bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning for Skin Melanocytic Tumors in Whole-Slide Images: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mosquera-Zamudio Andrés , Launet Laëtitia , Tabatabaei Zahra , Parra-Medina Rafael , Colomer Adrián , Oliver Moll Javier , Monteagudo Carlos , Janssen Emiel , Naranjo Valery
Published: December 2022

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has shown promising performance as a support tool in clinical pathology workflows. In addition to the well-known interobserver variability between dermatopathologists, melanomas present a significant challenge in their histological interpretation. This study aims to analyze all previously published studies on whole-slide images of melanocytic tumors that rely on deep learning techniques for automatic image analysis. Embase, Pubmed, Web of Science, and Virtual Health Library were used to search for relevant studies for the systematic review, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Articles from 2015 to July 2022 were included, with an emphasis placed on the used artificial intelligence methods. Twenty-eight studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were grouped into four groups based on their clinical objectives, including pathologists versus deep learning models (n = 10), diagnostic prediction (n = 7); prognosis (n = 5), and histological features (n = 6). These were then analyzed to draw conclusions on the general parameters and conditions of AI in pathology, as well as the necessary factors for better performance in real scenarios.
Locally Performed HRD Testing for Ovarian Cancer? Yes, We Can!
Authors: Magliacane Gilda , Brunetto Emanuela , Calzavara Silvia , Bergamini Alice , Pipitone Giovanni Battista , Marra Giovanna , Redegalli Miriam , Grassini Greta , Rabaiotti Emanuela , Taccagni Gianluca , Pecciarini Lorenza , Carrera Paola , Mangili Giorgia , Doglioni Claudio , Cangi Maria Giulia
Published: December 2022

Assessment of HRD status is now essential for ovarian cancer patient management. A relevant percentage of high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is characterized by HRD, which is caused by genetic alterations in the homologous recombination repair (HRR) pathway. Recent trials have shown that not only patients with pathogenic/likely pathogenic BRCA variants, but also BRCAwt/HRD patients, are sensitive to PARPis and platinum therapy. The most common HRD test is Myriad MyChoice CDx, but there is a pressing need to offer an alternative to outsourcing analysis, which typically requires high costs and lengthy turnaround times. In order to set up a complete in-house workflow for HRD testing, we analyzed a small cohort of HGSC patients using the CE-IVD AmoyDx HRD Focus Panel and compared our results with Myriad’s. In addition, to further deepen the mechanisms behind HRD, we analyzed the study cohort by using both a custom NGS panel that analyzed 21 HRR-related genes and FISH analysis to determine the copy numbers of PTEN and EMSY. We found complete concordance in HRD status detected by the Amoy and the Myriad assays, supporting the feasibility of internal HRD testing.
Surgical Outcomes of Thyroid Nodules Positive for Gene Expression Alterations Using ThyroSeq V3 Genomic Classifier
Authors: Salameh Samer , Rajab Mohannad , Forest Veronique-Isabelle , Pusztaszeri Marc , Payne Richard J.
Published: December 2022

ThyroSeq V3 (TsV3) tests for various genetic alterations, including gene expression alterations (GEAs), to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making for indeterminate thyroid nodules. This study aimed to clarify the clinico-pathological features and outcomes of GEA-positive thyroid nodules, which have not yet been well-described in the literature. A retrospective chart review was performed whereby patients were included if they underwent thyroid surgery between January 2018 and May 2022 at two McGill University teaching hospitals and their surgery was preceded by pre-operative molecular TsV3 testing. In total, 75 of the 328 patients with thyroid nodules (22.9%) who underwent molecular testing and surgery were GEA-positive. On surgical pathology, GEA-positive nodules showed a significantly higher malignancy rate compared to their GEA-negative counterparts (90.7% vs. 77.7%, respectively, p = 0.011). Among those that were malignant, 48.5% had at least one aggressive pathological feature, including histological subtype, extra-thyroidal extension, or lymph node metastasis. BRAF V600E mutation had a significantly greater association with aggressive malignant GEA-positive nodules compared to non-aggressive ones (p < 0.001). This study demonstrates that GEA may be an effective diagnostic and prognostic tool for thyroid nodule management. However, further investigation is needed to characterize the clinico-pathological features of GEA in isolation and in association with other gene alterations.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) Plus Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI) in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Jiang Joanna , Diaz Dayssy Alexandra , Nuguru Surya Pratik , Mittra Arjun , Manne Ashish
Published: December 2022

The combination of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) plus immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) must be explored to treat advanced primary liver tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Limited retrospective reviews and case reports/series suggest this combination can be effective and safe in both cancer types. With ICIs moving into the first line (IMbrave 150, HIMALAYA, and TOPAZ-1) to manage these cancers, identifying a suitable population for this approach is challenging. Patients with macrovascular invasion (MVI)-positive HCC (especially if larger veins are involved) or recurrent HCCs post-locoregional therapies (such as transarterial radioembolization (TARE), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), or ablation), as well as those ineligible for bevacizumab or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), should be the focus of exploring this combination in HCC. Unresectable or oligometastatic CCA patients who cannot tolerate gemcitabine/cisplatin (GC) or those who progressed on GC without durvalumab and do not have targetable mutations could also be considered for this approach. In both HCC and CCA disease groups, SBRT plus ICI can be examined post-ICI as these two modalities act synergistically to enhance anti-tumor activity (based on pre-clinical studies). Large-scale randomized trials are needed to identify the subsets of primary liver cancers suitable for this approach and to clearly define its clinical benefit.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis: Future Prospects
Authors: Chen Yusha , Liu Xuefeng , Tong Zhaohui
Published: December 2022

Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a general and fatal side effect of radiotherapy, while the pathogenesis has not been entirely understood yet. By now, there is still no effective clinical intervention available for treatment of RIPF. Recent studies revealed mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as a promising therapy treatment due to their homing and differentiation ability, paracrine effects, immunomodulatory effects, and MSCs-derived exosomes. Nevertheless, problems and challenges in applying MSCs still need to be taken seriously. Herein, we reviewed the mechanisms and challenges in the applications of MSCs in treating RIPF.
Actin-Myosin Cytoskeleton Regulation and Function
Authors: Olson Michael F.
Published: December 2022

The shape and load bearing strength of cells are determined by the complex protein network comprising the actin-myosin cytoskeleton [...]
Tumor Microenvironment and Microvascular Density in Human Glioblastoma
Authors: Tamma Roberto , Ingravallo Giuseppe , Annese Tiziana , d’Amati Antonio , Lorusso Loredana , Ribatti Domenico
Published: December 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a very aggressive form of cancer affecting the central nervous system. Although it occurs almost exclusively in the brain, glioblastoma can also appear in the brainstem, cerebellum, and spinal cord. It is characterized by high rates of proliferation, invasion, and necrosis. Moreover, GBM is a highly vascularized tumor and presents resistance to therapy. Recent data indicate that GBM cells are surrounded by a microenvironment (TME) which includes a complex network constituted of cellular/extracellular components and vessels able to influence both tumor growth and angiogenesis. In this retrospective study, we evaluated 30 bioptic specimens of adult patients diagnosed with IDH1 wild type GBM taken at the time of the first diagnosis. Each section has been divided into two experimental zones: the tumor side and the healthy surrounding tissue. We performed a series of immunohistochemical stainings with the purpose of evaluating the presence of total and M2 macrophages, CD4+-, CD8+-lymphocytes, and CD34+ microvessels. In addition, we have also evaluated the percentage of cells expressing bcl6 and p53 to determine any possible correlations with TME. Our data showed a significant increase in the total and M2 type macrophages, of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, and of CD34+ microvessels in the tumoral area respective to the healthy zone. We also confirmed our previous data showing the higher number of p53 and BCL6+ cells in the tumor area with a positive correlation between BCL6 and CD34+ microvessels. In conclusion, the data that came from this work support the important role played by microenvironment components in GBM progression. These results could contribute to the generation of new specific therapies useful in preventing GBM progression.
Significance of Catecholamine Biosynthetic/Metabolic Pathway in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Severity
Authors: Mpekoulis George , Kalliampakou Katerina I. , Milona Raphaela S. , Lagou Despoina , Ioannidis Anastasios , Jahaj Edison , Chasapis Christos T. , Kefallinos Dionysis , Karakasiliotis Ioannis , Kotanidou Anastasia , Chatzipanagiotou Stylianos , Vassilacopoulou Dido , Vassiliou Alice G. , Angelakis Emmanouil , Vassilaki Niki
Published: December 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 infection was previously associated with the expression of the dopamine biosynthetic enzyme L-Dopa decarboxylase (DDC). Specifically, a negative correlation was detected between DDC mRNA and SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in in vitro infected epithelial cells and the nasopharyngeal tissue of COVID-19 patients with mild/no symptoms. However, DDC, among other genes related to both DDC expression and SARS-CoV-2-infection (ACE2, dACE2, EPO), was upregulated in these patients, possibly attributed to an orchestrated host antiviral response. Herein, by comparing DDC expression in the nasopharyngeal swab samples of severe/critical to mild COVID-19 cases, we showed a 20 mean-fold reduction, highlighting the importance of the expression of this gene as a potential marker of COVID-19 severity. Moreover, we identified an association of SARS-CoV-2 infection with the expression of key catecholamine biosynthesis/metabolism-related genes, in whole blood samples from hospitalized patients and in cultured cells. Specifically, viral infection downregulated the biosynthetic part of the dopamine pathway (reduction in DDC expression up to 7.5 mean-fold), while enhanced the catabolizing part (increase in monoamine oxidases A and B expression up to 15 and 10 mean-fold, respectively) in vivo, irrespectively of the presence of comorbidities. In accordance, dopamine levels in the sera of severe cases were reduced (up to 3.8 mean-fold). Additionally, a moderate positive correlation between DDC and MAOA mRNA levels (r = 0.527, p < 00001) in the blood was identified upon SARS-CoV-2-infection. These observations were consistent to the gene expression data from SARS-CoV-2-infected Vero E6 and A549 epithelial cells. Furthermore, L-Dopa or dopamine treatment of infected cells attenuated the virus-derived cytopathic effect by 55% and 59%, respectively. The SARS-CoV-2 mediated suppression of dopamine biosynthesis in cell culture was, at least in part, attributed to hypoxia-like conditions triggered by viral infection. These findings suggest that L-Dopa/dopamine intake may have a preventive or therapeutic value for COVID-19 patients.
G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinases Take Central Stage
Authors: Mayor Federico , Murga Cristina
Published: December 2022

The relevance of the family of G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) is based on its key participation in the regulation and intracellular dynamics of the largest family of membrane receptors, namely G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) [...]
SMYD2 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Reprogramming Glutamine Metabolism via c-Myc/GLS1 Axis
Authors: Xu Kangdi , Ding Jun , Zhou Lingfeng , Li Dazhi , Luo Jia , Wang Wenchao , Shang Mingge , Lin Bingyi , Zhou Lin , Zheng Shusen
Published: December 2022

Metabolic reprogramming, such as alterations in glutamine metabolism or glycolysis, is the hallmark of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying mechanisms are still incompletely elucidated. Previous studies have identified that methyltransferase SET and MYND domain-containing protein 2(SMYD2) is responsible for the pathogenesis of numerous types of cancer. Here, we innovatively uncover how SMYD2 regulates glutamine metabolism in HCC cells and promotes HCC progression. We identified that SMYD2 expression is upregulated in HCC tissues, which correlates with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Our in vitro and in vivo results showed that the depletion of SMYD2 inhibits HCC cell growth. Mechanistically, c-Myc methylation by SMYD2 increases its protein stability through the ubiquitin–proteasome system. We showed SMYD2 depletion destabilized c-Myc protein by increasing the conjugated K48-linked polyubiquitin chain. SMYD2 increased c-Myc expression and further upregulated glutaminase1 (GLS1), a crucial enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of glutamine to glutamic acid, in HCC cells. GLS1 plays an important role in SMYD2-mediated HCC progression and glutamine metabolism regulation. The knockdown of SMYD2 inhibited glutamine metabolism in HCC cells and overcame their chemoresistance to sorafenib. Collectively, our findings demonstrated a novel mechanism of how SMYD2 promotes HCC progression by regulating glutamine metabolism through the c-Myc/GLS1signaling, implicating the therapeutic potential of targeting SMYD2 in HCC patients.
Jamming Transitions in Astrocytes and Glioblastoma Are Induced by Cell Density and Tension
Authors: Hohmann Urszula , von Widdern Julian Cardinal , Ghadban Chalid , Giudice Maria Cristina Lo , Lemahieu Grégoire , Cavalcanti-Adam Elisabetta Ada , Dehghani Faramarz , Hohmann Tim
Published: December 2022

Collective behavior of cells emerges from coordination of cell–cell-interactions and is important to wound healing, embryonic and tumor development. Depending on cell density and cell–cell interactions, a transition from a migratory, fluid-like unjammed state to a more static and solid-like jammed state or vice versa can occur. Here, we analyze collective migration dynamics of astrocytes and glioblastoma cells using live cell imaging. Furthermore, atomic force microscopy, traction force microscopy and spheroid generation assays were used to study cell adhesion, traction and mechanics. Perturbations of traction and adhesion were induced via ROCK or myosin II inhibition. Whereas astrocytes resided within a non-migratory, jammed state, glioblastoma were migratory and unjammed. Furthermore, we demonstrated that a switch from an unjammed to a jammed state was induced upon alteration of the equilibrium between cell–cell-adhesion and tension from adhesion to tension dominated, via inhibition of ROCK or myosin II. Such behavior has implications for understanding the infiltration of the brain by glioblastoma cells and may help to identify new strategies to develop anti-migratory drugs and strategies for glioblastoma-treatment.
The Composition of Adipose-Derived Regenerative Cells Isolated from Lipoaspirate Using a Point of Care System Does Not Depend on the Subject’s Individual Age, Sex, Body Mass Index and Ethnicity
Authors: Schmitz Christoph , Alt Christopher , Azares Alon R. , Pearce David A. , Facile Tiffany R. , Furia John P. , Maffulli Nicola , Huang Claire , Alt Eckhard U.
Published: December 2022

Uncultured, unmodified, autologous, adipose-derived regenerative cells (UA-ADRCs) are a safe and effective treatment option for various musculoskeletal pathologies. However, it is unknown whether the composition of the final cell suspension systematically varies with the subject’s individual age, sex, body mass index and ethnicity. UA-ADRCs were isolated from lipoaspirate from n = 232 subjects undergoing elective lipoplasty using the Transpose RT system (InGeneron, Inc.; Houston, TX, USA). The UA-ADRCs were assessed for the number of nucleated cells, cell viability and the number of viable nucleated cells per gram of adipose tissue harvested. Cells from n = 37 subjects were further characterized using four-channel flow cytometry. The present study shows, for the first time, that key characteristics of UA-ADRCs can be independent of the subject’s age, sex, BMI and ethnicity. This result has important implications for the general applicability of UA-ADRCs in regeneration of musculoskeletal tissue. Future studies must determine whether the independence of key characteristics of UA-ADRCs of the subject’s individual age, sex, BMI and ethnicity only applies to the system used in the present study, or also to others of the more than 25 different experimental methods and commercially available systems used to isolate UA-ADRCs from lipoaspirate that have been described in the literature.
A Novel Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Line Escapes from Immune Recognition due to Genetic Alterations in HLA Class I Complex
Authors: Zheng Xiaofeng , Sun Yanan , Li Yiwei , Ma Jiyuan , Lv Yinan , Hu Yaying , Zhou Yi , Zhang Jiali
Published: December 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have made progress in the field of anticancer treatment, but a certain number of PD-L1 negative OSCC patients still have limited benefits from ICI immuno-therapy because of primary immune evasion due to immunodeficiency. However, in existing human OSCC cell lines, cell models that can be used to study immunodeficiency have not been reported. The objective of this study was to establish a PD-L1 negative OSCC cell line, profile whether the presence of mutated genes is associated with immune deficiency, and explore its influence on the immune recognition of CD8+ T cells in vitro. Here, we established a novel tongue SCC cell line (WU-TSC-1), which escapes from immune recognition by antigen presentation defects. This cell line was from a female patient who lacked typical causative factors. The expression of PD-L1 was negative in the WU-TSC-1 primary tumor, transplanted tumor, cultured cells and lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Whole exome sequencing (WES) revealed that WU-TSC-1 harbored missense mutations, loss of copy number and structural variations in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I/II genes. The tumor mutation burden (TMB) score was high at 292.28. In addition, loss of heterozygosity at beta-2-microglobulin (B2M)—a component of all HLA class I complex allotypes—was detected. Compared with the commonly used OSCC cell lines, genetic alterations in HLA class I and B2M impeded the proteins’ translation and inhibited the activation and killing effect of CD8+ T cells. In all, the WU-TSC-1 cell line is characterized by genetic variations and functional defects of the HLA class I complex, leading to escape from recognition by CD8+ T cells.
Li6BaLa2Ta2O12 Solid-State Probe for Studying Li Activity in Molten Sn-Li Alloys
Authors: Nel-lo Marc , Lujan Enric , Hinojo Antonio , Colominas Sergi , Abella Jordi
Published: December 2022

Metals or alloys that are liquid at or near room temperature are of interest of the scientific community due to the versatility of their applications. Considering the nuclear fusion energy applications, Sn-Li alloys appear as a great candidate for plasma facing materials. However, plasma interactions can induce alterations on the lithium concentration and, as a consequence, modify the properties of the LM. Therefore, in order to prevent these situations, thermodynamic data such as activity coefficients and analytical devices capable of monitoring the lithium content in these alloys are of great interest. In this work, a lithium sensor based on the Li6BaLa2Ta2O12 solid-state electrolyte was used to determine lithium activity correlations for Sn-Li alloys at 400 and 500 °C. It was observed that the activity coefficient was constant for lithium concentrations lower than 8.5 at% with values, at the infinite dilution condition, of 8.4·10−5 at 400 °C and 2.7·10−4 at 500 °C, respectively. Above this concentration (from 8.5 to 16.5 at% Li), the activity coefficient varied with lithium concentration. In this case, correlations between lithium activity and the lithium atomic fraction were obtained.
Regulation of Pro-Inflammatory Macrophage Polarization via Lipid Nanoparticles Mediated Delivery of Anti-Prostaglandin-E2 siRNA
Authors: Almatroudi Ahmad , Alsahli Mohammed A. , Syed Mansoor Ali , Khan Amjad Ali , Rahmani Arshad Husain
Published: December 2022

Pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization is crucial in acute inflammatory diseases like Acute lung injury (ALI), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is believed to promote inflammation in such cases. Therefore, our study aimed to deliver anti-prostaglandin E synthase 2 small interfering RNA antibodies (anti-PGE2-siRNA) through lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in RAW264.7 (The murine macrophage cell line) to find a possible cure to the acute inflammatory diseases. LNPs were synthesized by using thin layer evaporation method and were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), Zeta potential, SEM and TEM analysis. The obtained NPs were spherical with an average size of 73 nm and zeta potential +29mV. MTT assay revealed that these NPs were non-toxic in nature. Gel retardation assay displayed 5:2 ratio of siRNA and NPs as the best siRNA:LNPs ratio for the delivery of siRNA into cells. After siRNA delivery by using LNPs, real time gene expression analysis revealed significant decrease in the expression of PGE2. Western blot results confirmed that silencing of PGE2 gene influence inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and interlukin-1β (1L-1β), markers involved in pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization. Our study revealed that LNPs synthesized in present study can be one of the effective methods to deliver anti-PGE2-siRNA to control pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization for the treatment of acute inflammatory response.
Upgrading Paper-Grade Pulp as Dissolving Pulp for Lyocell Fiber Preparation
Authors: Gong Chen , Ni Jianping , Fan Shujie , Zhang Yu , Yang Bin , Su Zhenhua
Published: December 2022

Lyocell fiber has emerged as a new generation of green fiber due to its preparation process and unique properties in comparison with viscose fiber. The raw material for the preparation of Lyocell fiber has a great impact on the quality of the finished product. However, unlike viscose-grade dissolving pulp, there is no evaluation system for Lyocell-grade dissolving pulp, making it difficult to assess the quality of the raw material. This study examined the approach to upgrade the paper-grade pulp to dissolving pulp for the preparation of the raw material for Lyocell fiber. Under the sequence of caustic extraction, acid treatment, and enzymatic treatment, the pulp was prepared with competitive properties compared to the commercial Lyocell-grade dissolving pulp. The assessment of prepared pulp was also accomplished by characterizing the pulp properties, the dissolution properties, and the spinnability and stability of Lyocell solution using the prepared sample. In addition, the dissolution mechanism and influencing factors of pulp in the system were elucidated, providing a theoretical basis for upgrading paper-grade pulp to dissolving pulp for Lyocell fiber production.
Plasmonic Coatings
Authors: Ruffino Francesco
Published: December 2022

Thin films and nanoscale-sized materials used as functional coatings with plasmonic properties have contributed to the development of modern and innovative optical, photonic, energy conversion, and sensing devices [...]
Laser Curing of Digitally Printed Polymer–Silver Composite Conductive Tracks on Polycarbonate Substrates
Authors: Mertin Jonas , Rozibakieva Tamila , Vedder Christian , Stollenwerk Jochen
Published: December 2022

In this article, we present an approach to fabricate conductive tracks on polymer substrates. Here, a digital printing process is used together with subsequent processing by a laser. For this purpose, a silver flake-based composite is printed onto a polycarbonate substrate using a jet-dispensing process. The printed tracks are then cured using a pyrometer-controlled laser beam source. The fabricated samples are analyzed for electrical resistivity and the cross-sectional area of the conductive tracks and compared to conventionally oven-cured samples. Four-point measurements and an optical measurement method are used for this purpose. Based on the resulting resistance, two different process regimes can be observed for the laser curing process. By using a laser instead of an oven for post-treatment, the achieved resistance of the conductive tracks can be reduced by a factor of 2. Moreover, the tracks produced in this way are more reproducible in terms of the resistance that can be achieved.
Influence of Fin Thickness on the Thermal Performance and Selection of Coating Method for a Bus Duct Conductor
Authors: Selvan Mark , Abdul Aziz Mohd Sharizal , Salleh Mohd Arif Anuar Mohd , Sharif Nurulakmal Mohd , Khor Chu Yee , Ong Heng Pin , Zainol Mohd Remy Rozaini Mohd Arif , Vizureanu Petrica , Burduhos-Nergis Diana-Petronela , Sandu Andrei Victor
Published: December 2022

This paper studies the fin thickness variation effect on a bus duct conductor’s thermal performance and the nanocomposite coating method selection for the bus duct conductor’s heat sink. ANSYS FLUENT was used to create a numerical model resembling the experimental setup. The IEC 60439-1 and IEC 60439-2 standards were used to benchmark the experimental data. The results revealed that the “chimney effect” induces an increment of the hot air adjacent to the heat sink. A conspicuous increase in the total heat transfer rate and fin effectiveness was observed as the fin thickness was reduced. This study revealed that s1 = 1 mm was the best fin thickness with 1.254 fin effectiveness, 1.862 W of total heat transfer rate, and 17.5 Nusselt number. Additionally, various coating methods were examined experimentally to select the best nanocomposite coating for the bus duct conductor’s heat sink. The ultrasonic agitation was the best coating method, which resulted in the lowest average resistance (8.8 μΩ) and a better percentage of Ag (0.6%–2.5%) on the substrate surface. Thus, the current outcomes are expected to better comprehend the impact of fin thickness on thermal performance, as well as the selection of coating method for the bus duct conductor.
Spiral Pitch Control in Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Layers with Hybrid Boundary Conditions
Authors: Palto Serguei P. , Rybakov Dmitry O. , Umanskii Boris A. , Shtykov Nikolay M.
Published: December 2022

The optical spectra of the cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) layers under conditions of hybrid anchoring show a short-wave shift under a pulsed electric field. This behavior is anomalous because it is associated with a decrease in the pitch of the cholesteric spiral, which is atypical at conditions when the electric field is perpendicular to the axis of the CLC spiral. An analytical model of the phenomenon is discussed, according to which the spiral pitch under hybrid boundary conditions can be greater than the natural pitch in an unlimited volume of CLC. An in-plane electric field, being localized near the homeotropic-alignment surface, can be treated as effectively influencing the azimuthal anchoring and leading to a variety of metastable states with both increased and decreased pitch. These metastable states with local minima of free energy prevent the spiral from unwinding, and corresponding bands of selective reflection can even be shifted to the short-wave region of the spectrum. The observed effect is also studied numerically. It is shown by numerical simulations that the localized electric field from short-pitch electrodes can also modify zenithal anchoring, which should allow for defect-free controlling of the spiral pitch and spectral stop-band location.
Adjuvant Radiotherapy for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zalay Osbert , Yan Michael , Sigurdson Samantha , Malone Shawn , Vera-Badillo Francisco Emilio , Mahmud Aamer
Published: December 2022

Purpose: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare form of malignancy comprising only 5% of urothelial cancers. The mainstay of treatment is radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) with bladder cuff excision. Neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy is often used in locally advanced disease. The role of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT), however, remains controversial. To further explore the potential role of adjuvant RT, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature from 1990 to present. Methods and Materials: We identified 810 candidate articles from database searches, of which 67 studies underwent full-text review, with final inclusion of 20 eligible studies. Among the included studies, there were no randomized controlled trials and a single prospective trial, with the remainder being retrospective series. We performed quantitative synthesis of the results by calculating the pooled odds ratios (OR) for the primary outcome of locoregional recurrence (LRR) and secondary outcomes of overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and distant recurrence (DR). Results: Adjuvant RT, which was mostly prescribed for locally advanced or margin-positive disease following RNU, significantly reduced locoregional recurrence risk OR 0.43 (95% CI: 0.23–0.70), and the effect remained significant even following subgroup analysis to account for adjuvant systemic therapy. The effect of adjuvant RT on 3-year OS, 5-year CSS and DR was non-significant. However, 5-year OS was unfavourable in the adjuvant RT arm, but study heterogeneity was high, and analysis of small-study effects and subgroups suggested bias in reporting of outcomes. Conclusions: Adjuvant RT in the setting of locally advanced UTUC improves locoregional control following definitive surgery, but does not appear to improve OS. Higher-quality studies, ideally randomized controlled trials, are needed to further quantify its benefit in this setting, and to explore multi-modal treatments that include systemic agents given concomitantly or sequentially with RT, which may offer an OS benefit in addition to the locoregional control benefit of RT.
Second Primary Malignancies in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer after Radionuclide Therapy: A Retrospective Single-Centre Study
Authors: Piscopo Leandra , Volpe Fabio , Nappi Carmela , Zampella Emilia , Manganelli Mariarosaria , Matrisciano Francesca , Totaro Pasquale , Pace Leonardo , Maurea Simone , Cuocolo Alberto , Klain Michele
Published: December 2022

Second primary malignancies (SPM) are described as any primary, not synchronous, malignancy arising in a different anatomical district, with confirmed histological diagnosis. Age at diagnosis, previous non-thyroidal primary malignancy, and radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy have been proposed as independent risk factors for SPM. RAI therapy is a standard treatment for moderate-high risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), and its effect on the development of SPM has become a critical topic in DTC treatment. The purpose of this retrospective single-center study was to investigate the occurrence and the possible association of non-thyroidal SPM diagnosed after DTC and RAI therapy in a cohort of 1326 consecutive DTC patients referred at our Institution for RAI treatment from 1993 to 2009. Eighty-nine patients with ages ≤ 18 years at the time of DTC diagnosis or with a follow-up of ≤12 months were excluded from the final analysis. All patients underwent a complete clinical and hematological follow-up every 6 months for a minimum of 12 months. During follow-up (mean 89 ± 73 months), 25 patients (2%) had an SPM diagnosis (mean 133 ± 73 months). The most common site of the second malignancy was the breast, accounting for 32% of all SPM, followed by colon-rectal cancer (16%), leukemia, and gynecological and kidney cancer (4%). At Cox univariable regression analysis, age at DTC diagnosis (p < 0.001), age ≥55 years (p < 0.001) and follow-up duration (p < 0.004) were associated with SPM onset, while no significant association was observed with the administered activity of radioiodine. In conclusion, our data suggest that the older a person gets, the more sharply the likelihood of developing additional diseases, such as PMS, increases. Similarly, for follow-up, the more a patient is followed up clinically over time, the higher the risk of new diagnoses increases.
Solid Organ Transplantation Is Associated with an Increased Rate of Mismatch Repair Deficiency and PIK3CA Mutations in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Christenson Eric S. , Lee Valerie , Wang Hao , Yarchoan Mark , De Jesus-Acosta Ana , Azad Nilo , Gurakar Ahmet , Lin Ming-Tseh , Le Dung T. , Brennan Daniel C. , Jaffee Elizabeth M. , Bever Katherine
Published: December 2022

Solid organ transplants are associated with a modestly increased risk of colorectal cancers (CRC). However, the molecular profile of these cancers has not been described. We hypothesized that transplant-related immunosuppression may promote development of more immunogenic tumors as suggested by a high tumor mutation burden or mismatch repair deficiency. We performed an electronic medical record search for patients seen in the Johns Hopkins University Health System (JHHS) between 2017 and 2022 who developed CRC following solid organ transplantation. A comparator cohort of patients treated for CRC at JHHS with molecular profiling data was also identified. In this case, 29 patients were identified that developed post-transplant CRC (renal transplant, n = 18; liver transplant, n = 8; kidney-liver transplantation, n = 3). Compared to the JHHS general population CRC cohort, patients who developed post-transplant CRC had a higher rate of mismatch repair deficiency (41% versus 12%, p-value = 0.0038), and elevated tumor mutation burden (median of 22 mut/Mb versus 3.5 mut/Mb, p-value = 0.033) (range 3.52–53.65). Post-transplant tumors were enriched for PIK3CA mutations (43% versus 24%, p-value = 0.042). Post-Transplant CRCs are associated with clinical and molecular features of immune sensitivity, supporting a potential role for impaired immune surveillance in shaping the landscape of CRCs. These results may help inform the management of patients with post-transplant CRC.
Diversity and Phylogenetics of Freshwater Mussels (Unionidae) from Southern Thailand with the Description of One New Genus and Five New Species-Group Taxa
Authors: Konopleva Ekaterina S. , Lheknim Vachira , Sriwoon Rujinard , Kondakov Alexander V. , Tomilova Alena A. , Gofarov Mikhail Y. , Vikhrev Ilya V. , Bolotov Ivan N.
Published: December 2022

Southern Thailand represents a region of unique freshwater biodiversity with many endemic taxa, including a number of freshwater mussel species (Bivalvia: Unionidae). In this study, we recognize 13 taxa in the tribes Contradentini, Rectidentini, Pseudodontini (subfamily Gonideinae), and Indochinellini (subfamily Parreysiinae) that inhabit different localities in the Songkhla Lake, Tapi River, and Tha Taphao River basins. Based on the results of morphological and phylogenetic analyses, we discovered among these mussels six taxa new to science, including one genus, three species, and two subspecies. New taxonomic names are introduced here as follows: Songkhlanaiagen. nov.; S. tamodienicagen. & sp. nov.; Sundadontina plugpomenicasp. nov.; Monodontina vondembuschiana tapienicassp. nov.; M. vondembuschiana thasaenicassp. nov. (Pseudodontini); and Trapezoideus thachiadensissp. nov. (Contradentini). These new taxa confirm the high conservation priority of the Southern Thai freshwater mussel fauna.
Diversity and Carbon Sequestration of Seaweed in the Ma’an Archipelago, China
Authors: Li Xunmeng , Zhao Xu , Yuan Huarong , Guo Yu , Li Jun , Zhang Shouyu , Chen Jianqu , Wang Zhenhua , Wang Kai
Published: December 2022

Seaweed communities perform a variety of ecological services, including primary productivity supply, biological habitat construction, water purification, and acting as marine carbon sinks. The abundance of seaweed is the basis for the assessment of ecological services in communities. The Ma’an Archipelago, adjacent to the Yangtze River estuary in China, is an important and typical island group. In this study, the abundance of seaweed in the typical coastal islands of the Ma’an Archipelago, Zhejiang Province, was evaluated by means of sonar detection and scuba diving sampling methods. The organic carbon content of six dominant seaweed species was measured to estimate the carbon sequestration capacity of the dominant species in the Ma’an Archipelago. The results show that 27 species of Rhodophyta, 10 species of Ochrophyta, and two species of Chlorophyta were found in the Ma’an Archipelago. Seaweed was distributed in the coastal areas of the islands, with a distribution width of 2–60 m. Gouqi Island had the longest shoreline, and there, the distribution depth of the seaweed reached 15 m and the area of the seaweed community was the largest. The slope of the rocks in the Sanheng survey area was large and the width of the seaweed community was small. The distribution area of seaweed in the Ma’an Archipelago was 6.51–13.43 km2 and the organic carbon content of the seaweed was 33.16 ± 3.26%. The biomass of Ochrophyta in the Ma’an Archipelago was the largest, followed by Chlorophyta and Rhodophyta. Among the six dominant species, the carbon sequestration of Sargassum thunbergii was the largest, at 277.91–848.74 t per year, and that of Undaria pinnatifida was the smallest. This study provides scientific guidance for the assessment of the primary productivity supply, carbon sink, and conservation capacity of seaweeds in China.
Global Overview of Modern Research Based on Ellenberg Indicator Values
Authors: Zolotova Ekaterina , Ivanova Natalya , Ivanova Svetlana
Published: December 2022

The ecological indicator values are the most common and sufficiently effective method of habitat assessment. The aim of our research review is to analyze current studies from 2020 to 2022 in which researchers have used Ellenberg indicator values to address a variety of problems. We limited the study to papers that are published in journals indexed by Scopus and Web of Science. The total number of records examined was 358. The number of records selected was 98. Visualization of the distribution of studies by country is based on the GeoCharts library. The results revealed that about half of the studies were conducted in Germany and Poland, and the most common objects were forests and grasslands. Almost half of the studies were devoted to ecological niches, habitat analysis, assessment of vegetation dynamics, and influence of various factors on plants. The analyzed articles are actively cited. In general, our research analysis revealed the effectiveness of Ellenberg indicator values for solving a wide range of urgent problems for a variety of plant communities, and different climate zones. The results of our research confirmed the advisability of actively using this approach.
Influence of the Distribution and Level of Post-Tensioning Force on the Punching Shear of Flat Slabs
Authors: Elsheshtawy Sarah S. , Shoeib Ata K. , Hassanin Amal , Ors Dina M.
Published: December 2022

Punching shear is the most common failure mechanism of slabs that are supported directly on columns. The slab–column connection is always vulnerable to critical punching shear; thus, it is necessary to investigate the effect of various parameters on the punching shear behavior of the flat slabs. This work presents an experimental study to evaluate the effect of the level of prestressing force and layout of the strands on the punching shear behavior of the slab–column connection in terms of the maximum load, deflection, stiffness, ductility, and the absorbed energy. Five square post-tension flat slabs (2000 mm × 2000 mm) with 150 mm thickness were tested. Increasing the prestressing force increased the maximum load and the ductility with a delay in damage in the case of uniformly distributed strands. Additionally, the banded layout of the post-tensioning strands significantly increased the punching shear capacity of the post-tensioned flat slabs at all levels of prestressing. The influence of the layout of the strands on the flat slab ductility is clearly visible in cases of high prestressing force as the ductility decreases in cases with distributed strands when compared to the same flat slabs with banded strands. Finally, the predicted values of the ultimate load of the punching shear using different codes, including the Egyptian Code of Practice (ECP-203), the American Building code (ACI-318), the CEB-FIP Model code and the Euro code, are compared to the experimental values of the ultimate punching shear strength of the post-tensioned and non-post-tensioned flat slabs.
Clinical Utility of Boston-CTS and Six-Item CTS Questionnaires in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Associated with Diabetic Polyneuropathy
Authors: Drăghici Nicu Cătălin , Leucuța Daniel-Corneliu , Ciobanu Dana Mihaela , Stan Adina Dora , Lupescu Tudor Dimitrie , Mureșanu Dafin Fior
Published: December 2022

Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is the most frequent complication of diabetes. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), one of the most common neuropathies, is a chronic compression of the median nerve at the wrist. In our prospective cross-sectional study, we enrolled patients with type 2 diabetes presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of DPN (n = 53). We aimed to compare two clinical scales: the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) and the six-item CTS symptoms scale (CTS-6), with nerve conduction studies (NCS) for detecting CTS in patients with DPN. Carpal tunnel syndrome and DPN were clinically evaluated, and the diagnosis was confirmed by NCS. Depending on the NCS parameters, the study group was divided into patients with and without DPN. For each group, we selected patients with CTS confirmed through NCS, and the results were compared with the BCTQ and CTS-6 scales. The clinical evaluation of CTS performed through BCTQ and CTS-6 was statistically significantly different between patients with and without CTS. When comparing the BCTQ questionnaire with the NCS tests, we found area under the curve (AUC) = 0.76 (95% CI 0.65–0.86) in patients with neuropathy and AUC = 0.72 (95% CI 0.55–0.88) in patients without neuropathy. At the same time, the AUC values of the CTS-6 scale were 0.76 (95% CI 0.61–0.88) in patients with neuropathy and 0.70 (95% CI 0.51–0.86) in patients without neuropathy. Using multiple logistic regression, we demonstrated that DPN increased the chances of detecting CTS using the two questionnaires. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and CTS-6 questionnaires can be used in the diagnosis of CTS in diabetic patients with and without DPN but with moderate AUC. The presence of DPN increased the chances of detecting CTS using the BCTQ questionnaire and the CTS-6 scale.
Complete Genomic Characterisation and Mutation Patterns of Iraqi SARS-CoV-2 Isolates
Authors: Ahmed Jivan Qasim , Maulud Sazan Qadir
Published: December 2022

This study was performed for molecular characterisation of the SARS-CoV-2 strains in Iraq and reveal their variants, lineages, clades, and mutation patterns. A total of 912 Iraqi sequences were retrieved from GISAID, which had been submitted from the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to 26 September 2022, along with 12 samples that were collected during the third and fifth waves of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Next-generation sequencing was performed using an Illumina MiSeq system, and phylogenetic analysis was performed for all the Iraqi sequences retrieved from GISAID. Three established global platforms GISAID, Nextstrain, and PANGO were used for the classification of isolates into distinct clades, variants, and lineages. Analysis of the isolates of this study showed that all the sequences from the third wave were clustered in the GK clades and the 21J (Delta) clade according to the GISAID and Nextclade systems, while the PANGO system revealed that six sequences were B.1.617.2 and four sequences were of the AY.33 lineage. Furthermore, the latest e wave in the summer of 2022 was due to thpredominance of the BA.5.2 lineage of the 22B (Omicron) clade in Iraq. Our study revealed patterns of circulation and dominance of SARS-CoV-2 clades and their lineages in the subsequent pandemic waves in the country.
A Rare Case of a Primary Leiomyoma of the Clivus in an Immunocompetent Patient and a Review of the Literature Regarding Clival Lesions
Authors: Kunicki Jacek , Rzewuska Natalia , Kunicki Michał , Wiśniewski Piotr
Published: December 2022

Leiomyomas are common lesions that are usually located in the genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts. Primary leiomyomas at the skull base are uncommon. They are composed of well-differentiated smooth muscle cells without cellular atypia. The diagnosis of a leiomyoma has to be confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The tumor tissue is immunoreactive for SMA, S100 and cytokeratin. Leiomyomas mainly occur in immunocompromised patients. Most tumor tissues are positive for EBV. The presented case is that of a 56-year-old immunocompetent woman with a tumor on the clivus. The radiological images suggested chordoma or fibrous dysplasia. Transnasal transsphenoidal surgery was performed. The tumor tissue consisted of well-differentiated smooth muscle cells with elongated nuclei. Immunohistochemistry revealed a positive reaction for desmin, SMA and h-Caldesmon and a negative reaction for S100, beta-catenin, PGR and Ki67. The leiomyoma diagnosis was subsequently established. To the best of our knowledge, the case of a primary leiomyoma on the clivus of an immunocompetent patient is the first to be described. We also extensively reviewed the literature on the immunohistopathological and radiological differential diagnosis of clival lesions.
Using Drones with Thermal Imaging to Estimate Population Counts of European Hare (Lepus europaeus) in Denmark
Authors: Povlsen Peter , Linder Anne Cathrine , Larsen Hanne Lyngholm , Durdevic Petar , Arroyo Daniel Ortiz , Bruhn Dan , Pertoldi Cino , Pagh Sussie
Published: December 2022

Drones equipped with thermal cameras have recently become readily available, broadening the possibilities for monitoring wildlife. The European hare (Lepus europaeus) is a nocturnal mammal that is closely monitored in Denmark due to populations declining since the mid-1900s. The limitations of current population-assessment methods, such as, spotlight counts and hunting game statistics, could be overcome by relying on drone surveys with thermal imaging for population counts. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of a DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced drone with thermal imaging as a tool for monitoring the Danish hare population. Multiple test flights were conducted over agricultural areas in Denmark in spring 2022, testing various flight altitudes, camera settings, and recording methods. The test flights were used to suggest a method for identifying and counting hares. The applied use of this methodology was then evaluated through a case survey that had the aim of identifying and counting hares over an agricultural area of 242 ha. Hares could be detected with thermal imaging at flight altitudes up to 80 m, and it was possible to fly as low as 40 m without observing direct behaviorial changes. Thermal images taken at these altitudes also provided enough detail to differentiate between species, and animal body size proved to be a good species indicator. The case study supported the use of thermal imaging-based drone surveys to identify hares and conduct population counts, thus indicating the suggested methodology as a viable alternative to traditional counting methods.