bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Executive Fluency Tasks to Detect Cognitive Impairment in Individuals with Subjective Cognitive Decline
Authors: Macoir Joël , Tremblay Pascale , Hudon Carol
Published: December 2022

Objective: Although evidence has indicated that subjective cognitive decline (SCD) may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the objectification of cognitive impairment in SCD is challenging, mainly due to the lack of sensitivity in assessment tools. The present study investigated the potential contribution of two verbal fluency tasks with high executive processing loads to the identification of cognitive impairment in SCD. Methods: A total of 60 adults with SCD and 60 healthy controls (HCs) performed one free action (verb) fluency task and two fluency tasks with more executive processing load—an alternating fluency task and an orthographic constraint fluency task—and the results were compared. Result: In the free action fluency task, the performance of the participants with SCD and the HCs was similar. However, HCs performed significantly better than SCD in the alternating fluency task, which required mental flexibility, and the orthographic constraint fluency task, which required inhibition. Discussion: The study findings suggest that verbal fluency tasks with high executive processing load could be useful in detecting cognitive deficits at the preclinical stage of AD. The inclusion of such tests in assessment batteries should be considered in order to improve the detection of subtle cognitive impairment in preclinical major neurocognitive disorder populations.
Dimensions, Measures, and Contexts in Psychological Investigations of Curiosity: A Scoping Review
Authors: Yow Yong Jie , Ramsay Jonathan E. , Lin Patrick K. F. , Marsh Nigel V.
Published: December 2022

The study of curiosity as a construct has led to many conceptualisations, comprising of different dimensions. Due to this, various scales of curiosity have also been developed. Moreover, some researchers have conceived of curiosity as a general trait-like, while others have included contexts, such as the workplace, or education when investigating curiosity. This scoping review aims to scope the extant psychological literature on curiosity in order to better understand how it has been studied, specifically with regard to its dimensions, measures, and contexts. A total of 1194 records were identified, with 245 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Results suggest that the majority of curiosity research examined curiosity as having multiple dimensions and analysed the dimensions individually, with a deprivation-type curiosity playing the biggest role. The measure most commonly used was the Epistemic Curiosity Scale, which also consisted of a deprivation-type curiosity as one of the dimensions. Findings also implied that curiosity was most studied in the context of the workplace. Supplementary findings included a lack of representation of non-Western countries, as well as needing to cross-validate a recently developed curiosity scale. This scoping review represents a consolidation of the curiosity literature and how it can further prosper.
Extra-Linguistic Cognitive Functions Involved in the Token Test: Results from a Cohort of Non-Aphasic Stroke Patients with Right Hemisphere Lesion
Authors: Basagni Benedetta , Pancani Silvia , Pellicciari Leonardo , Gemignani Paola , Salvadori Emilia , Marignani Sara , Grippo Antonello , Hakiki Bahia , Mannini Andrea , Bardi Donata , Pellegrini Ilaria , Viggiano Maria Pia , Giovannelli Fabio , Macchi Claudio , Cecchi Francesca
Published: December 2022

Background: The Token Test (TT) is widely used to examine comprehension disorders in aphasic patients, but abilities other than language may affect a patient’s performance. This study aims to explore the correlation between the TT subtest performances and the performances in extra-linguistic cognitive areas in a cohort of patients from the Intensive Rehabilitation Post-Stroke (RIPS) study with a first, right hemisphere stroke and without aphasia, prospectively enrolled at admission to intensive inpatient post-acute rehabilitation. Methods: The patients were administered the TT (50-item version), the forward and backward digit span (DST), and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Spearman’s partial correlations adjusted by age were used to evaluate the association between the number of errors in the TT and the other tests’ corrected scores. Results: Of the 37 patients enrolled in this study, 29.7% made 3–11 errors on the TT, 27.0% more than 11 errors, mostly in parts IV and V. The forward and backward digit span scores showed correlations with errors in part V of the TT (r = −0.408, p = 0.013; r = −0.307, p = 0.027). The errors in part IV of the TT presented a correlation with a forward digit span too (r = −0.394, p = 0.017). With respect to MoCA domains, executive functioning, and orientation were related to the TT part V errors (r = −0.468, p = 0.007; r = −0.499, p = 0.003). The orientation also correlated with the TT part III (r = −0.504, p = 0.002). Conclusion: Our findings show that the TT performances in patients with right hemisphere stroke and without aphasia are related to impairments in auditory–verbal span/auditory working memory mostly for TT scores on subpart V as measured by the DST and to executive function and orientation, as measured by the MoCA subtests.
Adaptive Passive-Control for Multi-Stage Seismic Response of High-Rise Braced Frame Using the Frictional-Yielding Compounded BRBs
Authors: Zhou Xiangzi , Sun Tianshu , Sun Baoyin , Ma Ning , Ou Jinping
Published: December 2022

Buckling-restrained brace (BRB) is a dual-function device that improves the seismic resistance and energy-dissipation capacity of structures in earthquake engineering. To achieve the expected performance under severe ground motions, BRB is usually designed to remain elastic under mild earthquakes, leading to the increased seismic forces and insignificant vibration-reduction effect on the structures at this stage. This study extends the concept of adaptive passive-control of structures by proposing a novel frictional-yielding compounded BRB (FBRB). FBRB is fabricated by connecting the BRB steel casing and end plates with the friction dampers (FDs) in such a way that the BRB steel core and FDs undergo compatible deformation. In this way, FD dissipates seismic energy under mild earthquakes, while FD together with the BRB core dissipates energy under severe ground motions, resulting in an efficient self-adaptive vibration-reduction mechanism. The proposed FBRB construction was experimentally validated by carrying out the reversed-cyclic test, and the result indicated reliable connection with stable hysteretic behavior. Subsequently, the FBRB-equipped frame was proposed and studied which adopted FBRB as the energy-dissipative devices. A parametric design method was developed to determine the FBRB parameters with which the maximum elastic drift of the system could be reduced to the code-allowable value. The approach was implemented on a 48-story mega FBRB-equipped steel frame as the case study. The seismic behavior of the FBRB-equipped case structure was compared with that of the BRB-equipped system, and critically evaluated by carrying out the nonlinear time-history analyses. Results revealed that FBRB compensated for the conventional BRB in terms of inadequate energy dissipation under mild earthquakes and, meanwhile, was more efficient than the conventional BRB in reducing the lateral drifts under severe ground motions. The analysis indicated potential application prospect of FBRB in practical engineering.
A Novel Safety Risk Assessment Based on Fuzzy Set Theory and Decision Methods in High-Rise Buildings
Authors: Ansari Ramin , Dehghani Parisa , Mahdikhani Mahdi , Jeong Jaewook
Published: December 2022

The high-rise construction industry has particular features, such as prolonged construction periods and constant change in the workplace. These features may have turned it into the most dangerous industry, given its significant mortality rate. This research aims to identify effective criteria for high-rise buildings’ safety issues and rank the most critical risks to level up the safety of these projects. This research is divided into two phases: In Phase I, the effective criteria in the literature on the occurrence of accidents are divided into three main classes, and their weights are determined using the best–worst method. In Phase II, the existing risks are ranked using the fuzzy Vlse Kriterijumska Optimizacija Kompromisno Resenje (FUZZY VIKOR) method. The results indicate that safety training and monitoring, which account for approximately 35% of the total weight, are the most influential criteria for risk occurrence. The risk of falling from heights has been ranked first as the most critical safety risk according to the eight criteria, including safety training and monitoring. The total weight of criteria in which falling from height attains the first rank equals 0.688. Damages caused by working with manual tools and equipment have the highest priority in four criteria, and the total weight of 0.1591 attains the second rank. The results of this research comply with the current situation of the construction industry and pave the way for future research on high-rise construction projects.
Fracture Behavior of Headed Studs: Ductile Fracture of Cold Heading Steel ML15
Authors: Ding Yixing , Jia Yanmin
Published: December 2022

In this paper, the fracture behavior of ML15 cold heading steel was investigated based on the ductile fracture theory. Smooth and notched bar, flat grooved and tensile–shear mixed flat plate specimens were designed, and tensile tests were carried out to examine the fracture mechanism of ML15. The micromechanical characteristics of the fracture surfaces of different specimens were studied by performing scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the specimens under different stress states showed different micro fracture morphologies. The Rice–Tracey model and Bai–Wierzbicki model were calibrated using test results. Based on the calibrated fracture locus, a finite element model is developed and compared to the test results, which confirms the feasibility of the calibrated fracture locus for metal failure analysis.
Preparation and Properties of Waterborne Epoxy-Resin-Emulsified Asphalt Modified by Oxidized Extraction Oil
Authors: Ai Tao , Pang Hua , Wu Xuanxuan , Zhong Danni , Yang Kun , Yan Xin , Niu Yanhui
Published: December 2022

Waterborne epoxy-resin-emulsified asphalt (WEREA) has excellent adhesion and can be used as a good waterproofing tack coat; however, there are some problems such as the poor compatibility between the waterborne epoxy and the emulsified asphalt, and the brittleness of the cured material. In the present work, oxidized furfural extract oil was used as a compatibilizer to prepare the waterborne epoxy emulsion and waterborne epoxy-resin-emulsified asphalt, and their modification effects were studied. The extraction oil was oxidized with potassium permanganate. The effects of oxidized extraction oil on the waterborne epoxy-resin-emulsified asphalt performance were investigated through experiments on viscosity, mechanical properties, and aging resistance. Combined with infrared spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy, the compatibility and microstructure of the oxidized extraction oil modified WEREA were observed and analyzed. The result showed that the carboxyl group was introduced into the chemical structure of the extraction oil after oxidation. Oxidized extraction oil (OEO) and waterborne epoxy resin (WER) had good compatibility. When the content of OEO in the WER is 21%, the elongation at break of the WER can reach up to a maximum of 91.5%, and has a significant increase of 33.2%. OEO can significantly improve the elongation at the break and aging resistance of WEREA, especially when the mix ratio of oxidized extraction oil and epoxy resin was 6:5, when the breaking elongation of WEREA can be increased by 69%, and the compatibility between the epoxy resin and emulsified asphalt was the best. Moreover, the loss in elongation at the break of aged WEREA decreased from 13.7% to 4.9%.
Towards Improving Rural Living Environment for Chinese Cold Region Based on Investigation of Thermal Environment and Space Usage Status
Authors: Zhang Tao , Duan Yuechen , Jiao Zhuangqing , Ye Xin , Hu Qinian , Fukuda Hiroatsu , Gao Weijun
Published: December 2022

In recent years, many scholars worldwide have carried out research related to the relationship between the construction of rural dwellings and the indoor thermal environment in response to the issue of building sustainability. China’s rural revitalization has developed rapidly in recent years. Although previous research showed that the poor indoor thermal environment of vernacular dwellings has negative effects on residents’ thermal comfort and health, it is poorly studied in terms of residents’ space usage habits, their thermal comfort satisfaction, and their thermal sensation. Linyi, the largest and most populous city in Shandong, China, was selected as the research area to investigate the thermal environment and space usage by using in-depth questionnaire interviews and systematical measurements. The results show that there are seasonal differences in space usage in a typical vernacular dwelling. The field measurements show that the indoor temperature is 0–5 °C in winter if there is no heating and 26 °C in summer. By comprehensive comparison, it is found that there is a contradiction between residential space usage and the functional layout; residents choose to use rooms with worse thermal conditions in winter. The analysis of the questionnaires shows that residents have higher satisfaction with the indoor thermal environment in summer than in winter, and the thermal comfort range of residents is 23.3~30 °C in summer and 11.25~17.5 °C in winter. Additionally, the neutral thermal temperature of the indoor space is 26.7 °C in summer and 14.4 °C in winter. Although residents have better adaptability to the cold climate, the measurement data in winter are still beyond the comfort range. We suggest that these results can be used as a reference and data base for improving the living environment of rural vernacular dwellings in Chinese cold regions.
Dynamics, Risk and Management Performance of Urban Real Estate Inventory in Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Zhang Ping , Chen Hua , Zhao Kaixu , Zhao Sidong , Li Weiwei
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Inventory management is a key point in the achievement of the virtuous cycle and sustainable development of the real estate industry. In response to the practical needs of city-based policies, this paper constructs a new research approach of “evolution dynamics—risk analysis—performance evaluation—policy design” of real estate inventory, and conducts a case study on the Yangtze River Delta. (2) Methods: This paper studies the change characteristics, trends and spatial patterns of real estate inventory changes in the Yangtze River Delta based on Geographic Information System software, and quantitatively evaluates the risk level and management performance of real estate inventory by introducing the Boston Consulting Group Matrix for corporate management and the Super- Data Envelopment Analysis Model for operations research, providing a basis for policy design. (3) Results: First, the “destocking” policy has gained results to some extent and diversified the inventory evolution, thus alleviating or curbing the negative trend in most cities. Second, the real estate inventory in the Yangtze River Delta is divided into high, low, potential and zero pressure zones by risk levels, and the proportion of cities with increased, decreased and unchanged risk levels is essentially the same. Third, the average real estate inventory management performance index has been steadily improving, but overall, it is still unsatisfactory, with cities in an effective state accounting for 40% and below for a long time. Fourth, real estate inventory and its management performance both show significant spatial effects, with cold and hot spot cities characterized by a “center-periphery” spatial pattern in geographical distribution, and the cities in the study area are classified into four types: super-efficiency, efficiency, inefficiency, and super-inefficiency. Fifth, the real estate inventory in most cities is continuing to grow positively, and a small number of cities have been in the high-risk zone for a long time or become new members of the high-risk zone, making the government and enterprises still faced up with great pressure and challenges in inventory management with the risk level further increased but management performance growing slowly. (4) Conclusions: The study area is divided into four types of policy areas, that is, red key area, yellow important area, green auxiliary area, and path-dependent area, and suggestions for optimization are made from the perspectives of risk control, performance improvement, benchmarking recommendation, and redundancy governance, providing a basis for the government’s real estate inventory management policy design and the enterprise’s high-quality development decision.
Physics-Based Shear-Strength Degradation Model of Stud Connector with the Fatigue Cumulative Damage
Authors: Zheng Xiao-Wei , Lv Heng-Lin , Fan Hong , Zhou Yan-Bing
Published: December 2022

In the whole lifetime of structures, fatigue damage accumulation will exist in the shear connector of steel–concrete composite beams. It is essential to determine the residual mechanical properties of shear connectors under long-term fatigue loads, e.g., the vehicle load on bridges. In this regard, a shear-strength degradation model is proposed for shear connectors. The Bayes theorem is used to develop posterior estimates of the unknown parameters in the degradation model based on the collected pushout test data of pre-damaged stud connectors caused by high-cycle fatigue loads. In addition, according to the proposed shear-strength degradation model, the service reliability assessment is performed with a composite bridge beam. The results indicate that (1) There is a large diversion in the traditional strength degradation model under the action of fatigue cumulative damage. More importantly, this proposed physics-based degradation model can effectively reduce uncertainty. (2) The effects of steel type and test specimen size can be well considered in the proposed shear-strength degradation model, which is beneficial for improving the reliability of risk assessment for fatigued bridges.
Full-Scale Test and Load-Bearing Capacity Evaluation of Synthetic-Polymer-Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Tetrapods under Quasi-Static Loading
Authors: Unuk Žiga , Kuhta Milan
Published: December 2022

This paper studies the load-bearing capacity of various concrete tetrapods under quasi-static loading. The tetrapods were made of plain concrete and synthetic-polymer-fiber-reinforced concrete. Load tests of the tetrapods were performed. The maximum load-bearing capacity and the residual-load-bearing capacity of the tetrapods (the load-bearing capacity after the first crack or at different crack widths) were evaluated. The strength and residual-strength values were back-calculated from the load-bearing capacities, and compared with available data from the literature. The specimens with and without fibers achieved similar maximum load-bearing capacities, with cracks occurring at identical locations. However, the differences in residual-load-bearing capacity were more significant. The synthetic-polymer-fiber-reinforced concrete tetrapods exhibited relatively high residual-load-bearing capacities, even at higher displacements and crack widths. Two different calculation-procedures were used for the load-bearing-capacity evaluation. A load-displacement calculation based on the moment-versus-curvature relation and the plastic-hinge approach was performed, and additionally proved the applicability of the employed calculation-procedures for the concrete tetrapod load-bearing-capacity evaluation.
Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab in Patients with Advanced and Progressing Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Retrospective Multicenter Experience
Authors: Sinner Friedrich , Pinter Matthias , Scheiner Bernhard , Ettrich Thomas Jens , Sturm Niklas , Gonzalez-Carmona Maria A. , Waidmann Oliver , Finkelmeier Fabian , Himmelsbach Vera , De Toni Enrico N. , Ben Khaled Najib , Mohr Raphael , Fründt Thorben Wilhelm , Kütting Fabian , Bömmel Florian van , Lieb Sabine , Krug Sebastian , Bettinger Dominik , Schultheiß Michael , Jochheim Leonie S. , Best Jan , Müller Christian , Keitel Verena , Venerito Marino
Published: December 2022

Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab is the standard of care for first-line systemic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC). Data on the efficacy and safety of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab in patients with aHCC who have received prior systemic therapy are not available. Methods: Patients with aHCC who received atezolizumab plus bevacizumab after at least one systemic treatment between December 2018 and March 2022 were retrospectively identified in 13 centers in Germany and Austria. Patient characteristics, tumor response rates, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AE) were analyzed. Results: A total of 50 patients were identified; 41 (82%) were male. The median age at initiation of treatment with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab was 65 years, 41 (82%) patients had cirrhosis, 30 (73%) Child A, 9 (22%) B, and 2 (5%) C. A total of 34 patients (68%) received atezolizumab plus bevacizumab in the second-line setting and 16 (32%) in later lines. The best radiologic tumor responses were complete remission (2%), partial remission (30%), stable disease (36%), and progressive disease (18%), resulting in an objective response rate of 32% and a disease control rate of 68%. Median OS was 16.0 months (95% confidence interval 5.6–26.4 months), and median PFS was 7.1 months (95% confidence interval 4.4–9.8 months). AE grades 3–4 were observed in seven (14%) and resulted in death in three patients (6%). There were five (10%) bleeding events with a grade ≥ 3, including one (2%) with a fatal outcome. Conclusions: Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab is effective in patients with aHCC who did not have access to this option as first-line therapy. The safety profile was consistent with previous reports.
A Lower Serum Antioxidant Capacity as a Distinctive Feature for Women with HER2+ Breast Cancer: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Santos Letícia L. D. , Silva Alinne T. F. , Ferreira Izabella C. C. , Souza Adriele V. , Justino Allisson B. , Santos Donizeti W. , Goulart Luiz Ricardo , Paiva Carlos Eduardo , Espíndola Foued S. , Maia Yara C. P.
Published: December 2022

The overexpression of HER2 in breast cancer (BC) can contribute to redox imbalance, which is related to damage and structural modification in many biomolecules. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that has investigated the infrared spectrum wavenumbers obtained by ATR-FTIR and their relationship with the levels of redox status markers such as reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and protein carbonyl among women with HER2+ BC, HER2− BC, and benign breast disease (BBD). The study was conducted with 25 women, 17 of whom were diagnosed with BC (6 HER2+ and 11 HER2−) and 8 with BBD. Our results indicate HER2+ BC cases could be distinguished from HER2− BC and BBD cases by their serum’s antioxidant capacity [HER2+ BC vs. HER2− BC (AUC = 0.818; specificity = 81.82%; sensitivity = 66.67%); HER2+ BC vs. BBD (AUC = 0.875; specificity = 75%; sensitivity = 83.33%)]. The changes in biochemical terms that occur in serum as a result of the scarcity of antioxidants are related to a peculiar fingerprint in the infrared spectrum obtained by ATR-FTIR. In the serum of women with BBD, the SOD enzyme level is the highest, and this characteristic allowed us to distinguish them from HER2− BC. Finally, data regarding the serological antioxidant capacity of FRAP and the infrared spectrum by ATR-FTIR will allow us to assess biochemical changes that occur before clinical signs, indicating whether changes in therapy or interventions are necessary.
Therapeutic Implications of TGF-β Pathway in Desmoid Tumor Based on Comprehensive Molecular Profiling and Clinicopathological Properties
Authors: Yun Kum-Hee , Park Changhee , Ryu Hyang Joo , Ock Chan-Young , Lee Young Han , Baek Wooyeol , Yoon Hong In , Han Yoon Dae , Kim Sang Kyum , Lee JooHee , Kim Seong-Jin , Yang Kyung-Min , Kim Seung Hyun , Kim Hyo Song
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Desmoid tumors have a relatively high local failure rate after primary treatment using surgery and/or radiotherapy. Moreover, desmoid tumors recur at the primary site for many patients. An effective therapeutic strategy for the desmoid tumor is needed to maintain quality of life and prolong survival. (2) Method: First of all, we collected desmoid tumor tissues and investigated the status of protein expression for beta-catenin and alpha-SMA through immunohistochemistry. Then, we performed targeted sequencing and whole RNA sequencing. To compare the data with other cancer types, we used NGS data from sarcoma patients at Yonsei Cancer Center (YCC-sarcoma cohort, n = 48) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA, n = 9235). Secondly, we established the novel patient-derived preclinical models (n = 2) for the validation of treatment strategy. The same gene alteration of primary tissue was demonstrated. (3) Results: We discovered specific gene sets related to the TGF-β signaling pathway. Moreover, we selected the combination treatment comprising TGF-β inhibitor, vactosertib, and imatinib. In screening for the anti-proliferation effect, the combination treatment of TGF-β inhibitor was more effective for tumor suppression than monotherapy. (4) Conclusion: We found preclinical indications that TGF-β inhibitors could prove useful as a potential treatment for patients with desmoid tumors. Moreover, we could find some examples in clinical trials.
Scabertopin Derived from Elephantopus scaber L. Mediates Necroptosis by Inducing Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Bladder Cancer In Vitro
Authors: Gao Yuanhui , Nie Zhenyu , Cao Hui , Huang Denggao , Chen Mei , Xiang Yang , Yu Xiaolong , Zhang Shufang
Published: December 2022

Bladder cancer remains one of the most common malignant tumors that threatens human health worldwide. It imposes a heavy burden on patients and society due to the high medical costs associated with its easy metastasis and recurrence. Although several treatment options for bladder cancer are available, their clinical efficacy remains unsatisfactory. Therefore, actively exploring new drugs and their mechanisms of action for the clinical treatment of bladder cancer is very important. Scabertopin is one of the major sesquiterpene lactones found in Elephantopus scaber L. Sesquiterpene lactones are thought to have fairly strong anti-cancer efficacy. However, the anticancer effect of sesquiterpenoid scabertopin on bladder cancer and its mechanism are still unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antitumor activity of scabertopin in bladder cancer and its potential molecular mechanism in vitro. Our results suggest that scabertopin can induce RIP1/RIP3-dependent necroptosis in bladder cancer cells by promoting the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibit the expression of MMP-9 by inhibiting the FAK/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and ultimately inhibit the migration and invasion ability of bladder cancer cells. At the same time, we also demonstrated that the half-inhibition concentration (IC50) of scabertopin on various bladder cancer cell lines (J82, T24, RT4 and 5637) is much lower than that on human ureteral epithelial immortalized cells (SV-HUC-1). The above observations indicate that scabertopin is a potential therapeutic agent for bladder cancer that acts by inducing necroptosis and inhibiting metastasis.
Impact of the Area of Residence of Ovarian Cancer Patients on Overall Survival
Authors: Jochum Floriane , Hamy Anne-Sophie , Gaillard Thomas , Lecointre Lise , Gougis Paul , Dumas Élise , Grandal Beatriz , Feron Jean-Guillaume , Laas Enora , Fourchotte Virginie , Girard Noemie , Pauly Lea , Osdoit Marie , Gauroy Elodie , Darrigues Lauren , Reyal Fabien , Akladios Cherif , Lecuru Fabrice
Published: December 2022

Survival disparities persist in ovarian cancer and may be linked to the environments in which patients live. The main objective of this study was to analyze the global impact of the area of residence of ovarian cancer patients on overall survival. The data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. We included all the patients with epithelial ovarian cancers diagnosed between 2010 and 2016. The areas of residence were analyzed by the hierarchical clustering of the principal components to group similar counties. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was then fitted to evaluate the independent effect of each predictor on overall survival. We included a total of 16,806 patients. The clustering algorithm assigned the 607 counties to four clusters, with cluster 1 being the most disadvantaged and cluster 4 having the highest socioeconomic status and best access to care. The area of residence cluster remained a statistically significant independent predictor of overall survival in the multivariable analysis. The patients living in cluster 1 had a risk of death more than 25% higher than that of the patients living in cluster 4. This study highlights the importance of considering the sociodemographic factors within the patient’s area of residence when developing a care plan and follow-up.
The Use of Mechanical Bowel Preparation and Oral Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Elective Colorectal Surgery: A Call for Change in Practice
Authors: Petrou Nikoletta A. , Kontovounisios Christos
Published: December 2022

Elective colorectal surgery is associated with one of the highest rates of surgical site infections (SSIs), which result in prolonged length of stay, morbidity, and mortality for these patients and have a significant financial burden to healthcare systems. In an effort to reduce the frequency of SSI rates associated with colorectal surgery, the 2018 World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines recommend the routine use of mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) and oral antibiotic prophylaxis (OAP) in adult patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. However, this recommendation remains a topic of debate internationally. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines, last revised in 2019, recommend against the routine use of MBP and do not address the issue of OAP. In this communication, we reviewed the current guidelines and examined the most recent evidence from randomised-control trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses on the effect of MBP and OAP on SSI rates since the 2019 NICE guideline review. This recent evidence clearly demonstrated an SSI-risk-reduction benefit with the additional use of OAP and the combination of MBP and OAP in this group of patients, and we therefore highlight the need for change of the current NICE guidelines.
Inhibition of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Protects against the Development of Oxaliplatin-Induced Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome in Wild-Type but Not in CD39-Null Mice
Authors: Knitter Sebastian , Duwe Gregor , Beierle Anika Sophie , Pesthy Sina , Ritschl Paul Viktor , Hillebrandt Karl Herbert , Arnold Alexander , Malinka Thomas , Modest Dominik Paul , Bahra Marcus , Pratschke Johann , Sauer Igor Maximilian , Schmelzle Moritz , Andreou Andreas
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) after oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy is associated with unfavorable outcomes after partial hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CLM). Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), may prevent SOS development. We investigated the impact of VEGF-inhibition on the development of SOS in a murine model. (2) Methods: Male wild-type and CD39-null mice received oxaliplatin, additional anti-VEGF (OxAV), or controls, and were sacrificed or subjected to major partial hepatectomy (MH). Specimen were used for histological analysis of SOS. Liver damage was assessed by plasma transaminases. The VEGF pathway was elucidated by quantitative PCR of liver tissue and protein analysis of plasma. (3) Results: Mice treated with oxaliplatin developed SOS. Concomitant anti-VEGF facilitated a reduced incidence of SOS, but not in CD39-null mice. SOS was associated with increased plasma VEGF-A and decreased hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). After OxAV treatment, VEGF-R2 was upregulated in wild-type but downregulated in CD39-null mice. Oxaliplatin alone was associated with higher liver damage after MH than in mice with concomitant VEGF-inhibition. (4) Conclusions: We established a murine model of oxaliplatin-induced SOS and provided novel evidence on the protective effect of VEGF-inhibition against the development of SOS that may be associated with changes in the pathway of VEGF and its receptor VEGF-R2.
Deep Learning for the Diagnosis of Esophageal Cancer in Endoscopic Images: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Islam Md. Mohaimenul , Poly Tahmina Nasrin , Walther Bruno Andreas , Yeh Chih-Yang , Seyed-Abdul Shabbir , Li Yu-Chuan (Jack) , Lin Ming-Chin
Published: December 2022

Esophageal cancer, one of the most common cancers with a poor prognosis, is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Early and accurate diagnosis of esophageal cancer, thus, plays a vital role in choosing the appropriate treatment plan for patients and increasing their survival rate. However, an accurate diagnosis of esophageal cancer requires substantial expertise and experience. Nowadays, the deep learning (DL) model for the diagnosis of esophageal cancer has shown promising performance. Therefore, we conducted an updated meta-analysis to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the DL model for the diagnosis of esophageal cancer. A search of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science, between 1 January 2012 and 1 August 2022, was conducted to identify potential studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of the DL model for esophageal cancer using endoscopic images. The study was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Two reviewers independently assessed potential studies for inclusion and extracted data from retrieved studies. Methodological quality was assessed by using the QUADAS-2 guidelines. The pooled accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) were calculated using a random effect model. A total of 28 potential studies involving a total of 703,006 images were included. The pooled accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of DL for the diagnosis of esophageal cancer were 92.90%, 93.80%, 91.73%, 93.62%, and 91.97%, respectively. The pooled AUROC of DL for the diagnosis of esophageal cancer was 0.96. Furthermore, there was no publication bias among the studies. The findings of our study show that the DL model has great potential to accurately and quickly diagnose esophageal cancer. However, most studies developed their model using endoscopic data from the Asian population. Therefore, we recommend further validation through studies of other populations as well.
Do Patient-Reported Upper-Body Symptoms Predict Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema: Results from a Population-Based, Longitudinal Breast Cancer Cohort Study
Authors: Hayes Sandra C. , Dunn Matthew , Plinsinga Melanie L. , Reul-Hirche Hildegard , Ren Yumeng , Laakso E-Liisa , Troester Melissa A.
Published: December 2022

The objectives of this work were to (i) describe upper-body symptoms post-breast cancer; (ii) explore the relationship between symptoms and upper-body function, breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL), physical activity levels, and quality of life; and (iii) determine whether the presence of upper-body symptoms predicts BCRL. Nine symptoms, upper-body function, lymphoedema, physical activity, and quality of life were assessed in women with invasive breast cancer at baseline (2- to 9-months post-diagnosis; n = 2442), and at 2- and 7-years post-diagnosis. Mann–Whitney tests, unpaired t-tests, and chi-squared analyses were used to assess cross-sectional relationships, while regression analyses were used to assess the predictive relationships between symptoms at baseline, and BCRL at 2- and 7-years post-diagnosis. Symptoms are common post-breast cancer and persist at 2- and 7-years post-diagnosis. Approximately two in three women, and one in three women, reported >2 symptoms of at least mild severity, and of at least moderate severity, respectively. The presence of symptoms is associated with poorer upper-body function, and lower physical activity levels and quality of life. One or more symptoms of at least moderate severity increases the odds of developing BCRL by 2- and 7-years post-diagnosis (p < 0.05). Consequently, improved monitoring and management of symptoms following breast cancer have the potential to improve health outcomes.
Dying with Cancer and COVID-19, with Special Reference to Lung Cancer: Frailty as a Risk Factor
Authors: Strang Peter , Schultz Torbjörn
Published: December 2022

Older age and frailty have been associated with COVID-19 deaths, but frailty has seldom been studied in the context of cancer. The aim of this paper was therefore to study frailty (measured using the Hospital Frailty Risk Score) and other risk factors in patients who died with advanced cancer and a concomitant COVID-19 infection, with special reference to lung cancer. Of 4312 patients who died with cancer, 282 had concomitant COVID-19 (within the last 30 days), and these patients were significantly older, more often men, and residents of nursing homes. They often had less access to specialized palliative care, and they died more often in acute hospital settings. Patients with cancer who died with COVID-19 were more often frail (57% vs. 45%, p = 0.0002), and frailty was independently associated with COVID-19-related deaths, both in univariable and multivariable regression models, as well as when controlling for age, sex, socioeconomic factors on an area level, and comorbidity (measured using the Charlson Comorbidity Index). In the final multivariable model, where patients with cancer who died in nursing homes were excluded, belonging to the high-risk frailty group (OR 2.07 (1.31–3.27), p = 0.002) was the strongest prognostic variable in the model. In a separate analysis of a subgroup of deaths due to lung cancer (n = 653, of which 45 deaths occurred with concomitant COVID-19), the above associations were not significant, possibly due to too-few cases. In conclusion, frailty is a strong predictor of cancer deaths and should be addressed in cancer care.
Synthesis and Application of Domestic Glassy Carbon TiO2 Nanocomposite for Electrocatalytic Triclosan Detection
Authors: Stanković Vesna , Manojlović Dragan , Roglić Goran M. , Tolstoguzov Dmitry S. , Zherebtsov Dmitry A. , Uchaev Daniel A. , Avdin Viacheslav V. , Stanković Dalibor M.
Published: December 2022

Nanoparticles of TiO2 are suitable for many catalytic and photocatalytic applications due to their extraordinary properties such as superhydrophobicity, semiconductivity, electron-rich, and environmental compatibility. The main crystalline phases of TiO2, anatase, and rutile possess different crystal structures, crystallinity, crystalline sizes, and specific surface areas, and these characteristics directly affect the catalytic performance of TiO2. In the present study, domestic carbon material enhanced with TiO2 nanoparticles was synthesized and used for the construction of a modified carbon paste electrode. The electrocatalytic activity of the modified electrodes was investigated depending on the TiO2 crystalline phases in the electrode material. Furthermore, the obtained working electrode was utilized for triclosan detection. Under optimized experimental conditions, the developed electrode showed a submicromolar triclosan detection limit of 0.07 µM and a wide linear range of 0.1 to 15 µM. The relative standard deviations for repeatability and reproducibility were lower than 4.1%, and with satisfactory selectivity, the proposed system was successfully applied to triclosan monitoring in groundwater. All these results confirm that the sustainable production of new and domestically prepared materials is of great benefit in the field of electrocatalysis and that the morphology of such produced materials is strongly related to their catalytic properties.
More than One Century of History for Photocatalysis, from Past, Present and Future Perspectives
Authors: Sordello Fabrizio , Calza Paola , Minero Claudio , Malato Sixto , Minella Marco
Published: December 2022

In this review, we analyzed the history and the past and present trends in photocatalysis research, trying to outline possible scenarios for the future in the medium term. The in-depth analysis of the literature reported here—from a mere bibliometric point of view—allowed us to divide the history of photocatalysis into four different periods characterized by different maturity of the topic and different bibliometric features. The turn of the 20th century saw an explosion in scientific production, which is still continuing now and has reached more than 15,000 papers published each year. Research interest is still growing significantly, and the analysis of different keywords suggests that such growth is substantial and not merely due to “publish or perish” behavior. The analysis of the most-investigated topics in the field of photocatalysis highlighted that, during its history, the focus of the research moved from inorganic oxides to carbon and hybrid materials. Concomitantly, the investigation of the “geography” of photocatalysis allowed us to underline its evolution over the years, with the repositioning of its center of mass from the Atlantic Ocean (USA and Europe) to Asia (China and India). Photocatalysis is active as never before but still awaiting major breakthroughs, which would allow a much broader technological and commercial output. Without such breakthroughs in this decade, the growth in scientific interest could level out or even decrease.
Enhanced SO2 Resistance of Cs-Modified Fe-HZSM-5 for NO Decomposition
Authors: Wang Fan , Liu Pengfei , Guo Jiaxue , Xu Kexin , Zhang Yanrui , Yi Yanhui , Zhu Yimin , Wang Li
Published: December 2022

Direct decomposition of NO into N2 and O2 is an ideal technology for NOx removal. Catalyst deactivation by sulfur poisoning is the major obstacle for practical application. This paper focuses on strengthening the SO2 resistance of metal-exchanged HZSM-5 catalysts, by investigating the metals, promoters, preparation methods, metal-to-promoter molar ratios, Si/Al ratios and metal loadings. The results show that in the presence of SO2 (500 ppm), Fe is the best compared with Co, Ni and Cu. Cs, Ba and K modification enhanced the low-temperature activity of the Fe-HZSM-5 catalyst for NO decomposition, which can be further improved by increasing the exchanged-solution concentration and Fe/Cs molar ratio or decreasing the Si/Al molar ratio. Interestingly, Cs-doped Fe-HZSM-5 exhibited a high NO conversion and low NO2 selectivity but a high SO2 conversion within 10 h of continuous operation. This indicates that Cs-Fe-HZSM-5 has a relatively high SO2 resistance. Combining the characterization results, including N2 physisorption, XRD, ICP, XRF, UV–Vis, XPS, NO/SO2-TPD, H2-TPR and HAADF-STEM, SO42− was found to be the major sulfur species deposited on the catalyst’s surface. Cs doping inhibited the SO2 adsorption on Fe-HZSM-5, enhanced the Fe dispersion and increased the isolated Fe and Fe-O-Fe species. These findings could be the primary reasons for the high activity and SO2 resistance of Cs-Fe-HZSM-5.
Editorial (Preface) “Cells/Cells of the Cardiovascular System—Editorial Highlights 2020–2021: The Book Selection”
Authors: Wagner Kay-Dietrich
Published: December 2022

This introduction provides a preface to the section on “Cells of the Cardiovascular System” in the book entitled “Editor’s Choice Articles in 2020–2021” [...]
The Role of Oxytocin in Abnormal Brain Development: Effect on Glial Cells and Neuroinflammation
Authors: Knoop Marit , Possovre Marie-Laure , Jacquens Alice , Charlet Alexandre , Baud Olivier , Darbon Pascal
Published: December 2022

The neonatal period is critical for brain development and determinant for long-term brain trajectory. Yet, this time concurs with a sensitivity and risk for numerous brain injuries following perinatal complications such as preterm birth. Brain injury in premature infants leads to a complex amalgam of primary destructive diseases and secondary maturational and trophic disturbances and, as a consequence, to long-term neurocognitive and behavioral problems. Neuroinflammation is an important common factor in these complications, which contributes to the adverse effects on brain development. Mediating this inflammatory response forms a key therapeutic target in protecting the vulnerable developing brain when complications arise. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) plays an important role in the perinatal period, and its importance for lactation and social bonding in early life are well-recognized. Yet, novel functions of OT for the developing brain are increasingly emerging. In particular, OT seems able to modulate glial activity in neuroinflammatory states, but the exact mechanisms underlying this connection are largely unknown. The current review provides an overview of the oxytocinergic system and its early life development across rodent and human. Moreover, we cover the most up-to-date understanding of the role of OT in neonatal brain development and the potential neuroprotective effects it holds when adverse neural events arise in association with neuroinflammation. A detailed assessment of the underlying mechanisms between OT treatment and astrocyte and microglia reactivity is given, as well as a focus on the amygdala, a brain region of crucial importance for socio-emotional behavior, particularly in infants born preterm.
Genomewide m6A Mapping Uncovers Dynamic Changes in the m6A Epitranscriptome of Cisplatin-Treated Apoptotic HeLa Cells
Authors: Alasar Azime Akçaöz , Tüncel Özge , Gelmez Ayşe Bengisu , Sağlam Buket , Vatansever İpek Erdoğan , Akgül Bünyamin
Published: December 2022

Cisplatin (CP), which is a conventional cancer chemotherapeutic drug, induces apoptosis by modulating a diverse array of gene regulatory mechanisms. However, cisplatin-mediated changes in the m6A methylome are unknown. We employed an m6A miCLIP-seq approach to investigate the effect of m6A methylation marks under cisplatin-mediated apoptotic conditions on HeLa cells. Our high-resolution approach revealed numerous m6A marks on 972 target mRNAs with an enrichment on 132 apoptotic mRNAs. We tracked the fate of differentially methylated candidate mRNAs under METTL3 knockdown and cisplatin treatment conditions. Polysome profile analyses revealed perturbations in the translational efficiency of PMAIP1 and PHLDA1 transcripts. Congruently, PMAIP1 amounts were dependent on METTL3. Additionally, cisplatin-mediated apoptosis was sensitized by METTL3 knockdown. These results suggest that apoptotic pathways are modulated by m6A methylation events and that the METTL3–PMAIP1 axis modulates cisplatin-mediated apoptosis in HeLa cells.