA (repRNA) content were specially affected by HFDt and in the offspring of HFD and HFDt mice. The grand-offspring of HFD and HFDt mice showed lower sperm counts than CTRL descendants, whereas the sperm miRNA content was affected. Although the causality between sperm sncRNAs content and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of HFD-related traits remains elusive, our results suggest that sperm sncRNA content is influenced by ancestral exposure to HFD, contributing to the sperm epigenome up to the grand-offspring.
The Immunogenicity and Safety of Three Types of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Adult Patients with Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Tien Ni , Chang Yu-Chang , Chen Po-Ku , Lin Hui-Ju , Chang Shih-Hsin , Lan Joung-Liang , Hsueh Po-Ren , Chang Ching-Kun , Chen Der-Yuan
Published: April 2022

Patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) were seldom enrolled in the studies of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, and real-world data regarding the immunogenicity of different types of vaccines is limited. We aimed to assess the immunogenicity and safety of three types of vaccines (AZD1222, mRNA-1273, and BNT162b2) in 253 patients with IMID and 30 healthcare workers (HCWs). Plasma levels of IgG-antibody against SARS-CoV-2 targeting the receptor-binding domain of spike protein (anti-S/RBD-IgG) were determined by chemiluminescent immunoassay 3–4 weeks after the first-dose and second-dose vaccination. The positive rate and titers of anti-S/RBD-IgG were significantly higher in mRNA-1273 or BNT162b2 than in the AZD1222 vaccine. Immunogenicity was augmented after the second dose of any vaccine type in all IMID patients, suggesting that these patients should complete the vaccination series. Anti-S/RBD-IgG titers after first-dose vaccination were significantly lower in RA patients than pSS patients, but there was no significant difference after second-dose vaccination among five groups of IMID patients. The positive rate and titers of anti-S/RBD-IgG were significantly lower in patients receiving abatacept/rituximab therapy than in those receiving other DMARDs. All three SARS-CoV-2 vaccines showed acceptable safety profiles, and the common AEs were injection site reactions. We identified SLE as a significant predictor of increased autoimmunity and would like to promote awareness of the possibility of autoimmunity following vaccination.
Evaluating Established Roles, Future Perspectives and Methodological Heterogeneity for Wilms’ Tumor 1 (WT1) Antigen Detection in Adult Renal Cell Carcinoma, Using a Novel N-Terminus Targeted Antibody (Clone WT49)
Authors: Novacescu Dorin , Cut Talida Georgiana , Cumpanas Alin Adrian , Latcu Silviu Constantin , Bardan Razvan , Ferician Ovidiu , Secasan Cosmin-Ciprian , Rusmir Andrei , Raica Marius
Published: April 2022

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is arguably the deadliest form of genitourinary malignancy and is nowadays viewed as a heterogeneous series of cancers, with the same origin but fundamentally different metabolisms and clinical behaviors. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is increasingly necessary for RCC subtyping and definitive diagnosis. WT1 is a complex gene involved in carcinogenesis. To address reporting heterogeneity and WT1 IHC standardization, we used a recent N-terminus targeted monoclonal antibody (clone WT49) to evaluate WT1 protein expression in 56 adult RCC (aRCC) cases. This is the largest WT1 IHC investigation focusing exclusively on aRCCs and the first report on clone WT49 staining in aRCCs. We found seven (12.5%) positive cases, all clear cell RCCs, showing exclusively nuclear staining for WT1. We did not disregard cytoplasmic staining in any of the negative cases. Extratumoral fibroblasts, connecting tubules and intratumoral endothelial cells showed the same exclusively nuclear WT1 staining pattern. We reviewed WT1 expression patterns in aRCCs and the possible explanatory underlying metabolomics. For now, WT1 protein expression in aRCCs is insufficiently investigated, with significant discrepancies in the little data reported. Emerging WT1-targeted RCC immunotherapy will require adequate case selection and sustained efforts to standardize the quantification of tumor-associated antigens for aRCC and its many subtypes.
Inorganic Polyphosphate—Regulator of Cellular Metabolism in Homeostasis and Disease
Authors: Kus Filip , Smolenski Ryszard T. , Tomczyk Marta
Published: April 2022

Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), a simple anionic polymer consisting of even hundreds of orthophosphate units, is a universal molecule present in both simple and complex organisms. PolyP controls homeostatic processes in animals, such as blood coagulation, tissue regeneration, and energy metabolism. Furthermore, this polymer is a potent regulator of inflammation and influences host immune response in bacterial and viral infections. Disturbed polyP systems have been related to several pathological conditions, including neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer, but we lack a full understanding of polyP biogenesis and mechanistic insights into the pathways through which polyP may act. This review summarizes recent studies that describe the role of polyP in cell homeostasis and show how disturbances in polyP levels may lead to disease. Based on the collected findings, we highlight the possible usage of this polymer as a promising therapeutic tool in multiple pathologies.
Elucidating miRNA Function in Cancer Biology via the Molecular Genetics’ Toolbox
Authors: Azlan Adam , Rajasegaran Yaashini , Kang Zi Khor , Rosli Aliaa Arina , Yik Mot Yee , Yusoff Narazah Mohd , Heidenreich Olaf , Moses Emmanuel Jairaj
Published: April 2022

Micro-RNA (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs of about 18–20 nucleotides in length and are implicated in many cellular processes including proliferation, development, differentiation, apoptosis and cell signaling. Furthermore, it is well known that miRNA expression is frequently dysregulated in many cancers. Therefore, this review will highlight the various mechanisms by which microRNAs are dysregulated in cancer. Further highlights include the abundance of molecular genetics tools that are currently available to study miRNA function as well as their advantages and disadvantages with a special focus on various CRISPR/Cas systems This review provides general workflows and some practical considerations when studying miRNA function thus enabling researchers to make informed decisions in regards to the appropriate molecular genetics tool to be utilized for their experiments.
The Concept of «Peritumoral Zone» in Diffuse Low-Grade Gliomas: Oncological and Functional Implications for a Connectome-Guided Therapeutic Attitude
Authors: Silva Melissa , Vivancos Catalina , Duffau Hugues
Published: April 2022

Diffuse low-grade gliomas (DLGGs) are heterogeneous and poorly circumscribed neoplasms with isolated tumor cells that extend beyond the margins of the lesion depicted on MRI. Efforts to demarcate the glioma core from the surrounding healthy brain led us to define an intermediate region, the so-called peritumoral zone (PTZ). Although most studies about PTZ have been conducted on high-grade gliomas, the purpose here is to review the cellular, metabolic, and radiological characteristics of PTZ in the specific context of DLGG. A better delineation of PTZ, in which glioma cells and neural tissue strongly interact, may open new therapeutic avenues to optimize both functional and oncological results. First, a connectome-based “supratotal” surgical resection (i.e., with the removal of PTZ in addition to the tumor core) resulted in prolonged survival by limiting the risk of malignant transformation, while improving the quality of life, thanks to a better control of seizures. Second, the timing and order of (neo)adjuvant medical treatments can be modulated according to the pattern of peritumoral infiltration. Third, the development of new drugs specifically targeting the PTZ could be considered from an oncological (such as immunotherapy) and epileptological perspective. Further multimodal investigations of PTZ are needed to maximize long-term outcomes in DLGG patients.
Increasing Condom Use and STI Testing: Creating a Behaviourally Informed Sexual Healthcare Campaign Using the COM-B Model of Behaviour Change
Authors: Bru Garcia Sara , Chałupnik Małgorzata , Irving Katy , Haselgrove Mark
Published: April 2022

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health challenge. Although theoretically informed public health campaigns are more effective for changing behaviour, there is little evidence of their use when campaigns are commissioned to the commercial sector. This study describes the implementation of the COM-B model to a sexual health campaign that brought together expertise from academics, sexual healthcare, and marketing and creative professionals. Insights were gathered following a review of the relevant academic literature. Barriers and facilitators to condom use and STI testing were explored with the use of the COM-B model and the Behaviour Change Wheel in a workshop attended by academics, behavioural scientists, healthcare experts and creative designers. Feedback on the creative execution of the campaign was obtained from healthcare experts and via surveys. Barriers to psychological capability, automatic and reflective motivation, and social opportunity were identified as targets for the campaign, and creative solutions to these barriers were collaboratively devised. The final sexual health campaign was rated positively in its ability to change attitudes and intentions regarding the use of condoms and STI testing. This study describes the implementation of the COM-B model of behaviour change to a public sexual health campaign that brought together academics, public and commercial sector expertise. The barriers and facilitators identified in this collaborative process represent potential targets for future public health communication campaigns.
Child–Dog Attachment, Emotion Regulation and Psychopathology: The Mediating Role of Positive and Negative Behaviours
Authors: Hawkins Roxanne D. , Robinson Charlotte , Brodie Zara P.
Published: April 2022

Emerging evidence suggests that pet dogs can offer features of a secure attachment which has been associated with healthy psychological development across the lifespan. Limited research has investigated the underpinning mechanisms that may contribute to the benefits and risks of child–dog attachment during childhood. This study aimed to test the potential mediating role of caregiver-observed positive and negative child–dog behaviours, on the relationship between child-reported child–dog attachment, and caregiver-reported child psychopathology and emotion regulation. Data from 117 caregiver reports and 77 child self-reports were collected through an online survey in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Parallel mediation analyses indicated that child–dog attachment had a significant indirect effect on conduct problems through negative child–dog behaviours only. Child–dog attachment had a significant indirect effect on emotional symptoms, peer problems, prosocial behaviour, emotion regulation, and emotional lability/negativity through both positive and negative child–dog behaviours. Although this study found modest effect sizes, the findings suggest that the types of interactions that children engage in with their pet dogs may be important mechanisms through which pet attachment contributes to psychological development throughout childhood, and therefore further attention is warranted. Positive and safe child–dog interactions can be facilitated through education and intervention, which may have implications for promoting positive developmental outcomes.
Assessing Mental Pain as a Predictive Factor of Suicide Risk in a Clinical Sample of Patients with Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Ielmini Marta , Lucca Giulia , Trabucchi Eric , Aspesi Gian Luca , Bellini Alessandro , Caselli Ivano , Callegari Camilla
Published: April 2022

According to contemporary suicidology, mental pain represents one of the main suicide risk factors, along with more traditional constructs such as depression, anxiety and hopelessness. This work aims to investigate the relationship between the levels of mental pain and the risk to carry out suicide or suicide attempt in the short term in order to understand if a measurement of mental pain can be used as a screening tool for prevention. For this purpose, 105 outpatients with psychiatric diagnosis were recruited at the university hospital of Varese during a check-up visit and were assessed by using psychometric scales of mental pain levels, hopelessness, anxiety and depression. Clinical and sociodemographic variables of the sample were also collected. A period of 18 months following the recruitment was observed to evaluate any suicides or attempted suicides. Subjects numbering 11 out of 105 committed an attempted suicide. From statistical analyses, high values of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Mental Pain Questionnaire (OMMP) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) scales showed a significant association with the risk of carrying out a suicide attempt and, among these, OMMP and BDI-II showed characteristics of good applicability and predictivity proving suitable to be used as potential tools for screening and primary prevention of suicidal behavior.
Investigation of Ventilation Systems to Improve Air Quality in the Occupied Zone in Office Buildings
Authors: Szekeres Szabolcs , Kostyák Attila , Szodrai Ferenc , Csáky Imre
Published: April 2022

As a result of COVID-19, many office buildings around the world have downsized their employees, but the comfort parameters in the building had to be kept. The facilities operation rearranged the workstations to keep physical distance and placed plexiglass sheets on the desks for physical protection. A series of measurements have been carried out with workstation set-ups to examine the fresh air rate in the occupied zone. The effect of plexiglass sheets placed on the desks was also examined to see how it changes the airflow pattern in the occupied zone. As the sheets act as a barrier, the primary air does not reach the occupied zone, therefore, the fresh air rate is less. To modify the properties of the ceiling diffusers a new air-ventilation service element was developed. This attachment allows modifying the properties of the ceiling diffusers. Simulations were made at the relevant zones to validate the measurements. Based on design software, the fresh air ratio for a standard ceiling swirl diffuser is 2.46 v% (volume percentage). A numerical model was used to show the fresh air ratio with the system elements for the two different table arrangements, which were 18.3 v% and 21.4 v%, respectively.
Improving Life Cycle Sustainability and Profitability of Buildings through Optimization: A Case Study
Authors: Shadram Farshid , Mukkavaara Jani
Published: April 2022

Building developers are continuously seeking solutions to increase saleable/rentable floor area and thus the profitability of investments, especially in large/dense cities where the real estate/rental values are high and shortage of available land results in smaller building footprints. Application of passive energy efficiency measures (e.g., thick insulation in walls) not only affects the life cycle sustainability of buildings, but also the floor area and its profitability. This can affect the decisions made on the choice of measures when aiming to improve sustainability. In line with limited studies in this context, a case study is presented here in which multi-objective optimization was used to explore the impact of various passive energy efficiency measures on the life cycle sustainability when accounting for the profitability of the floor area. The building case was a high-rise apartment based on a standardized building concept situated in different locations in Sweden, namely Vindeln, Gothenburg, and Stockholm. The findings indicated that, regardless of the location, use of (1) thick cellulose coating for the roof, and (2) moderately thick expanded polystyrene for the floor, were necessary to improve the life cycle sustainability. However, the optimal wall insulation was dependent on the location; in locations with high real estate values, the scope for using thick and conventional insulations (mineral wool/cellulose) was limited due to the significant economic loss caused by floor area reductions. In general, the optimization identified optimal solutions that could save up to 1410.7 GJ energy, 23 tonnes CO2e, and 248.4 TEUR cost from a life cycle perspective relative to the building’s initial design.
Major Building Materials in Terms of Environmental Impact Evaluation of School Buildings in South Korea
Authors: Lim Hyojin , Tae Sungho , Roh Seungjun
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to analyze the major building materials in terms of environmental impact evaluation of school buildings in South Korea. Three existing school buildings were selected as the analysis targets, and building materials were analyzed in terms of cumulative weight and six environmental impact categories (global warming potential, abiotic depletion potential, acidification potential, eutrophication potential, ozone-layer depletion potential, and photochemical oxidation potential). The materials were analyzed from an environmental perspective after integrating the six environmental impact categories into the environmental costs. From the analysis, nine major building materials, including ready-mixed concrete, concrete bricks, aggregate, rebar, cement, stone, glass, insulating materials, and wood, were selected for the school buildings. These analysis results can be used as a streamlined evaluation of the environmental impacts of school buildings. It is thought that the simplified life cycle assessment will help make decisions considering environmental characteristics in the early stage of the construction project. Additionally, it will be possible to make LCA efficient in terms of time and cost, one of the largest constraints of the existing building LCA, and effective reduction in the environmental load.