bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Wayfinding Performance in Existing Healthcare Facilities Using Virtual Reality Environments to Revise the Distribution of Way-Showing Devices
Authors: Al-Sharaa Ammar , Adam Mastura , Amer Nordin Amer Siddiq , Alhasan Ameer , Mundher Riyadh , Zaid Omar
Published: June 2022

Wayfinding is the process of navigating the environment by using the available environmental cues. The issue of wayfinding difficulty in large healthcare facilities has grabbed the attention of many researchers in terms of its potential taxing effects on both users and institutions alike. While the challenge of regulating the process of designing wayfinding systems is still an active field of investigation, there has been a paucity of research addressing the challenge of distributing way-showing items based on users’ performance within healthcare environments. This study proposes a wayfinding enhancement scheme whereby users’ wayfinding performance data forms the basis of the process of distributing way-showing items within an outpatient unit in Malaysia. Furthermore, two virtual reality experiments were carried out, the first representing the existing wayfinding system and the second representing the new distribution. A cross-comparison between the two sets of results was conducted to evaluate the effect resulting from altering the as-built wayfinding system. The results indicated an overall reduction of time consumed to reach the same destinations as well as lesser distances traveled within the environment resulting from the implementation of the new distribution. This study puts forward the concept of implementing virtual reality environments to address wayfinding systems’ design challenges in healthcare facilities rather than relying on designers’ intuition.
Evaluation of Mixed-Mode Ventilation Thermal Performance and Energy Saving Potential from Retrofitting a Beijing Office Building
Authors: Duan Zhiyin , Sun Yan , Wang Minghui , Hu Ran , Dong Xuelin
Published: June 2022

Mixed-mode cooling can effectively reduce the energy consumption of building cooling while satisfying the thermal comfort of occupancy and indoor air quality requirements. This paper predicted the thermal performance and energy-saving potential of an existing Beijing office building (in continental climates) operated in a mixed-mode from April to October. For the natural ventilation mode, the results predicted by simulation were validated with the results of experiments conducted in October 2021 and April 2022. Occupancy thermal comfort of the mixed-mode building was predicted using Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and adaptive comfort models. The predictions demonstrated acceptable satisfactory thermal comfort for the occupancy. The results showed that the mixed-mode building’s annual cooling energy use is reduced by around 45% compared to the air-conditioned building. In addition, the building’s indoor temperature and velocity distributions were predicted using a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation. The validation showed a satisfactory agreement between CFD simulation and measurement data. It is found from CFD results that cross-ventilation can provide thermal comfort for the occupancy while improving fresh air requirements. The suggested that operational strategies of mixed-mode cooling can be used in office buildings in continental climates. Retrofitting the existing office building can bring a significant amount of energy saving.
DfMA for a Better Industrialised Building System
Authors: Abd Razak Mohammed Izrai , Khoiry Muhamad Azry , Wan Badaruzzaman Wan Hamidon , Hussain Afifuddin Husairi
Published: June 2022

To improve the performance of the construction industry, innovative methods were introduced to make them better. Industrialised building systems (IBS) and prefabrication construction are the popular methods used and studied. However, these methods are still unable to meet the demands of the stakeholders. Design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA) is a design principle that is seen as capable of improving the situation. The uptake of DfMA in the construction industry needs to be analysed to obtain a better picture of the existing condition of the method and its manner of implementation it going forward, but there are still too few studies performed on this topic. This paper gathers relevant articles from the previous studies on DfMA. With the available data, the main benefits, hindrance factors, and enabling factors for DfMA uptake in the construction industry were identified in this study. The authors also identified the research trend among the research themes and the benefits of building information modelling (BIM) integration with DfMA. By synthesising the information from previous studies, a conceptual framework was developed. Knowledge gaps and future potential research topics are also discussed in this paper, forming a simple research framework for future effort guidance. With a suitable strategy and guidelines, the application of DfMA could improve the performance of the construction industry in Malaysia and other places with similar construction environments and approaches.
Experimental Study on the Effects of Freeze–Thaw Cycles on Strength and Microstructure of Xining Region Loess in China
Authors: Xie Banglong , Zhang Wuyu , Sun Xianglong , Huang Yuling , Liu Leqing
Published: June 2022

Loess, a collapsible soil, is widely distributed in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in China. In the meantime, loess is a sustainable and green building material that is widely used in traditional residential buildings. However, previous studies have focused on the properties of loess itself, ignoring the influence of climatic conditions on loess buildings, as well as a series of engineering problems such as soil spalling caused by freezing and thawing, cold cracks in walls, and settlement deformation of foundation. This research presents a series of laboratory tests on both undisturbed and remolded loess. The tests investigated changes in the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of both types of loess after different freeze–thaw cycles. The freeze–thaw-induced changes to the internal structures of the loess were also investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction test (XRD). The test results showed that: (1) with increasing freeze–thaw cycles, the UCS of both the undisturbed and remolded loess appeared to first increase and then decrease, and the stress–strain curves showed a stronger strain-softening tendency. (2) The compressive strength of undisturbed loess is higher than remolded loess. (3) SEM analysis showed that the large particles inside the loess sample were gradually broken down into small particles, which led to an accumulative increase in fine particles and a decrease in the porosity. With the increase in the number of freeze–thaw cycles, the particles inside the soil become denser, and the strength increases. (4) Freezing and thawing have less effect on loess minerals. (5) The conclusion can provide a reference value for the protection of loess buildings in Qinghai and the management of freeze–thaw disasters.
The Applicability of TOPSIS- and Fuzzy TOPSIS-Based Taguchi Optimization Approaches in Obtaining Optimal Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Mix Proportions
Authors: Warda Mohamed A. , Ahmad Seleem S. E. , Mahdi Ibrahim M. , Sallam Hossam El-Din M. , Khalil Hossam S.
Published: June 2022

This research aims to illustrate and express the impact of analytical techniques such as TOPSIS- and FTOPSIS-based Taguchi models on obtaining the optimum design of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC).Three levels of silica fume content, fly ash content, water-to-cementitious (W/C) ratio, and superplasticizer content were examined in the present work. However, the steel fiber content (1%) and the maximum aggregate size of 14 mm were kept constant for all mixes. Once the experimental results were obtained following Taguchi’s method, it was used as input data to the TOPSIS and FTOPSIS models. The optimum set of mixture factor levels was determined by identifying the two modules. The optimal FRC mix proportions obtained from the TOPSIS- and FTOPSIS-based Taguchi model were 5% silica fume content, 0% fly ash content, 0.27 W/C ratio, and 0.5% superplasticizer. Multi-response optimization approaches are essential to optimize the concrete mix proportions to achieve the required strengths, workability, and production cost. ANOVA was used to analyze the experimental results to find the contribution of each independent variable to the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of FRC. ANOVA showed that the most predominant factor that affects the FRC mix proportions was the W/C ratio, followed by the fly ash, silica fume, and superplasticizer contents, respectively, in descending order.
Serum and Pleural Soluble Cell Adhesion Molecules in Mesothelioma Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tsagkouli Sofia , Kyriakoulis Ioannis G. , Kyriakoulis Konstantinos G. , Fyta Eleni , Syrigos Alexandros , Bakakos Petros , Charpidou Adrianni , Kotteas Elias
Published: June 2022

Mesothelioma, a malignant neoplasm of mesothelial cells, has overall poor prognosis. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are proteins that contribute to the immune response. In this study the clinical utility and prognostic significance of serum and pleural fluid soluble CAM (sCAM) levels were assessed in patients with mesothelioma. Mesothelioma patients were retrospectively recruited (2016–2020). Clinical characteristics, serum and pleural sCAM levels (sE-cadherin, sE-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1)) and histopathological characteristics were gathered. A total of 51 healthy controls were also recruited for a secondary cross-sectional analysis. 92 mesothelioma patients were analyzed (mean age 64.5 years, 87% males, performance status 0–2). Patients with increased pleural sE-cadherin had higher risk for disease progression (adjusted HR 1.11 (1.02, 1.20), p = 0.013). Serum and pleural sE-selectin were decreased in patients with high-grade mesothelioma. Patients with increased serum or pleural sE-selectin levels had lower risk for death (adjusted HR 0.88 (0.81, 0.96), p = 0.003; 0.90 (0.82, 0.99), p = 0.039, respectively). Serum sE-cadherin, sE-selectin and sICAM-1 levels were significantly increased in mesothelioma patients compared to healthy controls. Further studies are needed to indicate the clinical utility of serum and pleural sCAMs in mesothelioma patients.
The Role of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Beta (hCGβ) in HPV-Positive and HPV-Negative Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sjöblom Anni , Carpén Timo , Stenman Ulf-Håkan , Jouhi Lauri , Haglund Caj , Syrjänen Stina , Mattila Petri , Mäkitie Antti , Hagström Jaana
Published: June 2022

Background: This study was carried out to observe the upregulation of the free β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCGβ) and its prognostic significance in human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Materials and methods: A total of 90 patients with OPSCC treated with curative intent at the Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), Helsinki, Finland, during 2012–2016 were included. Serum samples were collected prospectively, and their hCGβ concentrations (S-hCGβ) were determined by an immunofluorometric assay. The expression of hCGβ in tumor tissues was defined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). HPV determination was performed by combining p16-INK4 IHC and HPV DNA PCR genotyping. Overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were used as survival endpoints. Results: S-hCGβ positivity correlated with poor OS in the whole patient cohort (p < 0.001) and in patients with HPV-negative OPSCC (p < 0.001). A significant correlation was seen between S-hCGβ and poor DSS in the whole cohort (p < 0.001) and in patients with HPV-negative OPSCC (p = 0.007). In a multivariable analysis, S-hCGβ was associated with poor DSS. Of the clinical characteristics, higher cancer stage and grade were associated with S-hCGβ positivity. No statistically significant correlation with tissue positivity of hCGβ was seen in these analyses. Conclusion: S-hCGβ may be a potential independent factor indicating poor prognosis, notably in HPV-negative OPSCC.
Treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): A Focus on Younger Patients
Authors: Dudzisz-Śledź Monika , Klimczak Anna , Bylina Elżbieta , Rutkowski Piotr
Published: June 2022

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) originate from Cajal’s cells and are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs in young adults, i.e., patients before the age of 40, are rare and differ from those in older patients and GISTs in children in terms of the molecular and clinical features, including the location and type of mutations. They often harbor other molecular abnormalities than KIT and PDGFRA mutations (wild-type GISTs). The general principles of therapeutic management in young patients are the same as in the elderly. Considering some differences in molecular abnormalities, molecular testing should be the standard procedure to allow appropriate systemic therapy if needed. The optimal treatment strategy should be established by a multidisciplinary team experienced in sarcoma treatment. The impact of treatment on the quality of life and daily activities, including the impact on work, pregnancy, and fertility, in this patient population should be especially taken into consideration.
Spinal Solitary Fibrous Tumors: An Original Multicenter Series and Systematic Review of Presentation, Management, and Prognosis
Authors: Apra Caroline , El Arbi Amira , Montero Anne-Sophie , Parker Fabrice , Knafo Steven
Published: June 2022

All solitary fibrous tumors (SFT), now histologically diagnosed by a positive nuclear STAT6 immunostaining, represent less than 2% of soft tissue sarcomas, with spinal SFT constituting a maximum of 2% of them, making these tumors extremely rare. We provide an up-to-date overview of their diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. We included 10 primary STAT6-positive SFT from our retrospective cohort and 31 from a systematic review. Spinal pain was the most common symptom, in 69% of patients, and the only one in 34%, followed by spinal cord compression in 41%, radicular compression, including pain or deficit, in 36%, and urinary dysfunction specifically in 18%. Preoperative diagnosis was never obtained. Gross total resection was achieved in 71%, in the absence of spinal cord invasion or excessive bleeding. Histologically, they were 35% grade I, 25% grade II, and 40% grade III. Recurrence was observed in 43% after a mean 5.8 years (1 to 25). No significant risk factor was identified, but adjuvant radiotherapy improved the recurrence-free survival after subtotal resection. In conclusion, spinal SFT must be treated by neurosurgeons as part of a multidisciplinary team. Owing to their close relationship with the spinal cord, radiotherapy should be considered when gross total resection cannot be achieved, to lower the risk of recurrence.
Histone Demethylase JMJD2D: A Novel Player in Colorectal and Hepatocellular Cancers
Authors: Chen Qiang , Peng Kesong , Mo Pingli , Yu Chundong
Published: June 2022

Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of histones are well-established contributors in a variety of biological functions, especially tumorigenesis. Histone demethylase JMJD2D (also known as KDM4D), a member of the JMJD2 subfamily, promotes gene transcription by antagonizing H3K9 methylation. JMJD2D is an epigenetic factor coordinating androgen receptor activation, DNA damage repair, DNA replication, and cell cycle regulation. Recently, the oncogenic role of JMJD2D in colorectal cancer (CRC) and hepatocellular cancer (HCC) has been recognized. JMJD2D serves as a coactivator of β-catenin, Gli1/2, HIF1α, STAT3, IRF1, TCF4, and NICD or an antagonist of p53 to promote the progression of CRC and HCC. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms of JMJD2D in promoting the progression of CRC and HCC as well as the constructive role of its targeting inhibitors in suppressing tumorigenesis and synergistically enhancing the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy.
CPX-351: An Old Scheme with a New Formulation in the Treatment of High-Risk AML
Authors: Molica Matteo , Perrone Salvatore , Mazzone Carla , Cesini Laura , Canichella Martina , de Fabritiis Paolo
Published: June 2022

Therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) and acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) represent aggressive diseases characterized by a dismal prognosis if compared with de novo acute myeloid leukemia, especially in older patients. In these AML subsets, standard chemotherapy regimens produce poor response rates and unsatisfactory outcomes. Historically, conventional approaches consisted of an anthracycline combined with continuous infusion of cytarabine for 7 days, the “3+7” regimen. Several attempts have been conducted to ameliorate this combination regimen but inconsistent improvements in response rates and no significant changes in overall survival have been observed, until the recent introduction of targeted molecules. A liposomal formulation of traditional chemotherapy agents cytarabine and daunorubicin, termed CPX-351, enhances pharmacodynamics and synergistic effects through the maintenance of the optimal 5:1 molar ratio, which extends the treatment’s half-life and increases the bone marrow tropism of the drug. The use of CPX-351 in newly diagnosed AML-MRC and t-AML patients aged 60–75 years has demonstrated superior remission rates compared to conventional chemotherapy and improvements in event-free and overall survival. Recently, published data from a 5-year follow-up highlighted evidence that CPX-351 has the ability to produce and contribute to long-term remission and survival in older patients with newly diagnosed high-risk/secondary AML. Future perspectives include evaluation of dose intensification with CPX-351 in high-risk settings, combining this agent with targeted therapies, and better understanding the mechanism of improved responses in t-AML and AML-MRC. In this review, we will examine the role of CPX-351 inside the new AML therapeutic scenario and how its employment could potentially modify the treatment algorithm of high-risk and elderly patients with AML
5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA)-Induced Protoporphyrin IX Fluorescence by Glioma Cells—A Fluorescence Microscopy Clinical Study
Authors: Pacioni Simone , D’Alessandris Quintino Giorgio , Giannetti Stefano , Della Pepa Giuseppe Maria , Offi Martina , Giordano Martina , Caccavella Valerio Maria , Falchetti Maria Laura , Lauretti Liverana , Pallini Roberto
Published: June 2022

5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-induced PpIX fluorescence is used by neurosurgeons to identify the tumor cells of high-grade gliomas during operation. However, the issue of whether 5-ALA-induced PpIX fluorescence consistently stains all the tumor cells is still debated. Here, we assessed the cytoplasmatic signal of 5-ALA by fluorescence microscopy in a series of human gliomas. As tumor markers, we used antibodies against collapsin response-mediated protein 5 (CRMP5), alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX), and anti-isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1). In grade III–IV gliomas, the signal induced by 5-ALA was detected in 32.7–75.5 percent of CRMP5-expressing tumor cells. In low-grade gliomas (WHO grade II), the CRMP5-expressing tumor cells did not fluoresce following 5-ALA. Immunofluorescence with antibodies that stain various components of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) suggested that 5-ALA does not cross the un-breached BBB, in spite of its small dimension. To conclude, 5-ALA-induced PpIX fluorescence has an established role in high-grade glioma surgery, but it has limited usefulness in surgery for low-grade glioma, especially when the BBB is preserved.
LncRNA HAR1A Suppresses the Development of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Inactivating the STAT3 Pathway
Authors: Ma Jianqun , Cao Kui , Ling Xiaodong , Zhang Ping , Zhu Jinhong
Published: June 2022

It is imperative to advance the understanding of lung cancer biology. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset was used for bioinformatics analysis. CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, and western blot were performed in vitro, followed by in vivo study. We found that lncRNA Highly Accelerated Region 1A (HAR1A) is significantly downregulated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and negatively associated with prognosis. We improved the prognostic accuracy of HAR1A in LUAD by combining genes regulating cell apoptosis and cell cycle to generate a 23-gene signature. Nomogram and decision curve analysis (DCA) confirmed that the gene signature performed robustly in predicting overall survival. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) demonstrated several significantly upregulated malignancy-related events in the high-risk group, including DNA replication, DNA repair, glycolysis, hypoxia, MYC targets v2, and mTORC1. The risk signature distinguished LUAD patients suitable for chemotherapies or targeted therapies. Additionally, the knockdown of HAR1A accelerated NSCLC cell proliferation but inhibited apoptosis and vice versa. HAR1A regulated cellular activities through the STAT3 signaling pathway. The tumor-suppressing role of HAR1A was verified in the mouse model. Overall, the gene signature was robustly predictive of prognosis and sensitivity to anti-tumor drugs. HAR1A functions as a tumor suppressor in NSCLC by regulating the STAT3 signaling pathway.
Combined High-Throughput Approaches Reveal the Signals Driven by Skin and Blood Environments and Define the Tumor Heterogeneity in Sézary Syndrome
Authors: Cristofoletti Cristina , Bresin Antonella , Fioretti Martina , Russo Giandomenico , Narducci Maria Grazia
Published: June 2022

Sézary syndrome (SS) is an aggressive variant of cutaneous t-cell lymphoma characterized by the accumulation of neoplastic CD4+ lymphocytes—the SS cells—mainly in blood, lymph nodes, and skin. The tumor spread pattern of SS makes this lymphoma a unique model of disease that allows a concurrent blood and skin sampling for analysis. This review summarizes the recent studies highlighting the transcriptional programs triggered by the crosstalk between SS cells and blood–skin microenvironments. Emerging data proved that skin-derived SS cells show consistently higher activation/proliferation rates, mainly driven by T-cell receptor signaling with respect to matched blood SS cells that instead appear quiescent. Biochemical analyses also demonstrated an hyperactivation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR, a targetable pathway by multiple inhibitors currently in clinical trials, in skin SS cells compared with a paired blood counterpart. These results indicated that active and quiescent SS cells coexist in this lymphoma, and that they could be respectively treated with different therapeutics. Finally, this review underlines the more recent discoveries into the heterogeneity of circulating SS cells, highlighting a series of novel markers that could improve the diagnosis and that represent novel therapeutic targets (GPR15, PTPN13, KLRB1, and ITGB1) as well as new genetic markers (PD-1 and CD39) able to stratify SS patients for disease aggressiveness.
Estrogen Receptor-Regulated Gene Signatures in Invasive Breast Cancer Cells and Aggressive Breast Tumors
Authors: Smart Emily , Semina Svetlana E. , Alejo Luis H. , Kansara Nidhi S. , Frasor Jonna
Published: June 2022

Most metastatic breast cancers arise from estrogen receptor α (ER)-positive disease, and yet the role of ER in promoting metastasis is unclear. Here, we used an ER+ breast cancer cell line that is highly invasive in an ER- and IKKβ-dependent manner. We defined two ER-regulated gene signatures that are specifically regulated in the subpopulations of invasive cells. The first consists of proliferation-associated genes, which is a known function of ER, which actually suppress rather than enhance invasion. The second signature consists of genes involved in essential biological processes, such as organelle assembly and vesicle trafficking. Importantly, the second subpopulation-specific signature is associated with aggressive disease and poor patient outcome, independently of proliferation. These findings indicate a complex interplay between ER-driven proliferation and invasion, and they define new ER-regulated gene signatures that are predictive of aggressive ER+ breast cancer.
MACC1-Induced Collective Migration Is Promoted by Proliferation Rather Than Single Cell Biomechanics
Authors: Hohmann Tim , Hohmann Urszula , Dahlmann Mathias , Kobelt Dennis , Stein Ulrike , Dehghani Faramarz
Published: June 2022

Metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) is a marker for metastasis, tumor cell migration, and increased proliferation in colorectal cancer (CRC). Tumors with high MACC1 expression show a worse prognosis and higher invasion into neighboring structures. Yet, many facets of the pro-migratory effects are not fully understood. Atomic force microscopy and single cell live imaging were used to quantify biomechanical and migratory properties in low- and high-MACC1-expressing CRC cells. Furthermore, collective migration and expansion of small, cohesive cell colonies were analyzed using live cell imaging and particle image velocimetry. Lastly, the impact of proliferation on collective migration was determined by inhibition of proliferation using mitomycin. MACC1 did not affect elasticity, cortex tension, and single cell migration of CRC cells but promoted collective migration and colony expansion in vitro. Measurements of the local velocities in the dense cell layers revealed proliferation events as regions of high local speeds. Inhibition of proliferation via mitomycin abrogated the MACC1-associated effects on the collective migration speeds. A simple simulation revealed that the expansion of cell clusters without proliferation appeared to be determined mostly by single cell properties. MACC1 overexpression does not influence single cell biomechanics and migration but only collective migration in a proliferation-dependent manner. Thus, targeting proliferation in high-MACC1-expressing tumors may offer additional effects on cell migration.
Three-Dimensional Hierarchical Hydrotalcite–Silica Sphere Composites as Catalysts for Baeyer–Villiger Oxidation Reactions Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Cosano Daniel , Esquivel Dolores , Romero-Salguero Francisco J. , Jiménez-Sanchidrián César , Ruiz José Rafael
Published: June 2022

The development of effective, environmentally friendly catalysts for the Baeyer–Villiger reaction is becoming increasingly important in applied catalysis. In this work, we synthesized a 3D composite consisting of silica spheres coated with Mg/Al hydrotalcite with much better textural properties than its 2D counterparts. In fact, the 3D solid outperformed a 2D-layered hydrotalcite as catalyst in the Baeyer–Villiger reaction of cyclic ketones with H2O2/benzonitrile as oxidant. The 3D catalyst provided excellent conversion and selectivity; it was also readily filtered off the reaction mixture. The proposed reaction mechanism, which involves adsorption of the reactants on the hydrotalcite surface, is consistent with the catalytic activity results.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Embryo-Maternal Communication under Healthy Conditions or Viral Infections: Lessons from a Bovine Model
Authors: Calle Alexandra , Ramírez Miguel Ángel
Published: June 2022

Bovine mesenchymal stem cells are a relevant cell population found in the maternal reproductive tract that exhibits the immunomodulation capacity required to prevent embryo rejection. The phenotypic plasticity showed by both endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSC) and embryonic trophoblast through mesenchymal to epithelial transition and epithelial to mesenchymal transition, respectively, is essential for embryo implantation. Embryonic trophoblast maintains active crosstalk via EVs and soluble proteins with eMSC and peripheral blood MSC (pbMSC) to ensure the retention of eMSC in case of pregnancy and induce the chemotaxis of pbMSC, critical for successful implantation. Early pregnancy-related proteins and angiogenic markers are detected as cargo in EVs and the soluble fraction of the embryonic trophectoderm secretome. The pattern of protein secretion in trophectoderm-EVs changes depending on their epithelial or mesenchymal phenotype and due to the uptake of MSC EVs. However, the changes in this EV-mediated communication between maternal and embryonic MSC populations infected by viruses that cause abortions in cattle are poorly understood. They are critical in the investigation of reproductive viral pathologies.
One Size Does Not Fit All: The Past, Present and Future of Cystic Fibrosis Causal Therapies
Authors: Ensinck Marjolein M. , Carlon Marianne S.
Published: June 2022

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common monogenic disorder, caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Over the last 30 years, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the molecular basis of CF and the development of treatments that target the underlying defects in CF. Currently, a highly effective CFTR modulator treatment (Kalydeco™/Trikafta™) is available for 90% of people with CF. In this review, we will give an extensive overview of past and ongoing efforts in the development of therapies targeting the molecular defects in CF. We will discuss strategies targeting the CFTR protein (i.e., CFTR modulators such as correctors and potentiators), its cellular environment (i.e., proteostasis modulation, stabilization at the plasma membrane), the CFTR mRNA (i.e., amplifiers, nonsense mediated mRNA decay suppressors, translational readthrough inducing drugs) or the CFTR gene (gene therapies). Finally, we will focus on how these efforts can be applied to the 15% of people with CF for whom no causal therapy is available yet.
Emerging Roles of Microglia Depletion in the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Deng Junhao , Meng Fanqi , Zhang Kexue , Gao Jianpeng , Liu Zhongyang , Li Ming , Liu Xiao , Li Jiantao , Wang Yu , Zhang Licheng , Tang Peifu
Published: June 2022

Microglia, as the resident immune cells and first responder to neurological insults, play an extremely important role in the pathophysiological process of spinal cord injury. On the one hand, microglia respond rapidly and gather around the lesion in the early stage of injury to exert a protective role, but with the continuous stimulation of the injury, the excessive activated microglia secrete a large number of harmful substances, aggravate the injury of spinal cord tissue, and affect functional recovery. The effects of microglia depletion on the repair of spinal cord injury remain unclear, and there is no uniformly accepted paradigm for the removal methods and timing of microglia depletion, but different microglia depletion strategies greatly affect the outcomes after spinal cord injury. Therefore, this review summarizes the physiological and pathological roles of microglia, especially the effects of microglia depletion on spinal cord injury—sustained microglial depletion would aggravate injury and impair functional recovery, while the short-term depletion of microglial population in diseased conditions seems to improve tissue repair and promote functional improvement after spinal cord injury. Furthermore, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of major strategies and timing of microglia depletion to provide potential strategy for the treatment of spinal cord injury.
Extracellular Vesicles Derived from MDA-MB-231 Cells Trigger Neutrophils to a Pro-Tumor Profile
Authors: Amorim Carolinne , Docasar Clara Luisa , Guimarães-Bastos Daniel , Frony Ana Clara , Barja-Fidalgo Christina , Renovato-Martins Mariana , Moraes João Alfredo
Published: June 2022

Immune system cells, including neutrophils, are recruited by the tumor microenvironment as a site of chronic inflammation and begin to favor tumor growth. Neutrophils present in the tumor site are called tumor-associated neutrophils (TAN) and can present two phenotypes: N1 (antitumor) or N2 (pro-tumor). Evidence shows the high capacity of immune system cells to interact with extracellular vesicles (Evs) released by tumor cells. Evs can modulate the phenotype of cells within the immune system, contributing to tumor development. Here, we investigated the role of MDA-MB-231-derived Evs upon the polarization of neutrophils towards an N2 phenotype and the underlying mechanisms. We observed that neutrophils treated with Evs released by MDA cells (MDA-Evs) had their half-life increased, increased their chemotactic capacity, and released higher levels of NETs and ROS than neutrophils treated with non-tumoral Evs. We also observed that neutrophils treated with MDA-Evs released increased IL-8, VEGF, MMP9, and increased expression of CD184, an N2-neutrophil marker. Finally, neutrophils treated with MDA-Evs increased tumor cell viability. Our results show that MDA-Evs induce an N2-like phenotype, and the blockage of phosphatidylserine by annexin-V may be an essential agent counter-regulating this effect.
Folic Acid-Modified Cerium-Doped Carbon Dots as Photoluminescence Sensors for Cancer Cells Identification and Fe(III) Detection
Authors: Li Jincheng , Guo Zengchao , Liu Tengfei , Yu Fangfang , Zeng Jiayu , Zhang Ying , Yin Lihong , Liu Xiaohui , Jiang Hui , Wang Xuemei
Published: June 2022

Carbon dots (CDs) are a new class of carbon-based luminescence materials with fascinating properties. They have been given great expectations on superseding traditional semiconductor quantum dots due to their good dispersity and stability, relatively low toxicity, superior resistance to photobleaching, and excellent biocompatibility. The diversified luminescence properties of CDs are largely due to the synthetic strategies and precursors. In view of those described above, this study has explored the possibility to establish a facile one-step hydrothermal method for the one-pot synthesis of folic acid-modified cerium-doped CDs (Ce-CDs-FA), which could be further utilized as a sensitive fluorescent nanoprobe for biosensing. This investigation demonstrates that the Ce-CDs-FA nanocomposites have nice biocompatibility and bright fluorescent properties, which can be readily utilized to detect cancer cells through recognizing overexpressing folate receptors by virtue of folic acid. Meanwhile, it is noted that the Fe3+ ion can actualize a specific and hypersensitive quenching effect for these Ce-CDs-FA nanocomposites, which can be further explored for special ion recognition, including iron ions. It raises the possibility that the as-prepared Ce-CDs-FA nanocomposites could be extended as a dual fluorescence sensor for targeted cell imaging and Fe3+ ion detection.
Assessment of Urban Land Use and Cover on Groundwater Recharge and Quality
Authors: Hagare Dharmappa , Ezemba Sylvester Nnamdi , Pant Neeraj , Rahman Muhammad Muhitur , Maheshwari Basant , Siddiqui Zuhaib
Published: June 2022

This study focusses on a method for estimating the urban recharge and evaluating the ground water quality for drinking and irrigation purposes. The study was carried out in the Liverpool Local Government Area of New South Wales, Australia, and it included year-long monitoring of four boreholes for the water table depth and water quality. Average depth of water table was in the range of 1 to 4 m from the land surface. The pattern of variations in the water table depth (WTD) varied across the four boreholes. The WTD variations between borehole 2 (BH2) and borehole 3 (BH3) were similar, but significantly different variations were exhibited in BH1 and BH 4, with BH1 showing a quicker response to rainfall events. The presence of lake appears to have influenced the recharge pattern in the adjacent area as reflected in the WTD variations in BH3 and BH4. The recharge rates for BH3 and BH4 was about 2 to 5 times higher than those observed for BH1 and BH2, which are located at a relatively greater distance from the lake. This indicates that the presence of urban lakes can influence recharge rate in the area. Water quality analysis indicated higher salt and turbidity levels, which may be attributed to the local geology (the Wianamatta group) present in the study area and/or possible saltwater intrusion. This has implications for the treatment cost associated with the supply of the groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes. Pearson’s analysis indicated a significant correlation between EC, TDS, Turbidity and pH. The turbidity of groundwater varied between 33 and 530 NTU, indicating that the turbidity may have been affected by the dissolution of salt deposits via colloidal particles. Significant variations in groundwater quality during rainy periods, also, indicated the existence of groundwater recharge in the study area. This study highlights the issues associated with the groundwater recharge and quality management in urban landscapes and provides a basis for further research.
Application of Negative Pressure Therapy on Skin Grafts after Soft-Tissue Reconstruction: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Mandili Aeshah , Aljubairy Abdullah , Alsharif Bayan , Patwa Wala , Alotibey Khlood , Basha Sara , Alharbi Ziyad
Published: June 2022

A split-thickness skin graft (STSG) is one of the main tools used in the reconstruction of skin defects. Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been widely used as adjunct therapy for wound healing for decades. Few studies have conducted the outcomes of NPWT use as a postoperative dressing for STSGs. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of the application of NPWT versus conventional dressing on STSGs after soft-tissue reconstruction. A prospective observational study was performed at the King Abdullah Medical City. A total of 18 patients with STSGs for acute or chronic skin defects were recruited. Patients from the two groups—10 patients in the NPWT group and 8 in the No-NPWT group—were postoperatively evaluated for three weeks. Assessment included the STSG take rate, wound healing, pain, infection, hematoma formation, and the need to re-graft the same recipient area. Our data demonstrated a higher mean skin graft take rate in the second and third weeks of the No-NPWT group compared to the NPWT group, but it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). No significant differences between the two groups in terms of wound healing, pain, infection, hematoma formation, and the need to re-graft (p > 0.05) were found. Our study showed that the conventional dressing of STSGs is not inferior to NPWT. In addition, conventional dressing was shown to be easier to use and less expensive to apply, as well as having a higher skin graft take rate and lower infection rate.
The Clinical Utility of ABO and RHD Systems as Potential Indicators of Health Status, a Preliminary Study in Greek Population
Authors: Lymperaki Evgenia , Stalika Evangelia , Tzavelas George , Tormpantoni Efthymia , Samara Diana , Vagdatli Eleni , Tsamesidis Ioannis
Published: June 2022

Objective: The objective of this study is to further highlight the differences between different ABO blood groups and Rhesus types with health biomarkers. Methods: In total 150 active healthy blood donors participated in our study comprising of 80 males from 19–61 years and 70 females aged from 21 to 64. Participants carrying blood group A were 55 individuals, blood group B 32, blood group O 51, and blood group AB 12, RHD+ 132, and RHD- 18. All the volunteer regular blood donors were selected recognizing them as a healthy population excluding drug and supplements intake. Their blood samples were analyzed just before blood donation for biochemical, hematological, and antioxidant markers. Statistical computations were performed using the SPSS tool, specifically, the one-way ANOVA test, Chi-square statistics, and logistic regression were used as statistical models. Results: O blood donors presented better iron absorption and the worst lipid profile. Indeed, a significant trend of high atheromatic index values revealed an increased risk for hyperlipidemia, in contrast with blood group A presenting a better lipid profile with lower atheromatic index values. There was also a gender related association for blood group A compared with O that was further highlighted using binary logistic regression. Conclusion: In this study, a significant difference was observed among the ABO blood groups in several of the examined biochemical and hematological biomarkers. O blood group appeared different behavior in comparison to all the tested blood groups and furthermore the RHD-group presented a better lipid profile in comparison to the RHD+ group. In order to obtain a more comprehensive view of the correlation between the ABO blood group and biochemical markers, further studies are required.
Evolution of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloy by Extrusion and Heat Treatment
Authors: Li Jun , He Yayun , Zhao Xi , Kim Chankyung
Published: June 2022

Herein, composite extrusion deformation and heat treatment process at various temperatures were studied on a new type of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy billet. The influence of pre-deformation and the final forming of extrusion and heat treatment of annular channel corner extrusion on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties were explored. The results show that the extrusion process could further refine the structure and break the coarse θ phase. The grains can be refined again after the deformed sample was treated by solution-aging treatment. At the same time, a fine, dispersed second phase is precipitated around the fine recrystallized grains. This is the main reason for the increase in alloy elongation and tensile strength. The best heat treatment process parameters for the formed cup-shaped structure are 480 °C × 1 h solid solution and 120 °C × 24 h aging. The strengthening of the alloy mainly includes three mechanisms: fine grain strengthening, precipitation strengthening, and dispersion strengthening.
INCORPORATION OF NORMATIVE LEGAL ACTS OF THE USSR AND THE RSFSR ON REGIONAL REGULATION OF WAGES INTO THE LEGISLATION OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors:   All-Russian Research Institute of Labor, Moscow, Russia, Mosina L.L. , Starokozheva V.P. ,   All-Russian Research Institute of Labor, Moscow, Russia
Published: June 2022

The system of territorial regulation of wages, guarantees and compensations developed gradually and changed in accordance with the economic situation in the country. Regional wage regulation includes regional coefficients, bonus percentage and coefficients for work in desert, waterless and high mountain areas, which causes the authors to consider normative legal acts of the USSR and the RSFSR relating to these elements of regional wage regulation, and bring them into line with the legislation of the Russian Federation. This work has been carried out by specialists from the All-Russian Research Institute of Labor of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Russia since 2016. The article aims to identify the reasons and circumstances according to which the normative legal acts of the USSR and the RSFSR on the establishment of regional coefficients, bonus percentage and coefficients for work in desert, waterless and high-mountain areas were incorporated into the legislation of the Russian Federation, and their certain provisions were declared invalid. The methodological basis of the study is an integrated approach, a dialectical method of cognition, methods of scientific, comparative analysis, synthesis, and methods for obtaining analytical information. The object of the study is the normative legal acts of the USSR and the RSFSR, affecting the elements of regional wage regulation. The research results made it possible to establish the objective reasons on the basis of which the normative legal acts of the USSR and the RSFSR were brought into line with the current legislation of the Russian Federation or their individual provisions were declared invalid. On the basis of the work carried out by the Federal State Budgetary Institution "All-Russian Research Institute of Labor" the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Russia canceled a number of normative legal acts of the USSR and the RSFSR.
TOOLS FOR EVALUATING AND SELECTING EMPLOYEES IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE BANI-WORLD
Authors:   Financial University, Moscow, Russia, Fedchenko A.A. , Filimonova I.V. ,   Financial University, Moscow, Russia, Yaryshina V.N. ,   Voronezh State University, Voronezh, Russia
Published: June 2022

The article examines the appraisal and recruitment process in the context of the transformation of social and labor relations and BANI world influence on the requirements for professional and over-professional (soft) skills of employees. The aim of the study is to develop tools for assessing and recruiting employees in a BANI world characterized by a high degree of brittleness, anxiety, nonlinearity and incomprehensibility of changing socio-economic conditions. The authors use general scientific and special research methods. The study is based on a competency-based approach, focused on meeting the growing needs of the organization to improve the efficiency of employees’ work. We propose an algorithm for classifying employees, considering the importance of labor functions and competencies, based on the use of fuzzy linguistic evaluation tools, which allows leveling the influence of uncertainty and determining the level of competence of employees to increase the degree of efficiency of management decisions. As a result of the study, the authors developed fuzzy linguistic evaluation tools to simplify the process of personnel recruitment and assessment under conditions of uncertainty. The developed assessment tools may be used at the intra-company level to simplify the classification of employees in assessing and selecting qualified personnel. This process is proposed to be carried out based on identifying the degree of employees’ possession of the relevant competencies required to perform labor functions. In this regard, when making managerial decisions, it is recommended to rely on fuzzy linguistic evaluation tools, which are effective for solving multicriteria problems. The study concludes that using the authors' tools will help increase the validity of managerial decisions taken to assess the professional and over-professional skills of employees for comprehensively justified recruitment in a high degree of uncertainty of the BANI world.
Driving Signature Analysis for Auto-Theft Recovery
Authors: Bosire Adrian , Maingi Damian
Published: June 2022

Autotheft is a crime that can be mitigated using artificial intelligence as a scientific approach. In this case, we assess the drivers driving pattern using both deep neural network and swarm intelligence algorithms. From the analysis we are able to obtain the driving signature of the driver which can be associated with the vehicle. The vehicle is then tracked and monitored. Next, a deviation from the usual driving signature of the owner or assigned driver would signify a possible instance of autotheft. Subsequently, the vehicle can be traced and reclaimed by the owner. The algorithms are evaluated based on their performance in analysing the datasets bearing variable features. The variations in features enable us to verify the efficacy and accuracy levels of the various algorithms that are used in the study. The metrics used for evaluation are the Mean Squared Error and the F1 Score for precision, accuracy and recall functionality.