bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-Week Rehabilitation with Auditory Biofeedback Prosthesis Reduces Whole Body Angular Momentum Range during Walking in Stroke Patients with Hemiplegia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Owaki Dai , Sekiguchi Yusuke , Honda Keita , Izumi Shin-Ichi
Published: November 2021

Walking rehabilitation is challenging in stroke patients with sensory impairments. In this study, we examined the two-week effect of an auditory biofeedback prosthesis, Auditory Foot (AF), on the change in the frontal whole body angular momentum (WBAM) range, before and after a two-week walking rehabilitation. We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT). We employed statistical Bayesian modeling to understand the mechanism of the rehabilitation effect and predict the expected effect in new patients. The best-performing model indicated that the frontal WBAM range was reduced in the AF group by 12.9–28.7%. This suggests that the use of kinesthetic biofeedback in gait rehabilitation contributes to the suppression of frontal WBAM, resulting in an improved walking balance function in stroke patients.
Dimensional Stability of 3D Printed Objects Made from Plastic Waste Using FDM: Potential Construction Applications
Authors: Zaneldin Essam , Ahmed Waleed , Mansour Aya , Hassan Amged El
Published: November 2021

Construction projects are often challenged by tight budgets and limited time and resources. Contractors are, therefore, looking for ways to become competitive by improving efficiency and using cost-effective materials. Using three-dimensional (3D) printing for shaping materials to produce cost-effective construction elements is becoming a feasible option to make contractors more competitive locally and globally. The process capabilities for 3D printers and related devices have been tightened in recent years with the booming of 3D printing industries and applications. Contractors are attempting to improve production skills to satisfy firm specifications and standards, while attempting to have costs within competitive ranges. The aim of this research is to investigate and test the production process capability (Cp) of 3D printers using fused deposition modeling (FDM) to manufacture 3D printed parts made from plastic waste for use in the construction of buildings with different infill structures and internal designs to reduce cost. This was accomplished by calculating the actual requirement capabilities of the 3D printers under consideration. The production capabilities and requirements of FDM printers are first examined to develop instructions and assumptions to assist in deciphering the characteristics of the 3D printers that will be used. Possible applications in construction are then presented. As an essential outcome of this study, it was noticed that the 3D printed parts made from plastic waste using FDM printers are less expensive than using traditional lightweight non-load bearing concrete hollow masonry blocks, hourdi slab hollow bocks, and concrete face bricks.
Prognostic and Predictive Factors in Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Review of the Current Evidence
Authors: Rebuzzi Sara Elena , Banna Giuseppe Luigi , Murianni Veronica , Damassi Alessandra , Giunta Emilio Francesco , Fraggetta Filippo , De Giorgi Ugo , Cathomas Richard , Rescigno Pasquale , Brunelli Matteo , Fornarini Giuseppe
Published: November 2021

In recent years, the treatment landscape of urothelial carcinoma has significantly changed due to the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which are the standard of care for second-line treatment and first-line platinum-ineligible patients with advanced disease. Despite the overall survival improvement, only a minority of patients benefit from this immunotherapy. Therefore, there is an unmet need to identify prognostic and predictive biomarkers or models to select patients who will benefit from ICIs, especially in view of novel therapeutic agents. This review describes the prognostic and predictive role, and clinical readiness, of clinical and tumour factors, including new molecular classes, tumour mutational burden, mutational signatures, circulating tumour DNA, programmed death-ligand 1, inflammatory indices and clinical characteristics for patients with urothelial cancer treated with ICIs. A classification of these factors according to the levels of evidence and grades of recommendation currently indicates both a prognostic and predictive value for ctDNA and a prognostic relevance only for concomitant medications and patients’ characteristics.
Immediate Sample Fixation Increases Circulating Tumour Cell (CTC) Capture and Preserves Phenotype in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Towards a Standardised Approach to Microfluidic CTC Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Payne Karl , Brooks Jill M. , Taylor Graham S. , Batis Nikolaos , Noyvert Boris , Pan Yi , Nankivell Paul , Mehanna Hisham
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Research demonstrates strong evidence that circulating tumour cells (CTCs) can provide diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and a potential tool for therapeutic stratification. However, the question still remains as to the optimum method of CTC enrichment and how this can be translated into clinical practice. We aimed to evaluate the Parsortix microfluidic device for CTC enrichment and characterisation in HNSCC, seeking to optimise a sample collection and processing protocol that preserves CTC integrity and phenotype. Method: Spiking experiments of the FaDu and SCC040 HNSCC cell lines were used to determine the Parsortix capture rate of rare “CTC-like” cells. Capture rates of cancer cells spiked into EDTA blood collections tubes (BCTs) were compared to the Transfix fixative BCT and Cytodelics whole blood freezing protocol. The Lexogen Quantseq library preparation was used to profile gene expression of unfixed cells before and after microfluidic enrichment and enriched cell line spiked Transfix blood samples. An antibody panel was optimised to enable immunofluorescence microscopy CTC detection in HNSCC patient Transfix blood samples, using epithelial (EpCAM) and mesenchymal (N-cadherin) CTC markers. Results: Across a spiked cell concentration range of 9–129 cells/mL, Parsortix demonstrated a mean cell capture rate of 53.5% for unfixed cells, with no significant relationship between spiked cell concentration and capture rate. Samples preserved in Transfix BCTs demonstrated significantly increased capture rates at 0 h (time to processing) compared to EDTA BCTs (65.3% vs. 51.0%). Capture rates in Transfix BCTs were maintained at 24 h and 72 h timepoints, but dropped significantly in EDTA BCTs. Gene expression profiling revealed that microfluidic enrichment of unfixed cell lines caused downregulation of RNA processing/binding gene pathways and upregulation of genes involved in cell injury, apoptosis and oxidative stress. RNA was successfully extracted and sequenced from Transfix preserved cells enriched using Parsortix, demonstrating epithelial specific transcripts from spiked cells. In a proof-of-concept cohort of four patients with advanced HNSCC, CTCs were successfully identified and visualised with epithelial and epithelial-mesenchymal phenotypes. Conclusion: We have optimised a protocol for detection of CTCs in HNSCC with the Parsortix microfluidic device, using Transfix BCTs. We report a significant benefit, both in terms of cell capture rates and preserving cell phenotype, for using a fixative BCT- particularly if samples are stored before processing. In the design of large cohort multi-site clinical trials, such data are of paramount importance.
Intratumor Heterogeneity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Kalasekar Sharanya Maanasi , VanSant-Webb Chad H. , Evason Kimberley J.
Published: November 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a leading cause of cancer-related death, but it remains difficult to treat. Intratumor genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity are inherent properties of breast, skin, lung, prostate, and brain tumors, and intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) helps define prognosis and therapeutic response in these cancers. Several recent studies estimate that ITH is inherent to HCC and attribute the clinical intractability of HCC to this heterogeneity. In this review, we examine the evidence for genomic, phenotypic, and tumor microenvironment ITH in HCC, with a focus on two of the top molecular drivers of HCC: β-catenin (CTNNB1) and Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). We discuss the influence of ITH on HCC diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy, while highlighting the gaps in knowledge and possible future directions.
Ferroptosis: Cancer Stem Cells Rely on Iron until “to Die for” It
Authors: Cosialls Emma , El Hage Rima , Dos Santos Leïla , Gong Chang , Mehrpour Maryam , Hamaï Ahmed
Published: November 2021

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a distinct subpopulation of tumor cells with stem cell-like features. Able to initiate and sustain tumor growth and mostly resistant to anti-cancer therapies, they are thought responsible for tumor recurrence and metastasis. Recent accumulated evidence supports that iron metabolism with the recent discovery of ferroptosis constitutes a promising new lead in the field of anti-CSC therapeutic strategies. Indeed, iron uptake, efflux, storage and regulation pathways are all over-engaged in the tumor microenvironment suggesting that the reprogramming of iron metabolism is a crucial occurrence in tumor cell survival. In particular, recent studies have highlighted the importance of iron metabolism in the maintenance of CSCs. Furthermore, the high concentration of iron found in CSCs, as compared to non-CSCs, underlines their iron addiction. In line with this, if iron is an essential macronutrient that is nevertheless highly reactive, it represents their Achilles’ heel by inducing ferroptosis cell death and therefore providing opportunities to target CSCs. In this review, we first summarize our current understanding of iron metabolism and its regulation in CSCs. Then, we provide an overview of the current knowledge of ferroptosis and discuss the role of autophagy in the (regulation of) ferroptotic pathways. Finally, we discuss the potential therapeutic strategies that could be used for inducing ferroptosis in CSCs to treat cancer.
Developmental Pathways Underlying Lung Development and Congenital Lung Disorders
Authors: Caldeira Inês , Fernandes-Silva Hugo , Machado-Costa Daniela , Correia-Pinto Jorge , Moura Rute Silva
Published: November 2021

Lung organogenesis is a highly coordinated process governed by a network of conserved signaling pathways that ultimately control patterning, growth, and differentiation. This rigorously regulated developmental process culminates with the formation of a fully functional organ. Conversely, failure to correctly regulate this intricate series of events results in severe abnormalities that may compromise postnatal survival or affect/disrupt lung function through early life and adulthood. Conditions like congenital pulmonary airway malformation, bronchopulmonary sequestration, bronchogenic cysts, and congenital diaphragmatic hernia display unique forms of lung abnormalities. The etiology of these disorders is not yet completely understood; however, specific developmental pathways have already been reported as deregulated. In this sense, this review focuses on the molecular mechanisms that contribute to normal/abnormal lung growth and development and their impact on postnatal survival.
Small Extracellular Vesicles in Transplant Rejection
Authors: Gołębiewska Justyna E. , Wardowska Anna , Pietrowska Monika , Wojakowska Anna , Dębska-Ślizień Alicja
Published: November 2021

Small extracellular vesicles (sEV), which are released to body fluids (e.g., serum, urine) by all types of human cells, may stimulate or inhibit the innate and adaptive immune response through multiple mechanisms. Exosomes or sEV have on their surface many key receptors of immune response, including major histocompatibility complex (MHC) components, identical to their cellular origin. They also exhibit an ability to carry antigen and target leukocytes either via interaction with cell surface receptors or intracellular delivery of inflammatory mediators, receptors, enzymes, mRNAs, and noncoding RNAs. By the transfer of donor MHC antigens to recipient antigen presenting cells sEV may also contribute to T cell allorecognition and alloresponse. Here, we review the influence of sEV on the development of rejection or tolerance in the setting of solid organ and tissue allotransplantation. We also summarize and discuss potential applications of plasma and urinary sEV as biomarkers in the context of transplantation. We focus on the attempts to use sEV as a noninvasive approach to detecting allograft rejection. Preliminary studies show that both sEV total levels and a set of specific molecules included in their cargo may be an evidence of ongoing allograft rejection.
The Role of GDF15 as a Myomitokine
Authors: Johann Kornelia , Kleinert Maximilian , Klaus Susanne
Published: November 2021

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a cytokine best known for affecting systemic energy metabolism through its anorectic action. GDF15 expression and secretion from various organs and tissues is induced in different physiological and pathophysiological states, often linked to mitochondrial stress, leading to highly variable circulating GDF15 levels. In skeletal muscle and the heart, the basal expression of GDF15 is very low compared to other organs, but GDF15 expression and secretion can be induced in various stress conditions, such as intense exercise and acute myocardial infarction, respectively. GDF15 is thus considered as a myokine and cardiokine. GFRAL, the exclusive receptor for GDF15, is expressed in hindbrain neurons and activation of the GDF15–GFRAL pathway is linked to an increased sympathetic outflow and possibly an activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) stress axis. There is also evidence for peripheral, direct effects of GDF15 on adipose tissue lipolysis and possible autocrine cardiac effects. Metabolic and behavioral outcomes of GDF15 signaling can be beneficial or detrimental, likely depending on the magnitude and duration of the GDF15 signal. This is especially apparent for GDF15 production in muscle, which can be induced both by exercise and by muscle disease states such as sarcopenia and mitochondrial myopathy.
Human β-Defensin 2 and Its Postulated Role in Modulation of the Immune Response
Authors: Cieślik Martyna , Bagińska Natalia , Górski Andrzej , Jończyk-Matysiak Ewa
Published: November 2021

Studies described so far suggest that human β-defensin 2 is an important protein of innate immune response which provides protection for the human organism against invading pathogens of bacterial, viral, fungal, as well as parasitical origin. Its pivotal role in enhancing immunity was proved in infants. It may also be considered a marker of inflammation. Its therapeutic administration has been suggested for maintenance of the balance of systemic homeostasis based on the appropriate composition of the microbiota. It has been suggested that it may be an important therapeutic tool for modulating the response of the immune system in many inflammatory diseases, offering new treatment modalities. For this reason, its properties and role in the human body discussed in this review should be studied in more detail.
Death-Associated Protein Kinase 1 Inhibits Progression of Thyroid Cancer by Regulating Stem Cell Markers
Authors: You Mi-Hyeon , Lee Woo Kyung , Jin Meihua , Song Dong Eun , Cheng Sheue-yann , Kim Tae Yong , Kim Won Bae , Jeon Min Ji , Kim Won Gu
Published: November 2021

The activation of metastatic reprogramming is vital for cancer metastasis, but little is known about its mechanism. This study investigated the potential role of death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) in thyroid cancer progression. We generated knockdown (KD) DAPK1 using siRNA or shRNA in 8505C and KTC-1 cell lines, which we transiently or stably overexpressed in MDA-T32 and BCPAP cell lines. DAPK1 KD in 8505C and KTC-1 cells significantly increased cell proliferation and colony formation compared with controls. We observed significant inhibition of cancer cell invasion in cells overexpressing DAPK1, but the opposite effect in KD cells. Tumorsphere formation significantly increased after inhibition of DAPK1 expression in 8505C cells and was significantly suppressed in DAPK1-overexpressing MDA-T32 and BCPAP cells. DAPK1 overexpression inhibited mRNA and protein levels of stem markers (OCT4, Sox2, KLF4, and Nanog). Furthermore, the expression of these markers increased after KD of DAPK1 in 8505C cells. Mechanistic studies suggest that DAPK1 may modulate the expression of stem cell markers through the inhibition of β-catenin pathways. These findings were consistent with the public data and our thyroid tissue analysis, which showed higher DAPK1 expression was associated with advanced-stage papillary thyroid cancer with a higher stemness index and lower disease-free survival.
Perspectives in the Cell-Based Therapies of Various Aspects of the Spinal Cord Injury-Associated Pathologies: Lessons from the Animal Models
Authors: Zawadzka Małgorzata , Kwaśniewska Anna , Miazga Krzysztof , Sławińska Urszula
Published: November 2021

Traumatic injury of the spinal cord (SCI) is a devastating neurological condition often leading to severe dysfunctions, therefore an improvement in clinical treatment for SCI patients is urgently needed. The potential benefits of transplantation of various cell types into the injured spinal cord have been intensively investigated in preclinical SCI models and clinical trials. Despite the many challenges that are still ahead, cell transplantation alone or in combination with other factors, such as artificial matrices, seems to be the most promising perspective. Here, we reviewed recent advances in cell-based experimental strategies supporting or restoring the function of the injured spinal cord with a particular focus on the regenerative mechanisms that could define their clinical translation.
Regulation of Transplanted Cell Homing by FGF1 and PDGFB after Doxorubicin Myocardial Injury
Authors: Baguma-Nibasheka Mark , Feridooni Tiam , Zhang Feixiong , Pasumarthi Kishore B.S.
Published: November 2021

There is no effective treatment for the total recovery of myocardial injury caused by an anticancer drug, doxorubicin (Dox). In this study, using a Dox-induced cardiac injury model, we compared the cardioprotective effects of ventricular cells harvested from 11.5-day old embryonic mice (E11.5) with those from E14.5 embryos. Our results indicate that tail-vein-infused E11.5 ventricular cells are more efficient at homing into the injured adult myocardium, and are more angiogenic, than E14.5 ventricular cells. In addition, E11.5 cells were shown to mitigate the cardiomyopathic effects of Dox. In vitro, E11.5 ventricular cells were more migratory than E14.5 cells, and RT-qPCR analysis revealed that they express significantly higher levels of cytokine receptors Fgfr1, Fgfr2, Pdgfra, Pdgfrb and Kit. Remarkably, mRNA levels for Fgf1, Fgf2, Pdgfa and Pdgfb were also found to be elevated in the Dox-injured adult heart, as were the FGF1 and PDGFB protein levels. Addition of exogenous FGF1 or PDGFB was able to enhance E11.5 ventricular cell migration in vitro, and, whereas their neutralizing antibodies decreased cell migration. These results indicate that therapies raising the levels of FGF1 and PDGFB receptors in donor cells and or corresponding ligands in an injured heart could improve the efficacy of cell-based interventions for myocardial repair.
Experimental Epileptogenesis in a Cell Culture Model of Primary Neurons from Rat Brain: A Temporal Multi-Scale Study
Authors: Jablonski Janos , Hoffmann Lucas , Blümcke Ingmar , Fejtová Anna , Uebe Steffen , Ekici Arif B. , Gnatkovsky Vadym , Kobow Katja
Published: November 2021

Understanding seizure development requires an integrated knowledge of different scales of organization of epileptic networks. We developed a model of “epilepsy-in-a-dish” based on dissociated primary neuronal cells from neonatal rat hippocampus. We demonstrate how a single application of glutamate stimulated neurons to generate spontaneous synchronous spiking activity with further progression into spontaneous seizure-like events after a distinct latency period. By computational analysis, we compared the observed neuronal activity in vitro with intracranial electroencephalography (EEG) data recorded from epilepsy patients and identified strong similarities, including a related sequence of events with defined onset, progression, and termination. Next, a link between the neurophysiological changes with network composition and cellular structure down to molecular changes was established. Temporal development of epileptiform network activity correlated with increased neurite outgrowth and altered branching, increased ratio of glutamatergic over GABAergic synapses, and loss of calbindin-positive interneurons, as well as genome-wide alterations in DNA methylation. Differentially methylated genes were engaged in various cellular activities related to cellular structure, intracellular signaling, and regulation of gene expression. Our data provide evidence that a single short-term excess of glutamate is sufficient to induce a cascade of events covering different scales from molecule- to network-level, all of which jointly contribute to seizure development.
Investigating the Nucleation of AlOx and HfOx ALD on Polyimide: Influence of Plasma Activation
Authors: Astoreca Laura , Schaubroeck David , Esbah Tabaei Parinaz Saadat , Ghobeira Rouba , Op de Beeck Maaike , Morent Rino , De Smet Herbert , De Geyter Nathalie
Published: November 2021

There is an increasing interest in atomic layer deposition (ALD) on polymers for the development of membranes, electronics, (3D) nanostructures and specially for the development of hermetic packaging of the new generation of flexible implantable micro-devices. This evolution demands a better understanding of the ALD nucleation process on polymers, which has not been reported in a visual way. Herein, a visual study of ALD nucleation on polymers is presented, based on the different dry etching speeds between polymers (fast) and metal oxides (slow). An etching process removes the polyimide with the nucleating ALD acting as a mask, making the nucleation features visible through secondary electron microscopy analyses. The nucleation of both Al2O3 and HfO2 on polyimide was investigated. Both materials followed an island-coalescence nucleation. First, local islands formed, progressively coalescing into filaments, which connected and formed meshes. These meshes evolved into porous layers that eventually grew to a full layer, marking the end of the nucleation. Cross-sections were analyzed, observing no sub-surface growth. This approach was used to evaluate the influence of plasma-activating polyimide on the nucleation. Plasma-induced oxygen functionalities provided additional surface reactive sites for the ALD precursors to adsorb and start the nucleation. The presented nucleation study proved to be a straightforward and simple way to evaluate ALD nucleation on polymers.
A Novel Method for Joining Steel/Al Tube Parts Based on Electromagnetic Force by Flat Coil
Authors: Liu Quanxiaoxiao , Yao Yuanheng , Xia Zehua , Li Guangyao , Cui Junjia , Jiang Hao
Published: November 2021

Electromagnetic joining technology is an effective technique to join tubes with dissimilar materials. In this paper, a new approach for steel/Al tube parts joined by electromagnetic crimping using a flat coil was investigated. Electromagnetic crimping process experiments with different discharge energies (12, 14, and 16 kJ) and property tests were carried out. Meanwhile, the deformation characteristics of the outer tube under different discharging energies were discussed to study the fittability of the joining zone. The quality of the crimped joint was analyzed by microstructure characterization. The results show that the proposed approach was able to obtain torque joints and was potentially for tubular parts manufacturing. Moreover, higher discharging energy would result in better fittability degree and torque strength but might cause some cracks in the necking area. Combining the results of torsion tests with the microstructure observation, the comprehensive performance of the joint formed under a moderate discharge energy (14 kJ) was optimal.
Employee Attrition Prediction Using Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Al-Darraji Salah , Honi Dhafer G. , Fallucchi Francesca , Abdulsada Ayad I. , Giuliano Romeo , Abdulmalik Husam A.
Published: November 2021

Decision-making plays an essential role in the management and may represent the most important component in the planning process. Employee attrition is considered a well-known problem that needs the right decisions from the administration to preserve high qualified employees. Interestingly, artificial intelligence is utilized extensively as an efficient tool for predicting such a problem. The proposed work utilizes the deep learning technique along with some preprocessing steps to improve the prediction of employee attrition. Several factors lead to employee attrition. Such factors are analyzed to reveal their intercorrelation and to demonstrate the dominant ones. Our work was tested using the imbalanced dataset of IBM analytics, which contains 35 features for 1470 employees. To get realistic results, we derived a balanced version from the original one. Finally, cross-validation is implemented to evaluate our work precisely. Extensive experiments have been conducted to show the practical value of our work. The prediction accuracy using the original dataset is about 91%, whereas it is about 94% using a synthetic dataset.
Screening of a Small Number of Italian COVID-19 Syndrome Survivors by Means of the Fatigue Assessment Scale: Long COVID Prevalence and the Role of Gender
Authors: Serafini Antonella , Tagliaferro Alberto , Balbi Francesco , Bordo Alberto , Bernardi Stefano , Berta Giorgio , Trucco Lorenzo , Perretta Enrico , Gualco Elisa , Zoccali Patrizia , De Michelis Claudio
Published: November 2021

Months after healing, a number of COVID-19 syndrome survivors are affected by both psychological and physical limitations. They are mainly troubled with long-term fatigue, which is a crucial aspect of Long Covid syndrome. This paper aims to investigate the level and persistency of fatigue among COVID-19 survivors from the first wave of the pandemic in Western Liguria and to elucidate the role of gender, age, and lifestyle. It also provides data to the scientific community to help drawing a consistent picture of Long Covid syndrome. The patients were requested to fill a Fatigue Assessment Questionnaire twice: (i) a few weeks after discharge from hospital or home confinement and (ii) a few months later. Statistical analysis was carried out on the global scores and on the score for every single item of the questionnaire. The outcome of the two questionnaires were analyzed separately and compared. Females are more affected by fatigue than males. This results holds for both physical and mental fatigue. All the males’ fatigue scores were reduced at the second control, while 40% of females worsened it. Home-confined patients showed a higher fatigue score at the first check. In the initial stages of the recovery, patients are more affected by physical, rather than mental, fatigue. This is worth of further investigation as well as the reasons leading to a higher initial fatigue score for home cared patients.
Immunotherapy in the First-Line Setting in Wild-Type NSCLC
Authors: Denault Marie-Hélène , Melosky Barbara
Published: November 2021

Treatment algorithms in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) continue to evolve as new therapeutics show positive efficacy improvements. This review article summarizes the data for the use of immunotherapy for treatment in first-line stage IV NSCLC, organized by the following four sections: single-agent immunotherapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy, dual immunotherapy, and dual immunotherapy and chemotherapy. The results are summarized and tabulated. Finally, application of the trial data is illustrated in four clinical scenarios depending on the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression levels. Single checkpoint inhibitors have become an easy and excellent treatment in patients whose tumors have high PD-L1 expression. Adding chemotherapy to immunotherapy benefits our patients. Immunotherapy, with or without chemotherapy, is now the standard of care in the first-line setting in patients without EGFR, ALK, or ROS driver mutations.
Can Autism Be Diagnosed with Artificial Intelligence? A Narrative Review
Authors: Chaddad Ahmad , Li Jiali , Lu Qizong , Li Yujie , Okuwobi Idowu Paul , Tanougast Camel , Desrosiers Christian , Niazi Tamim
Published: November 2021

Radiomics with deep learning models have become popular in computer-aided diagnosis and have outperformed human experts on many clinical tasks. Specifically, radiomic models based on artificial intelligence (AI) are using medical data (i.e., images, molecular data, clinical variables, etc.) for predicting clinical tasks such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this review, we summarized and discussed the radiomic techniques used for ASD analysis. Currently, the limited radiomic work of ASD is related to the variation of morphological features of brain thickness that is different from texture analysis. These techniques are based on imaging shape features that can be used with predictive models for predicting ASD. This review explores the progress of ASD-based radiomics with a brief description of ASD and the current non-invasive technique used to classify between ASD and healthy control (HC) subjects. With AI, new radiomic models using the deep learning techniques will be also described. To consider the texture analysis with deep CNNs, more investigations are suggested to be integrated with additional validation steps on various MRI sites.
Increased Expression of Pyroptosis in Leukocytes of Patients with Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Kuo Kuang-Che , Yang Ya-Ling , Lo Mao-Hung , Cai Xin-Yuan , Guo Mindy Ming-Huey , Kuo Ho-Chang , Huang Ying-Hsien
Published: November 2021

Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is a form of febrile vasculitis that primarily occurs in children. It can cause inflammation of the coronary arteries, which leads to aneurysms. The pathogenesis of coronary arteries may be associated with apoptosis or pyroptosis mediated by caspases activity, but this idea has not been discussed much in KD. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 236 participants in this study. In the Affymetrix GeneChip® Human Transcriptome Array 2.0 study, there were 18 KD patients analyzed prior to receiving intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment, at least 3 weeks after IVIG treatment, and 36 non-KD control subjects. We also recruited 24 KD patients prior to receiving IVIG treatment, at least 3 weeks after IVIG treatment, and 24 non-KD control subjects for Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip study. A separate cohort of 134 subjects was analyzed to validate real-time quantitative PCR. Results: The mRNA levels of caspase-1, -3, -4, and -5 were significantly increased in KD patients compared with control subjects (p < 0.05). After administration of IVIG, the expression of these genes decreased considerably. Of particular note, the methylation status of the CpG sites of the caspase-4 and -5 genes demonstrated significant opposite tendencies between the KD patients and controls. Furthermore, compared with patients who responded to IVIG, refractory KD patients had a lower expression of the caspase-3 gene prior to IVIG treatment. Conclusion: Our study is the first to report the upregulation of pyroptotic caspase-1, -4, and -5 in peripheral leukocytes of KD patients. Moreover, the expression of caspase-3 may be associated with IVIG resistance in KD.
Classification Problems of Repetitive DNA Sequences
Authors: Šatović-Vukšić Eva , Plohl Miroslav
Published: November 2021

Repetitive DNA sequences, satellite DNAs (satDNAs) and transposable elements (TEs) are essential components of the genome landscape, with many different roles in genome function and evolution. Despite significant advances in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics tools, detection and classification of repetitive sequences can still be an obstacle to the analysis of genomic repeats. Here, we summarize how specificities in repetitive DNA organizational patterns can lead to an inability to classify (and study) a significant fraction of bivalve mollusk repetitive sequences. We suggest that the main reasons for this inability are: the predominant association of satDNA arrays with Helitron/Helentron TEs; the existence of many complex loci; and the unusual, highly scattered organization of short satDNA arrays or single monomers across the whole genome. The specificities of bivalve genomes confirm the need for introducing diverse organisms as models in order to understand all aspects of repetitive DNA biology. It is expected that further development of sequencing techniques and synergy among different bioinformatics tools and databases will enable quick and unambiguous characterization and classification of repetitive DNA sequences in assembled genomes.
A Novel Method to Significantly Improve the Mechanical Properties of n-Type Bi(1−x)Sbx Thermoelectrics Due to Plastic Deformation
Authors: Sidorenko Nikolay , Unigovski Yaakov , Dashevsky Zinovi , Shneck Roni
Published: November 2021

A unique method was developed to significantly improve the strength of Bi(1−x)Sbx single crystals, the most effective thermoelectric (TE) materials in the temperature range from 100 to 200 K due to their plastic deformation by extrusion. After plastic deformation at room temperature under all-round hydrostatic compression in a liquid medium, n-type Bi–Sb polycrystalline solid solutions show a significant increase in mechanical strength compared to Bi–Sb single crystals in the temperature range from 300 to 80 K. The significantly higher strength of extruded alloys in comparison with Bi–Sb single crystals is associated with the development of numerous grains with a high boundary surface as well as structural defects, such as dislocations, that accumulate at grain boundaries. Significant stability of the structure of extruded samples is achieved due to the uniformity of crystal plastic deformation under all-round hydrostatic compression and the formation of the polycrystalline structure consisting of grains with the orientation of the main crystallographic directions close to the original single crystal. The strengthening of Bi–Sb single crystals after plastic deformation allows for the first time to create workable TE devices that cannot be created on the basis of single crystals that have excellent TE properties, but low strength.
Refrigerated Transport: State of the Art, Technical Issues, Innovations and Challenges for Sustainability
Authors: Maiorino Angelo , Petruzziello Fabio , Aprea Ciro
Published: November 2021

The cold chain is responsible for perishable products preservation and transportation, maintaining a proper temperature to slow biological decay processes. Often the efficiency of the cold chain is less than ideal, significantly increasing food waste and energy consumption. Refrigerated transport is a critical phase of the cold chain because of its negative impact on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that around 15% of global fossil fuel energy is used in the refrigerated transport sector, so there has been a growing interest in the last decades in the optimization of these systems in order to reduce their environmental impact. Vapor compression refrigeration units, usually powered by means of a diesel engine, are the most commonly used systems in road refrigerated transport. This paper provides a review of (a) currently used systems and alternative technologies that could reduce the environmental impacts of road refrigerated transport and (b) optimization models and methods used to minimize fuel/energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, focusing both on reducing the thermal loads and solving the refrigerated vehicle routing problem.
NOx Emission of a Correlation between the PEMS and SEMS over Different Test Modes and Real Driving Emission
Authors: Yu Young Soo , Jeong Jun Woo , Chon Mun Soo , Cha Junepyo
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study is to verify the reliability of NOx emissions measured using Smart Emissions Measurement System (SEMS) equipment in comparison with the NOx emissions measured using certified Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS) equipment. The SEMS equipment is simple system, and it is less expensive than the PEMS equipment, as it comprises an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) signal from the test vehicle and a NOx sensor. The SEMS equipment based on low-cost sensors has an advantage of building big data, but there are insufficient previous studies comparing of NOx emissions with certified the PEMS equipment. Therefore, this study is important in verifying the suitability of the SEMS equipment by comparing the NOx emissions measured by the various test modes and RDE using the two types of equipment. To analyze the correlation between the PEMS and SEMS equipment, the advanced diesel vehicle was equipped with the two types of equipment to simultaneously measure NOx emissions. After installing the equipment on the test vehicle, it was conducted under various test modes in the laboratory and the Real Driving Emission (RDE) test to verify the correlation of NOx emissions measured by the SEMS equipment. The correlation analysis for the NOx emissions measured by the PEMS and SEMS equipment under various test conditions and the RDE test indicated that the slope of the NOx emissions was approximately equal to 1, and the coefficient of determination was 0.9 or higher. Based on these test results, it was concluded that NOx emissions measured by the PEMS and SEMS equipment are highly similar.
Impacts of Environmental Agreements on Bilateral Trade of Climate Industry
Authors: Kang Sung , Lee Sun , Lee Seon
Published: November 2021

We investigated the effect of agreements related to climate change on bilateral trade, using the Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood (PPML) estimator on a large dataset that requires computing high-dimensional fixed effects. This study develops the concordance between commodities based on harmonized systems (HS) and technologies defined by both international and cooperative patent classifications (IPC/CPC). Using the OECD ENV-TECH classification, covering 169 exporting countries and 179 importing countries worldwide from 1991 to 2019, we determined the relationship between HS commodities and IPC/CPC climate change technologies. The main findings show that, first, the Kyoto Protocol has increased international bilateral trade in the climate change industry, while the Montreal Protocol has led to the opposite effect. In addition, the impact of environmental stringency on international bilateral trade in climate-related industries was negative and significant, refuting the Porter Hypothesis. This result was consistent within the trade between the convention countries. Therefore, national and industrial perspectives are relative, and voluntary climate mitigation methods should be applied, considering the areas where carbon reduction is relatively difficult. In other words, the conventions and policies must shift to a global paradigm in environmental protection and a more inclusive approach, with recognition of diversity in governance types.
Energy and Acoustic Environmental Effective Approach for a Wind Farm Location
Authors: Wolniewicz Katarzyna , Zagubień Adam , Wesołowski Mirosław
Published: November 2021

The justification for the construction of a wind farm depends primarily on two factors. The first one is the availability of the area with significant windiness; the second one is the environmental conditions in the selected location. The aim of this paper was to demonstrate the need for parallel noise and energy analyses during the design of a turbine location and selection of its type on the wind farm. The noise analyses were performed according to ISO 9613-2. A detailed analysis of wind conditions in a given location is a basic activity to determine the profitability of a wind power plant foundation. The main environmental impact of WF is noise emission. The examples of wind turbines’ selection optimally utilizing wind resources in two particular locations are presented. Six wind turbines were analyzed for each location. The choice of a wind turbine for the examined location was determined by the parameters of the device, the results of annual wind measurements, and acceptable noise levels in the environment. The three devices that met the acoustic criteria and the most energy efficient ones are indicated. We describe how a proper process of selecting a type of WT for a specific location should proceed.
Patient Perspectives on Use of Video Telemedicine for Type 1 Diabetes Care in the United States during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Crossen Stephanie S. , Romero Crystal C. , Loomba Lindsey A. , Glaser Nicole S.
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in widespread adoption of telemedicine for management of chronic conditions such as type 1 diabetes (T1D), but few data have been collected about the patient experience and perceived quality of care during this time. We surveyed members of the T1D Exchange patient registry and online community regarding their experiences with and opinions about telemedicine care during the pandemic. Among 2235 survey respondents, 65% had utilized telemedicine. The most common reasons for adopting telemedicine were providers not offering in-person care (66%), concerns about the health risks of in-person care (59%), providers offering (52%) or insurance covering (19%) telemedicine for the first time, and local or state orders to stay home (33%). Among telemedicine users, 62% felt video care was as effective as or more effective than in-person care, and 82% hoped to use telemedicine in the future. The most-cited reason for non-use of telemedicine was that providers were not offering it (49%). Our findings highlight the role of telemedicine in maintaining access to T1D care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents’ satisfaction with telemedicine and interest in its continued use signifies the need for ongoing access to this care modality and for the development of telemedicine best practices within T1D care.
Benefits of the Phytoestrogen Resveratrol for Perimenopausal Women
Authors: Wada-Hiraike Osamu
Published: November 2021

Endometriosis, characterized by macroscopic lesions in the ovaries, is a serious problem for women who desire conception. Damage to the ovarian cortex is inevitable when lesions are removed via surgery, which finally decreases the ovarian reserve, thereby accelerating the transition to the menopausal state. Soon after cessation of ovarian function, in addition to climacteric symptoms, dyslipidemia and osteopenia are known to occur in women aged >50 years. Epidemiologically, there are sex-related differences in the frequencies of dyslipidemia, hypertension, and osteoporosis. Females are more susceptible to these diseases, prevention of which is important for healthy life expectancy. Dyslipidemia and hypertension are associated with the progression of arteriosclerosis, and arteriosclerotic changes in the large and middle blood vessels are one of the main causes of myocardial and cerebral infarctions. Osteoporosis is associated with aberrant fractures in the spine and hip, which may confine the patients to the bed for long durations. Bone resorption is accelerated by activated osteoclasts, and rapid bone remodeling reduces bone mineral density. Resveratrol, a plant-derived molecule that promotes the function and expression of the sirtuin, SIRT1, has been attracting attention, and many reports have shown that resveratrol might exert cardiovascular protective effects. Preclinical reports also indicate that it can prevent bone loss and endometriosis. In this review, I have described the possible protective effects of resveratrol against arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis, and endometriosis because of its wide-ranging functions, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress functions. As ovarian function inevitably declines after 40 years, intake of resveratrol can be beneficial for women with endometriosis aged <40 years.
Effect of Biochar Application Depth on a Former Mine Technosol: Impact on Metal(Loid)s and Alnus Growth
Authors: Palmeggiani Gloria , Lebrun Manhattan , Simiele Melissa , Bourgerie Sylvain , Morabito Domenico
Published: November 2021

The contamination of soil by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is a problem resulting from various anthropic activities including the exploitation of mines, which determines an accumulation of metal(loid)s in the surrounding area. It is therefore necessary to use remediation techniques to prevent the potential damage to human health and the ecosystem. One of these techniques is phytoremediation, which involves the revegetation of contaminated areas in such a way as to reduce the spread of contaminants and entry into the groundwater by stabilizing the metal(loid)s in the soil, decreasing their mobility. To increase the ability of plants to grow under the extreme conditions of contaminated soils, it is necessary to use amendments, which can also intervene directly in reducing the mobility of contaminants. In this study, an open-field mesocosm was set up using a former mining technosol contaminated mainly by As. A biochar produced from hardwood was added at two different depths to evaluate the effectiveness of these application modalities for an overall observation duration of 17 months. Iron sulphate was also applied in both non-biochar and biochar amended conditions. In addition, trees of Alnus sp. were planted to examine the effectiveness of these plants for their use in soil remediation and the effect of the treatments used. The results showed an increase in soil pH induced by the biochar, which decreased over time. During the period examined, the application of biochar in the deepest layer was able to retain As more effectively. The Alnus sp. showed similar growth rates among the various treatments, resulting from its tolerance towards arsenic.
Chloroplast Genome Draft of Dryobalanops aromatica Generated Using Oxford Nanopore Technology and Its Potential Application for Phylogenetic Study
Authors: Wahyuni Dwi , Dwiyanti Fifi Gus , Pratama Rahadian , Majiidu Muhammad , Rachmat Henti Hendalastuti , Siregar Iskandar Zulkarnaen
Published: November 2021

Kapur (Dryobalanops aromatica) is an important dipterocarp species currently classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List Threatened Species. Science-based conservation and restoration efforts are needed, which can be supported by new genomic data generated from new technologies, including MinION Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT). ONT allows affordable long-read DNA sequencing, but this technology is still rarely applied to native Indonesian forest trees. Therefore, this study aimed to generate whole genome datasets through ONT and use part of these data to construct the draft of the chloroplast genome and analyze the universal DNA barcode-based genetic relationships for D. aromatica. The method included DNA isolation, library preparation, sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and phylogenetic tree construction. Results showed that the DNA sequencing of D. aromatica resulted in 1.55 Gb of long-read DNA sequences from which a partial chloroplast genome (148,856 bp) was successfully constructed. The genetic relationship was analyzed using two selected DNA barcodes (rbcL and matK), and its combination showed that species of the genus Dryobalanops had a close relationship as indicated by adjacent branches between species. The phylogenetic tree of matK and the combination of the matK and rbcL genes showed that D. aromatica was closely related to Dryobalanops rappa, whereas the rbcL gene showed group separation between D. aromatica and D. rappa. Therefore, a combination of the matK and rbcL genes is recommended for future use in the phylogenetic or phylogenomic analysis of D. aromatica.