bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Logistics: Impact of Industry 4.0
Authors: El Hamdi Sarah , Abouabdellah Abdellah
Published: April 2022

The term “Industry 4.0” relates broadly to intelligent digitization, products, and value chain processes automation, an integration of real and virtual manufacturing worlds where products, factories, humans, and objects merge with embedded software in intelligent, distributed systems. The fourth industrial revolution currently encompasses many examples of application in several fields ranging from health to industry. However, despite this recent interest, the emergence of digitalization in the logistics industry has received little attention, especially in light of the fact that digitization is of increasing strategic importance for companies in a changing and highly competitive environment as it impacts their established processes, business models, and sector boundaries while also having an ecological impact. The new trade strategies put forward by the United Nations in their development plan revolve around sustainability, especially in the industrial sector. Technological advances related to the fourth industrial revolution represent the best approach to ensure sustainability, especially if these technologies are applied to the Logistics 4.0 paradigm within manufacturing companies. The focus of our research method, solely based on a bibliography study over a span of the last five years, is on the digitalization of manufacturing companies, while our selection of screened paper is based on a qualitative criterion further discussed in this paper. The purpose of this paper is to first shed light on the link between the last industrial revolution and its impact on the evolution of logistics and then to present the various optimization opportunities and risks, with a focus on efficiency performance.
Endodontic Regenerative Procedures in Necrotic Adult Teeth
Authors: Garrido-Parada Sara , Castelo-Baz Pablo , Feijoo-Pato Nancy , Gaviño-Orduña José , Martín-Biedma Benjamín
Published: April 2022

There have been published regenerative endodontic protocols for treating immature teeth in young patients, but there are no clinical considerations for the adult teeth. The goal of the present review is to propose a specific clinical protocol for both mature and immature adult teeth with necrotic pulps. Research was performed from January to April of 2021. From the 539 studies identified through the initial search, 23 studies were qualified for the final analysis (3 randomized controlled trials and 20 case reports). The results in mature adult teeth indicate a success rate of 96.35 and 100% in bone healing through the randomized controlled trials and case reports, respectively; 100% in absence of clinical symptoms, and 58 and 62.5% in positive response to sensibility tests. The success rate in the case reports in teeth with open apex reported a 61.5% of root development, 100% of bone healing, 96.15% of absence of clinical symptoms, and 43.7% of positive response to sensibility tests. The current evidence is scarce but emerging, so REPs may be a promising alternative for treating adult necrotic teeth. The clinical protocol proposed is based on the evidence available and age considerations, and should be updated in the future.
Dynamic Responses of a Pile with a Cap under the Freezing and Thawing Processes of a Saturated Porous Media Considering Slippage between Pile and Soil
Authors: Li Qiang , Li Xinyi , Wen Minjie , Hu Ling , Duan Weiwei , Li Jiaxing
Published: April 2022

The freezing/thawing stratification effect of seasonal factors or artificial disturbances in frozen soil regions has an important influence on the vertical vibration of the pile–soil–cap system. Taking into account the slippage between the pile and soil, a simplified layered analytical model of the vertical vibration of the pile–soil–cap system in a double-layered stratum under the freezing and thawing processes of a saturated porous medium was established, and the analytical solution of the dynamic response on the top of the pile cap was obtained. In this model, frozen saturated porous media and Biot’s porous media theory were used to simulate frozen soil and unfrozen soil, respectively. The validation of the slippage model was first verified by comparison with the results of the existing model tests. This was followed by a dynamic model test of the pile–soil–cap system in a self-made, ground-freezing system. In comparison with the analytical results and the experimental results of model tests under the freezing/thawing processes, the validation of the present model is further verified. A comprehensive parametric study reveals that the parameters of the frozen or thawed soil layer have significant effects on the amplitude–frequency curve of the vertical vibration of the pile foundation.
Influence of Aging Time on Vertical Static Stiffness of Air Spring
Authors: Lu Zhaijun , Si Penghao , Xiao Hao , Liu Jiefu
Published: April 2022

To study the aging mechanism of air springs, the effect of aging time on the vertical static stiffness of an air spring was systematically analyzed by means of an accelerated aging test and finite element simulation. Accelerated aging tests were carried out on the entire air spring, rubber material, and cord material, and the vertical static stiffness and elastic moduli of the rubber and cord materials of the entire air spring were obtained with aging time. The finite element simulation model of the air spring was established. Based on the experimental data, the influences of the elastic moduli of the rubber and cord materials, aged for different times, and the cord angle on the vertical static stiffness of an air spring were simulated and analyzed, and the law of the influence of aging on the vertical static stiffness characteristics of air springs was revealed.
Forecasting the June Ridge Line of the Western Pacific Subtropical High with a Machine Learning Method
Authors: Sun Cunyong , Shi Xiangjun , Yan Huiping , Jiang Qixiao , Zeng Yuxi
Published: April 2022

The ridge line of the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSHRL) plays an important role in determining the shift in the summer rain belt in eastern China. In this study, we developed a forecast system for the June WPSHRL index based on the latest autumn and winter sea surface temperature (SST). Considering the adverse condition created by the small observed sample size, a very simple neural network (NN) model was selected to extract the non-linear relationship between input predictors (SST) and target predictands (WPSHRL) in the forecast system. In addition, some techniques were used to deal with the small sample size, enhance the stabilization of the forecast skills, and analyze the interpretability of the forecast system. The forecast experiments showed that the linear correlation coefficient between the predictions from the forecast system and their corresponding observations was around 0.6, and about three-fifths of the observed abnormal years (the years with an obviously high or low WPSHRL index) were successfully predicted. Furthermore, sensitivity experiments showed that the forecast system is relatively stable in terms of forecast skill. The above results suggest that the forecast system would be valuable in real-life applications.
Comparison and Improvement of Bioinspired Mobile Algorithms to Trace the Emission Source Based on the Simulation Scenarios
Authors: Ma Denglong , Xie Guofang , Mao Weigao , Gao Jianmin , Yi Hang , Li Dangchao
Published: April 2022

Hazardous gas emissions may have serious consequences for surrounding residents and the environment. Bioinspired mobile robots equipped with gas sensors have the potential to become a solution for precisely tracking and locating emission sources. In this study, the performance, efficiency, and accuracy of various bionic algorithms with bioinspired mobile sensors, i.e., silkworm, E. coli, ZigZag, and step-up algorithms, were compared using field simulations to track emission sources in the atmosphere. In the tracing process, the determination criteria of maximum concentration, minimum concentration (i.e., 0), and concentration gradient were discussed quantitatively. The simulation results showed that the silkworm algorithm has the best performance in locating the emission source, while the E. coli algorithm has the highest tracking efficiency. Therefore, a single source-determination criterion may be insufficient, since tracking accuracy and efficiency can vary with different simulation algorithms. To address these concerns, a new tracking strategy driven by the inverse motion and interface gradient (RMIG) was proposed, based on the behaviors of female mosquitoes seeking hosts by tracking CO2 plumes, to improve tracking efficiency. It was found that the locating efficiency driven by RMIG is greatly improved and higher than that of the E. coli algorithm in the tested cases, with 40% to 100% explicitly enhanced. Finally, the optimal correlated matching of concentration distribution (OCMCD) method was used to locate the source with a mobile sensor. Compared with traditional and common source-determination criteria, the RMIG-OCMCD method can significantly improve location accuracy. The proposed RMIG-OCMCD method could be a practical choice for tracking emission sources in the atmosphere if an appropriate search strategy is designed.
Concept of Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for 3D Investigation of Air Quality in the Atmosphere—Example of Measurements Near a Roadside
Authors: Samad Abdul , Alvarez Florez Diego , Chourdakis Ioannis , Vogt Ulrich
Published: April 2022

A substantial amount of air pollution is emitted from urban sources. Hence, investigating air pollutant dispersion from urban sources is of great importance. The mechanisms influencing air pollutant dispersion also need to be studied thoroughly. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based systems offer great potential for mobile exploration of air pollutants in the lower atmosphere due to the high maneuverability of multi-rotor UAVs. The aim of this study was to develop an effective UAV system that can perform high-resolution three-dimensional profiling of pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), ultrafine particles (UFP), black carbon (BC), as well as meteorological parameters, including air temperature, relative humidity, pressure, wind speed, and wind direction. Different experiments were performed to finalize the positioning of the instruments on the UAV platform so as not to destabilize the drone during flight, even when the wind speed is high and during turbulent flight conditions. Another very crucial question is where to place the air inlet of the measurement devices. In addition, field tests were conducted to evaluate the stability of the UAV platform and the in-flight performance of the sensors. This UAV platform was deployed to perform vertical profiles at the University campus in Stuttgart-Vaihingen and in an area near the campus, close to the federal highway B14. The measurement campaign was performed on three days in February 2021, with a maximum flight height of 120 m above ground. The vertical profiles showed that concentrations were higher on the ground due to the proximity to the source and that high wind speeds assisted pollutant dispersion. The horizontal profiles showed that the pollutant concentrations were higher at the roadside and decreased with increasing distance from the road. In conclusion, this UAV platform represented a low-cost, practical, and reliable method for studying the three-dimensional distribution of pollutants near the source.
On Discrete Poisson–Mirra Distribution: Regression, INAR(1) Process and Applications
Authors: Maya Radhakumari , Irshad Muhammed Rasheed , Chesneau Christophe , Nitin Soman Latha , Shibu Damodaran Santhamani
Published: April 2022

Several pieces of research have spotlighted the importance of count data modelling and its applications in real-world phenomena. In light of this, a novel two-parameter compound-Poisson distribution is developed in this paper. Its mathematical functionalities are investigated. The two unknown parameters are estimated using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches. We also offer a parametric regression model for the count datasets based on the proposed distribution. Furthermore, the first-order integer-valued autoregressive process, or INAR(1) process, is also used to demonstrate the utility of the suggested distribution in time series analysis. The unknown parameters of the proposed INAR(1) model are estimated using the conditional maximum likelihood, conditional least squares, and Yule–Walker techniques. Simulation studies for the suggested distribution and the INAR(1) model based on this innovative distribution are also undertaken as an assessment of the long-term performance of the estimators. Finally, we utilized three real datasets to depict the new model’s real-world applicability.
Phylogeny and Historical Biogeography of Veronica Subgenus Pentasepalae (Plantaginaceae): Evidence for Its Origin and Subsequent Dispersal
Authors: Doostmohammadi Moslem , Bordbar Firouzeh , Albach Dirk C. , Mirtadzadini Mansour
Published: April 2022

Veronica subgenus Pentasepalae is the largest subgenus of Veronica in the Northern Hemisphere with approximately 80 species mainly from Southwest Asia. In order to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships among the members of V. subgenus Pentasepalae and to test the “out of the Iranian plateau” hypothesis, we applied thorough taxonomic sampling, employing nuclear DNA (ITS) sequence data complimented with morphological studies and chromosome number counts. Several high or moderately supported clades are reconstructed, but the backbone of the phylogenetic tree is generally unresolved, and many Southwest Asian species are scattered along a large polytomy. It is proposed that rapid diversification of the Irano-Turanian species in allopatric glacial refugia and a relatively high rate of extinction during interglacial periods resulted in such phylogenetic topology. The highly variable Asian V. orientalis–V. multifida complex formed a highly polyphyletic assemblage, emphasizing the idea of cryptic speciation within this group. The phylogenetic results allow the re-assignment of two species into this subgenus. In addition, V. bombycina subsp. bolkardaghensis, V. macrostachya subsp. schizostegia and V. fuhsii var. linearis are raised to species rank and the new name V. parsana is proposed for the latter. Molecular dating and ancestral area reconstructions indicate a divergence age of about 9 million years ago and a place of origin on the Iranian Plateau. Migration to the Western Mediterranean region has likely taken place through a North African route during early quaternary glacial times. This study supports the assumption of the Irano-Turanian region as a source of taxa for neighboring regions, particularly in the alpine flora.
The Floral Signals of the Inconspicuous Orchid Malaxis monophyllos: How to Lure Small Pollinators in an Abundant Environment
Authors: Jermakowicz Edyta , Leśniewska Joanna , Stocki Marcin , Naczk Aleksandra M. , Kostro-Ambroziak Agata , Pliszko Artur
Published: April 2022

Many orchid species have evolved complex floral signals to ensure pollination efficiency. Here, the authors combined analyses of anatomical flower structure with analyses of the volatile composition and flower-visiting insects’ behaviour, as well as characterised features that can attract pollinators of the inconspicuous orchid Malaxis monophyllos. During field observations, the authors found that only small Diptera (e.g., mosquitos, drosophilids, fungus gnats) visit and are interested in the flowers of M. monophyllos, which was reflected in the characterised flower features that combine well with the pollination system, which engages dipterans. Analyses of the M. monophyllos floral scent revealed substantial concentrations of aliphatic compounds, e.g., 1-octen-3-ol and 1-octanol, which condition the mushroom-like scent and a substantial fraction of alkanes, some of which have been previously described as sex mimicry and aggregation pheromones in orchids’ deceptive systems. The labellum anatomical structure exhibits a highly diverse cell cuticle surface and pronounced metabolic and secretory activity of the epidermal and subepidermal cells from all parts of the labellum. Moreover, our study provides evidence for the subsequent decoys of M. monophyllos flowers, including visual signals, such as raphides located on the labellum margin and the rewarding ones connected with lipid secretion limited to the area behind the column. Taking an integrative approach to studying M. monophyllos pollination biology, the authors provide new insight into its previously vague pollination strategies and provide evidence for complex floral signal operation in luring potential pollinators. The synergistic effect of M. monophyllos flowers’ volatile and visual signals, together with additional rewarding for nectar/fungus/microbe-feeding pollinators, requires further detailed investigation that will be invaluable in explaining the evolution of Diptera-specific pollination systems in orchids.
Essential Oils of Duguetia Species A. St. Hill (Annonaceae): Chemical Diversity and Pharmacological Potential
Authors: Santos Albert C. dos , Nogueira Mateus L. , Oliveira Felipe P. de , Costa Emmanoel V. , Bezerra Daniel P.
Published: April 2022

Duguetia A. St. Hill (Annonaceae) is recognized as one of the major genera with approximately 100 species, 67 of which are found in Brazil (29 of those are endemic). They are arboreal species with edible fruits known as “pindaíba”, “pindaíva” “pinha”, and “envira” in Brazil. Many Duguetia species, in particular, have been used in traditional medicine to treat renal colic, stomachache, rheumatism, cough, toothache, muscle pain, fever, gastrointestinal pain, and breathing difficulties. In this study, we reviewed the chemical constituents and pharmacological properties of essential oils (EOs) from Duguetia species. A total of 12 species were found, along with their EO chemical constituents and bioactivities. Bicyclogermacrene, humulene epoxide II, spathulenol, germacrene D, caryophyllene oxide, viridiflorene, α-pinene, β-caryophyllene, and β-pinene were the main chemical constituents reported. The pharmacological effects of Duguetia species EOs included anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-trypanosoma, cytotoxic and antitumor properties. This information adds to our understanding of the potential of the EOs of Duguetia species.
How Similar Are Proteins and Origami?
Authors: Azulay Hay , Lutaty Aviv , Qvit Nir
Published: April 2022

Protein folding and structural biology are highly active disciplines that combine basic research in various fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science, with practical applications in biomedicine and nanotechnology. However, there are still gaps in the understanding of the detailed mechanisms of protein folding, and protein structure-function relations. In an effort to bridge these gaps, this paper studies the equivalence of proteins and origami. Research on proteins and origami provides strong evidence to support the use of origami folding principles and mechanical models to explain aspects of proteins formation and function. Although not identical, the equivalence of origami and proteins emerges in: (i) the folding processes, (ii) the shape and structure of proteins and origami models, and (iii) the intrinsic mechanical properties of the folded structures/models, which allows them to synchronically fold/unfold and effectively distribute forces to the whole structure. As a result, origami can contribute to the understanding of various key protein-related mechanisms and support the design of de novo proteins and nanomaterials.
7T MRI for Intracranial Vessel Wall Lesions and Its Associated Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Chen , Shi Jiong
Published: April 2022

Intracranial vessel wall lesions are involved in a variety of neurological diseases. The advanced technique 7T MRI provides greater efficacy in the diagnosis of the pathology changes in the vessel wall and helps to identify potential subtle lesions. The purpose of this literature review was to systematically describe and evaluate the existing literature focusing on the use of 7T MRI in the detection and characterization of intracranial vessel wall lesions and their associated neurological disorders, to highlight the current knowledge gaps, and to formulate a framework to guide future applications and investigations. We systematically reviewed the existing articles up to July 2021, seeking the studies that assessed intracranial vessel wall lesions and their associated neurological disorders using 7T MRI. The literature search provided 12 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The most common intracranial vessel wall lesions were changes related to intracranial atherosclerosis (n = 8) and aneurysms (n = 4), such as intracranial atherosclerosis burden and aneurysm wall enhancement. The associated neurological disorders included aneurysms, ischemic stroke or TIA, small vessel disease, cognitive decline, and extracranial atherosclerosis. No paper studied the use of 7T MRI for investigating vessel wall conditions such as moyamoya disease, small vessel disease, or neurological disorders related to central nervous vasculitis. In conclusion, the novel 7T MRI enables the identification of a wider spectrum of subtle changes and associations. Future research on cerebral vascular diseases other than intracranial atherosclerosis and aneurysms may also benefit from 7T MRI.
Financial Decision-Making in Neurological Patients
Authors: Danesin Laura , Giustiniani Andreina , Arcara Giorgio , Burgio Francesca
Published: April 2022

Financial abilities (FA) are a multi-dimensional domain comprising a wide range of conceptual, pragmatical, and judgmental skills ranging from basic abilities, such as bill payment, to high level abilities, such as financial decision-making (FDM). Preserved FDM abilities include the capacity to recognize fraud attempts, and they are fundamental for a person’s independence. Previous studies have reported decreased FDM in older adults and in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), who consequently become more susceptible to fraud attempts. However, FDM has scarcely been investigated in other neurological populations, and it is unclear whether FDM may be predicted by more basic FA. The aim of the present study was to investigate FDM across patients with MCI, Parkinson’s disease (PD), or stroke, as well as healthy controls (HC), and to explore to what extent FDM could be inferred by other FA. We collected FDM and FA performances using the NADL-F short battery. Performances in the NADL-F short subtests were compared among groups. Additionally, the relationship between the scores at the FDM subtest and the performance obtained in other financial subtests of the NADL-F short were investigated for each group of participants. MCI patients performed worse than HC in FDM and in several FA domains. Conversely, FDM was relatively preserved in our sample of PD and stroke patients. In HC, FDM was associated with numeracy and financial knowledge applied to everyday situations, whereas this was true with some basic FA in both MCI and PD patients. No significant association was observed in stroke patients. Our results suggest that FDM is a complex ability, only partially inferable from other FA.
Co-Occurrence of Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in an FUS-Mutated Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Fiondella Luigi , Cavallieri Francesco , Canali Elena , Cabboi Maria Paola , Marti Alessandro , Sireci Francesca , Fiocchi Alena , Montanari Gloria , Montepietra Sara , Valzania Franco
Published: April 2022

A concomitant presentation of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is quite rare. However, a review of the literature showed an increased co-occurrence of both diseases, including in genetically determined cases. We report the case of a 49-year-old woman with a history of RRMS who developed a progressive subacute loss of strength in her left arm. The patient’s father died from ALS, and her paternal uncle had Parkinson’s disease. Brain and cervical MRIs were performed, and new demyelinating lesions were excluded. Electromyography (EMG) of the upper limbs showed fibrillations and fasciculations in distal muscles of both arms. In the following months, the patient presented a progressive loss of strength in the proximal and distal muscles of the right arm and hyperreflexia in the lower limbs. EMG and central motor conduction were consistent with ALS. A genetic test was carried out, revealing a mutation in the FUS gene (exon 15; c. 1562 G>A). To our knowledge, the co-occurrence of MS and ALS in patients with FUS mutation is extremely rare. We hypothesize a common pathway for both diseases based on the possibility of a shared oligodendroglial dysfunction due to FUS mutation.
Numerical Modeling of Concrete Deep Beams Made with Recycled Aggregates and Steel Fibers
Authors: Kachouh Nancy , El-Maaddawy Tamer , El-Hassan Hilal , El-Ariss Bilal
Published: April 2022

A bilinear tensile softening law that can describe the post-cracking behavior of concrete made with recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) and steel fibers was developed based on an inverse analysis of characterization test data. Numerical simulation models were developed for large-scale concrete deep beams. The tensile softening laws along with characterization test results were used as input data in the analysis. The numerical deep beam models were validated through a comparative analysis with published experimental results. A parametric study was conducted to investigate the effect of varying the shear span-to-depth (a/h) ratio, steel fiber volume fraction (vf), and the presence of a web opening on the shear response. Results of the parametric study indicated that the shear strength gain caused by the addition of steel fibers at vf of 1 and 2% was higher in the deep beam models with a lower a/h of 0.8, relative to that of their counterparts with a/h of 1.6. The effect of a/h on the shear strength gain of the solid deep beam models diminished at the higher vf of 3%. The solid deep beam models with a/h of 0.8 exhibited a shear strength gain of 78 to 108% due to the addition of steel fibers, whereas their counterparts with the web opening experienced a reduced shear strength gain of 45 to 70%.
Reducing Construction Dust Pollution by Planning Construction Site Layout
Authors: Tao Guowu , Feng Jingchun , Feng Haibo , Feng Hui , Zhang Ke
Published: April 2022

Many construction activities generate fine particles and severely threaten the physical health of construction workers. Although many dust control measures are implemented in the industry, the occupational health risks still exist. In order to improve the occupational health level, this study proposes a new method of reducing the construction dust pollution through a reasonable site layout plan. This method is based on the field measurement and dust diffusion law. The dust diffusion law can be fitted based on the field monitoring data. With diffusion law, the average dust concentration exposed to workers of different site layouts can be simulated. In addition, the cost of the dust control method is a concern for site managers. Therefore, the total transportation cost reduction is another optimization objective. Finally, the multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm is used to search for an optimized site layout that can reduce dust pollution and transportation cost simultaneously. The result shows that average dust concentration exposed to workers and total transportation cost are significantly reduced by 60.62% and 44.3%, respectively. This paper quantifies the construction dust pollution and provides site managers with a practical solution to reduce the construction dust pollution at low cost.
Overexpression of GATA5 Inhibits Prostate Cancer Progression by Regulating PLAGL2 via the FAK/PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Wang Qinghua , Liu Zelin , Zhai Guanzhong , Yu Xi , Ke Shuai , Shao Haoren , Guo Jia
Published: April 2022

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a malignancy with high incidence and the principal cause of cancer deaths in men. GATA binding protein 5 (GATA5) belongs to the GATA gene family. GATA5 has a close association with carcinogenesis, but the role of GATA5 in PCa remains poorly understood. The aim of our present study was to probe into the effect of GATA5 on PCa progression and to elucidate the involved mechanism. Methods: The expression of GATA5 was detected in both PCa samples and PCa cell lines. GATA5 overexpression, PLAGL2 knockdown, and overexpression cell models were generated, then Western blotting experiments were utilized to validate the efficiency of transfection. The effects of GATA5 on PCa cell proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and EMT were detected in vitro or in vivo. Furthermore, the mechanism by which GATA5 inhibits prostate cancer progression through regulating PLAGL2 via the FAK/PI3K/AKT pathway was also explored. Results: GATA5 expression was downregulated in PCa samples and cell lines. GATA5 overexpression inhibited PCa cell proliferation and metastasis but increased the rate of apoptosis. In addition, we confirmed that GATA5 inhibited prostate cancer progression, including EMT, by regulating PLAGL2 via the FAK/PI3K/AKT pathway. Conclusion: We demonstrated that GATA5, as a tumor suppressor in PCa, inhibits PCa progression by regulating PLAGL2. These results showed that the GATA5/PLAGL2/FAK/PI3K/AKT pathway may become a new therapeutic direction for the treatment of PCa.
Bone Progenitors Pull the Strings on the Early Metabolic Rewiring Occurring in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Sanchis Pablo , Anselmino Nicolas , Lage-Vickers Sofia , Sabater Agustina , Lavignolle Rosario , Labanca Estefania , Shepherd Peter D. A. , Bizzotto Juan , Toro Ayelen , Mitrofanova Antonina , Valacco Maria Pia , Navone Nora , Vazquez Elba , Cotignola Javier , Gueron Geraldine
Published: April 2022

Metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) cells soiling in the bone require a metabolic adaptation. Here, we identified the metabolic genes fueling the seeding of PCa in the bone niche. Using a transwell co-culture system of PCa (PC3) and bone progenitor cells (MC3T3 or Raw264.7), we assessed the transcriptome of PC3 cells modulated by soluble factors released from bone precursors. In a Principal Component Analysis using transcriptomic data from human PCa samples (GSE74685), the altered metabolic genes found in vitro were able to stratify PCa patients in two defined groups: primary PCa and bone metastasis, confirmed by an unsupervised clustering analysis. Thus, the early transcriptional metabolic profile triggered in the in vitro model has a clinical correlate in human bone metastatic samples. Further, the expression levels of five metabolic genes (VDR, PPARA, SLC16A1, GPX1 and PAPSS2) were independent risk-predictors of death in the SU2C-PCF dataset and a risk score model built using this lipid-associated signature was able to discriminate a subgroup of bone metastatic PCa patients with a 23-fold higher risk of death. This signature was validated in a PDX pre-clinical model when comparing MDA-PCa-183 growing intrafemorally vs. subcutaneously, and appears to be under the regulatory control of the Protein Kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway. Secretome analyses of conditioned media showcased fibronectin and type-1 collagen as critical bone-secreted factors that could regulate tumoral PKA. Overall, we identified a novel lipid gene signature, driving PCa aggressive metastatic disease pointing to PKA as a potential hub to halt progression.
Recent Trends and In-Hospital Mortality of Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) in Germany: A Systematic Analysis of Hospital Discharge Data between 2010 and 2019
Authors: Krieg Sarah , Essing Tobias , Krieg Andreas , Roderburg Christoph , Luedde Tom , Loosen Sven H.
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a minimally invasive procedure, characterized by the selective occlusion of tumor-feeding hepatic arteries, via injection of an embolizing agent and an anticancer drug. It represents a standard of care for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and it is also increasingly performed in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), as well as in liver metastases. Apart from the original method, based on intra-arterial infusion of a liquid drug followed by embolization, newer particle-based TACE procedures have been introduced recently. As yet, comprehensive data on current trends of TACE, as well as its in-hospital mortality in Germany, which could help to further improve outcome following TACE, are missing. (2) Methods: Based on standardized hospital discharge data, provided by the German Federal Statistical Office from 2010 to 2019, we aimed at systematically evaluating current clinical developments and in-hospital mortality related to TACE in Germany. (3) Results: A total of 49,595 individual cases undergoing TACE were identified within the observation period. The overall in-hospital mortality was 1.00% and significantly higher in females compared to males (1.12 vs. 0.93%; p < 0.001). We identified several post-interventional complications, such as liver failure (51.49%), sepsis (33.87%), renal failure (23.9%), and liver abscess (15.87%), which were associated with a significantly increased in-hospital mortality. Moreover, in-hospital mortality significantly differed between the underlying indications for TACE (HCC: 0.83%, liver metastases: 1.22%, and CCA: 1.40%), as well as between different embolization agents (liquid embolization: 0.80%, loaded microspheres: 0.92%, spherical particles: 1.54%, and non-spherical particles: 2.84%), for which we observed large geographic differences in their frequency of use. Finally, in-hospital mortality was significantly increased in centers with a low annual TACE case volume (<15 TACE/year: 2.08% vs. >275 TACE/year: 0.45%). (4) Conclusion: Our data provide a systematic overview of indications and embolization methods for TACE in Germany. We identified a variety of factors, such as post-interventional complications, the embolization method used, and the hospitals’ annual case volume, which are associated with an increased in-hospital mortality following TACE. These data might help to further reduce the mortality of this routinely performed local-ablative procedure in the future.
Mechanochemical Synthesis Method for Drugs Used in the Treatment of CNS Diseases under PTC Conditions
Authors: Jaśkowska Jolanta , Drabczyk Anna Karolina , Michorczyk Piotr , Kułaga Damian , Zaręba Przemysław , Jodłowski Przemysław , Majka Zbigniew , Jakubski Jarosław , Pindelska Edyta
Published: April 2022

Phase transfer catalysis (PTC) is an excellent possibility in the synthesis of organic compounds as it allows the reactions to be carried out under the conditions of green chemistry, while maintaining high yields and selectivity. The great advantage of these reactions is also the possibility of carrying out the reactions not only under conventional conditions, but also mechanochemically in solvent-free processes. Bearing this in mind, we decided to develop a new method for the synthesis of known biologically active compounds from the group of long-chain arylpiperazines (LCAPs). The first mortar trials were very promising and prompted us to carry out a series of ball mill reactions. One of the technological problems that we encountered while conducting reactions in the ball mill was the difficulty in extracting the post-reaction mixture. We tested the effects of additives improving the insulation of the product, such as, e.g., starch, zeolites, and silica. Research has proven that with appropriate process conditions using TBAB as a catalyst and in the presence of potassium carbonate and a small amount of Zeolite ZSM5 or silica, aripiprazole can be obtained with a yield of 90% in just five minutes. The obtained results are very promising and it is worth considering them as an alternative to the synthesis of other compounds from the LCAPS group.
Targeting Epigenetic Modifiers of Tumor Plasticity and Cancer Stem Cell Behavior
Authors: Kumar Vigneshwari Easwar , Nambiar Roshni , De Souza Cristabelle , Nguyen Audrey , Chien Jeremy , Lam Kit S.
Published: April 2022

Tumor heterogeneity poses one of the greatest challenges to a successful treatment of cancer. Tumor cell populations consist of different subpopulations that have distinct phenotypic and genotypic profiles. Such variability poses a challenge in successfully targeting all tumor subpopulations at the same time. Relapse after treatment has been previously explained using the cancer stem cell model and the clonal evolution model. Cancer stem cells are an important subpopulation of tumor cells that regulate tumor plasticity and determine therapeutic resistance. Tumor plasticity is controlled by genetic and epigenetic changes of crucial genes involved in cancer cell survival, growth and metastasis. Targeting epigenetic modulators associated with cancer stem cell survival can unlock a promising therapeutic approach in completely eradicating cancer. Here, we review various factors governing epigenetic dysregulation of cancer stem cells ranging from the role of epigenetic mediators such as histone and DNA methyltransferases, histone deacetylases, histone methyltransferases to various signaling pathways associated with cancer stem cell regulation. We also discuss current treatment regimens targeting these factors and other promising inhibitors in clinical trials.
Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury on the Gut Microbiota Composition and Serum Amino Acid Profile in Rats
Authors: Taraskina Anastasiia , Ignatyeva Olga , Lisovaya Darya , Ivanov Mikhail , Ivanova Lyudmila , Golovicheva Viktoriya , Baydakova Galina , Silachev Denis , Popkov Vasiliy , Ivanets Tatyana , Kashtanova Daria , Yudin Vladimir , Makarov Valentin , Abramov Ivan , Lukashina Mariya , Rakova Vera , Zagainova Anzhelika , Zorov Dmitry , Plotnikov Egor , Sukhikh Gennadiy , Yudin Sergey
Published: April 2022

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) heavily impacts the body: it damages the brain tissue and the peripheral nervous system and shifts homeostasis in many types of tissue. An acute brain injury compromises the “brain–gut-microbiome axis”, a well-balanced network formed by the brain, gastrointestinal tract, and gut microbiome, which has a complex effect: damage to the brain alters the composition of the microbiome; the altered microbiome affects TBI severity, neuroplasticity, and metabolic pathways through various bacterial metabolites. We modeled TBI in rats. Using a bioinformatics approach, we sought to identify correlations between the gut microbiome composition, TBI severity, the rate of neurological function recovery, and blood metabolome. We found that the TBI caused changes in the abundance of 26 bacterial genera. The most dramatic change was observed in the abundance of Agathobacter species. The TBI also altered concentrations of several metabolites, specifically citrulline and tryptophan. We found no significant correlations between TBI severity and the pre-existing gut microbiota composition or blood metabolites. However, we discovered some differences between the two groups of subjects that showed high and low rates of neurological function recovery, respectively. The present study highlights the role of the brain–gut-microbiome axis in TBI.
Primary Fallopian Tube Carcinoma: An Extremely Rare Gynecological Cancer Misdiagnosed Intraoperatively as Benign Ovarian Neoplasm: A Case Report
Authors: Thanasa Efthymia , Stamouli Dimitra , Gerokostas Ektoras-Evangelos , Balafa Konstantina , Koutalia Nikoleta , Thanasas Ioannis
Published: April 2022

Primary fallopian tube carcinoma is very rare. Diagnosis is challenging. The description of our case concerns an asymptomatic 71-year-old patient who came for a routine gynecological examination. Imaging of the pelvis revealed the presence of a two-chambered cystic formation in the anatomical position of the right ovary. It was decided to investigate the disease by laparotomy. Examination of the frozen section from the site of the cystic lesion was negative for malignancy. An abdominal total hysterectomy was performed with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Serous carcinoma of the fallopian tube was diagnosed postoperatively by histological examination of the surgical preparation. Immediately after surgery, the patient’s health was good.The patient was referred to an oncology center and was monitored. Chemotherapy based on platinum and taxane was recommended. Six months after the operation the patient is in good health. The possibility of a second surgery to treat fallopian tube cancer with pelvic lymph node dissectionis under discussion and is expected to be decided by oncologists and gynecologists-oncologists. In this article, after describing the case report, a brief review of this rare entity disease’s diagnostic and therapeutic approach is attempted.
Influence of Gradient Index and Pores on the Properties and Internal Stress of Continuous Transition Ceramic–Metal Coating
Authors: Zhu Yousheng , Zheng Biju , Hua Chen , Pei Hezhong , Song Peng
Published: April 2022

Thermal-sprayed ceramic coatings are widely used in industry due to their favorable mechanical properties. However, traditional ceramic coatings are prone to failure due to the differences in physical properties between the bonding coating and the ceramic coating. In order to solve this problem, a continuous transition zone was introduced between the ceramic coating and the bonding coating, then air plasma spraying was used to prepare traditional coatings and continuous transition coatings. The Vickers hardness analysis results show that the existence of the continuous transition zone made the change of hardness between the ceramic coating and the bonding coating more gradual. To understand the stress distribution inside the continuous transition coating, models were established to express the interface between ceramic and metal in the continuous transition zone. Simulation analysis found that the existence of the continuous transition zone can significantly reduce the stress gradient inside the coating, and the gradient index of the continuous transition zone also has a great influence on the stress distribution inside the coating model. SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) analysis found many pores inside the coating; modeling the pores and simulating the influence of pores on the internal stress of the coating showed that the existence of pores inside the coating can reduce the stress gradient at the interface.
Recent Advances in Metal, Ceramic, and Metal–Ceramic Composite Films/Coatings
Authors: Norek Małgorzata
Published: April 2022

Coating materials and technologies are becoming increasingly important in many research areas because they can provide an efficient and affordable way to engineer materials with desirable properties for a broad range of applications [...]
Digital Game-Based Support for Learning the Phlebotomy Procedure in the Biomedical Laboratory Scientist Education
Authors: Frøland Tord Hettervik , Heldal Ilona , Braseth Turid Aarhus , Nygård Irene , Sjøholt Gry , Ersvær Elisabeth
Published: April 2022

Practice-based training in education is important, expensive, and resource-demanding. Digital games can provide complementary training opportunities for practicing procedural skills and increase the value of the limited laboratory training time in biomedical laboratory science (BLS) education. This paper presents how a serious game can be integrated in a BLS course and supplement traditional learning and teaching with accessible learning material for phlebotomy. To gather information on challenges relevant to integrating Digital Game-Based Learning (DGBL), a case was carried out using mixed methods. Through a semester-long study, following a longitudinal, interventional cohort study, data and information were obtained from teachers and students about the learning impact of the current application. The game motivated students to train more, and teachers were positive towards using it in education. The results provide increased insights into how DGBL can be integrated into education and give rise to a discussion of the current challenges of DGBL for practice-based learning.
Gas Permeability Prediction of Mortar Samples Based on Different Methods
Authors: Cheng Zirui , Wang Yiren , Zhao Jihui , Huang Chunlong
Published: April 2022

Gas permeability is one of the durability indicators of cementitious materials; permeability predictions based on pore characteristics are useful approaches to obtain gas permeability when experimental conditions are limited. In this study, the gas permeabilities of mortar are predicted by using the Hagen–Poiseuille equation combined with a processed backscattered electron (BSE) image, the Katz–Thompson equation, and the Winland model with pore parameters obtained from MIP tests. The permeabilities calculated by the BSE method are different from the measured value because the observation range is limited and it is difficult to completely display the actual pore structure. The Katz–Thompson equation underestimates the contribution of coarse capillary pores on permeability, thus the results are two orders of magnitude lower than the measured value. The results obtained from the Winland model are close to the measured permeabilities, which indicate that the Winland model is the most suitable method for predicting gas permeability among the three methods described in this paper.
An Overview of Modern Applications of Negative Binomial Modelling in Ecology and Biodiversity
Authors: Stoklosa Jakub , Blakey Rachel V. , Hui Francis K. C.
Published: April 2022

Negative binomial modelling is one of the most commonly used statistical tools for analysing count data in ecology and biodiversity research. This is not surprising given the prevalence of overdispersion (i.e., evidence that the variance is greater than the mean) in many biological and ecological studies. Indeed, overdispersion is often indicative of some form of biological aggregation process (e.g., when species or communities cluster in groups). If overdispersion is ignored, the precision of model parameters can be severely overestimated and can result in misleading statistical inference. In this article, we offer some insight as to why the negative binomial distribution is becoming, and arguably should become, the default starting distribution (as opposed to assuming Poisson counts) for analysing count data in ecology and biodiversity research. We begin with an overview of traditional uses of negative binomial modelling, before examining several modern applications and opportunities in modern ecology/biodiversity where negative binomial modelling is playing a critical role, from generalisations based on exploiting its Poisson-gamma mixture formulation in species distribution models and occurrence data analysis, to estimating animal abundance in negative binomial N-mixture models, and biodiversity measures via rank abundance distributions. Comparisons to other common models for handling overdispersion on real data are provided. We also address the important issue of software, and conclude with a discussion of future directions for analysing ecological and biological data with negative binomial models. In summary, we hope this overview will stimulate the use of negative binomial modelling as a starting point for the analysis of count data in ecology and biodiversity studies.