bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional Composition and Sensory Evaluation of Cake Fortified with Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder and Ripe Banana Flour
Authors: Roni Rabiul Alam , Sani Md. Nasir Hossain , Munira Sirajum , Wazed Md. Abdul , Siddiquee Shafiquzzaman
Published: September 2021

Micronutrient deficiency is raising concern worldwide, especially among children and pregnant women in Africa, Southern Asia, and certain developing countries, posing a significant risk to the nutritional status. This study aimed to develop cake fortified with Moringa leaf powder (MOLP), ripe banana flour (RBF) and assessed the effect of MOLP and RBF on the nutritional composition as well as consumer acceptability. The nutritional, mineral, vitamin A and sensory attributes of MOLP and RBF fortified cakes were assessed. Proximate analysis results showed that the addition of MOLP and RBF significantly increased from 5.79% to 8.90% for protein, 1.25% to 1.66% for ash, 2.70% to 6.98% for fiber, and 53.0% to 60.88% for carbohydrate. However, the fat and moisture content decreased from 20.16% to 13.06% and 17.77% to 13.54%, respectively. The mineral contents (phosphorus, potassium, iron, and zinc) increased significantly in the fortified cake compared to the unfortified control. The vitamin A content (3.40–5.62 mg/100 g) of the fortified cakes was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the vitamin A (1.62 mg/100 g) content of the unfortified cake. Although MOLP and RBF substitution raised most of the nutritional contents, the maximum consumer acceptability was recorded in the unfortified control, which was statistically similar to C2 (1.5% MOLP and 2% RBF) substitution in terms of shape, sweetness, flavor, mouth feel, and overall acceptability. The results indicated that cake supplemented with 1.5% MOLP and 2% RBF provided the enriched nutritional quality and potentially contributed to the improvement of food and nutritional security of the vulnerable populations. Furthermore, utilizing ripe bananas with peels in cake recipes will help to encourage the recovery of food waste for functional food preparation.
Actions and Therapeutic Potential of Madecassoside and Other Major Constituents of Centella asiatica: A Review
Authors: Tan Swee Ching , Bhattamisra Subrat Kumar , Chellappan Dinesh Kumar , Candasamy Mayuren
Published: September 2021

Centella asiatica is a popular herb well-known for its wide range of therapeutic effects and its use as a folk medicine for many years. Its therapeutic properties have been well correlated with the presence of asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids, the pentacyclic triterpenes. The herb has been extensively known to treat skin conditions; nevertheless, several pre-clinical and clinical studies have scientifically demonstrated its effectiveness in other disorders. Among the active constituents that have been identified in Centella asiatica, madecassoside has been the subject of only a relatively small number of scientific reports. Therefore, this review, while including other major constituents of this plant, focuses on the therapeutic potential, pharmacokinetics and toxicity of madecassoside.
Need-Based and Optimized Health Insurance Package Using Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Matloob Irum , Khan Shoab Ahmad , Hussain Farhan , Butt Wasi Haider , Rukaiya Rukaiya , Khalique Fatima
Published: September 2021

The paper presents a novel methodology based on machine learning to optimize medical benefits in healthcare settings, i.e., corporate, private, public or statutory. The optimization is applied to design healthcare insurance packages based on the employee healthcare record. Moreover, with the advancement in the insurance industry, it is rapidly adapting mathematical and machine learning models to enhance insurance services like funds prediction, customer management and get better revenue from their businesses. However, conventional computing insurance packages and premium methods are time-consuming, designation specific, and not cost-effective. During the design of insurance packages, an employee’s needs should be given more importance than his/her designation or position in an organization. The design of insurance packages in healthcare is a non-trivial task due to the employees’ changing healthcare needs; therefore, using the proposed technique employees can be moved from their existing package to another depending upon his/her need. This provides the motivation to propose a methodology in which we applied machine learning concepts for designing need-based health insurance packages rather than professional tagging. By the design of need-based packages, medical benefit optimization which is the core goal of our proposed methodology is effectively achieved. Our proposed methodology derives insurance packages that are need-based and optimal based on our defined criteria. We achieved this by first applying the clustering technique to historical medical records. Subsequently, medical benefit optimization is achieved from these packages by applying a probability distribution model on five years employees’ insurance records. The designed technique is validated on real employees’ insurance records from a large enterprise.The proposed design provides 25% optimization on medical benefit amount compared to current medical benefits amount therefore, gives better healthcare to all the employees.
Remaining Useful Life Prediction of the Concrete Piston Based on Probability Statistics and Data Driven
Authors: Li Jie , Tan Yuejin , Ge Bingfeng , Zhao Hua , Lu Xin
Published: September 2021

This paper proposes a method on predicting the remaining useful life (RUL) of a concrete piston of a concrete pump truck based on probability statistics and data-driven approaches. Firstly, the average useful life of the concrete piston is determined by probability distribution fitting using actual life data. Secondly, according to condition monitoring data of the concrete pump truck, a concept of life coefficient of the concrete piston is proposed to represent the influence of the loading condition on the actual useful life of individual concrete pistons, and different regression models are established to predict the RUL of the concrete pistons. Finally, according to the prediction result of the concrete piston at different life stages, a replacement warning point is established to provide support for the inventory management and replacement plan of the concrete piston.
Moisture-Induced Pattern of Gases and Physicochemical Indices in Corn Straw and Cow Manure Composting
Authors: Ghanney Philip , Qiu Huizhen , Anning Dominic Kwadwo , Yang Huizhen , Wang Youling , Kugbe Joseph Xorse
Published: September 2021

This study investigated the altering effect of moisture on the emission pattern of gases and the evolutionary dynamics of physicochemical indices in corn straw and cow manure composting. Exploring this effect was reasonable to unravel the use of moisture as a cheap alternative to control gaseous emissions and improve the final properties of compost. The nutrient dynamics of the compost showed 21.6% losses in total organic carbon content, with a 33.3% increase in total nitrogen content at the end of composting. All the gases (CH4, CO2, N2O and NH3) yielded a common emission pattern despite the differences in moisture content. Except for CH4, the peak and stable emission periods of all the gases were observed on the 5th day (thermophilic phase) and after the 27th day (late mesophilic phase) of composting, respectively. Emission reductions of 89%, 91%, 95% and 100% were recorded for CH4, CO2, N2O and NH3, respectively, during the late mesophilic phase of composting. From the study, the 65% moisture content was efficient in reducing the loss rate of the gasses and nutrient contents of the compost. This study would enable farmers to channel organic residues generated into compost while minimizing pollution and nutrient losses associated with the composting process.
A Secure Biometric Key Generation Mechanism via Deep Learning and Its Application
Authors: Wang Yazhou , Li Bing , Zhang Yan , Wu Jiaxin , Ma Qianya
Published: September 2021

Biometric keys are widely used in the digital identity system due to the inherent uniqueness of biometrics. However, existing biometric key generation methods may expose biometric data, which will cause users’ biometric traits to be permanently unavailable in the secure authentication system. To enhance its security and privacy, we propose a secure biometric key generation method based on deep learning in this paper. Firstly, to prevent the information leakage of biometric data, we utilize random binary codes to represent biometric data and adopt a deep learning model to establish the relationship between biometric data and random binary code for each user. Secondly, to protect the privacy and guarantee the revocability of the biometric key, we add a random permutation operation to shuffle the elements of binary code and update a new biometric key. Thirdly, to further enhance the reliability and security of the biometric key, we construct a fuzzy commitment module to generate the helper data without revealing any biometric information during enrollment. Three benchmark datasets including ORL, Extended YaleB, and CMU-PIE are used for evaluation. The experiment results show our scheme achieves a genuine accept rate (GAR) higher than the state-of-the-art methods at a 1% false accept rate (FAR), and meanwhile satisfies the properties of revocability and randomness of biometric keys. The security analyses show that our model can effectively resist information leakage, cross-matching, and other attacks. Moreover, the proposed model is applied to a data encryption scenario in our local computer, which takes less than 0.5 s to complete the whole encryption and decryption at different key lengths.
Numerical Analysis of Additional Stresses in Railway Track Elements Due to Subgrade Settlement Using FEM Simulation
Authors: Ramadan Ahmed Nabil , Jing Peng , Zhang Jinxi , Zohny Haytham Nour EL-Din
Published: September 2021

The prediction of additional stresses in ballasted track due to subgrade deformation is the main objective of the present paper. In this context, a 2D finite element model of ballasted railway track was built using the ANSYS Workbench program. Based on this model, an investigation of stresses and deformation values of track elements was conducted in three cases with different contact types. It was found that the case introducing the status of a new track, which has frictional contacts between sleepers and ballast with bonded contacts between other elements, has lower stresses in most of the track elements. Moreover, this case was applied for studying the effect of the settlement on track elements. It was found that stresses increased with increasing the settlement value. The average percentages of increased stresses are 4.18%, 5.85%, and 7.21% in railhead, tie plate, and sleeper, respectively, due to a 1 mm increase in the settlement. Finally, a second-degree polynomial equation was derived to predict the additional stresses in each element due to track settlement. It is expected that this study would help to decrease the maintenance costs and extend the service life of the track elements by predicting the additional stresses in them.
Contribution to the Understanding of Protein–Protein Interface and Ligand Binding Site Based on Hydrophobicity Distribution—Application to Ferredoxin I and II Cases
Authors: Banach Mateusz , Chomilier Jacques , Roterman Irena
Published: September 2021

Ferredoxin I and II are proteins carrying a specific ligand—an iron-sulfur cluster—which allows transport of electrons. These two classes of ferredoxin in their monomeric and dimeric forms are the object of this work. Characteristic of hydrophobic core in both molecules is analyzed via fuzzy oil drop model (FOD) to show the specificity of their structure enabling the binding of a relatively large ligand and formation of the complex. Structures of FdI and FdII are a promising example for the discussion of influence of hydrophobicity on biological activity but also for an explanation how FOD model can be used as an initial stage adviser (or a scoring function) in the search for locations of ligand binding pockets and protein–protein interaction areas. It is shown that observation of peculiarities in the hydrophobicity distribution present in the molecule (in this case—of a ferredoxin) may provide a promising starting location for computer simulations aimed at the prediction of quaternary structure of proteins.
Reconfigurable Logic Controller—Direct FPGA Synthesis Approach
Authors: Milik Adam , Kubica Marcin , Kania Dariusz
Published: September 2021

Programmable logic controllers are commonly used in automation systems. Continuously growing demands result in the growth of control program complexity. The classic approach, based on programmatic serial-cyclic execution, results in an unacceptable extension of response time. To overcome long response time massive parallel program execution is proposed. It utilize direct in hardware program implementation in field programmable devices. The paper brings a formal method of representing control programs using flow graphs and enabling single cycle computations. The developed method accepts ladder diagrams (LD) and sequential function charts (SFC), according to IEC61131-3 standard requirements. It is capable of handling logic and arithmetic computations, enabling its hardware mapping. The intermediate form is optimized using flow graph representation and BDDs for analyzing logic dependencies. The BDD representation of logic dependencies enables direct mapping to lookup tables of a selected FPGA family. All the above steps deliver high-performance and direct hardware implementation of the control program given by standard languages. The controller response time is short, predictable, and independent from logic conditions during program execution.
Revealing the Target Electronic Structure with Under-Threshold RABBITT
Authors: Kheifets Anatoli
Published: September 2021

The process of reconstruction of attosecond beating by interference of two-photon transitions (RABBITT) reveals the target atom electronic structure when one of the transitions proceeds from below the ionization threshold. Such an under-threshold RABBITT resonates with the target bound states and thus maps faithfully the discrete energy levels and the corresponding oscillator strengths. We demonstrate this sensitivity by considering the Ne atom driven by the combination of the XUV and IR pulses at the fundamental laser frequency in the 800 and 1000 nm ranges.
The Road to Accountable and Dependable Manufacturing
Authors: Pennekamp Jan , Matzutt Roman , Kanhere Salil S. , Hiller Jens , Wehrle Klaus
Published: September 2021

The Internet of Things provides manufacturing with rich data for increased automation. Beyond company-internal data exploitation, the sharing of product and manufacturing process data along and across supply chains enables more efficient production flows and product lifecycle management. Even more, data-based automation facilitates short-lived ad hoc collaborations, realizing highly dynamic business relationships for sustainable exploitation of production resources and capacities. However, the sharing and use of business data across manufacturers and with end customers add requirements on data accountability, verifiability, and reliability and needs to consider security and privacy demands. While research has already identified blockchain technology as a key technology to address these challenges, current solutions mainly evolve around logistics or focus on established business relationships instead of automated but highly dynamic collaborations that cannot draw upon long-term trust relationships. We identify three open research areas on the road to such a truly accountable and dependable manufacturing enabled by blockchain technology: blockchain-inherent challenges, scenario-driven challenges, and socio-economic challenges. Especially tackling the scenario-driven challenges, we discuss requirements and options for realizing a blockchain-based trustworthy information store and outline its use for automation to achieve a reliable sharing of product information, efficient and dependable collaboration, and dynamic distributed markets without requiring established long-term trust.
Corolla Abscission Triggered by Nectar Robbers Positively Affects Reproduction by Enhancing Self-Pollination in Symphytum officinale (Boraginaceae)
Authors: Hou Qin-Zheng , Ehmet Nurbiye , Chen Da-Wei , Wang Tai-Hong , Xu Yi-Fan , Ma Jing , Sun Kun
Published: September 2021

Nectar robbers, which affect plant fitness (directly or indirectly) in different degrees and in different ways, potentially constitute a significant part of mutualistic relationships. While the negative effects of nectar robbing on plant reproductive success have been widely reported, the positive effects remain unknown. The target of our study was to evaluate the effects of nectar robbers on the reproductive success of Symphytum officinale (Boraginaceae). We observed the behavior, species and times of visitors in the field, and we assessed the effect of nectar robbers on corolla abscission rate and time. To test the fitness of corolla abscission, we detected the changes in stigma receptivity, pollen viability, pollen amount and appendage opening size along with the time of flower blossom. The flowering dynamics and floral structure were observed to reveal the mechanism of self-pollination. Finally, pollen deposition seed set rate and fruit set rate were determined to estimate the effect of nectar robbers on reproduction success. We observed 14 species of visitors and 2539 visits in 50 h of observation; 91.7% of them were nectar robbers. The pressure and nectar removal of nectar robbers significantly promoted corolla abscission during a period when pollen grains are viable and the stigma is receptive. In addition, corolla abscission significantly increased the pollen deposition and seed setting rate. Our results demonstrate that nectar robbing contributes to enhancing seed production and positively and indirectly impacts the reproductive success of S. officinale. This mechanism involved the movement of anthers and indirect participation by nectar robbers, which was rarely investigated. Considering the multiple consequences of nectar robbing, understanding the impact of nectar robbers on plant reproduction is essential to comprehend the evolutionary importance of relationships between plants and their visitors.
Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae Infection Alters Honey Bee Microbiota Composition and Sustains the Survival of Adult Honey Bees
Authors: Zhang Yakun , Su Meiling , Wang Long , Huang Shaokang , Su Songkun , Huang Wei-Fone
Published: September 2021

Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae is the most common eukaryotic gut pathogen in honey bees. Infection is typically chronic but may result in mortality. Gut microbiota is a factor that was recently noted for gut infectious disease development. Interestingly, studies identified positive, instead of negative, associations between core bacteria of honey bee microbiota and V. ceranae infection. To investigate the effects of the positive associations, we added isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO), a prebiotic sugar also found in honey, to enhance the positive associations, and we then investigated the infection and the gut microbiota alterations using qPCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We found that infected bees fed IMO had significantly higher V. ceranae spore counts but lower mortalities. In microbiota comparisons, V. ceranae infections alone significantly enhanced the overall microbiota population in the honey bee hindgut and feces; all monitored core bacteria significantly increased in the quantities but not all in the population ratios. The microbiota alterations caused by the infection were enhanced with IMO, and these alterations were similar to the differences found in bees that naturally have longer lifespans. Although our results did not clarify the causations of the positive associations between the infections and microbiota, the associations seemed to sustain the host survival and benefit the pathogen. Enhancing indigenous gut microbe to control nosema disease may result in an increment of bee populations but not the control of the pathogen. This interaction between the pathogen and microbiota potentially enhances disease transmission and avoids the social immune responses that diseased bees die prematurely to curb the disease from spreading within colonies.
Current Trends in Cell-Free DNA Applications. Scoping Review of Clinical Trials
Authors: Stawski Robert , Stec-Martyna Emilia , Chmielecki Adam , Nowak Dariusz , Perdas Ewelina
Published: September 2021

We aimed to summarize the current knowledge about the trends in cfDNA application based on the analysis of clinical trials registered until April 2021. International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched with the keywords: “cf-DNA”; “Circulating DNA”; “Deoxyribonucleic Acid”; and “Cell-Free Deoxyribonucleic Acid”. Of 605 clinical trials, we excluded 237 trials, and 368 remaining ones were subject to further analysis. The subject, number of participants, and study design were analyzed. Our scoping review revealed three main trends: oncology (n = 255), non-invasive prenatal diagnostic (n = 48), and organ transplantation (n = 41), and many (n = 22) less common such as sepsis, sport, or autoimmune diseases in 368 clinical trials. Clinical trials are translating theory into clinical care. However, the diagnostic value of cfDNA remains controversial, and diagnostic accuracy still needs to be evaluated. Thus, further studies are necessary until cfDNA turns into a standard in clinical practice.
Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 Heals Established Vesicovaginal Fistula and Counteracts Stone Formation in Rats
Authors: Rasic Domagoj , Zenko Sever Anita , Rasic Fran , Strbe Sanja , Rasic Zarko , Djuzel Antonija , Duplancic Bozidar , Boban Blagaic Alenka , Skrtic Anita , Seiwerth Sven , Sikiric Predrag , Sever Marko
Published: September 2021

With the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 therapy known to heal various both external and internal rat fistulas, we attempt to approach vesicovaginal fistula, continuous urine leaking through vagina, bladder stones, and a possible therapy solution among rats with well-formed 2 week-fistulas (vaginal/vesical 4 mm large defects) started with delayed therapy. Subsequent control fistula course (the subsequent 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks) since beginning revealed the failed healing, fistula leaking, adhesions, urinary leaking through vagina, failed epithelization, collagenization, granulation tissue and neovascularization, increased inflammation, and necrosis. Thereby, the later intervals revealed the persistent inability to sustain even minimal volume, vesical, and vaginal defects and stone formation at the end of the experiment (fistula-time day 56). BPC 157 therapy (10 µg/kg, 10 ng/kg, intraperitoneally once time daily or perorally in drinking water until sacrifice) was initiated with a considerable delay (at 2 weeks after fistula formation). Already within 1 week therapy, all BPC 157 regimens stopped urinary leaking through vagina, reversed the otherwise resistant poor healing course to the increased epithelization, collagenization, granulation tissue and neovascularization, decreased inflammation, and decreased necrosis. Thereby, at later intervals, all BPC 157 rats exhibited a five times larger volume that can be sustained before leaking as in healthy, vesical, and vaginal defects completely closed and no stone formation. Thus, macro/microscopic and functional recovery, and counteracted stone formation. Concluding, BPC 157 therapy’s beneficial effects resulted in healing and no stone formation, with µg- and ng-regimens, either given daily perorally in drinking water or intraperitoneally.
Chronic Alcoholism and HHV-6 Infection Synergistically Promote Neuroinflammatory Microglial Phenotypes in the Substantia Nigra of the Adult Human Brain
Authors: Jain Nityanand , Smirnovs Marks , Strojeva Samanta , Murovska Modra , Skuja Sandra
Published: September 2021

Both chronic alcoholism and human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) infection have been identified as promoters of neuroinflammation and known to cause movement-related disorders. Substantia Nigra (SN), the dopaminergic neuron-rich region of the basal ganglia, is involved in regulating motor function and the reward system. Hence, we hypothesize the presence of possible synergism between alcoholism and HHV-6 infection in the SN region and report a comprehensive quantification and characterization of microglial functions and morphology in postmortem brain tissue from 44 healthy, age-matched alcoholics and chronic alcoholics. A decrease in the perivascular CD68+ microglia in alcoholics was noted in both the gray and white matter. Additionally, the CD68+/Iba1− microglial subpopulation was found to be the dominant type in the controls. Conversely, in alcoholics, dystrophic changes in microglia were seen with a significant increase in Iba1 expression and perivascular to diffuse migration. An increase in CD11b expression was noted in alcoholics, with the Iba1+/CD11b− subtype promoting inflammation. All the controls were found to be negative for HHV-6 whilst the alcoholics demonstrated HHV-6 positivity in both gray and white matter. Amongst HHV-6 positive alcoholics, all the above-mentioned changes were found to be heightened when compared with HHV-6 negative alcoholics, thereby highlighting the compounding relationship between alcoholism and HHV-6 infection that promotes microglia-mediated neuroinflammation.
Crossmodal Semantic Congruence Interacts with Object Contextual Consistency in Complex Visual Scenes to Enhance Short-Term Memory Performance
Authors: Almadori Erika , Mastroberardino Serena , Botta Fabiano , Brunetti Riccardo , Lupiáñez Juan , Spence Charles , Santangelo Valerio
Published: September 2021

Object sounds can enhance the attentional selection and perceptual processing of semantically-related visual stimuli. However, it is currently unknown whether crossmodal semantic congruence also affects the post-perceptual stages of information processing, such as short-term memory (STM), and whether this effect is modulated by the object consistency with the background visual scene. In two experiments, participants viewed everyday visual scenes for 500 ms while listening to an object sound, which could either be semantically related to the object that served as the STM target at retrieval or not. This defined crossmodal semantically cued vs. uncued targets. The target was either in- or out-of-context with respect to the background visual scene. After a maintenance period of 2000 ms, the target was presented in isolation against a neutral background, in either the same or different spatial position as in the original scene. The participants judged the same vs. different position of the object and then provided a confidence judgment concerning the certainty of their response. The results revealed greater accuracy when judging the spatial position of targets paired with a semantically congruent object sound at encoding. This crossmodal facilitatory effect was modulated by whether the target object was in- or out-of-context with respect to the background scene, with out-of-context targets reducing the facilitatory effect of object sounds. Overall, these findings suggest that the presence of the object sound at encoding facilitated the selection and processing of the semantically related visual stimuli, but this effect depends on the semantic configuration of the visual scene.
Applications of Computer Vision in Monitoring the Unsafe Behavior of Construction Workers: Current Status and Challenges
Authors: Liu Wenyao , Meng Qingfeng , Li Zhen , Hu Xin
Published: September 2021

The unsafe behavior of construction workers is one of the main causes of safety accidents at construction sites. To reduce the incidence of construction accidents and improve the safety performance of construction projects, there is a need to identify risky factors by monitoring the behavior of construction workers. Computer vision (CV) technology, which is a powerful and automated tool used for extracting images and video information from construction sites, has been recognized and adopted as an effective construction site monitoring technology for the identification of risky factors resulting from the unsafe behavior of construction workers. In this article, we introduce the research background of this field and conduct a systematic statistical analysis of the relevant literature in this field through the bibliometric analysis method. Thereafter, we adopt a content-based analysis method to depict the historical explorations in the field. On this basis, the limitations and challenges in this field are identified, and future research directions are proposed. It is found that CV technology can effectively monitor the unsafe behaviors of construction workers. The research findings can enhance people’s understanding of construction safety management.
Intermittent and Periodic Fasting, Hormones, and Cancer Prevention
Authors: Salvadori Giulia , Mirisola Mario Giuseppe , Longo Valter D.
Published: September 2021

The restriction of proteins, amino acids or sugars can have profound effects on the levels of hormones and factors including growth hormone, IGF-1 and insulin. In turn, these can regulate intracellular signaling pathways as well as cellular damage and aging, but also multisystem regeneration. Both intermittent (IF) and periodic fasting (PF) have been shown to have both acute and long-term effects on these hormones. Here, we review the effects of nutrients and fasting on hormones and genes established to affect aging and cancer. We describe the link between dietary interventions and genetic pathways affecting the levels of these hormones and focus on the mechanisms responsible for the cancer preventive effects. We propose that IF and PF can reduce tumor incidence both by delaying aging and preventing DNA damage and immunosenescence and also by killing damaged, pre-cancerous and cancer cells.
Combined Therapy of Locally Advanced Oesophageal and Gastro–Oesophageal Junction Adenocarcinomas: State of the Art and Aspects of Predictive Factors
Authors: Vošmik Milan , Kopecký Jindřich , John Stanislav , Kubeček Ondřej , Lochman Petr , Banni Aml Mustafa , Hruška Libor , Sirák Igor
Published: September 2021

The following main treatment approaches are currently used in locally advanced adenocarcinomas of the oesophagus and gastrooesophageal junction (GOJ): preoperative chemoradiotherapy and surgery, and perioperative chemotherapy and surgery. While preoperative chemoradiotherapy is used primarily in oesophageal tumours, perioperative chemotherapy is the treatment of choice in Western countries for gastric cancer. The optimal treatment strategy for GOJ adenocarcinoma is still not clear. In comparison to other malignancies, biomarkers are used as predictive factors in distal oesophageal and GOJ adenocarcinomas in a very limited way, and moreover, only in metastatic stages (e.g., HER2 status, or microsatellite instability status). The aim of the article is to provide an overview of current treatment options in locally advanced adenocarcinomas of oesophagus and GOJ based on the latest evidence, including the possible potential of predictive biomarkers in optimizing treatment.
Endometrial Cancer Incidence in Endometriosis and Adenomyosis
Authors: Hermens Marjolein , van Altena Anne M. , Velthuis Iris , van de Laar Danielle C. M. , Bulten Johan , van Vliet Huib A. A. M. , Siebers Albert G. , Bekkers Ruud L. M.
Published: September 2021

Women with histologically proven endometriosis/adenomyosis have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Small studies show conflicting results on the endometrial cancer risk in women with endometriosis/adenomyosis. Therefore, we assessed the incidence of endometrial cancer in women with histologically proven endometriosis or adenomyosis. We performed a population-based retrospective cohort study of 129,862 women with histologically proven endometriosis/adenomyosis, matched with 132,700 women with a nevus selected from the Dutch pathology registry between 1990 and 2015. Histology results for endometrial cancer were retrieved. Crude and age-adjusted odds ratios for endometrial cancer were estimated. In the endometriosis/adenomyosis group, 1827 (1.4%) women had a histological report on endometrial cancer, and in the nevus group, 771 (0.6%) women. The age-adjusted OR for endometrial cancer was 2.58 (95%CI 2.37–2.81). After excluding the first year of follow-up, the age-adjusted OR was 0.76 (95%CI 0.63–0.92), indicating that endometrial cancer is most often found at time of histological diagnosis of endometriosis/adenomyosis. In around 20% of the endometrial cancer cases, the endometrial cancer was not recognized until after hysterectomy. Of these women, 35% had no prior (micro)curettage or biopsy. This study shows an increased incidence of endometrial cancer in women with histologically proven endometriosis and adenomyosis.
Ultrastructural Features of Membranous Replication Organelles Induced by Positive-Stranded RNA Viruses
Authors: Nguyen-Dinh Van , Herker Eva
Published: September 2021

All intracellular pathogens critically depend on host cell organelles and metabolites for successful infection and replication. One hallmark of positive-strand RNA viruses is to induce alterations of the (endo)membrane system in order to shield their double-stranded RNA replication intermediates from detection by the host cell’s surveillance systems. This spatial seclusion also allows for accruing host and viral factors and building blocks required for efficient replication of the genome and prevents access of antiviral effectors. Even though the principle is iterated by almost all positive-strand RNA viruses infecting plants and animals, the specific structure and the organellar source of membranes differs. Here, we discuss the characteristic ultrastructural features of the virus-induced membranous replication organelles in plant and animal cells and the scientific progress gained by advanced microscopy methods.
Role of ERLINs in the Control of Cell Fate through Lipid Rafts
Authors: Manganelli Valeria , Longo Agostina , Mattei Vincenzo , Recalchi Serena , Riitano Gloria , Caissutti Daniela , Capozzi Antonella , Sorice Maurizio , Misasi Roberta , Garofalo Tina
Published: September 2021

ER lipid raft-associated protein 1 (ERLIN1) and 2 (ERLIN2) are 40 kDa transmembrane glycoproteins belonging to the family of prohibitins, containing a PHB domain. They are generally localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where ERLIN1 forms a heteroligomeric complex with its closely related ERLIN2. Well-defined functions of ERLINS are promotion of ER-associated protein degradation, mediation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptors, processing and regulation of lipid metabolism. Until now, ERLINs have been exclusively considered protein markers of ER lipid raft-like microdomains. However, under pathophysiological conditions, they have been described within mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs), tethering sites between ER and mitochondria, characterized by the presence of specialized raft-like subdomains enriched in cholesterol and gangliosides, which play a key role in the membrane scrambling and function. In this context, it is emerging that ER lipid raft-like microdomains proteins, i.e., ERLINs, may drive mitochondria-ER crosstalk under both physiological and pathological conditions by association with MAMs, regulating the two main processes underlined, survival and death. In this review, we describe the role of ERLINs in determining cell fate by controlling the “interchange” between apoptosis and autophagy pathways, considering that their alteration has a significant impact on the pathogenesis of several human diseases.
Low-Power Sonication Can Alter Extracellular Vesicle Size and Properties
Authors: Nizamudeen Zubair Ahmed , Xerri Rachael , Parmenter Christopher , Suain Kiran , Markus Robert , Chakrabarti Lisa , Sottile Virginie
Published: September 2021

Low-power sonication is widely used to disaggregate extracellular vesicles (EVs) after isolation, however, the effects of sonication on EV samples beyond dispersion are unclear. The present study analysed the characteristics of EVs collected from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) after sonication, using a combination of transmission electron microscopy, direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy, and flow cytometry techniques. Results showed that beyond the intended disaggregation effect, sonication using the lowest power setting available was enough to alter the size distribution, membrane integrity, and uptake of EVs in cultured cells. These results point to the need for a more systematic analysis of sonication procedures to improve reproducibility in EV-based cellular experiments.
Design and Investigation of a 3D-Printed Micro-Fluidized Bed
Authors: Zhang Yi , Goh Kheng-Lim , Ng Yuen-Ling , Chow Yvonne , Zivkovic Vladimir
Published: September 2021

Micro-fluidized bed has aroused much attention due to its low-cost, intensified-process and fast-screening properties. In this paper, a micro-fluidized bed (15 × 15 mm in cross-section) was designed and fabricated with the use of the stereolithography printing technique, for the investigation of bubbles’ hydrodynamics and comparison of the solids (3D-printed particles VS fungal pellets) fluidization characteristics. In a liquid–gas system, bubble flow regime started from mono-dispersed homogeneous regime, followed by poly-dispersed homogeneous regime, transition bubble regime and heterogeneous bubble regime with increasing gas flowrates from 3.7 mL/min to 32.7 mL/min. The impacts from operating parameters such as gas flowrate, superficial liquid velocity and gas sparger size on bubble size, velocity and volume fraction have been summarized. In liquid–solid fluidization, different solid fluidization regimes for both particles bed and pellets bed were identified. From the bed expansion results, much higher Umf of 7.8 mm/s from pellets fluidization was observed compared that of 2.3 mm/s in particles fluidization, because the hyphal structures of fungal pellets increased surface friction but also tended to agglomerate. The similar R–Z exponent n (5.7 and 5.5 for pellets and particles, respectively) between pellets and particles was explained by the same solid diameter, but much higher Ut of 436 µm/s in particles bed than that of 196 µm/s in pellets bed is a consequence of the higher density of solid particles. This paper gives insights on the development of MFB and its potential in solid processing.
The Effect of Bright Light Treatment on Rest–Activity Rhythms in People with Dementia: A 24-Week Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kolberg Eirin , Pallesen Ståle , Hjetland Gunnhild Johnsen , Nordhus Inger Hilde , Flo-Groeneboom Elisabeth
Published: September 2021

Bright light treatment is an effective way to influence circadian rhythms in healthy adults, but previous research with dementia patients has yielded mixed results. The present study presents a primary outcome of the DEM.LIGHT trial, a 24-week randomized controlled trial conducted at nursing homes in Bergen, Norway, investigating the effects of a bright light intervention. The intervention consisted of ceiling-mounted LED panels providing varying illuminance and correlated color temperature throughout the day, with a peak of 1000 lx, 6000 K between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Activity was recorded using actigraphs at baseline and after 8, 16, and 24 weeks. Non-parametric indicators and extended cosine models were used to investigate rest–activity rhythms, and outcomes were analyzed with multi-level regression models. Sixty-one patients with severe dementia (median MMSE = 4) were included. After 16 weeks, the acrophase was advanced from baseline in the intervention group compared to the control group (B = −1.02, 95%; CI = −2.00, −0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups on any other rest–activity measures. When comparing parametric and non-parametric indicators of rest–activity rhythms, 25 out of 35 comparisons were significantly correlated. The present results indicate that ambient bright light treatment did not improve rest–activity rhythms for people with dementia.
Improving the Erosion Resistance Performance of Pisha Sandstone Weathered Soil Using MICP Technology
Authors: Wang Yanxing , Li Chi , Wang Cuiyan , Gao Yu
Published: September 2021

In this study, we applied microbial induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) technology to improve the undesirable characteristics of Pisha sandstone weathered soil that collapses easily upon environmental erosion. Through disintegration tests and wind erosion tests, the anti-water scour and anti-sand erosion performance of the weathered soil was tested before and after the improvement. Combined with an analysis of the physical properties and pore structure of the samples, this paper analyzes the internal mechanism by which MICP technology improves the poor characteristics of the soil. The results show that after improvement with the use of MICP technology, effective cementation is formed between the soil particles to form a solidified material with a strength of up to 1 MPa with a precipitated carbonate content of up to 15%, which effectively improves the water erosion resistance and wind erosion resistance. The disintegration rate of the improved soil sample was only 1.95% at the 30th minute, the remolded soil completely disintegrated, and the undisturbed soil reached 39.64%. The wind erosion resistance of the improved sample is improved, and its coefficient at a 30° erosion angle is increased roughly 20-fold on average when the wind speed is 31 m/s. The internal mechanism of the improved soil when it comes into contact with water and wind is that the induced calcium carbonate crystals fill the pores of the soil particles and adhere to and bridge between soil particles for effective cementation. When the soil expands after water invasion or the soil is destroyed after external erosion, the cementation of mineral crystals on the particles can resist the expansion force and punching force so as to improve the soil’s overall anti-erosion performance.
Two-Dimensional Crystalline Gridding Networks of Hybrid Halide Perovskite for Random Lasing
Authors: Hu Jingyun , Xue Haibin , Zhang Xinping
Published: September 2021

We report fabrication of large-scale homogeneous crystallization of CH3NH3PbBr3 (MAPbBr3) in the patterned substrate by a two-dimensional (2D) grating. This achieves high-quality optotelectronic structures on local sites in the micron scales and a homogeneous thin-film device in a centimeter scale, proposing a convenient technique to overcome the challenge for producing large-area thin-film devices with high quality by spin-coating. Through matching the concentration of the MAPbBr3/DMF solutions with the periods of the patterning structures, we found an optimized size of the patterning channels for a specified solution concentration (e.g., channel width of 5 μm for a concentration of 0.14 mg/mL). Such a design is also an excellent scheme for random lasing, since the crystalline periodic networks of MAPbBr3 grids are multi-crystalline constructions, and supply strong light-scattering interfaces. Using the random lasing performance, we can also justify the crystallization qualities and reveal the responsible mechanisms. This is important for the design of large-scale optoelectronic devices based on thin-film hybrid halide perovskites.
Absence of Stress Hyperglycemia Indicates the Most Severe Form of Blunt Liver Trauma
Authors: Kreutziger Janett , Fodor Margot , Morell-Hofert Dagmar , Primavesi Florian , Stättner Stefan , Gassner Eva-Maria , Schmid Stefan , Rugg Christopher
Published: September 2021

Background: Stress hyperglycemia is common in trauma patients. Increasing injury severity and hemorrhage trigger hepatic gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, peripheral and hepatic insulin resistance. Consequently, we expect glucose levels to rise with injury severity in liver, kidney and spleen injuries. In contrast, we hypothesized that in the most severe form of blunt liver injury, stress hyperglycemia may be absent despite critical injury and hemorrhage. Methods: All patients with documented liver, kidney or spleen injuries, treated at a university hospital between 2000 and 2020 were charted. Demographic, laboratory, radiological, surgical and other data were analyzed. Results: A total of 772 patients were included. In liver (n = 456), spleen (n = 375) and kidney (n = 152) trauma, an increase in injury severity past moderate to severe (according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, AAST III-IV) was associated with a concomitant rise in blood glucose levels independent of the affected organ. While stress-induced hyperglycemia was even more pronounced in the most severe forms (AAST V) of spleen (median 10.7 mmol/L, p < 0.0001) and kidney injuries (median 10.6 mmol/L, p = 0.004), it was absent in AAST V liver injuries, where median blood glucose level even fell (5.6 mmol/L, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Absence of stress hyperglycemia on hospital admission could be a sign of most severe liver injury (AAST V). Blood glucose should be considered an additional diagnostic criterion for grading liver injury.
Clinically Silent Small Vessel Disease of the Brain in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome
Authors: Raptis Dimitrios G. , Sinani Olga , Rapti Georgia G. , Papanikolaou Aikaterini , Dadouli Katerina , Ntellas Panagiotis , Kapsalaki Eftychia Z. , Malli Foteini , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I. , Xiromerisiou Georgia
Published: September 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is associated with increased risk of cerebrovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the presence of the small vessel disease (SVD) of the brain in patients with OSAHS. The study included 24 patients with moderate to severe OSAHS and 34 healthy volunteers. All the subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, in order to sought periventricular white matter (PVWM), deep white matter (DWM) and brainstem SVD. Among patients with OSAHS, 79.1% had SVD (grade 1–3, Fazekas score) in DWM and 91.7% in PVWM while 22.4% had brainstem—white matter hyperintensities (B-WMH). Patients with OSAHS had a much higher degree of SVD in the DWM and PVWM compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The multivariate analysis showed an independent significant association of OSAHS with SVD (DWM and PVWM) (p = 0.033, OR 95% CI: 8.66 (1.19–63.08) and: p = 0.002, OR 95% CI: 104.98 (5.15–2141)). The same analysis showed a moderate association of OSAHS with B-WMH (p = 0.050, OR 15.07 (0.97–234.65)). Our study demonstrated an independent significant association of OSAHS with SVD and a moderate association of OSAHS with B-WMH.
Quality Control of Red Blood Cell Solutions for Transfusion Transported via Drone Flight to a Remote Island
Authors: Yakushiji Koki , Yakushiji Fumiatsu , Yokochi Takanori , Murata Mikio , Nakahara Michiyo , Hiroi Naoki , Fujita Hiroshi
Published: September 2021

Long-distance transoceanic transport of blood using drones has never been reported. This study aimed to prove that blood transportation via drones can meet the rapid demand for blood transfusions anywhere in Japan, including remote islands. We demonstrated the transport of red blood cells (RBCs) packs using a drone over the sea from Sasebo to Arikawa port. Drone operations were conducted visually only at take-off and landing. Cruise flights were conducted via satellite-based remote control from Tokyo. The RBC solutions were transported at 2–6 °C to avoid hemolysis. Hemolysis was assessed visually and by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels before departure and upon arrival at Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital to evaluate whether RBCs were transfusable. LDH levels of the RBC solutions before and after transport were 57.5 ± 3.1 vs. 64.0 ± 2.9. RBC solutions were transported via air and land from Tokyo to Sasebo and showed no remarkable signs of hemolysis. Remote RBC solution transport by uncrewed helicopters with temperature control is feasible and allows RBC transportation in emergencies involving disrupted land transportation, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.