bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pain as Defining Feature of Health Status and Prominent Therapeutic Target in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Sampogna Francesca , Campana Irene , Fania Luca , Mastroeni Simona , Fusari Roberta , Ciccone Davide , Pallotta Sabatino , Abeni Damiano
Published: August 2021

Background. Pain is one of the main aspects of hidradenitis suppurativa that strongly affects the quality of life of patients. We explored the relationship between pain and clinical severity as well as its role in defining the health status in patients with HS. Methods. Pain was defined by three measures: (a) question 1 (“my skin hurts”) of the Skindex-17; (b) Bodily Pain (BP) scale of the SF-36; and (c) Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Clinical severity of HS was assessed by the Hurley staging, the Sartorius HS Score, and the International HS Severity Score System. Results. The study population included 341 HS patients with complete data for the VAS pain, 316 for question 1 of the Skindex-17, and 294 for BP. Clinical severity was positively associated with pain. This result was observed for all three severity scores and all three pain evaluation methods. In addition, the number of fistulae, abscesses, and nodules were significantly associated with the three severity measures of pain, while the association with scars was not observed for question 1 of the Skindex-17 and BP. Conclusions. Pain may be a good proxy of clinical severity and efficacy of a treatment in HS and therefore a crucial hallmark of patients’ health status.
Survival of Peritoneal Membrane Function on Biocompatible Dialysis Solutions in a Peritoneal Dialysis Cohort Assessed by a Novel Test
Authors: Balafa Olga , Duni Anila , Tseke Paraskevi , Rapsomanikis Karolos , Pavlakou Paraskevi , Ikonomou Margarita , Tatsis Vasileios , Dounousi Evangelia
Published: August 2021

Background: Longitudinal surveillance of peritoneal membrane function is crucial in defining patients with a risk of ultrafiltration failure. Long PD is associated with increased low molecular weight solute transport and decreased ultrafiltration and free water transport. Classic PET test only provides information about low molecular solute transport, and the vast majority of longitudinal studies are based on this test and include patients using conventional dialysates. Our aim was to prospectively analyze longitudinal data on peritoneal function in patients on biocompatible solutions using a novel test. Methods: Membrane function data were collected based on uni-PET (a combination of modified and mini PET). A total of 85 patients (age 61.1 ± 15.1 years) with at least one test/year were included. Results: The median follow up was 36 months (21.3, 67.2). A total of 219 PETs were performed. One-way repeated measures ANOVA showed that there were no statistically significant differences over time in ultrafiltration, free water transport, ultrafiltration through small pores, sodium removal, D/D0 and D/PCre in repeated PET-tests. Twenty-three tests revealed ultrafiltration failure in 16 (18.8%) patients. Those patients were longer on PD, had higher D/P creatinine ratios, lower ultrafiltration at one hour with lower free water transport and higher urine volume at baseline. Multivariate analysis revealed that the variation of ultrafiltration over repeated PET-tests independently correlated only with D/Pcreatinine, free water transport and ultrafiltration through small pores. Conclusions. Uni-PET is a combination of two tests that provides more information on the function of the membrane compared with PET. Our study on a PD cohort using only biocompatible solutions revealed that function membrane parameters remained stable over a long time. Ultrafiltration failure was correlated with increased D/P creatinine and decreased free water transport and ultrafiltration through small pores.
Thermal Pain Thresholds Are Significantly Associated with Plasma Proteins of the Immune System in Chronic Widespread Pain—An Exploratory Pilot Study Using Multivariate and Network Analyses
Authors: Gerdle Björn , Wåhlén Karin , Gordh Torsten , Ghafouri Bijar
Published: August 2021

Chronic widespread pain (CWP), including fibromyalgia (FM), is characterized by generalized musculoskeletal pain. An important clinical feature is widespread increased pain sensitivity such as lowered pain thresholds for different stimuli such as heat (HPT) and cold (CPT). There is a growing interest in investigating the activated neurobiological mechanisms in CWP. This explorative proteomic study investigates the multivariate correlation pattern between plasma and muscle proteins and thermal pain thresholds in CWP and in healthy controls (CON). In addition, we analysed whether the important proteins and their networks for CPT and HPT differed between CWP and CON. We used a proteomic approach and analysed plasma and muscle proteins from women with CWP (n = 15) and CON (n = 23). The associations between the proteins and CPT/HPT were analysed using orthogonal partial least square (OPLS). The protein–protein association networks for the important proteins for the two thermal pain thresholds were analysed using STRING database. CWP had lowered pain thresholds for thermal stimulus. These levels were generally not related to the included clinical variables except in CWP for HPT. Highly interacting proteins mainly from plasma showed strong significant associations with CPT and HPT both in CWP and in CON. Marked differences in the important proteins for the two thermal pain thresholds were noted between CWP and CON; more complex patterns emerged in CWP. The important proteins were part of the immune system (acute phase proteins, complement factors, and immunoglobulin factors) or known to interact with the immune system. As expected, CWP had lowered pain thresholds for thermal stimulus. Although different proteins were important in the two groups, there were similarities. For example, proteins related to the host defence/immunity such as acute phase proteins, complement factors, immunoglobulin factors, and cytokines/chemokines (although not in CON for CPT) were important habitual/tonic factors for thermal pain thresholds. The fact that peripheral proteins contribute to thermal pain thresholds does not exclude that central factors also contribute and that complex interactions between peripheral and central factors determine the registered pain thresholds in CWP.
The Relative Merits of Posterior Surgical Treatments for Multi-Level Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Remain Uncertain: Findings from a Systematic Review
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Gharooni Aref-Ali , Dhillon Rana S. , Goacher Edward , Dyson Edward W. , Mowforth Oliver , Budu Alexandru , Wynne-Jones Guy , Francis Jibin , Trivedi Rikin , Ivanov Marcel , Ahuja Sashin , Rezajooi Kia , Demetriades Andreas K. , Choi David , Bateman Antony H. , Quraishi Nasir , Kumar Vishal , Tripathi Manjul , Mohindra Sandeep , Pereira Erlick A. , Critchley Giles , Fehlings Michael G. , Hutchinson Peter J. A. , Davies Benjamin M. , Kotter Mark R. N.
Published: August 2021

Objectives: To assess the reporting of study design and characteristics in multi-level degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) treated by posterior surgical approaches, and perform a comparison of clinical and radiographic outcomes between different approaches. Methods: A literature search was performed in Embase and MEDLINE between 1995–2019 using a sensitive search string combination. Studies were selected by predefined selection criteria: Full text articles in English, with >10 patients (prospective) or >50 patients (retrospective), reporting outcomes of multi-level DCM treated by posterior surgical approach. Results: A total of 75 studies involving 19,510 patients, conducted worldwide, were identified. Laminoplasty was described in 56 studies (75%), followed by laminectomy with (36%) and without fusion (16%). The majority of studies were conducted in Asia (84%), in the period of 2016–2019 (51%), of which laminoplasty was studied predominantly. Twelve (16%) prospective studies and 63 (84%) retrospective studies were identified. The vast majority of studies were conducted in a single centre (95%) with clear inclusion/exclusion criteria and explicit cause of DCM. Eleven studies (15%) included patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament exclusively with cohorts of 57 to 252. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were reported with heterogeneity when comparing laminoplasty, laminectomy with and without fusion. Conclusions: Heterogeneity in the reporting of study and sample characteristics exists, as well as in clinical and radiographic outcomes, with a paucity of studies with a higher level of evidence. Future studies are needed to elucidate the clinical effectiveness of posterior surgical treatments.
Early Gender Differences in Pain and Functional Recovery Following Thoracolumbar Spinal Arthrodesis
Authors: Gulbrandsen Matthew T. , Lara Nina , Beauchamp James A. , Chung Andrew , Chang Michael , Crandall Dennis
Published: August 2021

Background: To analyze gender differences regarding the recovery experience (pain, function, complications) after spinal arthrodesis surgery. Methods: Pre-operative and post-operative gender-based differences in patient-reported outcomes for open posterior spinal arthrodesis at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year were studied, including age, comorbidities, body mass index (BMI), diagnosis, number of vertebrae fused, type of surgery, primary vs. revision surgery, and complications. Statistical analysis included the use of Student’s t-test, Chi square, linear regression, Mann–Whitney U test, and Spearman’s rho. Results: Primary or revision posterior arthrodesis was performed on 1931 consecutive adults (1219 females, 712 males) for deformity and degenerative pathologies. At surgery, females were older than males (61.7 years vs. 59.7 years, p < 0.01), had slightly more comorbidities (1.75 vs. 1.5, p < 0.01), and were more likely to undergo deformity correction (38% vs. 22%, p < 0.01). Females described more pre-op pain (female VAS = 6.54 vs. male VAS = 6.41, p < 0.01) and lower pre-op function (female ODI = 49.73 vs. male ODI = 46.52, p < 0.01). By 3 months post-op, there was no significant gender difference in VAS or ODI scores. Similar pain and function scores between males and females continued through 6 months and 12 months. Conclusion: Although females have more pain and dysfunction before undergoing spinal surgery, the differences in these values do not reach the Minimum Clinically Important Difference (MCID). Post-operatively, there is no difference in pain and function scores among males and females at 3, 6, and 12 months.
Optimal Immunosuppression Strategy in the Sensitized Kidney Transplant Recipient
Authors: Olaso Danae , Manook Miriam , Moris Dimitrios , Knechtle Stuart , Kwun Jean
Published: August 2021

Patients with previous sensitization events against anti-human leukocyte antigens (HLA) often have circulating anti-HLA antibodies. Following organ transplantation, sensitized patients have higher rates of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) compared to those who are non-sensitized. More stringent donor matching is required for these patients, which results in a reduced donor pool and increased time on the waitlist. Current approaches for sensitized patients focus on reducing preformed antibodies that preclude transplantation; however, this type of desensitization does not modulate the primed immune response in sensitized patients. Thus, an optimized maintenance immunosuppressive regimen is necessary for highly sensitized patients, which may be distinct from non-sensitized patients. In this review, we will discuss the currently available therapeutic options for induction, maintenance, and adjuvant immunosuppression for sensitized patients.
Detection of the Benthic Dinoflagellates, Ostreopsis cf. ovata and Amphidinium massartii (Dinophyceae), Using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Authors: Lee Eun Sun , Hwang Jinik , Hyung Jun-Ho , Park Jaeyeon
Published: August 2021

For the in situ and sensitive detection of benthic dinoflagellates, we have established an integrated loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay based on Ostreopsis cf. ovata and Amphidinium massartii. To detect the two species, a set of species-specific primers was constructed between the ITS gene and D1–D6 LSU gene, and the reaction temperature, time, and buffer composition were optimized to establish this method. In addition, the specificity of the LAMP primers was verified both in strains established in the laboratory and in field samples collected from the Jeju coastal waters, Korea. With the LAMP assay, the analysing time was within 45 to 60 min, which may be shorter than that with the conventional PCR. The detection sensitivity of the LAMP assay for O. cf. ovata or A. massartii was comparable to other molecular assays (PCR and quantitative PCR (qPCR)) and microscopy examination. The detection limit of LAMP was 0.1 cell of O. cf. ovata and 1 cell of A. massartii. The optimized LAMP assay was successfully applied to detect O. cf. ovata and A. massartii in field samples. Thus, this study provides an effective method for detecting target benthic dinoflagellate species, and could be further implemented to monitor phytoplankton in field surveys as an altenative.
Classification of Reservoir Recovery Factor for Oil and Gas Reservoirs: A Multi-Objective Feature Selection Approach
Authors: Al-Tashi Qasem , Akhir Emelia Akashah Patah , Abdulkadir Said Jadid , Mirjalili Seyedali , Shami Tareq M. , Alhusssian Hitham , Alqushaibi Alawi , Alwadain Ayed , Balogun Abdullateef O. , Al-Zidi Nasser
Published: August 2021

The accurate classification of reservoir recovery factor is dampened by irregularities such as noisy and high-dimensional features associated with the reservoir measurements or characterization. These irregularities, especially a larger number of features, make it difficult to perform accurate classification of reservoir recovery factor, as the generated reservoir features are usually heterogeneous. Consequently, it is imperative to select relevant reservoir features while preserving or amplifying reservoir recovery accuracy. This phenomenon can be treated as a multi-objective optimization problem, since there are two conflicting objectives: minimizing the number of measurements and preserving high recovery classification accuracy. In this study, wrapper-based multi-objective feature selection approaches are proposed to estimate the set of Pareto optimal solutions that represents the optimum trade-off between these two objectives. Specifically, three multi-objective optimization algorithms—Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II), Multi-Objective Grey Wolf Optimizer (MOGWO) and Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO)—are investigated in selecting relevant features from the reservoir dataset. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time multi-objective optimization has been used for reservoir recovery factor classification. The Artificial Neural Network (ANN) classification algorithm is used to evaluate the selected reservoir features. Findings from the experimental results show that the proposed MOGWO-ANN outperforms the other two approaches (MOPSO and NSGA-II) in terms of producing non-dominated solutions with a small subset of features and reduced classification error rate.
Screening for Glucose Metabolism Disorders, Assessment the Disse Insulin Resistance Index and Hospital Prognosis of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Sumin Alexey N. , Bezdenezhnykh Natalia A. , Bezdenezhnykh Andrey V. , Osokina Anastasia V. , Kuz’mina Anastasiya A. , Tsepokina Anna V. , Barbarash Olga L.
Published: August 2021

Objective: To study insulin resistance markers and their relationship with preoperative status and hospital complications of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes and normoglycemia. Methods: We included 383 consecutive patients who underwent CABG. Patients were divided into two groups—with carbohydrate metabolism disorders (CMD, n = 192) and without CMD (n = 191). Free fatty acids and fasting insulin in plasma were determined, and the Disse, QUICKI and revised QUICKI indices were calculated in all patients. Perioperative characteristics and postoperative complications were analyzed in these groups, and their relations with markers of insulin resistance. Results: Screening before CABG increased the number of patients with CMD from 25.3% to 50.1%. Incidence of postoperative stroke (p = 0.044), and hospital stay after CABG > 30 days (p = 0.014) was greater in CMD patients. Logistic regression analysis revealed that an increase in left atrial size, age, aortic clamping time, and decrease in Disse index were independently associated with hospital stay >10 days and/or perioperative complications. Conclusions: Screening for CMD before CABG increased the patient number with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. In the CMD group, there were more frequent hospital complications. The Disse index was an independent predictor of long hospital stay and/or poor outcomes.
Automatic Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder Using Optical Coherence Tomography Data and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Sánchez-Morla Eva M. , Fuentes Juan L. , Miguel-Jiménez Juan M. , Boquete Luciano , Ortiz Miguel , Orduna Elvira , Satue María , Garcia-Martin Elena
Published: August 2021

Background: The aim of this study is to explore an objective approach that aids the diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BD), based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) data which are analyzed using artificial intelligence. Methods: Structural analyses of nine layers of the retina were analyzed in 17 type I BD patients and 42 controls, according to the areas defined by the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart. The most discriminating variables made up the feature vector of several automatic classifiers: Gaussian Naive Bayes, K-nearest neighbors and support vector machines. Results: BD patients presented retinal thinning affecting most layers, compared to controls. The retinal thickness of the parafoveolar area showed a high capacity to discriminate BD subjects from healthy individuals, specifically for the ganglion cell (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.82) and internal plexiform (AUC = 0.83) layers. The best classifier showed an accuracy of 0.95 for classifying BD versus controls, using as variables of the feature vector the IPL (inner nasal region) and the INL (outer nasal and inner inferior regions) thickness. Conclusions: Our patients with BD present structural alterations in the retina, and artificial intelligence seem to be a useful tool in BD diagnosis, but larger studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Frequency of Important CYP450 Enzyme Gene Polymorphisms in the Iranian Population in Comparison with Other Major Populations: A Comprehensive Review of the Human Data
Authors: Neyshaburinezhad Navid , Ghasim Hengameh , Rouini Mohammadreza , Daali Youssef , Ardakani Yalda H.
Published: August 2021

Genetic polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 genes can cause alteration in metabolic activity of clinically important medicines. Thus, single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and copy number variations (CNVs) in CYP genes are leading factors of drug pharmacokinetics and toxicity and form pharmacogenetics biomarkers for drug dosing, efficacy, and safety. The distribution of cytochrome P450 alleles differs significantly between populations with important implications for personalized drug therapy and healthcare programs. To provide a meta-analysis of CYP allele polymorphisms with clinical importance, we brought together whole-genome and exome sequencing data from 800 unrelated individuals of Iranian population (100 subjects from 8 major ethnics of Iran) and 63,269 unrelated individuals of five major human populations (EUR, AMR, AFR, EAS and SAS). By integrating these datasets with population-specific linkage information, we evolved the frequencies of 140 CYP haplotypes related to 9 important CYP450 isoenzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5) giving a large resource for major genetic determinants of drug metabolism. Furthermore, we evaluated the more frequent Iranian alleles and compared the dataset with the Caucasian race. Finally, the similarity of the Iranian population SNVs with other populations was investigated.
Internet of Things (IoT) Technology Research in Business and Management Literature: Results from a Co-Citation Analysis
Authors: Korte Andreas , Tiberius Victor , Brem Alexander
Published: August 2021

In coherence with the progressive digitalization of all areas of life, the Internet of Things (IoT) is a flourishing concept in both research and practice. Due to the increasing scholarly attention, the literature landscape has become scattered and fragmented. With a focus on the commercial application of the IoT and corresponding research, we employ a co-citation analysis and literature review to structure the field. We find and describe 19 research themes. To consolidate the extant research, we propose a research framework, which is based on a theoretical implementation process of IoT as a concept, specific IoT applications, or architectures integrated in an adapted input–process–output model. The main variables of the model are an initial definition and conceptualization of an IoT concept (input), which goes through an evaluation process (process), before it is implemented and can have an impact in practice (output). The paper contributes to interdisciplinary research relating to a business and management perspective on IoT by providing a holistic overview of predominant research themes and an integrative research framework.
Identification and Optimization of Production-Living-Ecological Space in an Ecological Foundation Area in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River: A Case Study of Jiangjin District of Chongqing, China
Authors: Chen Hongji , Yang Qingyuan , Su Kangchuan , Zhang Haozhe , Lu Dan , Xiang Hui , Zhou Lulu
Published: August 2021

The identification of regional production-living-ecological space (PLES) is the basic work for the optimization of territorial space, which can point to the direction for the protection, utilization and restoration of regional territorial space. Identification and optimization of PLES in an ecological foundation area in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River is of great significance for ensuring national ecological security and promoting sustainable social development. In this study, Jiangjin District, located at the tail of the Three Gorges Reservoir area, was selected as a case study. Moreover, based on the land use data of the study area in 2018, the coordination among production, living and ecological functions are analyzed, and the PLES is identified by using the evaluation method of land production-living-ecological function (PLEF) and the coupling coordination degree model. Then, we formulated an optimized zoning scheme of the PLES according to the principles of ecological priority, area advantage and coordinated development. The results show that (1) The living function and production function presented obvious spatial consistency in the study area, while the spatial distribution of ecological function and production function presented significant spatial complementarity. (2) Four categories of spatial combinations can be identified in the study area. Overall, the study area presented a national spatial pattern with production-living-ecological balanced space (PLEBS) and ecological space (ES) as the main body. (3) The PLES in the study area can be divided into four categories. The ecological function should be determined by the ecological conservation area as the primary responsibility, and the comprehensive improvement zone should further improve the coupling and coordination relationship among the PLEF. Moreover, the main production-living and ecological improvement zone and the main production-ecological and living improvement zone should realize the coordinated development of the PLES on the basis of strengthening the leading function.
Landscape Attributes Best Explain the Population Trend of Wintering Greater White-Fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) in the Yangtze River Floodplain
Authors: Chen Sheng , Zhang Yong , Borzée Amaël , Liang Tao , Zhang Manyu , Shi Hui , Chen Bin , Xu Wenbin , Song Yunwei , Mao Lingfeng
Published: August 2021

Biodiversity in the Middle and Lower Yangtze Floodplain has critically decreased during the last several decades, driven by numerous determinants. Hence, identification of primary drivers of animal population decline is a priority for conservation. Analyzing long time-series data is a powerful way to assess drivers of declines, but the data are often missing, hampering effective conservation policymaking. In this study, based on twenty-four years (from 1996 to 2019) of annual maximal count data, we investigated the effects of climate and landscape changes on the increasing population trend of the Greater White-Fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) at a Ramsar site in the Middle and Lower Yangtze Floodplain, China. Our results showed that the availability of a suitable habitat and landscape attributes are the key driving forces affecting the population trend, while the effects of climate factors are weak. Specifically, increasing the area of suitable habitat and alleviating habitat fragmentation through a fishing ban policy may have provided a more suitable habitat to the geese, contributing to the increasing population trend. However, we also observed that the grazing prohibition policy implemented in 2017 at Shengjin Lake may have potentially negatively affected geese abundance, as grazing by larger herbivores may favor smaller geese species by modifying the vegetation community and structure. Based on our results, we suggest several practical countermeasures to improve the habitat suitability for herbivorous goose species wintering in this region.
Long-Term Dynamic of Land Reclamation and Its Impact on Coastal Flooding: A Case Study in Xiamen, China
Authors: Xu Lilai , Ding Shengping , Nitivattananon Vilas , Tang Jianxiong
Published: August 2021

While land reclaimed from the sea meets the land demand for coastal development, it simultaneously causes socio-economic systems to be prone to coastal flooding induced by storm surges and sea-level rise. Current studies have seldom linked reclamation with coastal flood impact assessment, hindering the provision of accurate information to support coastal flood risk management and adaptation. This study, using Xiamen, China as a case study, incorporates the spatiotemporal dynamics of reclamation into a coastal flood impact model, in order to investigate the long-term influence of reclamation activities on coastal flood inundation and the consequent exposure of the population to coastal flooding. We find that rapid population growth, continual economic development and urbanization drive a substantial logarithmic increase in coastal reclamation. Historical and future expansions of seaward land reclamation are found to cause dramatic surges in the expected annual inundation (EAI) and the expected annual population (EAP) exposed to coastal flooding. In Xiamen, EAI is estimated to increase by 440.2% from 1947 to 2035, owing to continuing land reclamation. Consequently, the population living in the flooded area has also increased sharply: the EAP of total population is estimated to rise from 0.8% in 1947 to 4.7% in 2035, where reclamation contributes over 80% of this increase. Moreover, a future 10 cm sea-level rise in 2035 will lead to extra 5.73% and 8.15% increases in EAI and EAP, respectively, and is expected to cause massive permanent submersion in the new reclamation zone. Our findings emphasize an integration of hard structures and nature-based solutions for building resilient coasts.
Contested Sovereignties: States, Media Platforms, Peoples, and the Regulation of Media Content and Big Data in the Networked Society
Authors: Chapdelaine Pascale , McLeod Rogers Jaqueline
Published: August 2021

This article examines the legal and normative foundations of media content regulation in the borderless networked society. We explore the extent to which internet undertakings should be subject to state regulation, in light of Canada’s ongoing debates and legislative reform. We bring a cross-disciplinary perspective (from the subject fields of law; communications studies, in particular McLuhan’s now classic probes; international relations; and technology studies) to enable both policy and language analysis. We apply the concept of sovereignty to states (national cultural and digital sovereignty), media platforms (transnational sovereignty), and citizens (autonomy and personal data sovereignty) to examine the competing dynamics and interests that need to be considered and mediated. While there is growing awareness of the tensions between state and transnational media platform powers, the relationship between media content regulation and the collection of viewers’ personal data is relatively less explored. We analyse how future media content regulation needs to fully account for personal data extraction practices by transnational platforms and other media content undertakings. We posit national cultural sovereignty—a constant unfinished process and framework connecting the local to the global—as the enduring force and justification of media content regulation in Canada. The exercise of state sovereignty may be applied not so much to secure strict territorial borders and centralized power over citizens but to act as a mediating power to promote and protect citizens’ individual and collective interests, locally and globally.
Autophagy Modulators in Cancer: Focus on Cancer Treatment
Authors: Nam Hye Jin
Published: August 2021

Uncontrolled autophagy has been associated with the development and progression of various cancers that are resistant to cancer therapy. Therefore, many efforts to modulate uncontrolled autophagy as a cancer treatment have been attempted, from basic science to clinical trials. However, it remains difficult to equally apply autophagy modulators to cancer therapy because autophagy is a double-edged sword in cancer: it can be tumor-suppressive or tumor-protective. Therefore, the precise mechanisms of autophagy modulators and their varied responsiveness to each cancer type should be addressed in detail. This study will describe the precise mechanisms of developing various autophagy modulators, their current therapeutic applications and future perspectives.
Chemoembolization for Single Large Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Preserved Liver Function: Analysis of Factors Predicting Clinical Outcomes in a 302 Patient Cohort
Authors: Kim Gun Ha , Kim Jin Hyoung , Shim Ju Hyun , Ko Heung-Kyu , Chu Hee Ho , Shin Ji Hoon , Yoon Hyun-Ki , Ko Gi-Young , Gwon Dong Il
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to define the role of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with a single large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and define the patient groups benefiting from TACE. Treatment-naïve patients with preserved liver function who received TACE as the first-line treatment for single large (>5 cm) HCC without macrovascular invasion and extrahepatic metastasis between 2007 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Overall survival, progression-free survival, radiologic tumor response, complications, and predictors of survival were analyzed using multivariate analysis, and then a pretreatment risk-prediction model was created using the four predictive factors of tumor size, tumor type, ALBI grade, and ECOG performance status. Patients with scores of 0 (n = 54), 1–2 (n = 170), and 3–6 (n = 78) according to the model were classified as low-, intermediate-, and high-risk, respectively. The corresponding median OS values were 141, 55, and 28 months, respectively. The percentage of major complications increased as tumor size increased (4–21%). Asymptomatic, nodular HCC patients with a tumor size of 5–7 cm and ALBI grade 1 benefited the most from TACE. By contrast, the value of TACE in the treatment of single huge HCC (>10 cm) with high complication rates remains unclear.
Impact of Physical Activity and Natural Bioactive Compounds on Endothelial Dysfunction in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Grazioli Elisa , Romani Annalisa , Marrone Giulia , Di Lauro Manuela , Cerulli Claudia , Urciuoli Silvia , Murri Arianna , Guerriero Cristina , Tranchita Eliana , Tesauro Manfredi , Parisi Attilio , Di Daniele Nicola , Noce Annalisa
Published: August 2021

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a world-wide public health problem. Inflammation, endothelial dysfunction (ED) and vascular calcifications are clinical features of CKD patients that increase cardiovascular (CV) mortality. CKD-related CV disease pathogenic mechanisms are not only associated with traditional factors such as arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia, but also with ED, oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation. The typical comorbidities of CKD contribute to reduce the performance and the levels of the physical activity in nephropathic patients compared to healthy subjects. Currently, the effective role of physical activity on ED is still debated, but the available few literature data suggest its positive contribution. Another possible adjuvant treatment of ED in CKD patients is represented by natural bioactive compounds (NBCs). Among these, minor polar compounds of extra virgin olive oil (hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and oleocanthal), polyphenols, and vitamin D seem to exert a beneficial role on ED in CKD patients. The objective of the review is to evaluate the effectiveness of physical exercise protocols and/or NBCs on ED in CKD patients.
Single Cell Cryo-Soft X-ray Tomography Shows That Each Chlamydia Trachomatis Inclusion Is a Unique Community of Bacteria
Authors: Phillips Patrick , Parkhurst James M. , Kounatidis Ilias , Okolo Chidinma , Fish Thomas M. , Naismith James H. , Walsh Martin A. , Harkiolaki Maria , Dumoux Maud
Published: August 2021

Chlamydiae are strict intracellular pathogens residing within a specialised membrane-bound compartment called the inclusion. Therefore, each infected cell can, be considered as a single entity where bacteria form a community within the inclusion. It remains unclear as to how the population of bacteria within the inclusion influences individual bacterium. The life cycle of Chlamydia involves transitioning between the invasive elementary bodies (EBs) and replicative reticulate bodies (RBs). We have used cryo-soft X-ray tomography to observe individual inclusions, an approach that combines 40 nm spatial resolution and large volume imaging (up to 16 µm). Using semi-automated segmentation pipeline, we considered each inclusion as an individual bacterial niche. Within each inclusion, we identifyed and classified different forms of the bacteria and confirmed the recent finding that RBs have a variety of volumes (small, large and abnormal). We demonstrate that the proportions of these different RB forms depend on the bacterial concentration in the inclusion. We conclude that each inclusion operates as an autonomous community that influences the characteristics of individual bacteria within the inclusion.
Biological Hallmarks and New Therapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of PDAC
Authors: Digiacomo Graziana , Volta Francesco , Garajova Ingrid , Balsano Rita , Cavazzoni Andrea
Published: August 2021

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest solid tumors and is estimated to become a leading cause of cancer-related death in coming years. Despite advances in surgical approaches and the emergence of new chemotherapy options, its poor prognosis has not improved in the last decades. The current treatment for PDAC is the combination of cytotoxic chemotherapy agents. However, PDAC shows resistance to many antineoplastic therapies with rapid progression. Although PDAC represents a heterogeneous disease, there are common alterations including oncogenic mutations of KRAS, and the frequent inactivation of different cell cycle regulators including the CDKN2A tumor suppressor gene. An emerging field of investigation focuses on inhibiting the function of proteins that suppress the immune checkpoint PD-1/PD-L1, with activation of the endogenous immune response. To date, all conventional immunotherapies have been less successful in patients with PDAC compared to other tumors. The need for new targets, associated with an extended molecular analysis of tumor samples could give new pharmacological options for the treatment of PDAC. It is, therefore, important to push for a broader molecular approach in PDAC research. Here, we provide a selected summary of emerging strategy options for targeting PDAC using CDK4/6 inhibitors, RAS inhibitors, and new drug combinations with immune checkpoint agents.
Biologically-Based and Physiochemical Life Support and In Situ Resource Utilization for Exploration of the Solar System—Reviewing the Current State and Defining Future Development Needs
Authors: Keller Ryan J. , Porter William , Goli Karthik , Rosenthal Reece , Butler Nicole , Jones Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2021

The future of long-duration spaceflight missions will place our vehicles and crew outside of the comfort of low-Earth orbit. Luxuries of quick resupply and frequent crew changes will not be available. Future missions will have to be adapted to low resource environments and be suited to use resources at their destinations to complete the latter parts of the mission. This includes the production of food, oxygen, and return fuel for human flight. In this chapter, we performed a review of the current literature, and offer a vision for the implementation of cyanobacteria-based bio-regenerative life support systems and in situ resource utilization during long duration expeditions, using the Moon and Mars for examples. Much work has been done to understand the nutritional benefits of cyanobacteria and their ability to survive in extreme environments like what is expected on other celestial objects. Fuel production is still in its infancy, but cyanobacterial production of methane is a promising front. In this chapter, we put forth a vision of a three-stage reactor system for regolith processing, nutritional and atmospheric production, and biofuel production as well as diving into what that system will look like during flight and a discussion on containment considerations.
Influence of Impregnation of Recycled Concrete Aggregate on the Selected Properties of Concrete
Authors: Jaskulski Roman , Reiterman Pavel , Kubissa Wojciech , Yakymechko Yaroslav
Published: August 2021

The paper focuses on investigating the effect of impregnation of recycled concrete aggregate on the mechanical and durability properties of concrete using this aggregate. Cement paste, limewater and diluted water glass were used to impregnate the aggregate. Both a single impregnation and a double impregnation using two different solutions were carried out. A total of four groups of concrete series, with two values of w/c ratio (0.45 and 0.60), were made. Concrete made using the impregnated aggregate was tested and the results were compared with those of concrete made using untreated recycled aggregate of the same kind. The results indicate that impregnation of aggregate improves the mechanical properties of concrete in many cases but reduces its resistance to cyclic freezing and thawing. Furthermore, in the case of impregnation with two solutions, the order in which the impregnants are applied influences the effect obtained. Using the results received, the impregnation methods were ranked in order from best to worst. The best impregnation method proved to be with cement paste, followed by diluted water glass, while the worst results were obtained with limewater, followed by diluted water glass.
The Effect of the In-Situ Heat Treatment on the Martensitic Transformation and Specific Properties of the Fe-Mn-Si-Cr Shape Memory Alloys Processed by HSHPT Severe Plastic Deformation
Authors: Gurau Carmela , Gurau Gheorghe , Tolea Felicia , Popescu Bogdan , Banu Mihaela , Bujoreanu Leandru-Gheorghe
Published: August 2021

This work focuses on the temperature evolution of the martensitic phase ε (hexagonal close packed) induced by the severe plastic deformation via High Speed High Pressure Torsion method in Fe57Mn27Si11Cr5 (at %) alloy. The iron rich alloy crystalline structure, magnetic and transport properties were investigated on samples subjected to room temperature High Speed High Pressure Torsion incorporating 1.86 degree of deformation and also hot-compression. Thermo-resistivity as well as thermomagnetic measurements indicate an antiferromagnetic behavior with the Néel temperature (TN) around 244 K, directly related to the austenitic γ-phase. The sudden increase of the resistivity on cooling below the Néel temperature can be explained by an increased phonon-electron interaction. In-situ magnetic and electric transport measurements up to 900 K are equivalent to thermal treatments and lead to the appearance of the bcc-ferrite-like type phase, to the detriment of the ε(hcp) martensite and the γ (fcc) austenite phases.
The Synergistic Effect of Ester-Ether Copolymerization Thixo-Tropic Superplasticizer and Nano-Clay on the Buildability of 3D Printable Cementitious Materials
Authors: Wang Yu , Jiang Yaqing , Pan Tinghong , Yin Kangting
Published: August 2021

The shape retention ability of materials deposited layer by layer is called buildability, which is an indispensable performance parameter for successful 3D printable cementitious materials (3DPC). This study investigated the synergistic effect of nano-clay (NC) and thixotropic superplasticizer (TP) on the buildability of 3DPC. The rheological parameters and static yield stress are characterized by the rheology testing, the green strength is measured by a self-made pressure tester, and the fluidity is tested by flow table. Results indicate that NC significantly increases the growth rate of static yield stress and green strength and TP can improve the initial rheological parameters and fluidity, which ensures the initial stiffness and workability of printed materials. The mixture with 7‰ (by mass of cementitious materials) NC and 3‰ TP obtains excellent extrudability and buildability, due to the synergistic effect of NC and TP. Based on the rheology testing and specific printing experiments, a printable window with 1.0 Pa/s~2.0 Pa/s of the rate of static yield stress evolution over time (RST) or 170 mm~200 mm of fluidity is established. This work provides theorical support for the control and evaluation of rheological properties in 3DPC.
Characterization of Solar-Aged Porous Silicon Carbide for Concentrated Solar Power Receivers
Authors: Cañadas Inmaculada , Candelario Victor M. , De Aloysio Giulia , Fernández Jesús , Laghi Luca , Cuesta-López Santiago , Chen Yang , Marrow T. James , Rinaldi Antonio , Sanchez Ana Mariblanca , Tatì Angelo , Testani Claudio
Published: August 2021

Porous silicon carbide is a promising material for ceramic receivers in next-generation concentrated solar power receivers. To investigate its tolerance to thermal shock, accelerated ageing of large coupons (50 × 50 × 5 mm) was conducted in a solar furnace to investigate the effects of thermal cycling up to 1000 °C, with gradients of up to 22 °C/mm. Non-destructive characterization by computed X-ray tomography and ultrasonic inspection could detect cracking from thermal stresses, and this informed the preparation of valid specimens for thermophysical characterization. The effect of thermal ageing on transient thermal properties, as a function of temperature, was investigated by using the light-flash method. The thermophysical properties were affected by increasing the severity of the ageing conditions; thermal diffusivity decreased by up to 10% and specific heat by up to 5%.
A Method for Preparing Superhydrophobic Paper with High Stability and Ionic Liquid-Induced Wettability Transition
Authors: Jiang Shangjie , Zhou Shisheng , Du Bin
Published: August 2021

In this study, the polymer PTSPM-PMETAC with anion adsorption properties was prepared by a one-step method, then the amino-modified nano-SiO2 was grafted onto the polymer to improve the roughness of the surface and enhance the stability of superhydrophobic properties, and a high-stability superhydrophobic paper with ion-induced wettability transition properties was successfully prepared. The study found that the paper can realize the reversible control of surface wettability through the exchange between the anions PF6− and Cl− adsorbed on the surface of PMETAC, and further investigation of the effect of different solvents on the ion exchange properties found that water was the poor solvent for ion exchange, while the mixtures of methanol, acetone, and methanol & water were the good solvent. On the whole, the preparation of superhydrophobic paper by this method not only simple in preparation process, low in cost and strong in universality, but also the prepared superhydrophobic paper has high transparency and good stability, which has great application potential in industrial production.
Effect of Strontium-Doped Bioactive Glass on Preventing Formation of Demineralized Lesion
Authors: Dai Lin-Lu , Mei May-Lei , Chu Chun-Hung , Zhao Irene Shuping , Lo Edward Chin-Man
Published: August 2021

This study investigated the effect of strontium-doped bioactive glass (SBAG) on the formation of dental demineralized lesions. Materials and methods: The study materials were 48 sound human tooth specimens with both dentine and enamel, divided equally into four groups: Group 1 (SBAG), Group 2 (SBAG+Fluoride), Group 3 (Fluoride), and Group 4 (Water as control). After 14 days of pH cycling, the surface morphology of the specimens was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Crystal characteristics of the precipitates were assessed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Micro-CT was used to measure the mineral loss and the depths of the demineralized lesions formed. Results: Exposure of collagen in inter-tubular areas in dentine was seen in the control group (Group 4) but not in Groups 1 to 3. In Group 2, there were obvious granular particles on the surface of the dentine. XRD revealed precipitation of apatites on the surface of the tooth specimens in Groups 1 to 3. The mean lesion depths in dentine were 81.80 μm, 30.68 μm, 39.04 μm, and 146.36 μm in Groups 1 to 4, respectively (p < 0.001). Lesions in enamel were only found in the control group. The mean mineral loss values in the dentine lesions were 1.25 g/cm3, 0.88 g/cm3, 0.87 g/cm3, and 1.65 g/cm3, in Groups 1 to 4, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Strontium-doped bioactive glass has a preventive effect on the formation of demineralized lesions in enamel and dentine.
Microstructural Design of Ba0.5La0.5Co0.5Fe0.5O3 Perovskite Ceramics
Authors: Gierszewska Daria , Szpunar Iga , Oseko Francis , Pośpiech Joanna , Nadolska Małgorzata , Pieragowska Martyna , Reniecka Karolina , Waniek Kinga , Leszczyński Karol , Mielewczyk-Gryń Aleksandra , Gazda Maria , Wachowski Sebastian
Published: August 2021

Ba0.5La0.5Co0.5Fe0.5O3−δ was synthesized in the solid-state reaction route. The influence of ball milling parameters (such as milling media size, angular velocity, and time), pelletizing pressure, and annealing parameters on the microstructure was studied. The grain size distribution and density or specific surface area changes were investigated in each approach while the individual parameters were changed. The evaluation of BLCF synthesis parameters enables tailoring the microstructure to various applications. It was observed that with lowering the size of milling balls and increasing the angular velocity the material will be porous and thus more appropriate as electrode material in proton ceramic fuel cell or electrolyzer. An increase of time, balls diameter, and/or angular velocity of milling enables one to densify the material in case of membrane application in, e.g., as a gas sensor. The significant influence on densification has also annealing temperature increase. Applying 1200 °C during annealing leads to dense material, while at 1100 °C shows visible porosity of the product. In this work, we present the results of the BLCF synthesis parameters change allowing the selection of appropriate parameter values depending on the further application as PCCs.