bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Securing Critical User Information over the Internet of Medical Things Platforms Using a Hybrid Cryptography Scheme
Authors: Abikoye Oluwakemi Christiana , Oladipupo Esau Taiwo , Imoize Agbotiname Lucky , Awotunde Joseph Bamidele , Lee Cheng-Chi , Li Chun-Ta
Published: March 2023

The application of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) in medical systems has brought much ease in discharging healthcare services by medical practitioners. However, the security and privacy preservation of critical user data remain the reason the technology has not yet been fully maximized. Undoubtedly, a secure IoMT model that preserves individual users’ privacy will enhance the wide acceptability of IoMT technology. However, existing works that have attempted to solve these privacy and insecurity problems are not space-conservative, computationally intensive, and also vulnerable to security attacks. In this paper, an IoMT-based model that conserves the privacy of the data, is less computationally intensive, and is resistant to various cryptanalysis attacks is proposed. Specifically, an efficient privacy-preserving technique where an efficient searching algorithm through encrypted data was used and a hybrid cryptography algorithm that combines the modification of the Caesar cipher with the Elliptic Curve Diffie Hellman (ECDH) and Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA) were projected to achieve user data security and privacy preservation of the patient. Furthermore, the modified algorithm can secure messages during transmission, perform key exchanges between clients and healthcare centres, and guarantee user authentication by authorized healthcare centres. The proposed IoMT model, leveraging the hybrid cryptography algorithm, was analysed and compared against different security attacks. The analysis results revealed that the model is secure, preserves the privacy of critical user information, and shows robust resistance against different cryptanalysis attacks.
An Indoor Autonomous Inspection and Firefighting Robot Based on SLAM and Flame Image Recognition
Authors: Li Sen , Yun Junying , Feng Chunyong , Gao Yijin , Yang Jialuo , Sun Guangchao , Zhang Dan
Published: March 2023

Indoor fire accidents have become increasingly common in recent years. More and more firefighting robots have been designed to solve the problem of fires. However, the indoor environment is very complex, with high temperatures, thick smoke, more turns, and various burning substances. In this study, a firefighting robot with autonomous inspection and automatic fire-extinguishing functions intended for use in unknown indoor environments was designed. Considering water’s poor efficiency and its inability to extinguish some combustion materials, other fire extinguishers were applied to design the extinguishing system. The robot can install four different extinguishers as required and select the appropriate fire extinguisher to spray it automatically. Based on the Cartographer SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) theory, a robot map-building system was built using Lidar scanners, IMU (inertial measurement unit) sensors, encoders, and other sensors. The accurate identification and location of the fire source were achieved using an infrared thermal imager and the YOLOv4 deep learning algorithm. Finally, the performance of the firefighting robot was evaluated by creating a simulated-fire experimental environment. In an autonomous inspection process of the on-fire environment, the firefighting robot could identify the flame in real-time, trigger the fire-extinguishing system to carry out automatic fire extinguishing, and contain the fire in its embryonic stage.
Assessment of a Differential Subgrid Stress Model for Large-Eddy Simulations of Turbulent Unconfined Swirling Flames
Authors: Balabanov Roman , Usov Lev , Nozdrachev Anton , Troshin Alexei , Vlasenko Vladimir , Sabelnikov Vladimir
Published: March 2023

Swirling flames are widely used in engineering to intensify mixing and stabilize combustion in gas turbine power plants and industrial burners. Swirling induces new instability modes, leading to intensification of coherent structures, asymmetric geometry, vortex core precession, and flame oscillations. Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) has the capability to furnish more accurate and reliable results than the simulations based on Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations (RANS). Subgrid-scale models in LES need to describe the backscatter (local transfer of kinetic energy from small scales to larger scales) that is intensified in swirling flames. In this paper, the Differential Subgrid Stress Model (DSM), previously developed by the authors, is assessed using an experimental database from Sydney University on swirl-stabilized turbulent unconfined non-premixed methane-air flame. Regime without vortex precession is simulated numerically using the DSM and Smagorinsky subgrid-scale model. Experimental measurements of mean velocity, profiles of mass fractions, and temperature are used for comparison with the simulation data. The standard Smagorinsky model is considered the basic approach. Differences in the flow field statistics obtained in both subgrid-scale LES models are analyzed and discussed. The importance of taking the backscatter into account is highlighted.
Conjugate Heat Transfer in Thermal Inkjet Printheads
Authors: Mallinson S. G. , McBain G. D. , Brown B. R.
Published: March 2023

The mass of individual droplets ejected from a thermal inkjet printhead increases with increasing local temperature near the ejector nozzles. The amount of ink deposited on the page and so the printed image density depends on the droplet mass. Thus, printhead temperature nonuniformity results in printed image density variations that can be unacceptable to the end users of the printed output. Such temperature variations arise from a combination of the ink fluid flow and the heat transfer in both the ink and the solid components in the printhead. Conjugate heat transfer (CHT) in thermal inkjet printheads is investigated here using validated numerical simulations. A typical thermal inkjet printhead is considered here for the first time, with cold ink drawn through the solid structural components by the ejector nozzle refill. The effect of the width of the feedhole above the printhead chip on the temperature field within the chip is analyzed. Validation of the simulation model required the derivation of novel analytical solutions for the relatively simple problems of fully developed forced convection in a differentially heated planar channel and conduction against convection in plug flow. The results from numerical simulations of these two problems are found to compare well with the newly derived analytical solutions. CHT in flow over a backward-facing step with a heated downstream wall was also simulated as part of the validation process, and good agreement was observed with earlier numerical studies. For the main part of the study, it was found that increasing the width of the feedhole reduces the gradients in temperature on the surface of the printhead chip, thus reducing temperature-related printing defects.
Formation of Nε-Carboxymethyl-Lysine and Nε-Carboxyethyl-Lysine in Heated Fish Myofibrillar Proteins with Glucose: Relationship with Its Protein Structural Characterization
Authors: Zhang Siqi , Zhou Pengcheng , Han Peng , Zhang Hao , Dong Shiyuan , Zeng Mingyong
Published: March 2023

The formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), including Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) and Nε-carboxyethyl-lysine (CEL), in a fish myofibrillar protein and glucose (MPG) model system at 80 °C and 98 °C for up to 45 min of heating were investigated. The characterization of protein structures, including their particle size, ζ-potential, total sulfhydryl (T-SH), surface hydrophobicity (H0), sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), were also analyzed. It was found that the covalent binding of glucose and myofibrillar protein at 98 °C promoted protein aggregation when compared with the fish myofibrillar protein (MP) heated alone, and this aggregation was associated with the formation of disulfide bonds between myofibrillar proteins. Furthermore, the rapid increase of CEL level with the initial heating at 98 °C was related to the unfolding of fish myofibrillar protein caused by thermal treatment. Finally, correlation analysis indicated that the formation of CEL and CML had a significantly negative correlation with T-SH content (r = −0.68 and r = −0.86, p ≤ 0.011) and particle size (r = −0.87 and r = −0.67, p ≤ 0.012), but was weakly correlated with α-Helix, β-Sheet and H0 (r2 ≤ 0.28, p > 0.05) during thermal treatment. Overall, these findings provide new insights into the formation of AGEs in fish products based on changes of protein structure.
Effect of Shearing and Heat Milling Treatment Temperature on the Crystallinity, Thermal Properties, and Molecular Structure of Rice Starch
Authors: Suzuki Naoto , Abiko Marin , Yano Hiroko , Koda Tomonori , Nishioka Akihiro , Fujita Naoko
Published: March 2023

Rice flour is produced by various methods for use in the food industry, but little is known about how the structure of starch is affected during rice flour production. In this study, the crystallinity, thermal properties, and structure of starch in rice flour were investigated after treatment with a shearing and heat milling machine (SHMM) at different temperatures (10–150 °C). Both the crystallinity and gelatinization enthalpy of starch showed an inverse relationship with the treatment temperature; rice flour treated with the SHMM at higher temperatures showed lower crystallinity and gelatinization enthalpy than that treated at lower temperatures. Next, the structure of undegraded starch in the SHMM-treated rice flour was analyzed by gel permeation chromatography. A significant reduction in the molecular weight of amylopectin was observed at high treatment temperatures. Chain length distribution analysis showed that the proportion of long chains (degree of polymerization (DP) > 30) in rice flour decreased at temperatures ≥ 30 °C. By contrast, the molecular weight of amylose did not decrease. In summary, the SHMM treatment of rice flour at high temperatures resulted in starch gelatinization, and the amylopectin molecular weight decreased independently, due to the cleavage of amorphous regions connecting the amylopectin clusters.
Obeticholic Acid—A Pharmacological and Clinical Review
Authors: Keshvani Caezaan , Kopel Jonathan , Goyal Hemant
Published: March 2023

Obeticholic acid (OCA) or 6-alpha-ethyl-chenodeoxycholic acid is a semisynthetic modified bile acid derivative that acts on the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) as an agonist with a higher potency than bile acid. The FXR is a nuclear receptor highly expressed in the liver and small intestine and regulates bile acid, cholesterol, glucose metabolism, inflammation, and apoptosis. The FXR group of bile acid receptors is currently under investigation for their potential role in the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Recent clinical studies suggest OCA may work synergistically with lipid modifying medications to further improve long-term outcomes with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Specifically, OCA can improve clinical outcomes in NASH patients with their different histological, metabolic, and biochemical issues as well as improve morbidity and mortality in patients suffering from PBC, PSC, or liver disease. This improvement is noted in both improved histological examination and reduced need for transplantation. In this review, we examine the pharmacology of OCA towards the treatment of PBC refractory and steatohepatitis (NASH). In addition, we examine future directions and applications of OCA for PBC, PSC, NASH, and NAFLD.
The Pandemic Implications for Carsharing: An Italian Context
Authors: Shams Esfandabadi Zahra , Ranjbari Meisam , Scagnelli Simone Domenico
Published: March 2023

Carsharing, as an innovative mobility option, can potentially support the urban transition towards a more sustainable mobility system and achieving sustainable development goals. This short communication aims at providing the status of carsharing services in Italy, with a focus on Turin, before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, an overview of the role of carsharing in urban traffic is provided. Then, carsharing services in Italy before and after the pandemic are mapped. Accordingly, the implications of the pandemic outbreak for carsharing services are discussed. The provided insights confirm that although carsharing services have been affected by the pandemic, even after returning to normal life, the usage of carsharing is still far below its pre-pandemic level in Italy. Finally, to support sustainable mobility and incentivize using shared mobility services, a research agenda for further research is proposed, targeting the research gaps regarding (i) the factors leading to lower usage of carsharing after the pandemic, (ii) potential solutions and policies to support carsharing services return to their pre-pandemic level and exceeding it, and (iii) examining the impact of provided supports by governments during the pandemic, such as bonuses for purchasing bikes and scooters, on the adoption of carsharing services for the post-pandemic era.
Self-Organized Neural Network Method to Identify Crash Hotspots
Authors: Karimi Esmaiel , Haghighi Farshidreza , Sheykhfard Abbas , Azmoodeh Mohammad , Shaaban Khaled
Published: March 2023

Crash hotspot identification (HSID) is an essential component of traffic management authorities’ efforts to improve safety and allocate limited resources. This paper presents a method for identifying hotspots using self-organizing maps (SOM). The SOM method was used to identify high-risk areas based on five commonly used HSID methods: crash frequency, equivalent property damage only, crash rate, empirical Bayes, and the societal risk-based method. Crashes on a major road in Iran were examined using the proposed method. Based on these criteria, high-risk locations were grouped into six clusters, which provided appropriate criteria for each location depending on the importance of the cluster. The findings show that the identification of crash hotspots tends to focus on areas with more crashes and deaths, demonstrating that the research methodology was appropriate.
Selected Predictors of COVID-19 Mortality in the Hospitalised Patient Population in a Single-Centre Study in Poland
Authors: Jaskolowska Joanna , Balcerzyk-Barzdo Elzbieta , Jozwik Agnieszka , Gaszynski Tomasz , Ratajczyk Pawel
Published: March 2023

Background: The correct analysis of COVID-19 predictors could substantially improve the clinical decision-making process and enable emergency department patients at higher mortality risk to be identified. Methods: We retrospectively explored the relationship between some demographic and clinical factors, such as age and sex, as well as the levels of ten selected factors, namely, CRP, D-dimer, ferritin, LDH, RDW-CV, RDW-SD, procalcitonin, blood oxygen saturation, lymphocytes, and leukocytes, and COVID-19 mortality risk in 150 adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at Provincial Specialist Hospital in Zgierz, Poland (this hospital was transformed, in March 2020, into a hospital admitting COVID-19 cases only). All blood samples for testing were collected in the emergency room before admission. The length of stay in the intensive care unit and length of hospitalisation were also analysed. Results: The only factor that was not significantly related to mortality was the length of stay in the intensive care unit. The odds of dying were significantly lower in males, patients with a longer hospital stay, patients with higher lymphocyte levels, and patients with higher blood oxygen saturation, while the chances of dying were significantly higher in older patients; patients with higher RDW-CV and RDW-SD levels; and patients with higher levels of leukocytes, CRP, ferritin, procalcitonin, LDH, and D-dimers. Conclusions: Six potential predictors of mortality were included in the final model: age, RDW-CV, procalcitonin, and D-dimers level; blood oxygen saturation; and length of hospitalisation. The results obtained from this study suggest that a final predictive model with high accuracy in mortality prediction (over 90%) was successfully built. The suggested model could be used for therapy prioritization.
3D GPR Model in the Military District of San Giacomo Degli Spagnoli (Palermo)
Authors: Capizzi Patrizia , Martorana Raffaele , Canzoneri Alessandro , Carollo Alessandra , Majani Marco V.
Published: March 2023

The georadar method was used to try to find some anthropic structures in a large square inside the Carabinieri barracks in the former military complex of San Giacomo degli Spagnoli in Palermo (Italy). These investigations are part of a broader context of a study of the entire area. The purpose of the investigations is to try to understand if under the ground there are the remains of an ancient horse passage that connected the Royal Palace of Palermo with the sea gate of the city. Furthermore, in the Middle Ages, on the site of the present square, there were most likely two churches, which no longer exist, as evidenced by numerous historical testimonies. One of the two, San Giacomo la Mazara, is known to have was placed right in front of the church of San Paolo, the subject of previous investigations. The investigations carried out on the main square of the military district allowed us to reconstruct a 3D georadar model in which numerous anomalies are highlighted. Some superficial anomalies have been attributed to the presence of sub-services, the deeper ones could be caused by the remains of the medieval underground way or those of the no longer existing medieval churches, but identifying their true nature requires further investigations and archaeological tests.
Identification of Vitis vinifera L. Local Cultivars Recovered in Andalusia (Spain) by Using Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Jiménez-Cantizano Ana , Puig-Pujol Anna , Arroyo-García Rosa
Published: March 2023

In Andalusia (Spain), there are different wine regions that have a great recognized tradition. In these regions, the cultivation of the vine is ancient and there are still vineyards planted with local varieties of Vitis vinifera L. that have not yet been identified. The aim of this research study was to identify 49 accessions of grapevine collected in the districts of four provinces in Andalusia (Spain). All samples were genotyped with 20 microsatellite markers in order to ascertain the identity and analyze the genetic diversity of the collected material. In total, 30 different genotypes were obtained, 22 of them which were identified with named, known varieties by comparison to the Spanish or European microsatellite databases, and eight which are referred to as new genotypes. All loci were polymorphic, and a total of 159 alleles were detected, ranging from 4 to 12 alleles per locus, with an average allele number of 7.95. The overall observed heterozygosity was 0.763 and was slightly higher than expected (0.715), while the gene diversity per locus varied between 0.167 (VVIN73) and 0.967 (VVMD5). A dendrogram representing the genetic similarities among cultivars was depicted using the UPGMA method to investigate their relationships. The eight new genotypes identified in this research work could represent ancient local varieties in danger of extinction. These new cultivars may be used to determine original wines.
Evaluation of Corn Stalk as a Substrate to Cultivate King Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii)
Authors: Zhou Yuanyuan , Li Zihao , Xu Congtao , Pan Jinlong , Zhang Haijun , Hu Qingxiu , Zou Yajie
Published: March 2023

Corn is widely planted in China, but corn stalks have not been adequately utilized for a long time. Here, the potential of corn stalks to serve as an ingredient in the composition of substrates to cultivate king oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii) was studied. Corn stalks were added to the matrix at a ratio of 10.5%, 21%, or 42% to replace sawdust or sugarcane bagasse in the typical matrix. Analysis of the mycelia growth rate, production days, agronomic traits, and nutrient content confirmed the feasibility of using corn stalk instead of sawdust and bagasse for the cultivation of P. eryngii. The samples grown on Y5 (without sawdust and bagasse) has more crude fiber (8.3%) and polysaccharide (5.05%) content compared to those of the control substrate (7.1% and 4.16%, respectively), moreover, it also conteined more zinc and calcium than others. Therefore, these findings indicate that corn stalks could be used as an alternative to sawdust and sugarcane bagasse for P. eryngii production, which would not only reduce costs and improve food quality, but also improve waste utilisation.
Assessment of Posterior Dentoalveolar Expansion with Invisalign in Adult Patients
Authors: Santucci Vincent , Rossouw Paul , Michelogiannakis Dimitrios , El-Baily Tarek , Feng Changyong
Published: March 2023

Purpose: The primary aim was to evaluate dentoalveolar expansion with Invisalign clear aligners comparing linear measurements in ClinCheck vs. cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). This would enable an assessment of to what extent expansion gained from Invisalign clear aligners was due to buccal tipping and/or bodily translation of the posterior teeth. The study also evaluated the predictive value of Invisalign ClinCheck® (Align Technology, San Jose, CA, USA) to final outcomes. Methods: The orthodontic records of thirty-two (32) subjects comprised the sample to conduct this study. Linear values of the upper arch width were measured for premolars and molars at two different points (occlusal and gingival) utilized for ClinCheck® measurements and three different points for CBCT measurements before (T0 and after treatment (T1). Paired T-tests at a significance level of 0.05 were used for analyses. Results: Expansion was found to be possible with Invisalign clear aligners. However, more expansion was measured at the cusp tips compared to gingival margins (p < 0.0001), indicating more tipping was occurring than bodily translation. ClinCheck® also showed a significant overestimation of the amount of expansion capable, with nearly 70% expression in the first premolar area, and the expression decreased as one moved posteriorly with only 35% expressed at the first molar area (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Dentoalveolar expansion with Invisalign is achieved through buccal tipping of posterior teeth and bodily translation; and there is a significant overestimation of the amount of expansion achieved between ClinCheck® and clinical results.
Psycho-Emotional Factors Associated with Depressive Symptoms during Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Mexican Population
Authors: Martínez-Vélez Nora A. , Arroyo-Belmonte Miriam , Tiburcio Marcela , Natera-Rey Guillermina , Fernández-Torres Morise , Sánchez-Hernández Graciela Y.
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health, leading to the increase of depressive symptoms. Identifying these symptoms and the factors associated with them in women and men will allow us to understand possible mechanisms of action and develop more specific interventions. An online survey was conducted from 1 May to 30 June 2020 using snowball sampling; the final sample comprised 4122 adult inhabitants of Mexico; 35% of the total sample displayed moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms, with a greater proportion of depression being among female respondents. A logistic regression analysis revealed that individuals under 30 years of age, those with high levels of stress due to social distancing, those with negative emotions, and those who reported a significant impact of the pandemic on their lives have a higher risk of depression. Women with a history of mental health treatment and men with a history of chronic disease were also more likely to experience depressive symptoms. Social environment and sex are factors that intervene in the development of depressive symptoms, meaning that appropriate early identification and intervention models should be designed for the care of men and women in highly disruptive situations such as the recent pandemic.
Metadherin Regulates Inflammatory Breast Cancer Invasion and Metastasis
Authors: Ortiz-Soto Gabriela , Babilonia-Díaz Natalia S. , Lacourt-Ventura Mercedes Y. , Rivera-Rodríguez Delmarie M. , Quiñones-Rodríguez Jailenne I. , Colón-Vargas Mónica , Almodóvar-Rivera Israel , Ferrer-Torres Luis E. , Suárez-Arroyo Ivette J. , Martínez-Montemayor Michelle M.
Published: March 2023

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is one of the most lethal subtypes of breast cancer (BC), accounting for approximately 1–5% of all cases of BC. Challenges in IBC include accurate and early diagnosis and the development of effective targeted therapies. Our previous studies identified the overexpression of metadherin (MTDH) in the plasma membrane of IBC cells, further confirmed in patient tissues. MTDH has been found to play a role in signaling pathways related to cancer. However, its mechanism of action in the progression of IBC remains unknown. To evaluate the function of MTDH, SUM-149 and SUM-190 IBC cells were edited with CRISPR/Cas9 vectors for in vitro characterization studies and used in mouse IBC xenografts. Our results demonstrate that the absence of MTDH significantly reduces IBC cell migration, proliferation, tumor spheroid formation, and the expression of NF-κB and STAT3 signaling molecules, which are crucial oncogenic pathways in IBC. Furthermore, IBC xenografts showed significant differences in tumor growth patterns, and lung tissue revealed epithelial-like cells in 43% of wild-type (WT) compared to 29% of CRISPR xenografts. Our study emphasizes the role of MTDH as a potential therapeutic target for the progression of IBC.
Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveal the Molecular Mechanism of Barley Genotypes Underlying the Response to Low Nitrogen and Resupply
Authors: Wang Gang , Wang Juncheng , Yao Lirong , Li Baochun , Ma Xiaole , Si Erjing , Yang Ke , Li Chengdao , Shang Xunwu , Meng Yaxiong , Wang Huajun
Published: March 2023

Nitrogen is one of the most important mineral elements for plant growth and development. Excessive nitrogen application not only pollutes the environment, but also reduces the quality of crops. However, are few studies on the mechanism of barley tolerance to low nitrogen at both the transcriptome and metabolomics levels. In this study, the nitrogen-efficient genotype (W26) and the nitrogen-sensitive genotype (W20) of barley were treated with low nitrogen (LN) for 3 days and 18 days, then treated with resupplied nitrogen (RN) from 18 to 21 days. Later, the biomass and the nitrogen content were measured, and RNA-seq and metabolites were analyzed. The nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of W26 and W20 treated with LN for 21 days was estimated by nitrogen content and dry weight, and the values were 87.54% and 61.74%, respectively. It turned out to have a significant difference in the two genotypes under the LN condition. According to the transcriptome analysis, 7926 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 7537 DEGs were identified in the leaves of W26 and W20, respectively, and 6579 DEGs and 7128 DEGs were found in the roots of W26 and W20, respectively. After analysis of the metabolites, 458 differentially expressed metabolites (DAMs) and 425 DAMs were found in the leaves of W26 and W20, respectively, and 486 DAMs and 368 DAMs were found in the roots of W26 and W20, respectively. According to the KEGG joint analysis of DEGs and DAMs, it was discovered that glutathione (GSH) metabolism was the pathway of significant enrichment in the leaves of both W26 and W20. In this study, the metabolic pathways of nitrogen metabolism and GSH metabolism of barley under nitrogen were constructed based on the related DAMs and DEGs. In leaves, GSH, amino acids, and amides were the main identified DAMs, while in roots, GSH, amino acids, and phenylpropanes were mainly found DAMs. Finally, some nitrogen-efficient candidate genes and metabolites were selected based on the results of this study. The responses of W26 and W20 to low nitrogen stress were significantly different at the transcriptional and metabolic levels. The candidate genes that have been screened will be verified in future. These data not only provide new insights into how barley responds to LN, but also provide new directions for studying the molecular mechanisms of barley under abiotic stress.
Osteocyte-Derived CaMKK2 Regulates Osteoclasts and Bone Mass in a Sex-Dependent Manner through Secreted Calpastatin
Authors: Williams Justin N. , Irwin Mavis , Li Yong , Kambrath Anuradha Valiya , Mattingly Brett T. , Patel Sheel , Kittaka Mizuho , Collins Rebecca N. , Clough Nicholas A. , Doud Emma H. , Mosley Amber L. , Bellido Teresita , Bruzzaniti Angela , Plotkin Lilian I. , Trinidad Jonathan C. , Thompson William R. , Bonewald Lynda F. , Sankar Uma
Published: March 2023

Calcium/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase kinase 2 (CaMKK2) regulates bone remodeling through its effects on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. However, its role in osteocytes, the most abundant bone cell type and the master regulator of bone remodeling, remains unknown. Here we report that the conditional deletion of CaMKK2 from osteocytes using Dentine matrix protein 1 (Dmp1)-8kb-Cre mice led to enhanced bone mass only in female mice owing to a suppression of osteoclasts. Conditioned media isolated from female CaMKK2-deficient osteocytes inhibited osteoclast formation and function in in vitro assays, indicating a role for osteocyte-secreted factors. Proteomics analysis revealed significantly higher levels of extracellular calpastatin, a specific inhibitor of calcium-dependent cysteine proteases calpains, in female CaMKK2 null osteocyte conditioned media, compared to media from female control osteocytes. Further, exogenously added non-cell permeable recombinant calpastatin domain I elicited a marked, dose-dependent inhibition of female wild-type osteoclasts and depletion of calpastatin from female CaMKK2-deficient osteocyte conditioned media reversed the inhibition of matrix resorption by osteoclasts. Our findings reveal a novel role for extracellular calpastatin in regulating female osteoclast function and unravel a novel CaMKK2-mediated paracrine mechanism of osteoclast regulation by female osteocytes.
Inhibition of Macrophage-Specific CHIT1 as an Approach to Treat Airway Remodeling in Severe Asthma
Authors: Sklepkiewicz Piotr , Dymek Barbara , Mlacki Michal , Zagozdzon Agnieszka , Salamon Magdalena , Siwińska Anna Maria , Mazurkiewicz Marcin Piotr , de Souza Xavier Costa Natalia , Mazur Marzena , Mauad Thais , Gołębiowski Adam , Dzwonek Karolina , Gołąb Jakub , Zasłona Zbigniew
Published: March 2023

Chitotriosidase (CHIT1) is an enzyme produced by macrophages that regulates their differentiation and polarization. Lung macrophages have been implicated in asthma development; therefore, we asked whether pharmacological inhibition of macrophage-specific CHIT1 would have beneficial effects in asthma, as it has been shown previously in other lung disorders. CHIT1 expression was evaluated in the lung tissues of deceased individuals with severe, uncontrolled, steroid-naïve asthma. OATD-01, a chitinase inhibitor, was tested in a 7-week-long house dust mite (HDM) murine model of chronic asthma characterized by accumulation of CHIT1-expressing macrophages. CHIT1 is a dominant chitinase activated in fibrotic areas of the lungs of individuals with fatal asthma. OATD-01 given in a therapeutic treatment regimen inhibited both inflammatory and airway remodeling features of asthma in the HDM model. These changes were accompanied by a significant and dose-dependent decrease in chitinolytic activity in BAL fluid and plasma, confirming in vivo target engagement. Both IL-13 expression and TGFβ1 levels in BAL fluid were decreased and a significant reduction in subepithelial airway fibrosis and airway wall thickness was observed. These results suggest that pharmacological chitinase inhibition offers protection against the development of fibrotic airway remodeling in severe asthma.
Spatially Formed Tenacious Nickel-Supported Bimetallic Catalysts for CO2 Methanation under Conventional and Induction Heating
Authors: Lach Daniel , Tomiczek Błażej , Siudyga Tomasz , Kapkowski Maciej , Sitko Rafał , Klimontko Joanna , Golba Sylwia , Dercz Grzegorz , Matus Krzysztof , Borek Wojciech , Polanski Jaroslaw
Published: March 2023

The paper introduces spatially stable Ni-supported bimetallic catalysts for CO2 methanation. The catalysts are a combination of sintered nickel mesh or wool fibers and nanometal particles, such as Au, Pd, Re, or Ru. The preparation involves the nickel wool or mesh forming and sintering into a stable shape and then impregnating them with metal nanoparticles generated by a silica matrix digestion method. This procedure can be scaled up for commercial use. The catalyst candidates were analyzed using SEM, XRD, and EDXRF and tested in a fixed-bed flow reactor. The best results were obtained with the Ru/Ni-wool combination, which yields nearly 100% conversion at 248 °C, with the onset of reaction at 186 °C. When we tested this catalyst under inductive heating, the highest conversion was observed already at 194 °C.
Using Natural Language Processing to Analyze Political Party Manifestos from New Zealand
Authors: Orellana Salomon , Bisgin Halil
Published: March 2023

This study explores how natural language processing (NLP) can supplement content analyses of political documents, particularly the manifestos of political parties. NLP is particularly useful for tasks such as: estimating the similarity between documents, identifying the topics discussed in documents (topic modeling), and sentiment analysis. This study applies each of these techniques to the study of political party manifestos. Document similarity may be used to gain some insight into the way parties change over time and which political parties are successful at bringing attention to their policy agenda. Categorizing text into topics may help objectively categorize and visualize the ideas political parties are discussing. Finally, sentiment analysis has the potential to show each political party’s attitude towards a policy area/topic. This study specifically applies these techniques to the manifestos produced by the political parties of New Zealand, from 1987 to 2017 (a period of significant party system change in New Zealand). It finds that NLP techniques provide valuable insights, although there is a need for significant fine-tuning.
Operando CO Infrared Spectroscopy and On-Line Mass Spectrometry for Studying the Active Phase of IrO2 in the Catalytic CO Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Timmer Phillip , Weber Tim , Glatthaar Lorena , Over Herbert
Published: March 2023

We combine operando diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) with on-line mass spectrometry (MS) to study the correlation between the oxidation state of titania-supported IrO2 catalysts (IrO2@TiO2) and their catalytic activity in the prototypical CO oxidation reaction. Here, the stretching vibration of adsorbed COad serves as the probe. DRIFTS provides information on both surface and gas phase species. Partially reduced IrO2 is shown to be significantly more active than its fully oxidized counterpart, with onset and full conversion temperatures being about 50 °C lower for reduced IrO2. By operando DRIFTS, this increase in activity is traced to a partially reduced state of the catalysts, as evidenced by a broad IR band of adsorbed CO reaching from 2080 to 1800 cm−1.
Water-Tight IoT–Just Add Security
Authors: Bour Guillaume , Bosco Camillo , Ugarelli Rita , Jaatun Martin Gilje
Published: March 2023

The security of IoT-based digital solutions is a critical concern in the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. These solutions are increasingly being used to support the interoperability of critical infrastructure, such as in the water and energy sectors, and their security is essential to ensure the continued reliability and integrity of these systems. However, as our research demonstrates, many digital solutions still lack basic security mechanisms and are vulnerable to attacks that can compromise their functionality. In this paper, we examine the security risks associated with IoT-based digital solutions for critical infrastructure in the water sector, and refer to a set of good practices for ensuring their security. In particular, we analyze the risks associated with digital solutions not directly connected with the IT system of a water utility. We show that they can still be leveraged by attackers to trick operators into making wrong operational decisions.
Autologous Tooth Graft: Innovative Biomaterial for Bone Regeneration. Tooth Transformer® and the Role of Microbiota in Regenerative Dentistry. A Systematic Review
Authors: Inchingolo Angelo Michele , Patano Assunta , Di Pede Chiara , Inchingolo Alessio Danilo , Palmieri Giulia , de Ruvo Elisabetta , Campanelli Merigrazia , Buongiorno Silvio , Carpentiere Vincenzo , Piras Fabio , Settanni Vito , Viapiano Fabio , Hazballa Denisa , Rapone Biagio , Mancini Antonio , Di Venere Daniela , Inchingolo Francesco , Fatone Maria Celeste , Palermo Andrea , Minetti Elio , Lorusso Felice , Scarano Antonio , Sauro Salvatore , Tartaglia Gianluca Martino , Bordea Ioana Roxana , Dipalma Gianna , Malcangi Giuseppina
Published: March 2023

Different biomaterials, from synthetic products to autologous or heterologous grafts, have been suggested for the preservation and regeneration of bone. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of autologous tooth as a grafting material and examine the properties of this material and its interactions with bone metabolism. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched to find articles addressing our topic published from 1 January 2012 up to 22 November 2022, and a total of 1516 studies were identified. Eighteen papers in all were considered in this review for qualitative analysis. Demineralized dentin can be used as a graft material, since it shows high cell compatibility and promotes rapid bone regeneration by striking an ideal balance between bone resorption and production; it also has several benefits, such as quick recovery times, high-quality newly formed bone, low costs, no risk of disease transmission, the ability to be performed as an outpatient procedure, and no donor-related postoperative complications. Demineralization is a crucial step in the tooth treatment process, which includes cleaning, grinding, and demineralization. Since the presence of hydroxyapatite crystals prevents the release of growth factors, demineralization is essential for effective regenerative surgery. Even though the relationship between the bone system and dysbiosis has not yet been fully explored, this study highlights an association between bone and gut microbes. The creation of additional scientific studies to build upon and enhance the findings of this study should be a future objective of scientific research.
Response of Human Gingival Fibroblasts and Porphyromonas gingivalis to UVC-Activated Titanium Surfaces
Authors: Wen Yin , Dong Hao , Lin Jiating , Zhuang Xianxian , Xian Ruoting , Li Ping , Li Shaobing
Published: March 2023

Ultraviolet (UV) photofunctionalization has been demonstrated to synergistically improve the osteoblast response and reduce biofilm formation on titanium (Ti) surfaces. However, it remains obscure how photofunctionalization affects soft tissue integration and microbial adhesion on the transmucosal part of a dental implant. This study aimed to investigate the effect of UVC (100–280 nm) pretreatment on the response of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. g.) to Ti-based implant surfaces. The smooth and anodized nano-engineered Ti-based surfaces were triggered by UVC irradiation, respectively. The results showed that both smooth and nano-surfaces acquired super hydrophilicity without structural alteration after UVC photofunctionalization. UVC-activated smooth surfaces enhanced the adhesion and proliferation of HGFs compared to the untreated smooth ones. Regarding the anodized nano-engineered surfaces, UVC pretreatment weakened the fibroblast attachment but had no adverse effects on proliferation and the related gene expression. Additionally, both Ti-based surfaces could effectively inhibit P. g. adhesion after UVC irradiation. Therefore, the UVC photofunctionalization could be more potentially favorable to synergistically improve the fibroblast response and inhibit P. g. adhesion on the smooth Ti-based surfaces.
New Methodology of Human Health Express Diagnostics Based on Pulse Wave Measurements and Occlusion Test
Authors: Davydov Roman , Zaitceva Anna , Davydov Vadim , Isakova Daria , Mazing Maria
Published: March 2023

Nowadays, with the increase in the rhythm of life, the relevance of using express diagnostics methods for human health state estimation has significantly increased. We present a new express diagnostics method based on non-invasive measurements (the pulse wave shape, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation of blood vessels and tissues). A feature of these measurements is that they can be carried out both in the hospital and at home. The new compact and portable optical hardware–software complex has been developed to measure tissue oxygen saturation. This complex makes it possible to reduce the measurement time from 60 min to 7–8 min, which reduces the likelihood of artifacts in the measurement process and increases its reliability. A new technique has been developed to carry out these measurements. A new optical sensor based on a line of charge-coupled devices has been developed to register a pulse wave in the far peripheral zone. The developed new technique for processing the pulse waveform and data on the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the blood and tissues allows a person to obtain additional information about their state of health independently. It will help to make conclusions about taking the necessary measures. This additional information allows the attending physician to provide more effective control over the course of treatment of the patient at any time since the methods of express diagnostics proposed by us have no restrictions on the number of applications. The functional state of more than 300 patients was studied. The results of various measurements are presented.
Prognostic Value of Soluble AXL in Serum from Heart Failure Patients with Preserved and Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Cristóbal Helena , Enjuanes Cristina , Batlle Montserrat , Tajes Marta , Campos Begoña , Francesch Josep , Moliner Pedro , Farrero Marta , Andrea Rut , Ortiz-Pérez José Tomás , Morales Albert , Sabaté Manel , Comin-Colet Josep , García de Frutos Pablo
Published: March 2023

Heart failure (HF) is classified according to the degree of reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) in HF with reduced, mildly reduced, and preserved EF. Biomarkers could behave differently depending on EF type. Here, we analyze the soluble form of the AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (sAXL) in HF patients with reduced and preserved EF. Two groups of HF patients with reduced (HFrEF; n = 134) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF; n = 134) were included in this prospective observational study, with measurements of candidate biomarkers and functional, clinical, and echocardiographic variables. A Cox regression model was used to determine predictors for clinical events: cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality. sAXL circulating values predicted outcome in HF: for a 1.0 ng/mL increase in serum sAXL, the mortality hazard ratio (HR) was 1.019 for HFrEF (95% CI 1.000 to 1.038) and 1.032 for HFpEF (95% CI 1.013 to 1.052). In a multivariable Cox regression analysis, sAXL and NT-proBNP were independent markers for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in HFpEF. In contrast, only NT-proBNP remained significant in the HFrEF group. When analyzing the event-free survival at a mean follow-up of 3.6 years, HFrEF and HFpEF patients in the higher quartile of sAXL had a reduced survival time. Interestingly, sAXL is a reliable predictor for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality only in the HFpEF cohort. The results suggest an important role for AXL in HFpEF, supporting sAXL evaluation in larger clinical studies and pointing to AXL as a potential target for HF therapy.
Evaluation of Life Quality of Patients Submitted to Cataract Surgery with Implantation of Trifocal Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Zhou Suowang , Figueiredo Ana Galrão de Almeida , Abulimiti Adilamu , Hida Wilson Takashi , Chen Xu
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life and the satisfaction level of Brazilian and Chinese patients who underwent cataract surgery for Acysof IQ PanOptix Model TFNT00 (Alcon Laboratories, Fort Worth, TX, USA) implantation. This retrospective study enrolled 51 patients from China and 51 patients from Brazil. At the 3-month follow-up, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) at 5 m, uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA) at 60 cm, and uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) at 40 cm were evaluated; Catquest 9SF and the Near Activity Visual Questionnaire (NAVQ) were administered to the patients. The results revealed that the Brazilian patients gained better UDVA and UNVA (p < 0.001), while the Chinese patients gained better UIVA (p = 0.001). With regards to the patients’ overall satisfaction with their current vision, the Brazilian patients scored higher (p = 0.002). In situations related to distant and near vision, the Brazilian patients scored higher, while in situations related to intermediate vision, the Chinese patients scored higher. No differences were found between the gender or age subgroups, but the normal axial length (AL) subgroup showed the highest level of satisfaction (p = 0.002). The patients implanted with TFNT00 IOL obtained excellent objective and subjective outcomes in both cultures. The Brazilian patients showed higher satisfaction with their distant and near vision, while the Chinese patients were more satisfied with their intermediate vision.
Pericapsular Nerves Group (PENG) Block in Children under Five Years of Age for Analgesia in Surgery for Hip Dysplasia: Case Report
Authors: Domagalska Małgorzata , Wieczorowska-Tobis Katarzyna , Reysner Tomasz , Geisler-Wojciechowska Alicja , Grochowicka Monika , Kowalski Grzegorz
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block is a novel technique that allows for analgesia of the anterior hip capsule via the articular branches of the accessory obturator nerve and femoral nerve, which have a significant role in the innervation of the hip capsule. A PENG (Pericapsular Nerves Group) blockade is effective in both adult and pediatric patients. However, no studies on patients under five are available in the literature. Herein, we describe our experience with two pediatric patients with hip dysplasia. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic effect of the pericapsular nerves group (PENG) in preschool children undergoing hip surgery. Patients and methods: This study included two patients, aged 4 and 2 years old, who were qualified for hip surgery. Spinal or general anesthesia with the addition of a PENG block was performed. During the procedure, the basic hemodynamic parameters were monitored. The pain was assessed using the FALCC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability scale) score. A dose of 15 mg/kg−1 of metamizole was administered if the FLACC score was 3. In the case of a score of 4 on the FLACC scale, the application of 0.2 mg/kg−1 of nalbuphine was ordered. Results: After the surgery, the patients received 15 mg/kg−1 IV paracetamol every 6 h to prevent rebound pain. The patient's hemodynamic parameters were stable and within normal range. In the first 24 h period, the FLACC scores from all patients ranged from 0 to 3. One patient required metamizole 12 h after surgery. No evidence of block complications was observed. Conclusions: This case series showed that the PENG block assured opioid-free pain management and provided adequate postoperative analgesia. However, we are convinced that future randomized, controlled trials are needed in this field.