bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gas Generation Potential of Permian Oil-Prone Source Rocks and Natural Gas Exploration Potential in the Junggar Basin, NW China
Authors: Yiming Abilimit , Ding Xiujian , Qian Liangrong , Liu Hailei , Hou Maoguo , Jiang Zhongfa
Published: November 2022

The Junggar Basin, where twenty-seven oil fields and five gas fields have been discovered, is a typical “oil basin” with proven ratio of natural gas of 5.3%. The amount of natural gas from Permian source rocks has been found in the western margin of the basin, but no large-scale natural gas reservoir has been discovered. The key to natural gas exploration is whether Permian oil-prone source rocks have large gas generation potential. Based on the comprehensive analysis of geochemical features and hydrocarbon generation simulation experiments, it is proved that the gas generation intensity could meet the standard of medium to large gas-fields (20 × 108 m3/km2) at a depth of more than 6500 m. In the Penyijing and Shawan Sags, the burial depth of the Fengcheng Formation source rocks is between 8500 m and 10,000 m, respectively. It could be concluded that the Permian source rocks in the Penyijingxi and Shawan Sags have relative higher gas generation potential. In addition to high natural gas generation potential, two sets of effective reservoirs (wreathing volcanic rocks and secondary dissolution of sandy conglomerates) and thick caprocks with overpressure are developed in the most areas of Junggar Basin. Recently, natural gas reservoirs have been discovered and industrial natural gas had been obtained around the Penyijingxi Sag, Shawan Sags, and the Southern margin of the Junggar Basin. Our research results and natural gas exploration practice show that the Junggar Basin have relatively large natural gas exploration potential.
Maintenance 5.0: Towards a Worker-in-the-Loop Framework for Resilient Smart Manufacturing
Authors: Cortés-Leal Alejandro , Cárdenas César , Del-Valle-Soto Carolina
Published: November 2022

Due to the global uncertainty caused by social problems such as COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, companies have opted for the use of emerging technologies, to produce more with fewer resources and thus maintain their productivity; that is why the market for wearable artificial intelligence (AI) and wireless sensor networks (WSNs) has grown exponentially. In the last decade, maintenance 4.0 has achieved best practices due to the appearance of emerging technologies that improve productivity. However, some social trends seek to explore the interaction of AI with human beings to solve these problems, such as Society 5.0 and Industry 5.0. The research question is: could a human-in-the-loop-based maintenance framework improve the resilience of physical assets? This work helps to answer this question through the following contributions: first, a search for research gaps in maintenance; second, a scoping literature review of the research question; third, the definition, characteristics, and the control cycle of Maintenance 5.0 framework; fourth, the maintenance worker 5.0 definition and characteristics; fifth, two proposals for the calculation of resilient maintenance; and finally, Maintenance 5.0 is validated through a simulation in which the use of the worker in the loop improves the resilience of an Industrial Wireless Sensor Network (IWSN).
Participation: A Disciplinary Border for Architectural Research and Practice
Authors: Hamarat Yaprak , Schelings Clémentine , Elsen Catherine
Published: November 2022

This editorial note provides an extended summary and transversal analysis of ten articles gathered for the 2022 Special Issue on participation in contemporary architecture. The call for contribution circulated in June 2021 attracted papers from Central Europe (n = 8) and North America (n = 2), and presents an overview of ongoing practices and research in participatory architecture in these areas. The Special Issue aimed to study the connections between disciplines and gathered nine empirical cases and one literature review. In this editorial note, we first analyze these contributions to better understand the nature of architecture in participating in the profiles of end-users and project teams, and the scale of the projects. Secondly, we highlight four lessons taken from these practices and studies: we emphasize how participation in architecture (1) emerges and operates in interstitial spaces; (2) often deployed for and with “vulnerable” end-user groups, this “vulnerability” provides power and originality to processes and outcomes; (3) inspirational principles, guides, and frameworks are produced as outcomes; and finally, (4) social architectures are deployed beyond tangible concepts through a multilevel relationship to pedagogy. Finally, we observe that reflections on gender, politics, decoloniality, and disciplinary transfers remain underexplored and need to be explicitly studied and integrated.
Variation Characteristics and Source Analysis of Pollutants in Jinghong before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zhou Zengchun , Wang Zhijun , Shi Jianwu , Zhong Yunhong , Ding Yinhu
Published: November 2022

With the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020, China’s urban epidemic prevention and control policies have caused significant changes in air pollution sources. In order to clarify the change characteristics of urban air pollution in Yunnan Province before and after the epidemic, using statistics and correlation analysis methods, Jinghong city was selected as the research object, and based on the ambient air quality monitoring data (SO2, NO2, CO, O3, PM2.5, and PM10) and meteorological data from 2017 to 2021, the concentration characteristics of air pollutants in Jinghong in the past five years were analyzed, and the sources of air pollutants were analyzed using the local emission source inventory and HYSPLIT model. The results show that: ① The air quality in Jinghong was the worst in 2019 before the outbreak of the epidemic, and then gradually improved, with an average 5-year excellent and good rate of 91.8%. The pollutants are mainly particulate matter and O3. ② Except for SO2, the concentrations of other pollutants have similar seasonal changes, with the highest in spring and the lowest in summer. ③ The air quality in Jinghong is mainly affected by the combined effects of local emissions and external transportation. According to the local emission inventory, biomass combustion sources have the largest contribution to CO, PM2.5, and PM10, mobile sources have the highest share rate of NOx, and industrial enterprises are the largest emission sources of SO2. Air mass backward trajectory research shows that the westward and southerly airflow are the main transport direction of pollutants entering Jinghong, especially in spring, which significantly affects the local pollutant concentration level. In addition, meteorological conditions such as temperature, precipitation, and wind speed also have a great impact on the dilution, diffusion, and transfer of air pollutants in Jinghong. The results of this study further improve the characteristics of the spatial and temporal distribution of air pollutants and pollutant sources in the border areas of China and before and after the epidemic, and also provide a theoretical basis for air environment management in the border areas.
Modeling Phenological Phases of Winter Wheat Based on Temperature and the Start of the Growing Season
Authors: Dížková Petra , Bartošová Lenka , Bláhová Monika , Balek Jan , Hájková Lenka , Semerádová Daniela , Bohuslav Jakub , Pohanková Eva , Žalud Zdeněk , Trnka Miroslav
Published: November 2022

The phenological phases of field crops have shifted to earlier times in the Czech Republic in recent decades; additionally, they have shown correlations with temperatures from previous spring months. Using a thermal time model called PhenoClim, the correlations between temperatures and phenophases allow us to evaluate the strongest predictors (i.e., maximum temperature) and indicators of base temperatures and growing degree days for the selected phenophases of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). With the help of this model, it is possible to explain 0.6–0.82% of the phase variability and to estimate the onset of phenophases for the selected time period and stations (with the RMSE values of 9.4 days for jointing, 4.3 days for heading, and 5.3 days for full ripeness). To further refine the modeled onsets of phenophases, we used satellite data, specifically the normalized difference vegetation index and the enhanced vegetation index 2 from MODIS; based on these vegetation indices, the start of the growing season (SOS) was determined. After including SOS to model PhenoClim, we modeled the onsets of phenophases, with average accuracies ranging from 6.2 to 15.2. By combining the thermal time model and remote sensing data, specifically the data concerning the determination of SOS, we can refine the modeling of the onset of full ripeness in some locations.
Copula Dynamic Conditional Correlation and Functional Principal Component Analysis of COVID-19 Mortality in the United States
Authors: Kim Jong-Min
Published: November 2022

This paper shows a visual analysis and the dependence relationships of COVID-19 mortality data in 50 states plus Washington, D.C., from January 2020 to 1 September 2022. Since the mortality data are severely skewed and highly dispersed, a traditional linear model is not suitable for the data. As such, we use a Gaussian copula marginal regression (GCMR) model and vine copula-based quantile regression to analyze the COVID-19 mortality data. For a visual analysis of the COVID-19 mortality data, a functional principal component analysis (FPCA), graphical model, and copula dynamic conditional correlation (copula-DCC) are applied. The visual from the graphical model shows five COVID-19 mortality equivalence groups in the US, and the results of the FPCA visualize the COVID-19 daily mortality time trends for 50 states plus Washington, D.C. The GCMR model investigates the COVID-19 daily mortality relationship between four major states and the rest of the states in the US. The copula-DCC models investigate the time-trend dependence relationship between the COVID-19 daily mortality data of four major states.
Analysis and Design of Robust Controller for Polynomial Fractional Differential Systems Using Sum of Squares
Authors: Yaghoubi Hassan , Zare Assef , Alizadehsani Roohallah
Published: November 2022

This paper discusses the robust stability and stabilization of polynomial fractional differential (PFD) systems with a Caputo derivative using the sum of squares. In addition, it presents a novel method of stability and stabilization for PFD systems. It demonstrates the feasibility of designing problems that cannot be represented in LMIs (linear matrix inequalities). First, sufficient conditions of stability are expressed for the PFD equation system. Based on the results, the fractional differential system is Mittag–Leffler stable when there is a polynomial function to satisfy the inequality conditions. These functions are obtained from the sum of the square (SOS) approach. The result presents a valuable method to select the Lyapunov function for the stability of PFD systems. Then, robust Mittag–Leffler stability conditions were able to demonstrate better convergence performance compared to asymptotic stabilization and a robust controller design for a PFD equation system with unknown system parameters, and design performance based on a polynomial state feedback controller for PFD-controlled systems. Finally, simulation results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed theorems.
Valorization of Waste Orange Peels: Aqueous Antioxidant Polyphenol Extraction as Affected by Organic Acid Addition
Authors: Kalompatsios Dimitris , Athanasiadis Vassilis , Palaiogiannis Dimitrios , Lalas Stavros I. , Makris Dimitris P.
Published: November 2022

Waste orange peels (WOP) are a food processing residue rich in bioactive polyphenols. However, data on aqueous extraction processes for efficient polyphenol recovery are rather limited. The present study dealt with the optimization of WOP polyphenols, using a batch stirred-tank mode and water as solvent. After a preliminary single-factor examination, the implementation of response surface methodology revealed that optimum extraction time and temperature were 60 min and 55 °C, respectively. Under these conditions, the extraction afforded a total polyphenol yield of 26.13 ± 0.78 mg gallic acid equivalents per g dry mass. The use of aqueous solutions of citric, tartaric and lactic acid showed that total polyphenol yield may be significantly increased with 1% tartaric acid or equally with 2.5% citric acid. However, the effect on individual polyphenolic constituents was rather negligible, as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The discrepancies observed in the antioxidant properties of the extracts produced with water and acidified water were putatively attributed to some differences in the polyphenolic composition. The extraction methodology proposed is environmentally green and of low cost, and it could certainly be used as an effective means of recovering WOP polyphenols.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells and MSCs-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Infectious Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Practice
Authors: Yudintceva Natalia , Mikhailova Natalia , Fedorov Viacheslav , Samochernych Konstantin , Vinogradova Tatiana , Muraviov Alexandr , Shevtsov Maxim
Published: November 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are attractive in various fields of regenerative medicine due to their therapeutic potential and complex unique properties. Basic stem cell research and the global COVID-19 pandemic have given impetus to the development of cell therapy for infectious diseases. The aim of this review was to systematize scientific data on the applications of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) in the combined treatment of infectious diseases. Application of MSCs and MSC-EVs in the treatment of infectious diseases has immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects, and also promotes the restoration of the epithelium and stimulates tissue regeneration. The use of MSC-EVs is a promising cell-free treatment strategy that allows solving the problems associated with the safety of cell therapy and increasing its effectiveness. In this review, experimental data and clinical trials based on MSCs and MSC-EVs for the treatment of infectious diseases are presented. MSCs and MSC-EVs can be a promising tool for the treatment of various infectious diseases, particularly in combination with antiviral drugs. Employment of MSC-derived EVs represents a more promising strategy for cell-free treatment, demonstrating a high therapeutic potential in preclinical studies.
Dairy and Wine Industry Effluents as Alternative Media for the Production of Bacillus-Based Biocontrol Agents
Authors: Dmitrović Selena , Pajčin Ivana , Vlajkov Vanja , Grahovac Mila , Jokić Aleksandar , Grahovac Jovana
Published: November 2022

Food industry effluents represent one of the major concerns when it comes to environmental impact; hence, their valorization through different chemical and biological routes has been suggested as a possible solution. The vast amount of organic and inorganic nutrients present in food industry effluents makes them suitable substrates for microbial growth. This study suggests two valorization routes for whey as dairy industry effluent and flotation wastewater from the wine industry through microbial conversion to biocontrol agents as value-added products. Cultivations of the biocontrol strain Bacillus sp. BioSol021 were performed in a 16 L bioreactor to monitor the bioprocess course and investigate bioprocess kinetics in terms of microbial growth, sugar substrate consumption and surfactin synthesis, as an antimicrobial lipopeptide. The produced biocontrol agents showed high levels of biocontrol activity against mycotoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus, followed by a significant reduction of sugar load of the investigated effluents by the producing microorganisms. With proven high potential of whey and winery flotation wastewater to be used as substrates for microbial growth, this study provides grounds for further optimization of the suggested valorization routes, mostly in terms of bioprocess conditions to achieve maximal techno-economical feasibility, energy saving and maximal reduction of effluents’ organic and inorganic burden.
Molecular Characterization of Secreted Factors and Extracellular Vesicles-Embedded miRNAs from Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Presence of Synovial Fluid from Osteoarthritis Patients
Authors: Ragni Enrico , Perucca Orfei Carlotta , Valli Federico , Zagra Luigi , de Girolamo Laura
Published: November 2022

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs)-based therapies show a great potential to manage inflammation and tissue degeneration in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Clinical trials showed the ability to manage pain and activation of immune cells and allowed restoration of damaged cartilage. To date, a molecular fingerprint of BMSC-secreted molecules in OA joint conditions able to support clinical outcomes is missing; the lack of that molecular bridge between BMSC activity and clinical results hampers clinical awareness and translation into practice. In this study, BMSCs were cultured in synovial fluid (SF) obtained from OA patients and, for the first time, a thorough characterization of soluble factors and extracellular vesicles (EVs)-embedded miRNAs was performed in this condition. Molecular data were sifted through the sieve of molecules and pathways characterizing the OA phenotype in immune cells and joint tissues. One-hundred and twenty-five secreted factors and one-hundred and ninety-two miRNAs were identified. The combined action of both types of molecules was shown to, first, foster BMSCs interaction with the most important OA immune cells, such as macrophages and T cells, driving their switch towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype and, second, promote cartilage homeostasis assisting chondrocyte proliferation and attenuating the imbalance between destructive and protective extracellular matrix-related players. Overall, molecular data give an understanding of the clinical results observed in OA patients and can enable a faster translation of BMSC-based products into everyday clinical practice.
Synergistically Anti-Multiple Myeloma Effects: Flavonoid, Non-Flavonoid Polyphenols, and Bortezomib
Authors: Ding Kaixi , Jiang Wei , Jia Huanan , Lei Ming
Published: November 2022

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal plasma cell tumor originating from a post-mitotic lymphoid B-cell lineage. Bortezomib(BTZ), a first-generation protease inhibitor, has increased overall survival, progression-free survival, and remission rates in patients with MM since its clinical approval in 2003. However, the use of BTZ is challenged by the malignant features of MM and drug resistance. Polyphenols, classified into flavonoid and non-flavonoid polyphenols, have potential health-promoting activities, including anti-cancer. Previous preclinical studies have demonstrated the anti-MM potential of some dietary polyphenols. Therefore, these dietary polyphenols have the potential to be alternative therapies in anti-MM treatment regimens. This systematic review examines the synergistic effects of flavonoids and non-flavonoid polyphenols on the anti-MM impacts of BTZ. Preclinical studies on flavonoids and non-flavonoid polyphenols-BTZ synergism in MM were collected from PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase published between 2008 and 2020. 19 valid preclinical studies (Published from 2008 to 2020) were included in this systematic review. These studies demonstrated that eight flavonoids (icariin, icariside II, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, scutellarein, wogonin, morin, formononetin, daidzin), one plant extract rich in flavonoids (Punica granatum juice) and four non-flavonoid polyphenols (silibinin, resveratrol, curcumin, caffeic acid) synergistically enhanced the anti-MM effect of BTZ. These synergistic effects are mediated through the regulation of cellular signaling pathways associated with proliferation, apoptosis, and drug resistance. Given the above, flavonoids and non-flavonoid polyphenols can benefit MM patients by overcoming the challenges faced in BTZ treatment. Despite the positive nature of this preclinical evidence, some additional investigations are still needed before proceeding with clinical studies. For this purpose, we conclude by providing some suggestions for future research directions.
Molecular Structure and Phylogenetic Analyses of the Plastomes of Eight Sorbus Sensu Stricto Species
Authors: Zhang Shu-Dong , Ling Li-Zhen
Published: November 2022

Sorbus L. is a genus of controversy on its taxonomic concept due to great variations in morphological characteristics. Sorbus sensu stricto species, being monophyletic, are characterized as pinnate leaves. However, phylogenetic relationships of these species are somewhat fluid based on morphological characteristics and genetic markers. In this study, the chloroplast (cp) genomes of eight Sorbus s. str. species were characterized and compared with those of twelve released species in this genus. Our results indicated that the plastomes of the twenty Sorbus species had a conserved quadripartite structure, and 129 annotated genes had the same order and showed a good collinearity. Additionally, numerous SSRs were observed in the cp genome of each Sorbus species; most of the sequence variations appeared in non-coding regions, and four intergenic regions were identified as mutation spots. By contrast, protein-coding genes showed low variations under purifying selection. The phylogenetic and molecular-dating analysis showed that Sorbus was resolved into two major clades, in which S. americana forms one clade originating at 51.78 Ma, and the rest of Sorbus formed another clade, splitting at 36.77 Ma into two sister groups with high support values. These results provide a basis for further studying the phylogenetic relationship and biogeography of Sorbus species.
Spatial Analysis of NQO1 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Shows Its Expression Is Independent of NRF1 and NRF2 in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Kaghazchi Boback , Um In Hwa , Elshani Mustafa , Read Oliver J. , Harrison David J.
Published: November 2022

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 1 (NFE2L1, NRF1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2, NRF2) are distinct oxidative stress response transcription factors, both of which have been shown to perform cytoprotective functions, modulating cell stress response and homeostasis. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) is a mutual downstream antioxidant gene target that catalyzes the two-electron reduction of an array of substrates, protecting against reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. NQO1 is upregulated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is proposed as a predictive biomarker and therapeutic target. Antioxidant protein expression of immune cells within the NSCLC tumor microenvironment (TME) remains undetermined and may affect immune cell effector functions and survival outcomes. Multiplex immunofluorescence was performed to examine the co-localization of NQO1, NRF1 and NRF2 within the tumor and TME of 162 chemotherapy-naïve, early-stage NSCLC patients treated by primary surgical resection. This study demonstrates that NQO1 protein expression is high in normal, tumor-adjacent tissue and that NQO1 expression varies depending on the cell type. Inter and intra-patient heterogenous NQO1 expression was observed in lung cancer. Co-expression analysis showed NQO1 is independent of NRF1 and NRF2 in tumors. Density-based co-expression analysis demonstrated NRF1 and NRF2 double-positive expression in cancer cells is associated with improved overall survival.
A PQS-Cleaving Quorum Quenching Enzyme Targets Extracellular Membrane Vesicles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Arranz San Martín Alba , Drees Steffen Lorenz , Fetzner Susanne
Published: November 2022

The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses quorum sensing to control its virulence. One of its major signal molecules, the Pseudomonas quinolone signal PQS, has high affinity to membranes and is known to be trafficked mainly via outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). We previously reported that several 3-hydroxy-4(1H)-quinolone 2,4-dioxygenases (HQDs) catalyze the cleavage of PQS and thus act as quorum quenching enzymes. Further analysis showed that, in contrast to other HQDs, the activity of HQD from Streptomyces bingchenggensis (HQDS.b.) was unexpectedly stabilized by culture supernatants of P. aeruginosa. Interestingly, the stabilizing effect was higher with supernatants from the strain PA14 than with supernatants from the strain PAO1. Heat treatment and lyophilization hardly affected the stabilizing effect; however, fractionation of the supernatant excluded small molecules as stabilizing agents. In a pull-down assay, HQDS.b. appeared to interact with several P. aeruginosa proteins previously found in the OMV proteome. This prompted us to probe the physical interaction of HQDS.b. with prepared extracellular membrane vesicles. Homo-FRET of fluorescently labeled HQDS.b. indeed indicated a spatial clustering of the protein on the vesicles. Binding of a PQS-cleaving enzyme to the OMVs of P. aeruginosa may enhance PQS degradation and is highly reconcilable with its function as a quorum quenching enzyme.
Mimicking Pseudo-Virion Interactions with Abiotic Surfaces: Deposition of Polymer Nanoparticles with Albumin Corona
Authors: Nattich-Rak Małgorzata , Sadowska Marta , Motyczyńska Maja , Adamczyk Zbigniew
Published: November 2022

Adsorption of human serum albumin (HSA) molecules on negatively charged polystyrene microparticles was studied using the dynamic light scattering, the electrophoretic and the solution depletion methods involving atomic force microscopy. Initially, the physicochemical characteristics of the albumin comprising the hydrodynamic diameter, the zeta potential and the isoelectric point were determined as a function of pH. Analogous characteristics of the polymer particles were acquired, including their size and zeta potential. The formation of albumin corona on the particles was investigated in situ by electrophoretic mobility measurements. The size, stability and electrokinetic properties of the particles with the corona were also determined. The particle diameter was equal to 125 nm, which coincides with the size of the SARS-CoV-2 virion. The isoelectric point of the particles appeared at a pH of 5. The deposition kinetics of the particles was determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) under diffusion and by quartz microbalance (QCM) under flow conditions. It was shown that the deposition rate at a gold sensor abruptly vanished with pH following the decrease in the zeta potential of the particles. It is postulated that the acquired results can be used as useful reference systems mimicking virus adsorption on abiotic surfaces.
Endoscopic Surveillance of Esophageal Atresia Population according to ESPGHAN-NASPGHAN 2016 Guidelines: Incidence of Eosinophilic Esophagitis and New Histological Findings
Authors: Maestri Francesca , Morandi Anna , Ichino Martina , Fava Giorgio , Cavallaro Giacomo , Leva Ernesto , Macchini Francesco
Published: November 2022

Follow-up of children born with esophageal atresia (EA) is mandatory due to high incidence of comorbidities. We evaluated endoscopic findings at follow-up of EA patients performed at our Centre according to ESPGHAN-NASPGHAN 2016 guidelines. A retrospective observational study was performed using data from January 2016 to January 2021. We included EA patients (age range: 1–18 years) who were offered a program of endoscopic and histological high gastrointestinal (GI) tract examinations as per ESPGHAN-NASPGHAN 2016 guidelines. Clinical, surgical, auxological, endoscopic, and histological data were reviewed; variables as polyhydramnios, EA type, surgical type, enteral feeding introduction age, growth data, and symptoms were correlated to endoscopic and histological findings. The population included 75 patients (47 males), with mean age of 5 ± 4 years. In 40/75 (53.3%) patients, we recorded oral feeding problems, and upper gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms suspicious of gastroesophageal reflux. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) incidence was 9/75 (12%), significantly higher than in general population (p < 0.0001), and 10/75 (13.3%) presented non-specific duodenal mucosal lesions. EoE represents a frequent comorbidity of EA, as previously known. EA is also burdened by high, never-described incidence of non-specific duodenal mucosal lesions. Embedding high GI tract biopsies in EA endoscopic follow-up should be mandatory from pediatric age.
Medium Extracellular Vesicles—A Qualitative and Quantitative Biomarker of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Świtońska Milena , Jarosz Oliwia A. , Szołna-Klufczyńska Dagmara , Sierakowska Katarzyna
Published: November 2022

For years, the diagnosis of prostate cancer has been understated. Despite the relatively low mortality rate, prostate cancer is still one of the most common neoplasms in men, which proves the need for continuous improvements in the diagnostics of this disease. New biomarkers may address these challenges in the form of extracellular vesicles (EV) secreted by prostate cancer cells. The available literature in the PubMed, SCOPUS, and ResearchGate databases from the last ten years was analyzed using search phrases such as extracellular vesicles, microparticles, microvesicles, cancer biomarkers, and prostate cancer. Then, the research was selected in terms of the size of the tested EVs (the EV medium of 100–1000 nm diameter, was taken into account), the latest versions of the literature were selected and compiled, and their results were compared. The group of extracellular vesicles contain a substantial amount of genetic information that can be used in research on the specificity of prostate cancer and other cancers. So far, it has been shown that EVs produced by PCa cells express proteins specific for these cells, which, thanks to their specificity, can make EV useful biomarkers of prostate cancer. Moreover, the importance of the quantitative release of EV from PCa cells has been demonstrated, which may be necessary to diagnose prostate cancer malignancy. Each method positively correlates with Gleason’s results and is even characterized by greater diagnostic sensitivity. Medium extracellular vesicles are a promising research material, and their specificity and sensitivity may allow them to be used in future prostate cancer diagnostics as biomarkers.
Eu-Chelate Polystyrene Microsphere-Based Lateral Flow Immunoassay Platform for hs-CRP Detection
Authors: Jin Birui , Du Zhiguo , Zhang Chuyao , Yu Zhao , Wang Xuemin , Hu Jie , Li Zedong
Published: November 2022

Inflammation caused by viral or bacterial infection is a major threat to human health globally. Blood C-reactive protein (CRP) has been proven to be a sensitive indicator for the occurrence and development of inflammation. Furthermore, a tiny change of blood CRP concentration may portend chronic diseases; therefore, high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) detection in a quantitative, rapid, user-friendly, and low-cost manner is highly demanded. In this paper, we developed a europium-chelate polystyrene microsphere (EuPSM)-based lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) integrating with a benchtop fluorescence analyzer for hs-CRP detection. The optimization of the EuPSM-based LFIA was implemented through adjusting the antibody density on EuPSM from 100% to 60% of the saturated density. Finally, the limit of detection of 0.76 pg/mL and detection range of 0.025–250 ng/mL were obtained. Moreover, the clinical application capability of the proposed platform was validated through detecting CRP in clinical serum samples, showing high consistency with the results obtained from the clinical standard method. Hence, the proposed EuPSM-based LFIA has been verified to be well suitable for hs-CRP detection, while also showing great applicability for sensitively and rapidly detecting other biomarkers.
SnO2QDs Deposited on GO/PPy-Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for Efficient Electrochemical Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor
Authors: Molahalli Vandana , Sharma Aman , Shetty Apoorva , Hegde Gurumurthy
Published: November 2022

In this present work, we demonstrate an efficient electrochemical sensor for the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with a ternary nanocomposite of tin oxide QDs/GO/PPy (SGP2). An in situ chemical oxidative polymerization method was used to create the SGP2 nanocomposite. FTIR, XRD, HR TEM, CV, DPV, and impedance analysis were used to characterize the nanocomposite. The SGP2 nanocomposite modified GCE can be used to create an effective H2O2 electrochemical sensor with high sensitivity and a low detection limit (LOD). With SGP2 modified GCE, the electrochemical detection test for H2O2 was carried out using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometric methods. The SGP2 modified GCE shows improved sensing capabilities, resulting in considerable sensitivity of 11.69 µA mM cm−2 and a very low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.758 µM for a broad linear range of H2O2 concentration from 0.1 mM to 0.8 mM with a correlation coefficient R2 = 0.9886. Additionally, the performance of the SGP2-modified GCE electrode is on par with or nonetheless superior to that of the other functional materials that have been reported for H2O2. As a result, our findings suggest that combining conductive polymer with metal oxide may be a useful method for producing sophisticated and affordable electrochemical sensors.
Neurophysiological Hallmarks of Axonal Degeneration in CIDP Patients: A Pilot Analysis
Authors: Ricciardi Dario , Amitrano Federica , Coccia Armando , Todisco Vincenzo , Trojsi Francesca , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Cirillo Giovanni
Published: November 2022

In this work, we aim to identify sensitive neurophysiological biomarkers of axonal degeneration in CIDP patients. A total of 16 CIDP patients, fulfilling the clinical and neurophysiological criteria for typical CIDP, treated with subcutaneous immunoglobulin (ScIg) (0.4 g/kg/week) were evaluated at baseline (before ScIg treatment) and after long-term treatment with ScIg (24 months) by clinical assessment scales, nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG). Conventional and non-conventional neurophysiological parameters: motor unit potential (MUP) analysis, MUP thickness and size index (SI)] and interference pattern (IP) features were evaluated after long-term treatment (24 months) and compared with a population of 16 healthy controls (HC). An increase of distal motor latency (DML) and reduced compound motor action potential (CMAP) amplitude and area in CIDP patients suggest axonal damage of motor fibers, together with a significant increase of MUP amplitude, duration and area. Analysis of non-conventional MUP parameters shows no difference for MUP thickness; however, in CIDP patients, SI is increased and IP area and amplitude values are lower than HC. Despite clinical and neurophysiological improvement after ScIg treatment, neurophysiological analysis revealed axonal degeneration of motor fibers and motor unit remodeling. Correlation analysis shows that the axonal degeneration process is related to the diagnostic and therapeutic delay. MUP area and SI parameters can detect early signs of axonal degeneration, and their introduction in clinical practice may help to identify patients with the worst outcome.
Emotion Recognition and the Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder (SI-Bord): Outcomes and Community-Based Validation
Authors: Godfrey Emmet , Kelly Grealy Molly , Whyte O’Sullivan Erin , Sullivan Sarah , Brady Finn , Carroll Grace , Burke Tom
Published: November 2022

Background: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by impulsivity, affect instability, dysregulation, low self-image, and interpersonal difficulties. There are many instruments to measure traits of BPD, however, few can be administered quickly. The Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder (SI-Bord) is an instrument offering a brief administration time with comparable psychometric properties to more comprehensive measures. The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the SI-Bord in a healthy community-based sample and its relatedness to measures of social cognition. Methods: A community-based sample of participants completed an online survey consisting of measures of BPD traits and social cognition including: the Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder (SI-Bord), the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), the Florida Affect Battery (FAB), the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), and the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI). Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and inter-item correlations. Validity was assessed using factor analysis, examining associations with other measures of BPD traits, and examining associations with measures not measuring BPD traits. Results: 151 participants were included in the study. Participants’ age ranged from 20–76 (mean age of 38.79 ± 12.37) and comprised 76 females (50.33%) and 75 males (49.67%). Good internal consistency was found with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.71. Good inter-item reliability was found with a mean inter-item cross correlation of 0.25, with each item of the SI-Bord showing an inter-item correlation coefficient of >0.5. Factor analysis identified good construct validity with a strong singular dimension explaining a large proportion of variance (Question 1). The SI-Bord showed good concurrent validity with significantly strong positive correlations with the subscales of the PAI borderline scale measuring affect instability (r = 0.60; p < 0.001), identity problems (r = 0.67; p < 0.001), negative relationships (r = 0.61; p < 0.001), total score (r = 0.76; p < 0.001), and to a moderately strong positive correlation with self-harm (r = 0.39; p < 0.001). The SI-Bord was not correlated with the NPI-16 (r = 0.131; p = 0.11), showing good divergent validity. Conclusions: These findings support the SI-Bord as a quick and useful screening tool for traits associated with BPD. Further clinical validation is warranted.
Numerical Prediction Method for Vibration Characteristics of Steel-Framed Autoclaved Lightweight Aerated Concrete Floor Structures
Authors: Mizunuma Haruki , Asakura Takumi , Ishiwatari Yasuhiko , Shiraishi Takayuki , Satoh Fumiaki
Published: November 2022

The prediction of floor vibration is of great importance from the viewpoint of accurate prediction of a room’s sound environment. Despite the advantage of low cost, because the density and elasticity of autoclaved lightweight aerated concrete (ALC) panels are much lower than those of reinforced-concrete panels, ALC floor structures suffer from weak sound insulation and require better sound insulation design. However, there have been not yet been any studies of sound insulation improvement of steel-framed ALC floor structures, and it is novel to clarify how the floor-impact-sound characteristics are affected by the panel size and beam structure. In this paper, a finite element analysis was applied to the vibration simulation of an ALC floor structure on a steel-framed structure. The validity of the proposed method was firstly confirmed by comparison with measurement results. Furthermore, by using the validated simulation method, the effect of the arrangement of ALC panels and their supporting steel-framed structure on the vibration characteristics of the whole structure was investigated. It was found that the vibration performance was improved when the number of beams was increased and adjacent ALC floor panels were bonded to each other.
Mixed Reality in Multiuser Participatory Design: Case Study of the Design of the 2022 Nordic Pavilion Exhibition at the Venice Biennale
Authors: Reaver Kai
Published: November 2022

The case study documents the design process of the physical and digital versions of the heritage-valued Nordic pavilion at the Venice Biennale. The case facilitated a multiuser collaboration in mixed reality (MR), studying the technologies’ influence upon user interactions and design decision making. Retitled as the ‘Sami Pavilion’ in tribute to the Sami artists from Norway, Sweden, and Finland, which the exhibition featured, the case study took place between 2019 and 2022, primarily during the COVID-19 pandemic. The context of the case study prompted a need to explore MR methods to overcome travel restrictions. While MR has shown some interesting utility in design research, the literature indicates the need for more concrete case work. It also was necessary to design a custom solution for multiuser collaboration. As the transferability of predictive design decisions in MR to the physical building relied upon replication between user experiences, the case embodied interesting challenges to prevalent Nordic architectural theory, particularly that of ‘genius loci’ or the ‘spirit of place’, which was a strong component of the heritage value of the building and, thus, an important design narrative. The case study documents how artworks and positions of artworks were tested in various configurations within the MR model by curators and designers to simulate the spatial experience of the design options. Several key design decisions were made based on the unique vantage points offered in MR. The MR model was then used to generate 2D technical documentation and installation instructions, which were installed on site. Studies to check the relationship between the MR model and the finished, physical result were conducted. Findings depicted a high degree of transferability between the MR model and the physical exhibition while noting discrepancies between the field of view (FOV) in the MR and physical spaces in which objects felt smaller in the real-life, built result. Possibilities and limitations for future MR implementation in the design and construction of complex projects in heritage situations are discussed in addition to implications for current architectural theory regarding place and experience from a non-dualistic perspective.
Research on the Simplified Method of Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis for CFS-SPR Connections
Authors: Zhang Ailin , Xie Zhiqiang , Shi Leilei , Zhang Yanxia , Zhou Daxing , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: November 2022

This study reviewed some simplified methods of finite element analysis (FEA) for connections in cold-formed steel (CFS) structure, and summarized eight simplified methods divided into three categories. Shear performance tests were performed for six groups of self-piercing riveted (SPR) connection in CFS. A constitutive model of shear behavior for SPR connections was proposed, which was simplified from the load–displacement curve of shear performance test results. The models of SPR connection were established in ABAQUS by the eight simplified methods, and then the FEA results and the test results were compared. The applicable scope of each simplified model was explored, and a simplified method of FEA that was most suitable for the shear behavior of the CFS-SPR connection was proposed. Moreover, the shear performance test of the CFS shear wall with SPR was conducted by considering the rivet spacing, and failure modes and load–deformation curves were obtained. On this basis, numerical models of the CFS-SPR connection shear wall were established. By comparing the test results and the FEA results for the CFS-SPR connection shear wall, the feasibility of a simplified method of FEA applied to the CFS-SPR connection was verified. The main failure modes of the CFS-SPR connection were that the rivet tail pulled out from the bottom sheet and the rivet head pulled over from the top sheet. The SPR connection of the CFS frame could be simplified with a pin or a fastener element, and the SPR connection between the steel frame and the sheathing could be simulated by a Cartesian connector or a Spring2 element. The FEA results were highly similar to the test results for the CFS-SPR shear wall.
Research Trend and Detailed Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms of Food Bioactive Compounds against Cancer: A Comprehensive Review with Special Emphasis on Probiotics
Authors: Agrawal Manas Yogendra , Gaikwad Shreyas , Srivastava Sangeeta , Srivastava Sanjay K.
Published: November 2022

In an attempt to find a potential cure for cancer, scientists have been probing the efficacy of the food we eat and its bioactive components. Over the decades, there has been an exponentially increasing trend of research correlating food and cancer. This review explains the molecular mechanisms by which bioactive food components exhibit anticancer effects in several cancer models. These bioactive compounds are mainly plant based or microbiome based. While plants remain the primary source of these phytochemicals, little is known about probiotics, i.e., microbiome sources, and their relationships with cancer. Thus, the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effect of probiotics are discussed in this review. The principal mode of cell death for most food bioactives is found to be apoptosis. Principal oncogenic signaling axes such as Akt/PI3K, JAK/STAT, and NF-κB seem to be modulated due to these bioactives along with certain novel targets that provide a platform for further oncogenic research. It has been observed that probiotics have an immunomodulatory effect leading to their chemopreventive actions. Various foods exhibit better efficacy as complete extracts than their individual phytochemicals, indicating an orchestrated effect of the food components. Combining bioactive agents with available chemotherapies helps synergize the anticancer action of both to overcome drug resistance. Novel techniques to deliver bioactive agents enhance their therapeutic response. Such combinations and novel approaches are also discussed in this review. Notably, most of the food components that have been studied for cancer have shown their efficacy in vivo. This bolsters the claims of these studies and, thus, provides us with hope of discovering anticancer agents in the food that we eat.
Biocatalysts in Synthesis of Microbial Polysaccharides: Properties and Development Trends
Authors: Efremenko Elena , Senko Olga , Maslova Olga , Stepanov Nikolay , Aslanli Aysel , Lyagin Ilya
Published: November 2022

Polysaccharides synthesized by microorganisms (bacterial cellulose, dextran, pullulan, xanthan, etc.) have a set of valuable properties, such as being antioxidants, detoxifying, structuring, being biodegradable, etc., which makes them suitable for a variety of applications. Biocatalysts are the key substances used in producing such polysaccharides; therefore, modern research is focused on the composition and properties of biocatalysts. Biocatalysts determine the possible range of renewable raw materials which can be used as substrates for such synthesis, as well as the biochemistry of the process and the rate of molecular transformations. New biocatalysts are being developed for participating in a widening range of stages of raw material processing. The functioning of biocatalysts can be optimized using the following main approaches of synthetic biology: the use of recombinant biocatalysts, the creation of artificial consortia, the combination of nano- and microbiocatalysts, and their immobilization. New biocatalysts can help expand the variety of the polysaccharides’ useful properties. This review presents recent results and achievements in this field of biocatalysis.