bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the Different Grid Resolutions of the WRF Model for the Forecasting of the Flood Event of 15 July 2020 in Palermo (Italy)
Authors: Castorina Giuseppe , Caccamo Maria Teresa , Insinga Vincenzo , Magazù Salvatore , Munaò Gianmarco , Ortega Claudio , Semprebello Agostino , Rizza Umberto
Published: October 2022

One of the most important challenges in atmospheric science and, in particular, in numerical weather predictions (NWP), is to forecast extreme weather events. These events affect very localized areas in space, recording high pluviometric accumulations in short time intervals. In this context, with the present study, we aim to analyze the extreme meteorological event that occurred in the northwestern and eastern parts of Sicily on 15 July 2020, by using the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model. In particular, during the afternoon, several storms affected those areas, causing intense precipitation, with maximum rainfall concentrated on the city of Palermo and in the Etna area. The rainfall at the end of the event reached 134 mm in Palermo and 49 mm in Catania, recorded by the Sicilian network meteorological stations. Because the event at Palermo was strongly localized, the analyses have been carried out by employing different sets of numerical simulations, by means of the WRF model, with horizontal spatial grid resolutions of 9, 3, and 1 km. Furthermore, the output of the performed simulation has been used to assess the thermodynamic profile and atmospheric instability indices. It allowed us to check the adopted parameters against those usually implemented in the flash flood scenario. By using the finest grid resolutions (3 and 1 km), the WRF model was able to provide more accurate predictions of the rainfall accumulation, even if they were strongly localized. Conversely, the implementation of less-refined spatial domain (9 km) did not allow us to obtain predictive estimates of precipitation.
The Effect of Sea Surface Temperature on Relative Humidity and Atmospheric Visibility of a Winter Sea Fog Event over the Yellow-Bohai Sea
Authors: Liu Lili , Wang Xuelian , Li Yinghua , Wei Wang
Published: October 2022

Sea fog is one of the main types of dangerous weather affecting offshore operations. The sea surface temperature (SST) has an important influence on the water vapor content and intensity of sea fog. In order to study the impact of SST on local relative humidity and atmospheric visibility, a sea fog episode that occurred over the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea on 21 January 2013 was investigated through observational data, reanalysis data, and Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) simulation. The results show that the influence of SST on the distribution of sea fog with different properties is inconsistent. Based on the time-varying equation of relative humidity, the changes in the advection, radiation, and turbulence effects on the relative humidity with respect to SST are explored through control and sensitivity experiments. The results show that the advection effect plays a decisive role in the generation and dissipation stages of sea fog. The increase (decrease) in SST weakens (strengthens) the radiative cooling and relative humidity. The contribution magnitude of advection effect to relative humidity is 10−5, while those of radiation and turbulence are 10−6 and 10−7, respectively. The atmospheric visibilities in the Bohai Sea and northern Yellow Sea decrease with increasing SST, which are mainly affected by the positive turbulence effect; whereas the atmospheric visibility in the central and southern Yellow Sea increases with SST, which is mainly influenced by the combined effects of U-direction advection, radiation, and turbulence. The stability related to boundary layer height plays an important role in water vapor condensation.
Dynamic Polarizability of the 85Rb 5D3/2-State in 1064 nm Light
Authors: Duspayev Alisher , Cardman Ryan , Raithel Georg
Published: October 2022

We report a measurement of the dynamic (ac) scalar polarizability of the 5D3/2 state in 85Rb atoms at a laser wavelength of 1064 nm. Contrary to a recent measurement in Phys. Rev. A 104, 063304 (2021), the experiments are performed in a low-intensity regime in which the ac shift is less than the 5D3/2 state’s hyperfine structure, as utilized in numerous experiments with cold, trapped atoms. The extracted ac polarizability is α5D3/2=−499±59 a.u., within the uncertainty of the aforementioned previous result. The calibration of the 1064 nm light intensity, performed by analyzing light shifts of the D1 line, is the main source of uncertainty. Our results are useful for applications of the Rb 5D3/2 state in metrology, quantum sensing, and fundamental-physics research on Rydberg atoms and molecules.
Estimation of Truncation Error in Statistical Description of Communication Signals over mm-Wave Channels
Authors: Marjanović Zvezdan , Milić Dejan N. , Đorđević Goran T.
Published: October 2022

This paper presents an illustration of how knowledge from the field of special functions, orthogonal polynomials and numerical series can be applied to solve a very important problem in the field of modern wireless communications. We present the formulas for the probability density function (PDF) and cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the composite signal envelope over an mm-Wave channel. The formulas for the PDF and CDF are expressed in the convergent infinity series form. The main contribution of the paper is in estimating the upper bounds for absolute truncation error in evaluating PDF and CDF of the signal envelope. We also derive the formulas for the required number of terms in the summation under the condition of achieving a given accuracy for typical values of channel parameters. In deriving these formulas, we use the alternating series estimation theorem, as well as some properties of orthogonal polynomials in order to derive upper bounds for hypergeometric functions. Based on the newly derived formulas, numerical results are presented and commented upon. The analytical results are verified by Monte Carlo simulations. The results are essential in the designing and performance estimating of the fifth-generation (5G) and beyond wireless networks.
The Physiological Functions of AbrB on Sporulation, Biofilm Formation and Carbon Source Utilization in Clostridium tyrobutyricum
Authors: Luo Kui , Guo Xiaolong , Zhang Huihui , Fu Hongxin , Wang Jufang
Published: October 2022

As a pleiotropic regulator, Antibiotic resistant protein B (AbrB) was reported to play important roles in various cellular processes in Bacilli and some Clostridia strains. In Clostridium tyrobutyricum, abrB (CTK_C 00640) was identified to encode AbrB by amino acid sequence alignment and functional domain prediction. The results of abrB deletion or overexpression in C. tyrobutyricum showed that AbrB not only exhibited the reported characteristics such as the negative regulation on sporulation, positive effects on biofilm formation and stress resistance but also exhibited new functions, especially the negative regulation of carbon metabolism. AbrB knockout strain (Ct/ΔabrB) could alleviate glucose-mediated carbon catabolite repression (CCR) and enhance the utilization of xylose compared with the parental strain, resulting in a higher butyrate titer (14.79 g/L vs. 7.91 g/L) and xylose utilization rate (0.19 g/L·h vs. 0.02 g/L·h) from the glucose and xylose mixture. This study confirmed the pleiotropic regulatory function of AbrB in C. tyrobutyricum, suggesting that Ct/ΔabrB was the potential candidate for butyrate production from abundant, renewable lignocellulosic biomass mainly composed of glucose and xylose.
The Top 100 Most Cited Articles on Platelet-Rich Plasma Use in Regenerative Medicine—A Bibliometric Analysis—From the ESSKA Orthobiologic Initiative
Authors: Coulange Zavarro Anouck , De Girolamo Laura , Laver Lior , Sánchez Mikel , Tischer Thomas , Filardo Giuseppe , Sabatier Florence , Magalon Jérémy
Published: October 2022

Over the past few decades, more and more articles about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) use in regenerative medicine have been published. The aim of this study was to determine which articles have been most influential in this field by identifying and analyzing the characteristics of the 100 most cited articles. Articles on the use of PRP in regenerative medicine were identified via the Thomson ISI Web of Science database. A majority of the articles originated from the USA (36%). The top journal in terms of number of articles was American Journal of Sports Medicine (12%). Musculoskeletal system and orthopedics (54%) were the most popular fields of applications. Preclinical studies were the most represented study type, from which only 8 from 46 (17.4%) provided a complete numerical description of the injected product. Analysis showed a time-dependent trend of increasing quality of the clinical studies (p = 0.004), although none of them provided a complete biological characterization of the injected PRP. This study demonstrated that the use of PRP in regenerative medicine is a growing and popular area of research, mainly focused on orthopedic applications. Studies on PRP-derived exosomes, biological characterization, and correlation with clinical results might be areas of future trends.
Invasive Urban Mammalian Predators: Distribution and Multi-Scale Habitat Selection
Authors: Miller Kim F. , Wilson Deborah J. , Hartley Stephen , Innes John G. , Fitzgerald Neil B. , Miller Poppy , van Heezik Yolanda
Published: October 2022

A barrier to successful ecological restoration of urban green spaces in many cities is invasive mammalian predators. We determined the fine- and landscape-scale habitat characteristics associated with the presence of five urban predators (black and brown rats, European hedgehogs, house mice, and brushtail possums) in three New Zealand cities, in spring and autumn, in three green space types: forest fragments, amenity parks, and residential gardens. Season contributed to variations in detections for all five taxa. Rodents were detected least in residential gardens; mice were detected more often in amenity parks. Hedgehogs were detected least in forest fragments. Possums were detected most often in forest fragments and least often in residential gardens. Some of this variation was explained by our models. Proximity of amenity parks to forest patches was strongly associated with presence of possums (positively), hedgehogs (positively), and rats (negatively). Conversely, proximity of residential gardens to forest patches was positively associated with rat presence. Rats were associated with shrub and lower canopy cover and mice with herb layer cover. In residential gardens, rat detection was associated with compost heaps. Successful restoration of biodiversity in these cities needs extensive, coordinated predator control programmes that engage urban residents.
Prevalence of Periodontal Pathogens in Slovak Patients with Periodontitis and Their Possible Aspect of Transmission from Companion Animals to Humans
Authors: Sondorová Miriam , Kučera Ján , Kačírová Jana , Krchová Nagyová Zuzana , Šurín Hudáková Natália , Lipták Tomáš , Maďar Marián
Published: October 2022

Oral health and diseases are greatly influenced by oral bacteria. During dysbiosis, bacterial composition changes, which can lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis in humans is associated with periodontal pathogens such as Treponema denticola, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Animal-to-human transmission of some of these pathogens has also been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of periodontal pathogens in Slovak patients and to assess the possible risk of transmission of these pathogens from animals to their owners. The presence of periodontal pathogens in dental plaque was monitored by PCR. Amplified products were analysed using Sanger sequencing. T. forsythia isolates were assessed for the susceptibility to different antibiotics using the disk diffusion method. In humans, T. denticola, P. gingivalis, T. forsythia and A. actinomycetemcomitans were present in 69.23%, 69.23%, 100% and 84.62%, respectively. Most isolates of T. forsythia were susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, clindamycin and moxifloxacin, but they were resistant to metronidazole. The transmission of T. forsythia from animals to their owners was not proven based on sequence analysing. On the other hand, transmission of Porphyromonas gulae was confirmed, but the risk of its involvement in the pathogenesis of periodontitis in humans must be further investigated.
Phenotypes of Floral Nectaries in Developmental Mutants of Legumes and What They May Tell about Genetic Control of Nectary Formation
Authors: Sinjushin Andrey
Published: October 2022

The vast majority of angiosperms attracts animal pollinators with the nectar secreted through specialized floral nectaries (FNs). Although there is evidence that principal patterns of regulation of FN development are conserved in large angiosperm clades, these structures are very diverse considering their morphology and position within a flower. Most data on genetic control of FN formation were obtained in surveys of a model plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae). There are almost no data on genetic factors affecting FN development in Leguminosae, the plant family of a high agricultural value and possessing outstandingly diverse flowers. In this work, the morphology of FNs was examined in a set of leguminous species, both wild-type and developmental mutants, by the means of a scanning electron microscopy. Unlike Brassicaceae, FNs in legumes are localized between stamens and a carpel instead of being associated with a certain floral organ. FNs were found stable in most cases of mutants when perianth and/or androecium morphology was affected. However, regulation of FN development by BLADE-ON-PETIOLE-like genes seems to be a shared feature between legumes (at least Pisum) and Arabidopsis. In some legumes, the adaxial developmental program (most probably CYCLOIDEA-mediated) suppresses the FN development. The obtained results neither confirm the role of orthologues of UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS and LEAFY in FN development in legumes nor reject it, as two studied pea mutants were homozygous at the weakest alleles of the corresponding loci and possessed FNs similar to those of wild-type.
Cardioprotective Mechanism of Leonurine against Myocardial Ischemia through a Liver–Cardiac Crosstalk Metabolomics Study
Authors: Rong Weiwei , Li Jiejia , Pan Dingyi , Zhou Qinbei , Zhang Yexuan , Lu Qianxing , Wang Liyun , Wang Andong , Zhu Yizhun , Zhu Qing
Published: October 2022

Leonurine has been shown to have excellent anti-myocardial ischemia effects. Our previous studies suggested that cardiac protection by leonurine during myocardial ischemia appeared to be inextricably linked to its regulation of the liver. At present, however, there are few mechanistic studies of leonurine and its regulation of hepatic metabolism against ischemic injury. In this study, a metabolomics approach was developed to give a global view of the metabolic profiles of the heart and liver during myocardial ischemia. Principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis were applied to filter differential metabolites, and a debiased sparse partial correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation of the differential metabolites between heart and liver. As a result, a total of thirty-one differential metabolites were identified, six in the myocardial tissue and twenty-five in the hepatic tissue, involving multiple metabolic pathways including glycine, serine and threonine, purine, fatty acid, and amino acid metabolic pathways. Correlation analysis revealed a net of these differential metabolites, suggesting an interaction between hepatic and myocardial metabolism. These results suggest that leonurine may reduce myocardial injury during myocardial ischemia by regulating the metabolism of glycine, serine and threonine, purine, fatty acids, and amino acids in the liver and heart.
Ligand-Promoted Surface Solubilization of TiO2 Nanoparticles by the Enterobactin Siderophore in Biological Medium
Authors: Laisney Jérôme , Chevallet Mireille , Fauquant Caroline , Sageot Camille , Moreau Yohann , Predoi Daniela , Herlin-Boime Nathalie , Lebrun Colette , Michaud-Soret Isabelle
Published: October 2022

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) are increasingly used in consumer products for their particular properties. Even though TiO2 is considered chemically stable and insoluble, studying their behavior in biological environments is of great importance to figure their potential dissolution and transformation. The interaction between TiO2-NPs with different sizes and crystallographic forms (anatase and rutile) and the strong chelating enterobactin (ent) siderophore was investigated to look at a possible dissolution. For the first time, direct evidence of anatase TiO2-NP surface dissolution or solubilization (i.e., the removal of Ti atoms located at the surface) in a biological medium by this siderophore was shown and the progressive formation of a hexacoordinated titanium–enterobactin (Ti–ent) complex observed. This complex was characterized by UV–visible and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy (both supported by Density Functional Theory calculations) as well as electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A maximum of ca. 6.3% of Ti surface atoms were found to be solubilized after 24 h of incubation, releasing Ti–ent complexes in the micromolar range that could then be taken up by bacteria in an iron-depleted medium. From a health and environmental point of view, the effects associated to the solubilization of the E171 TiO2 food additive in the presence of enterobactin and the entrance of the Ti–enterobactin complex in bacteria were questioned.
Protective Effects of Higher Exposure to Aspirin and/or Clopidogrel on the Occurrence of Hip Fracture among Diabetic Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Mao Jui-Ting , Lai Jung-Nien , Fu Yi-Hsiu , Yip Hei-Tung , Lai Yen-Chun , Hsu Chung-Y. , Chen Sung-Hsiung , Kuo Shu-Jui
Published: October 2022

Aspirin and clopidogrel are commonly prescribed alone or together among the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, and both agents could affect bone metabolism. This study aimed at demonstrating the effects of the dosage and the duration of aspirin and/or clopidogrel alone or together on the occurrence of hip fracture among T2DM patients. We chose the patients newly diagnosed with T2DM and divided them into four subgroups which are under aspirin monotherapy (78,522 patients), clopidogrel monotherapy (12,752 patients), dual therapy (7209 patients), and patients not taking antiplatelet drugs (401,686 patients). We found that only higher dosage (>360 cumulative daily defined dose (cDDD)) and longer duration (≥3 years) of antiplatelet agents could be associated with lower fracture risk. Compared with the subjects taking <1-year dual agents, the risk of hip fracture was 0.38-fold for the patients taking ≥3-year dual agents. Lower dosage (28–179 cDDD) and shorter duration (1~2 years) could even be associated with higher fracture risk. Overall, the best regimen to fend off the hip fracture was the use of aspirin and clopidogrel for ≥3 years.
Impact of Chronic Exposure to Endometriosis on Perinatal Outcomes: Establishment of a Mouse Model
Authors: Elsherbini Mohammed , Koga Kaori , Maki Eiko , Kumasawa Keiichi , Satake Erina , Taguchi Ayumi , Makabe Tomoko , Takeuchi Arisa , Izumi Gentaro , Takamura Masashi , Harada Miyuki , Hirata Tetsuya , Hirota Yasushi , Wada-Hiraike Osamu , Osuga Yutaka
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study was to establish a new mouse model of endometriosis that mimics real-world women’s health problems, in which women continue to be affected by endometriosis long before they wish to become pregnant, and to evaluate the impact of “chronic exposure to endometriosis” on perinatal outcome. Endometriosis was established by the intraperitoneal injection of homologous minced mouse uteri. Vehicle was injected for the control. Mating was initiated either 1 or 43 days after disease establishment (Young or Aged studies, respectively). Mice were sacrificed on 18 dpc. The number pups and resorptions were counted and pups’ body weights (BW) were measured, and the endometriosis lesion was identified and weighted. In the Young study, the number of resorptions and BW were comparable between the groups. In the Aged study, the number of resorptions was significantly higher and BW was significantly lower in endometriosis than that in control. The total weight of endometriosis lesion per dam was significantly lower in the Aged compared to the Young endometriosis group; however, not a single mouse was found to have any lesions at all. These results suggest that in addition to the presence of endometriosis per se, “chronic exposure to endometriosis” prior to pregnancy affect perinatal outcomes.
Biological and Exploitable Crossroads for the Immune Response in Cancer and COVID-19
Authors: Vitali Letizia , Merlini Alessandra , Galvagno Federica , Proment Alessia , Sangiolo Dario
Published: October 2022

The outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has exacted a disproportionate toll on cancer patients. The effects of anticancer treatments and cancer patients’ characteristics shared significant responsibilities for this dismal outcome; however, the underlying immunopathological mechanisms are far from being completely understood. Indeed, despite their different etiologies, SARS-CoV-2 infection and cancer unexpectedly share relevant immunobiological connections. In the pathogenesis and natural history of both conditions, there emerges the centrality of the immune response, orchestrating the timed appearance, functional and dysfunctional roles of multiple effectors in acute and chronic phases. A significant number (more than 600) of observational and interventional studies have explored the interconnections between COVID-19 and cancer, focusing on aspects as diverse as psychological implications and prognostic factors, with more than 4000 manuscripts published so far. In this review, we reported and discussed the dynamic behavior of the main cytokines and immune system signaling pathways involved in acute vs. early, and chronic vs. advanced stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection and cancer. We highlighted the biological similarities and active connections within these dynamic disease scenarios, exploring and speculating on possible therapeutic crossroads from one setting to the other.
Nintedanib Reduces Muscle Fibrosis and Improves Muscle Function of the Alpha-Sarcoglycan-Deficient Mice
Authors: Alonso-Pérez Jorge , Carrasco-Rozas Ana , Borrell-Pages Maria , Fernández-Simón Esther , Piñol-Jurado Patricia , Badimon Lina , Wollin Lutz , Lleixà Cinta , Gallardo Eduard , Olivé Montse , Díaz-Manera Jordi , Suárez-Calvet Xavier
Published: October 2022

Sarcoglycanopathies are a group of recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophies, characterized by progressive muscle weakness. Sarcoglycan deficiency produces instability of the sarcolemma during muscle contraction, leading to continuous muscle fiber injury eventually producing fiber loss and replacement by fibro-adipose tissue. Therapeutic strategies aiming to reduce fibro-adipose expansion could be effective in muscular dystrophies. We report the positive effect of nintedanib in a murine model of alpha-sarcoglycanopathy. We treated 14 Sgca-/- mice, six weeks old, with nintedanib 50 mg/kg every 12 h for 10 weeks and compared muscle function and histology with 14 Sgca-/- mice treated with vehicle and six wild-type littermate mice. Muscle function was assessed using a treadmill and grip strength. A cardiac evaluation was performed by echocardiography and histological study. Structural analysis of the muscles, including a detailed study of the fibrotic and inflammatory processes, was performed using conventional staining and immunofluorescence. In addition, proteomics and transcriptomics studies were carried out. Nintedanib was well tolerated by the animals treated, although we observed weight loss. Sgca-/- mice treated with nintedanib covered a longer distance on the treadmill, compared with non-treated Sgca-/- mice, and showed higher strength in the grip test. Moreover, nintedanib improved the muscle architecture of treated mice, reducing the degenerative area and the fibrotic reaction that was associated with a reversion of the cytokine expression profile. Nintedanib improved muscle function and muscle architecture by reducing muscle fibrosis and degeneration and reverting the chronic inflammatory environment suggesting that it could be a useful therapy for patients with alpha-sarcoglycanopathy.
Indirect Comparison of 10 kHz Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) versus Traditional Low-Frequency SCS for the Treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Hoelzer Bryan C. , Edgar Deborah , Lu Shiao-Ping , Taylor Rod S.
Published: October 2022

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is increasingly used to treat painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). At the time of a recent meta-analysis in this field, data were only available from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of traditional low-frequency SCS (LF-SCS). However, outcomes from high-frequency 10 kHz SCS treatment are now available. Our study aimed to systematically review the contemporary evidence for SCS in patients with lower limb pain due to PDN and include an indirect comparison of the high- and low-frequency modalities. We searched the PubMed/CENTRAL databases up to 18 August 2022, for peer-reviewed RCTs of SCS that enrolled PDN patients with lower limb pain symptoms. The quality of the evidence was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Using SCS treatment arm data from the RCTs, we indirectly compared the absolute treatment effect of 10 kHz SCS and LF-SCS. Results are presented in tables and forest plots. This systematic review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Three RCTs met our eligibility criteria, including the recent 10 kHz SCS RCT (N = 216, 90 implanted) and 2 others that examined LF-SCS (N = 36, 17 implanted; N = 60, 37 implanted). Our analysis of 6-month data found clinically meaningful pain relief with each SCS modality. However, significantly greater pain reduction was identified for 10 kHz SCS over LF-SCS: average pain reduction in the 10 kHz SCS cohort was 73.7% compared with 47.5% in the pooled LF-SCS group (p < 0.0001). In the permanent implant subset, the 50% pain reduction responder rate was 83.3% in the 10 kHz SCS cohort versus 63.0% in the pooled LF-SCS group (p = 0.0072). The overall risk of bias of each included RCT was deemed high, mainly due to the absence of patient blinding. Our analysis indicates that paresthesia-free 10 kHz SCS can provide superior pain relief and responder rate over LF-SCS for managing PDN patients refractory to conventional medical management.
Interleukin-8 in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Its Potential Role as a Prognostic Biomarker
Authors: Bazzichetto Chiara , Milella Michele , Zampiva Ilaria , Simionato Francesca , Amoreo Carla Azzurra , Buglioni Simonetta , Pacelli Chiara , Le Pera Loredana , Colombo Teresa , Bria Emilio , Zeuli Massimo , Del Bufalo Donatella , Sperduti Isabella , Conciatori Fabiana
Published: October 2022

Among soluble actors that have emerged as druggable factors, the chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) has emerged as a possible determinant of response to immunotherapy and targeted treatment in several cancer types; however, its prognostic/predictive role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains to be established. We: (i) conducted a systematic review of published literature on IL-8 expression in CRC; (ii) searched public transcriptomics databases; (iii) investigated IL-8 expression, by tumor and infiltrating cells, in a series of CRC samples; and (iv) carried out a meta-analysis of published literature correlating IL-8 expression and CRC prognosis. IL-8 possesses an important role as a mediator of the bidirectional crosstalk between tumor/stromal cells. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that specific IL-8 transcripts were significantly overexpressed in CRC compared to normal colon mucosa. Moreover, in our series we observed a statistically significant correlation between PTEN-loss and IL-8 expression by infiltrating mononuclear and tumor cells. In total, 12 papers met our meta-analysis inclusion criteria, demonstrating that high IL-8 levels significantly correlated with shorter overall survival and progression-free survival. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated a highly significant correlation with outcome for circulating, but not for tissue-detected, IL-8. IL-8 is overexpressed in CRC tissues and differentially produced by tumor or stromal components depending on CRC genetic background. Moreover, circulating IL-8 represents a strong prognostic factor in CRC, suggesting its use in the refining of prognostic CRC assessment and potentially the tailoring of therapeutic strategies in individual CRC patients.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Following a Paired Associative Stimulation Protocol Based on a Video Game Neuromodulates Cortical Excitability and Motor Behavior
Authors: San Agustín Arantzazu , Asín-Prieto Guillermo , Moreno Juan C. , Oliviero Antonio , Pons José L.
Published: October 2022

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can be used to modulate cortico-spinal excitability following a paired associative stimulation (PAS) protocol. Movement-related cortical stimulation (MRCS) is a PAS protocol based on the synchronization of a single-pulse TMS with a movement task. However, plasticity and motor performance potentiation due to MRCS has been related exclusively to single-movement tasks. In order to unveil the effects of an MRCS protocol in complex movements, we applied PAS synchronized with a movement-related dynamic task (MRDT) with a customized video game. In 22 healthy subjects, we measured the reaction time (RT), trajectory error (TE), and the number of collected and avoided items when playing the custom video game to evaluate the task motor performance. Moreover, we assessed the recruitment curve of Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) with five different intensities to evaluate the motor corticospinal excitability. MEPs were recorded in Abductor Pollicis Brevis (APB) and Abductor Digiti Minimi (ADM), before, right after, and 30 min after the PAS intervention, in an active versus sham experimental design. The MRCS PAS intervention resulted in RT reduction, and motor corticospinal excitability was modulated, reflected as significant MEP amplitude change at 110% RMT intensity in ADM and at 130% RMT intensity in APB. RTs and ADM MEP amplitudes correlated positively in specific time and intensity assessments. We conclude that the proposed PAS protocol facilitated RT performance in a complex task. This phenomenon might be useful to develop neurorehabilitation strategies with complex movements, similar to activities of daily living.
Space Biomedicine: A Unique Opportunity to Rethink the Relationships between Physics and Biology
Authors: Bizzarri Mariano , Fedeli Valeria , Piombarolo Aurora , Angeloni Antonio
Published: October 2022

Space biomedicine has provided significant technological breakthroughs by developing new medical devices, diagnostic tools, and health-supporting systems. Many of these products are currently in use onboard the International Space Station and have been successfully translated into clinical practice on Earth. However, biomedical research performed in space has disclosed exciting, new perspectives regarding the relationships between physics and medicine, thus fostering the rethinking of the theoretical basis of biology. In particular, these studies have stressed the critical role that biophysical forces play in shaping the function and pattern formation of living structures. The experimental models investigated under microgravity conditions allow us to appreciate the complexity of living organisms through a very different perspective. Indeed, biological entities should be conceived as a unique magnification of physical laws driven by local energy and order states overlaid by selection history and constraints, in which the source of the inheritance, variation, and process of selection has expanded from the classical Darwinian definition. The very specific nature of the field in which living organisms behave and evolve in a space environment can be exploited to decipher the underlying, basic processes and mechanisms that are not apparent on Earth. In turn, these findings can provide novel opportunities for testing pharmacological countermeasures that can be instrumental for managing a wide array of health problems and diseases on Earth.
Atherosclerosis by Virus Infection—A Short Review
Authors: Jung Seang-Hwan , Lee Kyung-Tae
Published: October 2022

Atherosclerosis manifests by the thickening of artery walls and their narrowed channels through the accumulation of plaque. It is one of the most important indicators of cardiovascular disease. It can be caused by various factors, such as smoking, a high cholesterol diet, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and genetic factors. However, atherosclerosis can also develop due to infection. It has been reported that some bacteria and viruses can cause the development of atherosclerosis. Examples of these viruses are influenza viruses, herpes viruses, hepatitis viruses, or papillomaviruses, which are all prevalent and eminent globally for infecting the population worldwide. Moreover, many patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) showed symptoms of cardiovascular disease. In this review paper, the viruses linked to the development of atherosclerosis are introduced, and their viral characteristics, the mechanisms of the development of atherosclerosis, and the current vaccines and antiviral treatment methods are summarized.
Correlation among Routinary Physical Activity, Salivary Cortisol, and Chronic Neck Pain Severity in Office Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Valera-Calero Juan Antonio , Varol Umut
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to assess the correlation between different aspects of routinary physical activity with chronic neck pain severity indicators and salivary cortisol. This cross-sectional observational study included ninety-four office workers with non-specific chronic neck pain in the analyses. Pain related outcomes (pain intensity, pressure pain thresholds and disability), physical activity outcomes using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and salivary cortisol levels were evaluated. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to investigate internal associations and regression models to explain and calculate which factors contribute to the variance of salivary cortisol and neck pain severity. Female sex (p < 0.01), sedentary behaviors (p < 0.05), and pain sensitivity (p < 0.05) were associated with greater cortisol levels (p < 0.05), but disability and pain intensity were not associated (p > 0.05). Worse disability, pain intensity, and pain pressure thresholds were also associated with lower routinary physical activity (p < 0.05). Regression models explained 20.6% of pain intensity (based on walking time to their workplace, age and pain sensitivity); 27.3% of disability (based on moderate physical activity at home, vigorous physical activity during leisure time and pain sensitivity); 54.2% of pain sensitivity (based on cycling time from home to their workplace, gender and vigorous activity during leisure time) and 38.2% of salivary cortisol concentration (based on systolic pressure, vigorous activity at work and both moderate and vigorous activity at home). Our results demonstrated the association between salivary cortisol concentration with moderate and vigorous physical activity, sitting time at work, and PPTs. However, salivary cortisol was not associated with disability or pain intensity.
Odor Pleasantness Modulates Functional Connectivity in the Olfactory Hedonic Processing Network
Authors: Kepler Veit Frederik , Seet Manuel S. , Hamano Junji , Saba Mariana , Thakor Nitish V. , Dimitriadis Stavros I. , Dragomir Andrei
Published: October 2022

Olfactory hedonic evaluation is the primary dimension of olfactory perception and thus central to our sense of smell. It involves complex interactions between brain regions associated with sensory, affective and reward processing. Despite a recent increase in interest, several aspects of olfactory hedonic evaluation remain ambiguous: uncertainty surrounds the communication between, and interaction among, brain areas during hedonic evaluation of olfactory stimuli with different levels of pleasantness, as well as the corresponding supporting oscillatory mechanisms. In our study we investigated changes in functional interactions among brain areas in response to odor stimuli using electroencephalography (EEG). To this goal, functional connectivity networks were estimated based on phase synchronization between EEG signals using the weighted phase lag index (wPLI). Graph theoretic metrics were subsequently used to quantify the resulting changes in functional connectivity of relevant brain regions involved in olfactory hedonic evaluation. Our results indicate that odor stimuli of different hedonic values evoke significantly different interaction patterns among brain regions within the olfactory cortex, as well as in the anterior cingulate and orbitofrontal cortices. Furthermore, significant hemispheric laterality effects have been observed in the prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices, specifically in the beta ((13–30) Hz) and gamma ((30–40) Hz) frequency bands.
Mechanical and Thermal Behavior of Compressed Earth Bricks Reinforced with Lime and Coal Aggregates
Authors: Lahdili Mohamed , El Abbassi Fatima-Ezzahra , Sakami Siham , Aamouche Ahmed
Published: October 2022

The present study aims to investigate the effect of coal aggregates (CA) in the compressed earth bricks (CEBs) in order to reduce the footprint of the coal industry. For this purpose, three soils of the Marrakesh region were studied in terms of their chemical composition, and their thermal and mechanical behavior. Then, the selected soil was mixed with different amounts of CA (10%, 15%, and 20% by weight) and compressed in a Brava machine to produce (CEBs). A significant drop in the specific weight of our CEBs was registered with the increase of CA percentage. Besides, the compressive strength showed a linear drop with the increase of (CA) percentages. In fact, for bricks with 20% of CA, the decrease in compressive strength reaches 32.95% in respect to the reference bricks. Moreover, CA showed interesting gain in thermal conductivity reaching 60% while the diminution in compressive strength was still acceptable according to norms in the state of the art. Thereby, we can say that using CA in earth bricks can, with the suitable architecture, contribute not only to reduce the building charges, but also to provide a good thermal comfort without increasing the thickness of the walls.
Seismic Damage Index Spectra Considering Site Acceleration Records: The Case Study of a Historical School in Kermanshah
Authors: Biglari Mahnoosh , Hadzima-Nyarko Marijana , Formisano Antonio
Published: October 2022

The frequency content and time duration of earthquakes are as effective as the peak ground acceleration on structural damage. Therefore, using rapid seismic vulnerability assessment methods that consider the earthquake acceleration time history is noticeable. Kermanshah is a historical city that is generally affected by far-field earthquakes. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the effect of the low-frequency shocks in evaluating the vulnerability of buildings in this city. Herein, a historic school in Kermanshah is assumed as a case study and two well-known damage index formulas are used for determining the damage index spectra of this structure, considered as a single degree of freedom system. Then, the effective parameters of the damage index, including ductility, relative degradation of stiffness, and dissipated energy are determined from a nonlinear analysis of the structure under the effect of the most probable earthquake acceleration records. Finally, the damage index spectra can be used for rapid seismic vulnerability assessment of masonry buildings on similar sites with various fundamental periods for large-scale assessments. The result shows that the building tends to collapse at a peak ground acceleration of 0.15 g. Furthermore, results confirm the seismic resistance reduction effect of flexible floors.
Bearing Behavior of Axially Compressed High-Strength Steel Columns in Precipitator Casing Considering the Stressed-Skin Effect of Wallboard
Authors: Wang Dengfeng , Yang Minglei , Song Biying , Guo Dapeng
Published: October 2022

To explore the application feasibility of high-strength steel in skeleton columns of precipitator casing structures, the bearing behavior of axially compressed H-section high-strength steel columns was investigated by the nonlinear finite element method by considering the stressed-skin effect of wallboard. When the column yield strength does not exceed 460 MPa, the column undergoes elasto-plastic interactive buckling, which means the steel strength can be fully utilized. For the column strength of 550 MPa or 690 MPa, the wallboard yield failure occurs, owing to excessive loading of the relatively weak wallboard, and column stress magnitude is usually in the elastic range without the full utilization of steel strength, whereas if the wallboard is stiff enough, columns will still undergo buckling failure. A welding residual stress measuring test was conducted to validate the residual stress generation simulation via the thermal-mechanical coupling finite element method. Concerning the geometrical imperfections and residual stresses, it was found that their influence becomes less severe when the column steel strength increases. The bearing capacity can be improved by increasing the wallboard thickness and stiffener stiffness, or reducing the wallboard width, the stiffener spacing, the width-to-thickness ratio of column flange, the height-to-thickness ratio of column web, and column torsional slenderness ratio. Column material can be fully utilized when column steel strength does not exceed 460 MPa. Hence, employing high-strength steel is reasonable. When the column steel strength is equal to or higher than 550 MPa, wallboard strength should be sufficient to ensure that the column failure occurs before wallboard failure. In such cases, high-strength steel should be used carefully.
Flexural Behavior of Textile Reinforced Mortar-Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Beams Subjected to Cyclic Loading
Authors: Park Jongho , You Jungbhin , Park Sun-Kyu , Hong Sungnam
Published: October 2022

Textile-reinforced mortar (TRM) is used to strengthen reinforced concrete (RC) structures using a textile and inorganic matrix. TRM is a part of textile-based composites; the basic structural behaviors, application methods, and methodologies for the extension of actual structures in TRM were studied. However, structural behavior and performance verification which depict the long-term service situation and fatigue is limited. Therefore, this study, verified the flexural behavior of TRM-strengthened beams and their fatigue performances using carbon- and alkali-resistant (AR) glass textiles through 200,000 load cycles. TRM-strengthened beams were applied to an optimization strengthening method which consisted of whether the textile was straightened. According to the test results, the strengthening efficiency of TRM-strengthened beams when subjected to cyclic loading was lower than that of the monotonic loading, except for the straightened carbon textile specimen. The average efficiency of the AR-glass textile (straightened and non-straightened) and carbon (non-straightened) was 0.86 compared to the TRM-strengthened beam subjected to monotonic loading in terms of flexural strength. In the case of deflection, the average efficiency of the AR-glass textile type was similar to the monotonic loading test results, while that of the non-straightened carbon textile was improved. The Ca-S specimen that was used to straighten the carbon textile showed a reliable structural performance with a strength efficiency of 0.99 and a deflection efficiency of 0.97 compared to the monotonic load test. Therefore, TRM strengthening using a straightened carbon textile is expected to be sufficient for the fatigue design of TRM-strengthened beams.
Carbon Dots versus Nano-Carbon/Organic Hybrids—Divergence between Optical Properties and Photoinduced Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Adcock Audrey F. , Wang Ping , Cao Elton Y. , Ge Lin , Tang Yongan , Ferguson Isaiah S. , Abu Sweilem Fares S. , Petta Lauren , Cannon William , Yang Liju , Bunker Christopher E. , Sun Ya-Ping
Published: October 2022

Carbon dots (CDots) are generally defined as small-carbon nanoparticles with surface organic functionalization and their classical synthesis is literally the functionalization of preexisting carbon nanoparticles. Other than these “classically defined CDots”, however, the majority of the dot samples reported in the literature were prepared by thermal carbonization of organic precursors in mostly “one-pot” processing. In this work, thermal processing of the selected precursors intended for carbonization was performed with conditions of 200 °C for 3 h, 330 °C for 6 h, and heating by microwave irradiation, yielding samples denoted as CS200, CS330, and CSMT, respectively. These samples are structurally different from the classical CDots and should be considered as “nano-carbon/organic hybrids”. Their optical spectroscopic properties were found comparable to those of the classical CDots, but very different in the related photoinduced antibacterial activities. Mechanistic origins of the divergence were explored, with the results suggesting major factors associated with the structural and morphological characteristics of the hybrids.
High-Affinity Cu(I)-Chelator with Potential Anti-Tumorigenic Action—A Proof-of-Principle Experimental Study of Human H460 Tumors in the CAM Assay
Authors: Heuberger Dorothea M. , Wolint Petra , Jang Jae-Hwi , Itani Saria , Jungraithmayr Wolfgang , Waschkies Conny F. , Meier-Bürgisser Gabriella , Andreoli Stefano , Spanaus Katharina , Schuepbach Reto A. , Calcagni Maurizio , Fahrni Christoph J. , Buschmann Johanna
Published: October 2022

Human lung cancer ranks among the most frequently treated cancers worldwide. As copper appears critical to angiogenesis and tumor growth, selective removal of copper represents a promising strategy to restrict tumor growth. To this end, we explored the activity of the novel high-affinity membrane-permeant Cu(I) chelator PSP-2 featuring a low-zeptomolar dissociation constant. Using H460 human lung cancer cells, we generated small tumors on the chorioallantoic membrane of the chicken embryo (CAM assay) and studied the effects of topical PSP-2 application on their weight and vessel density after one week. We observed a significant angiosuppression along with a marked decrease in tumor weight under PSP-2 application compared to controls. Moreover, PSP-2 exposure resulted in lower ki67+ cell numbers at a low dose but increased cell count under a high dose. Moreover, HIF-1α+ cells were significantly reduced with low-dose PSP-2 exposure compared to high-dose and control. The total copper content was considerably lower in PSP-2 treated tumors, although statistically not significant. Altogether, PSP-2 shows promising potential as an anti-cancer drug. Nevertheless, further animal experiments and application to different tumor types are mandatory to support these initial findings, paving the way toward clinical trials.