bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commercial straight-deck trailer vibration and microclimate conditions during market-weight pig transport during summer
Authors: Alambarrio Daniela A. , Morris Benjamin K. , Davis R. Benjamin , Turner Kari K. , Motsinger Laura A. , O’Quinn Travis G. , Gonzalez John M.
Published: December 2022

The objective of this study was to collect and quantify three-axis acceleration data from six locations within commercial pig transport trailers during summer. Two trucks with straight-deck trailers transporting two loads per day were observed for 5 consecutive days (N= 20). Accelerometers were placed under the floor of each trailer’s top and bottom decks (DECs) in the center of three sections (SECs): fore, middle, and aft. Data from each trailer section were processed to calculate z- and x,y-axis root mean square (RMS) values and vibration dose values (VDVs) during loading, transport, and unloading. There were no DEC × SEC interactions or SEC main effects for z-axis RMS or VDV during any transportation stage (P> 0.06). The bottom deck had a greater x,y-axis RMS than the top deck during all transportation stages (P< 0.01). The bottom deck had a greater x,y-axis VDV than the top deck during loading and transport (P< 0.03), but there was no difference (P= 0.52) during unloading. The bottom deck had a greater z-axis RMS and VDV than the top deck during loading and transport (P< 0.01), but there were no differences during unloading (P> 0.07). There were no SEC effects for x,y- and z-axis RMSs and VDVs during all transportation stages (P> 0.06). Acceleration values were compared with exposure action values (EAV; injury possible) and exposure limit values (ELV; injury likely) vibrations thresholds. Over the 5 observation days during all transport stages, a greater percentage of compartments violated both RMS and VDV thresholds in the x,y orientation (average 90%) than in the z orientation (average 76%). Overall, these data indicate that bottom decks experience greater three-axis vibrations than top decks in straight-deck trailers and that pigs on bottom decks may experience greater discomfort during transportation that could contribute to fatigue or the non-ambulatory condition.
Targeting TGF-β signaling in the multiple myeloma microenvironment: Steering CARs and T cells in the right direction
Authors: Rana Priyanka S. , Soler David C. , Kort Jeries , Driscoll James J.
Published: December 2022

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains a lethal hematologic cancer characterized by the expansion of transformed plasma cells within the permissive bone marrow (BM) milieu. The emergence of relapsed and/or refractory MM (RRMM) is provoked through clonal evolution of malignant plasma cells that harbor genomic, metabolic and proteomic perturbations. For most patients, relapsed disease remains a major cause of overall mortality. Transforming growth factors (TGFs) have pleiotropic effects that regulate myelomagenesis as well as the emergence of drug resistance. Moreover, TGF-β modulates numerous cell types present with the tumor microenvironment, including many immune cell types. While numerous agents have been FDA-approved over the past 2 decades and significantly expanded the treatment options available for MM patients, the molecular mechanisms responsible for drug resistance remain elusive. Multiple myeloma is uniformly preceded by a premalignant state, monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance, and both conditions are associated with progressive deregulation in host immunity characterized by reduced T cell, natural killer (NK) cell and antigen-presenting dendritic cell (DC) activity. TGF-β promotes myelomagenesis as well as intrinsic drug resistance by repressing anti-myeloma immunity to promote tolerance, drug resistance and disease progression. Hence, repression of TGF-β signaling is a prerequisite to enhance the efficacy of current and future immunotherapeutics. Novel strategies that incorporate T cells that have been modified to express chimeric antigen receptor (CARs), T cell receptors (TCRs) and bispecific T cell engagers (BiTEs) offer promise to block TGF-β signaling, overcome chemoresistance and enhance anti-myeloma immunity. Here, we describe the effects of TGF-β signaling on immune cell effectors in the bone marrow and emerging strategies to overcome TGF-β-mediated myeloma growth, drug resistance and survival.
The influence of pulse modulated UV LEDs of different wavelengths on the photocatalytic degradation of atmospheric toluene and NO
Authors: Ehm Clemens , Stephan Dietmar
Published: December 2022

Fluorescent tubes, a continuous source of UVA radiation, are increasingly being replaced by ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV LEDs or UVEDs), which emit an almost discrete spectrum (5 nm bandwidth). This creates both problems and opportunities from a photocatalytic point of view. In this paper, we report the influence of UVED radiation on the performance of an industrially produced TiO2 photocatalytic coating by measuring the degradation of nitrogen oxide (NO) and toluene (C6H5CH3) from a test atmosphere in a laboratory test setup. The influence of four commercially available UVED types (365 nm, 385 nm, 395 nm, and 415 nm) on the performance of a commonly used photocatalyst was compared. In a subsequent investigation, we switched from continuous to pulse-modulated LED operation and investigated its influence on the photocatalytic activity of the assembly. We could show that UVEDs are suitable replacements for fluorescent lamps when carefully chosen to the absorption spectrum of the used photocatalyst. In addition, the pulse width and pulse frequency modulation of the LED current show non-linear correlations with the resulting photocatalytic activity. The activity remains unexpectedly high with short pulse widths and low frequencies. By adjusting the control of the UVEDs accordingly, much energy can thus be saved during operation without reducing the catalytic activity.
Challenges in treatment of patients with non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Adriaansen Bas P. H. , Schröder Mariska A. M. , Span Paul N. , Sweep Fred C. G. J. , van Herwaarden Antonius E. , Claahsen-van der Grinten Hedi L.
Published: December 2022

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21α-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) or 11β-hydroxylase deficiency (11OHD) are congenital conditions with affected adrenal steroidogenesis. Patients with classic 21OHD and 11OHD have a (nearly) complete enzyme deficiency resulting in impaired cortisol synthesis. Elevated precursor steroids are shunted into the unaffected adrenal androgen synthesis pathway leading to elevated adrenal androgen concentrations in these patients. Classic patients are treated with glucocorticoid substitution to compensate for the low cortisol levels and to decrease elevated adrenal androgens levels via negative feedback on the pituitary gland. On the contrary, non-classic CAH (NCCAH) patients have more residual enzymatic activity and do generally not suffer from clinically relevant glucocorticoid deficiency. However, these patients may develop symptoms due to elevated adrenal androgen levels, which are most often less elevated compared to classic patients. Although glucocorticoid treatment can lower adrenal androgen production, the supraphysiological dosages also may have a negative impact on the cardiovascular system and bone health. Therefore, the benefit of glucocorticoid treatment is questionable. An individualized treatment plan is desirable as patients can present with various symptoms or may be asymptomatic. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different treatment options used in patients with NCCAH due to 21OHD and 11OHD.
To sleep or not to sleep: An Italian Control-IQ-uestion
Authors: Bassi Marta , Strati Marina Francesca , Andreottola Valentina , Calevo Maria Grazia , d’Annunzio Giuseppe , Maghnie Mohamad , Minuto Nicola
Published: December 2022

Objective

Tandem Control-IQ is an advanced hybrid closed loop (AHCL) system with a Sleep Activity Mode to intensify glycemic control overnight. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of using Sleep Mode or not among Tandem Control-IQ users.

Research design and methods

We performed a retrospective Tandem Control-IQ data download for patients followed at IRCCS G. Gaslini Pediatric Diabetes Centre. We divided the patients into group 1 (Sleep Mode users) and group 2 (non-users) and compared their overall glycemic data, particularly during nighttime.

Results

Group 1 (n = 49) does not show better nocturnal glycemic control as expected when compared with group 2 (n = 34). Group 2 shows a nighttime TIR% of 69.50 versus 66.25 (p = 0.20). Only the patients who do not use Sleep Mode and with sensor and automatic mode use ≥90% reached TIR >70% during nighttime, as well as lower nocturnal TAR% (18.80 versus 21.78, p = 0.05).

Conclusions

This is the first study that evaluates the real-life effectiveness of the use of Sleep Mode in young patients with T1D. Control-IQ Sleep Activity Mode may not be as effective in Italian patients as in American patients due to the different habits.
Applying multi-omics data to study the genetic background of bovine respiratory disease infection in feedlot crossbred cattle
Authors: Li Jiyuan , Mukiibi Robert , Jiminez Janelle , Wang Zhiquan , Akanno Everestus C. , Timsit Edouard , Plastow Graham S.
Published: December 2022

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most common and costly infectious disease affecting the wellbeing and productivity of beef cattle in North America. BRD is a complex disease whose development is dependent on environmental factors and host genetics. Due to the polymicrobial nature of BRD, our understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying the disease is still limited. This knowledge would augment the development of better genetic/genomic selection strategies and more accurate diagnostic tools to reduce BRD prevalence. Therefore, this study aimed to utilize multi-omics data (genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics) analyses to study the genetic and molecular mechanisms of BRD infection. Blood samples of 143 cattle (80 BRD; 63 non-BRD animals) were collected for genotyping, RNA sequencing, and metabolite profiling. Firstly, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed for BRD susceptibility using 207,038 SNPs. Two SNPs (Chr5:25858264 and BovineHD1800016801) were identified as associated (p-value <1 × 10−5) with BRD susceptibility. Secondly, differential gene expression between BRD and non-BRD animals was studied. At the significance threshold used (log2FC>2, logCPM>2, and FDR<0.01), 101 differentially expressed (DE) genes were identified. These DE genes significantly (p-value <0.05) enriched several immune responses related functions such as inflammatory response. Additionally, we performed expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis and identified 420 cis-eQTLs and 144 trans-eQTLs significantly (FDR <0.05) associated with the expression of DE genes. Interestingly, eQTL results indicated the most significant SNP (Chr5:25858264) identified via GWAS was a cis-eQTL for DE gene GPR84. This analysis also demonstrated that an important SNP (rs209419196) located in the promoter region of the DE gene BPI significantly influenced the expression of this gene. Finally, the abundance of 31 metabolites was significantly (FDR <0.05) different between BRD and non-BRD animals, and 17 of them showed correlations with multiple DE genes, which shed light on the interactions between immune response and metabolism. This study identified associations between genome, transcriptome, metabolome, and BRD phenotype of feedlot crossbred cattle. The findings may be useful for the development of genomic selection strategies for BRD susceptibility, and for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
A nationwide pest risk analysis in the context of the ongoing Japanese beetle invasion in Continental Europe: The case of metropolitan France
Authors: Poggi Sylvain , Desneux Nicolas , Jactel Hervé , Tayeh Christine , Verheggen François
Published: December 2022

The Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica, is native to Japan and became established in North America in the early twentieth century. The beetle was detected in Europe, first in Italy in 2014 and then in Switzerland in 2017. Metropolitan France is at the forefront of the Japanese beetle threat, due to its geographical proximity to the European populations established in the Piedmont, Lombardy and Ticino regions. An express pest risk analysis for metropolitan France was therefore conducted. The most likely pathways for entry include (i) natural dispersion, (ii) trades of plant products with adherent soil and (iii) hitchhiking behaviour, leading to a high probability of entry. The spread rate of P. japonica was also evaluated as high, resulting from natural spread as well as human activities. Given the absence of significant limiting factors, the potential impacts of P. japonica in France will likely be as important as in its current geographic distribution. Although several sources of uncertainty were highlighted throughout the evaluation, none of them has significant impact on the conclusions of the present express pest risk analysis. Measures to prevent entry, establishment and spread of P. japonica are recommended and include surveillance with pheromone traps and control via integrated pest management strategies. However, most efforts should be concentrated on eradication measures while P. japonica is still in the early stages of invasion.
Anatomical study of the three-dimensional structure of a supercharged cold eddy generated in the Kuroshio Extension
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Zheng Hua , Zhu Xiao-Hua , Zhao Ruixiang , Xiao Cong , Wang Min , Chen Juntian
Published: December 2022

The three-dimensional structure of a supercharged cold eddy, which showed strong temperature anomaly, was continuously investigated for 83 days based on current- and pressure-equipped inverted echo sounder observations in the Kuroshio Extension region. The eddy was generated on December 9, 2004, shed from the Kuroshio approximately 30 days later, and moved out of the observation area on March 1, 2005. During the stable period, the eddy had a radius of approximately 60–80 km, a depth of approximately 3,000 m, and a westward speed of 7.4 km/d. The maximum temperature anomaly in the eddy center reached -9.1°C at 360 dbar, whereas the minimum (maximum) salinity anomaly reached -0.68 (0.20) psu at 340 (780) dbar. Under the stream function coordinate, the kinetic energy of the eddy first increased and then decreased from the center to boundary, whereas the vorticity decreased overall. Energy budget analysis showed that eddy energy mainly originated from the Kuroshio during eddy formation by advection, whereas the baroclinic conversion (BC) and barotropic conversion (BT) played a dissipative role. After the eddy had been completely separated from the Kuroshio, the mean flow energy was transferred to eddy energy through BC and BT, which further enhanced eddy potential energy and eddy kinetic energy.
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha); current understanding and future prospect as a potential drug candidate
Authors: Bhat Javeed Ahmad , Akther Tahira , Najar Rauf Ahmad , Rasool Faheem , Hamid Abid
Published: December 2022

Cancer and Neurodegenerative diseases are one of the most dreadful diseases to cure and chemotherapy has found a prime place in cancerous treatments while as different strategies have been tested in neurodegenerative diseases as well. However, due to adverse shortcomings like the resistance of cancerous cells and inefficiency in neurodegenerative disease, plant sources have always found a prime importance in medicinal use for decades, Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (W. somnifera) is a well-known plant with medicinal use reported for centuries. It is commonly known as winter cherry or ashwagandha and is a prime source of pharmaceutically active compounds withanolides. In recent years research is being carried in understanding the extensive role of W. somnifera in cancer and neurological disorders. W. somnifera has been reported to be beneficial in DNA repair mechanisms; it is known for its cellular repairing properties and helps to prevent the apoptosis of normal cells. This review summarizes the potential properties and medicinal benefits of W. somnifera especially in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Available data suggest that W. somnifera is effective in controlling disease progressions and could be a potential therapeutic target benefiting human health status. The current review also discusses the traditional medicinal applications of W. somnifera, the experimental evidence supporting its therapeutical potential as well as obstacles that necessitate being overcome for W. somnifera to be evaluated as a curative agent in humans.
Acoustofluidic trapping device for high-NA multi-angle imaging
Authors: Løvmo Mia Kvåle , Moser Simon , Thalhammer-Thurner Gregor , Ritsch-Marte Monika
Published: December 2022

In the life sciences, there has been growing awareness that the traditional 2D cell culture model has its limitations in advancing our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie cell behavior, as the behavior and response of cells depend on the 3D microenvironment. Studying models such as suspended cell clusters and organoids is a step toward closing the gap between in vitro and in vivo studies. The fact that sample confinement and contact with surfaces have an impact on cells creates a need for contact-less tools for the inspection of live biological samples. Recently, we developed an acoustofluidic chip to trap and manipulate sub-millimeter-sized biological samples, and here, we demonstrate that this device can be adapted to support high-resolution imaging and illumination scanning for multi-view image acquisition. After coupling acoustic bulk waves into a microfluidic chip, the sample is levitated by an optically transparent transducer in the vertical direction. Two orthogonal side-transducers give additional control over the sample. By tuning the relative strengths of the three transducers and thus inducing an acoustic torque, we can transiently rotate the sample into various orientations for image acquisition. Under different operating conditions, exciting other modes, we can also induce sustained rotation of samples by means of other torque contributions and around axes perpendicular to the imaging axis, which is important to avoid “missing cone” artifacts in the tomographic reconstruction of the sample. We will discuss the modifications to our previously established device that were necessary to comply with the requirements for high-NA imaging and high-NA illumination. We provide a characterization of the performance and show examples of rotation and reorientation of biological samples, such as large pollen grains and cancer spheroids.
Is CRISPR/Cas9 a way forward to fast-track genetic improvement in commercial palms? Prospects and limits
Authors: Khan Faiza Shafique , Goher Farhan , Zhang Dapeng , Shi Peng , Li Zhiying , Htwe Yin Min , Wang Yong
Published: December 2022

Commercially important palms (oil palm, coconut, and date palm) are widely grown perennial trees with tremendous commercial significance due to food, edible oil, and industrial applications. The mounting pressure on the human population further reinforces palms’ importance, as they are essential crops to meet vegetable oil needs around the globe. Various conventional breeding methods are used for the genetic improvement of palms. However, adopting new technologies is crucial to accelerate breeding and satisfy the expanding population’s demands. CRISPR/Cas9 is an efficient genome editing tool that can incorporate desired traits into the existing DNA of the plant without losing common traits. Recent progress in genome editing in oil palm, coconut and date palm are preliminarily introduced to potential readers. Furthermore, detailed information on available CRISPR-based genome editing and genetic transformation methods are summarized for researchers. We shed light on the possibilities of genome editing in palm crops, especially on the modification of fatty acid biosynthesis in oil palm. Moreover, the limitations in genome editing, including inadequate target gene screening due to genome complexities and low efficiency of genetic transformation, are also highlighted. The prospects of CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing in commercial palms to improve sustainable production are also addressed in this review paper.
Citrus green fruit detection via improved feature network extraction
Authors: Lu Jianqiang , Yang Ruifan , Yu Chaoran , Lin Jiahan , Chen Wadi , Wu Haiwei , Chen Xin , Lan Yubin , Wang Weixing
Published: December 2022

Introduction

It is crucial to accurately determine the green fruit stage of citrus and formulate detailed fruit conservation and flower thinning plans to increase the yield of citrus. However, the color of citrus green fruits is similar to the background, which results in poor segmentation accuracy. At present, when deep learning and other technologies are applied in agriculture for crop yield estimation and picking tasks, the accuracy of recognition reaches 88%, and the area enclosed by the PR curve and the coordinate axis reaches 0.95, which basically meets the application requirements.To solve these problems, this study proposes a citrus green fruit detection method that is based on improved Mask-RCNN (Mask–Region Convolutional Neural Network) feature network extraction.

Methods

First, the backbone networks are able to integrate low, medium and high level features and then perform end-to-end classification. They have excellent feature extraction capability for image classification tasks. Deep and shallow feature fusion is used to fuse the ResNet(Residual network) in the Mask-RCNN network. This strategy involves assembling multiple identical backbones using composite connections between adjacent backbones to form a more powerful backbone. This is helpful for increasing the amount of feature information that is extracted at each stage in the backbone network. Second, in neural networks, the feature map contains the feature information of the image, and the number of channels is positively related to the number of feature maps. The more channels, the more convolutional layers are needed, and the more computation is required, so a combined connection block is introduced to reduce the number of channels and improve the model accuracy. To test the method, a visual image dataset of citrus green fruits is collected and established through multisource channels such as handheld camera shooting and cloud platform acquisition. The performance of the improved citrus green fruit detection technology is compared with those of other detection methods on our dataset.

Results

The results show that compared with Mask-RCNN model, the average detection accuracy of the improved Mask-RCNN model is 95.36%, increased by 1.42%, and the area surrounded by precision-recall curve and coordinate axis is 0.9673, increased by 0.3%.

Discussion

This research is meaningful for reducing the effect of the image background on the detection accuracy and can provide a constructive reference for the intelligent production of citrus.
Foods may modify responsiveness to cancer immune checkpoint blockers by altering both the gut microbiota and activation of estrogen receptors in immune cells
Authors: Hilakivi-Clarke Leena , Verma Vivek , McDermott Maddie , Koak Pal , Andrade Fabia de Oliveira
Published: December 2022

Estrogen receptor alpha positive (ERα+) breast cancers are refractory to immune checkpoint blocker (ICB) monotherapy, while ICBs are part of a standard of care for triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs). Besides tumor ERα expression, another difference between the two types of breast cancers is that only ERα+ patients exhibit elevated tumor estradiol (E2) levels, compared with surrounding normal tissue. Recent evidence suggests that inhibition of ERα or activation of ERβ or G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) increases tumor CD8+ T cell infiltration and boosts cancer ICB response. Ovarian and adipose-produced estrogens activate all three ERs equally, but plant estrogens (phytochemicals) preferentially activate ERβ or GPER. The gut microbiota is a key player in determining response to ICBs, and high abundance of Firmicutes and high fecal levels of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that are mainly produced by Firmicutes, are linked to improved effectiveness of ICB therapy. Interestingly, the gut microbiota of ERα+ breast cancer patients contain significantly lower abundance of Firmicutes species than the gut microbiota of TNBC patients. Many factors modify the gut microbiota, especially diet. The gut microbiota altering diets include (i) foods high in ERβ and GPER activating plant phytochemicals or (ii) SCFAs producing fiber that also reduces circulating estrogen levels, (iii) estrogen levels reducing fasting/caloric restriction, or (iv) ketogenic diet which reduces fecal SCFA levels but increases hepatic production of SCFA receptor activating ketone bodies. It is thus possible that certain foods or dietary patterns can modify both the gut microbiota and activation of the estrogen receptors in the tumor immune cells, and consequently regulate the effectiveness of ICB therapy against cancers.
The influence of religion and religiosity on food waste generation among restaurant clienteles
Authors: Hassan Hussein F. , Ghandour Lilian A. , Chalak Ali , Aoun Pamela , Reynolds Christian J. , Abiad Mohamad G.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Food waste is a global issue of primary concern due to its repercussions on the environment, food security, and the economy. Our study aimed to explore the impact of religion and religiosity on food waste generation among restaurant clienteles in Lebanon, a religiously diverse country.

Methods

A convenient sample of 927 restaurant patrons dining out in Greater Beirut was interviewed face-to-face, and leftovers at each table were collected and weighed.

Results

Christian diners were found to waste significantly less (p < 0.05) than Druze and Muslim patrons in restaurants serving Lebanese and non-Lebanese food. Individuals (19.1% of respondents) from both religions who reported that their relationship with God is the priority in life waste similarly compared to those who claimed to have other priorities. The higher the religiosity score among both Christians and Muslims/Druze groups was, the lower the food waste quantity got, highlighting the reduced wasteful behavior among highly religious people.

Discussion

Based on these findings, including religious cues in consumer-based interventions to reduce food waste can be more effective. This can be achieved through marketing campaigns that communicate religious-based messages to trigger religious beliefs that reduce food waste, using physical spaces and rituals of mosques and churches.
Comparative analysis of bone consolidation chronology in claw toes operated through minimal invasive osteotomies in diabetic vs. non-diabetic patients
Authors: Batalla-Salgado Cristina , Ferrer-Torregrosa Javier , Muñoz-Piqueras Francisco , Muñoz Bautista Miguel , Barrios Carlos
Published: December 2022

Objective

To compare bone healing time in osteotomies performed in claw toes correction through minimal invasive surgery in diabetic vs. non-diabetic patients. The relation between the patient's ages and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery Society (AOFAS) functional scores before and after surgery was also analyze in the two types of patients.

Method

A series of 45 women, 23 of them suffering from Diabetes Mellitus, were operated to correct claw toes. The surgery was always performed through minimal invasive digital osteotomies. After the intervention, bone healing was controlled by a fluoroscopic weekly follow-up until a complete bone consolidation was reached. Bone healing time was compared in in two groups of patients, diabetic and non-diabetic. All patients were evaluated with AOFAS scale 48 h before and 90 days after the intervention.

Results

The time of bone healing ranged from 24 to 40 days after the surgery and took shorter time of consolidation in non-diabetic patients although the Mann Withney U test did not show statistically significant differences (p = 0,409, effect size (ES) = 0,14 [-0.20 to 0.45]) between both groups. A statistically significant association (r = 0.71, R2 = 50%, p < 0.001) was found between the healing days and the day of medical discharge, also between the ages of the patients and the medial discharge (r = 0.36, R2 = 13%, p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant associations were found between pre-intervention glycemia and days of bone consolidation, neither in medical discharge (r = 0.07, p = 0.646 y r = 0.07, p = 0.648, respectively). AOFAS test scores and the diabetes status showed statistically significant differences, both in the main effect of Diabetes (F[1,41] = 9.41, p = 0.004) as in the interaction between diabetes and age (F[1,41] = 9.17, p = 0.004).

Conclusions

The bone healing time in claw toes operated through minimal invasive osteotomy surgery is not influenced by the presence of diabetes. The consolidation speed and the improvement in AOFAS functional scale score post-surgery in diabetic and elder patients was related to duration of the medical discharge.
Impact of Human Activities on Hydrological Drought Evolution in the Xilin River Basin
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Wenjun , Wu Yingjie , Quan Qiang , Zhao Shuixia , Zhang Weijie
Published: December 2022

The impact of human activities on the hydrological cycle makes hydrological drought no longer a natural disaster in a strict sense, and influences the stationarity of the hydrologic process. In this context, assessment methods that consider nonstationary conditions are more reasonable in the study of hydrological drought. In this study, we used the SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model to reconstruct the historical hydrological conditions during the period affected by human activities (1998–2019) of the Xilin River Basin. After calculating the standardized runoff index (SRI) at multiple time scales, we compared the drought characteristics of the basin under natural conditions and under the influence of human activities. The results show that human activities were the main reason for the significant decrease of runoff in the basin (an obvious change-point for runoff series is identified in 1998), which accounted for 68%. Compared with natural conditions, human activities delayed the occurrence of short-term drought in the basin and changed its seasonal distribution characteristics, resulting in an increase in the frequency of severe and extreme droughts in autumn; the corresponding drought frequency increased by 15% and 60%, respectively. Moreover, human activities have also prolonged drought duration, increased drought intensity, and increased the uncertainty of drought in the basin. The proposed method is demonstrated to be efficient in quantifying the effects of human activities on hydrological drought, and the findings of this study provide a scientific basis for water resource management, drought early warning, and forecasting under a changing environment.
Comparison of Capacity Fade for the Constant Current and WLTC Drive Cycle Discharge Modes for Commercial LiFeYPO4 Cells Used in xEV Vehicles
Authors: Sadil Jindřich , Kekula František , Majera Juraj , Pisharodi Vivek
Published: December 2022

In this paper, capacity fade of LiFeYPO4/graphite commercial cells during 116 cycles under different temperatures is studied. The cells were discharged in two modes, during Drive Cycle (DrC) discharge cycles the cell was discharged with current waveform calculated for example battery electric vehicle (BEV) under WLTC 3b drive cycle conditions, whereas during Constant Current (CC) discharge cycles the cell was discharged with a constant current of the same root mean square of the current, as the WLTC 3b current waveform and with the same depth of discharge. All the cells were charged in constant current/constant voltage mode. Two fresh cells were used for each discharge mode at 25 °C and as the results were similar, only one cell per discharge mode was used at the other temperatures 5 °C and 45 °C. Furthermore, simulation P2D model of calendar and cycle life was calibrated based on experimental data. SoC floating was observed during cycling for both discharge modes, accompanied with slight increase in end discharge voltage and growth of energy efficiency. Concluding the results for 25 °C, not waveform character, but the amount of electric charge in combination with calendar aging has the most effect on the cycle life, which is also proved by the simulation. For 5 °C, the capacity fade is milder for DrC discharge cycles, but simulation results do not prove that, which would demand further investigation. The results for 45 °C are apparently dependent on a higher amount of discharged and charged electric charge and influenced by calendar life, simulated capacity fade corresponds quite well to the experiment. The best State of Health (SoH) simulation results are for temperature 45 °C, RMSE is 0.10% SoH, for the other temperatures RMSE is 0.20 and 0.93% SoH for 25 and 5 °C, respectively.
A Cost-Effective Reusable Tissue Mimicking Phantom for High Intensity Focused Ultrasonic Liver Surgery
Authors: Guntur Sitaramanjaneya Reddy , Kim Seong-Chan , Choi Min-Joo
Published: December 2022

A polyacrylamide polysaccharide hydrogel (PASG) containing a nonionic surfactant of the polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ethers series (NP14) has been adapted to the fabrication of a reusable cost-effective ultrasonic tissue-mimicking phantom for real-time visualization of the thermal lesions by high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) irradiation. The constructed NP14 (40% in w/v) PASG is optically transparent at room temperatures, and it turns out to be opaque white as heated over the clouding points of about 55 °C and returns to its original transparent state after cooling. The acoustic property of the proposed phantom is similar to those of human liver tissues, which includes the acoustic impedance of 1.68 Mrayls, the speed of sound of 1595 ± 5 m/s, the attenuation coefficient of 0.52 ± 0.05 dB cm−1 (at 1 MHz), the backscatter coefficient of 0.21 ± 0.09 × 10−3 sr−1 cm−1 (at 1 MHz), and the nonlinear parameter B/A of 6.4 ± 0.2. The NP14-PASG was tested to assess the characteristic information (sizes, shapes, and locations) of the thermal lesions visualized when exposed to typical HIFU fields (1.1 MHz, focal pressure up to 20.1 MPa, focal intensity 4075 W/cm2). The proposed NP14-PASG is expected to replace the existing costly BSA-PASG used for more effective testing of the performance of therapeutic ultrasonic devices based on thermal mechanisms.
Effectiveness of Mechanical Horse-Riding Simulator-Based Interventions in Patients with Cerebral Palsy—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Obrero-Gaitán Esteban , Montoro-Cárdenas Desirée , Cortés-Pérez Irene , Osuna-Pérez María Catalina
Published: December 2022

Background: Mechanical horse-riding simulator (HRS) exercises are a type of therapy based on the use of robotic or mechanical devices that produces movement similar to a real horse with the aim of simulating hippotherapy. This review analyses the effectiveness of HRS therapies in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: A systematic review and a meta-analysis were carried out by searching studies in PubMed Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINAHL, PEDro and SciELO up until October 2022. We selected clinical trials that assessed the effectiveness of HRS therapy, compared to other interventions, in patients with CP. The main variables were gross motor function (its global score and dimensions, such as sitting ability), functional balance, spasticity, hip range of motion (ROM), posturographic balance and satisfaction. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The pooled effect was calculated using Cohen’s Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) for a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: Twelve studies were included in the systematic review, and 10 were included in the meta-analysis, providing data from 343 patients with spastic diplegic CP. Our findings revealed that HRS plus physiotherapy is more effective than physiotherapy in improving the total gross motor function (SMD 0.98; 95% CI 0.35–1.62), sitting ability of the gross motor function (SMD 0.84; 95% CI 0.32–1.36) and functional balance (SMD 0.6; 95% CI 0.1–1.08), and HRS therapy is better than sham to improve pelvic abduction ROM (SMD 0.79; 95% CI 0.21–1.37). Conclusions: Horse-riding simulator-based therapy is an effective therapy to improve gross motor function, functional balance and abduction pelvic ROM in children with CP, in comparison to physiotherapy or sham.
Effects of Caulerpa taxifolia on Physiological Processes and Gene Expression of Acropora hyacinthus during Thermal Stress
Authors: Fu Jian-Rong , Zhou Jie , Zhang Yan-Ping , Liu Li
Published: December 2022

An increasing ecological phase shift from coral-dominated reefs to macroalgae-dominated reefs as a result of anthropogenic impacts, such as eutrophication, sedimentation, and overfishing, has been observed in many reef systems around the world. Ocean warming is a universal threat to both corals and macroalgae, which may alter the outcome of competition between them. Therefore, in order to explore the effects of indirect and direct exposure to macroalgae on the physiological, biochemical, and genetic expression of corals at elevated temperature, the coral Acropora hyacinthus and highly invasive green algae Caulerpa taxifolia were chosen. Physiologically, the results exhibited that, between the control and direct contact treatments, the density and chlorophyll a content of zooxanthella decreased by 53.1% and 71.2%, respectively, when the coral indirectly contacted with the algae at an ambient temperature (27 °C). Moreover, the enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in coral tissue were enhanced by interacting with algae. After an increase of 3 °C, the density and chlorophyll a content of the zooxanthella reduced by 84.4% and 93.8%, respectively, whereas the enzyme activities of SOD and CAT increased 2.3- and 3.1-fold. However, only the zooxanthellae density and pigment content decreased when Caulerpa taxifolia was co-cultured with Acropora hyacinthus at 30 °C. Molecularly, different from the control group, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) such as Rab family, ATG family, and Casp7 genes were significantly enriched in the endocytosis, autophagy, and apoptosis pathways, regardless of whether Acropora hyacinthus was directly or indirectly exposed to Caulerpa taxifolia at 27 °C. Under thermal stress without algae interaction, the DEGs were significantly enriched in the microbial immune signal transduction pathways, such as the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway, while multiple cellular immunity (IFI47, TRAF family) and oxidative stress (CAT, SODC, HSP70) genes were upregulated. Inversely, compared with corals without interaction with algae at 30 °C, the DEGs of the corals that interacted with Caulerpa taxifolia at 30 °C were remarkably enriched in apoptosis and the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, including the transcription factors such as the Casp family and TRAF family. In conclusion, the density and chlorophyll a content of zooxanthella maintained a fading tendency induced by the macroalgae at ambient temperatures. The oxidative stress and immune response levels of the coral was elevated at 30 °C, but the macroalgae alleviated the negative effects triggered by thermal stress.
Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer Is Vulnerable to the cJUN-XRCC4 Pathway Inhibition
Authors: Xu Manman , Huang Xi , Zheng Cuimiao , Long Junming , Dai Qingyuan , Chen Yangyang , Lu Jingyi , Pan Chaoyun , Yao Shuzhong , Li Jie
Published: December 2022

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) caused by platinum drugs are dangerous lesions that kill cancer cells in chemotherapy. Repair of DSB by homologous recombination (HR) and nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) is frequently associated with platinum resistance in ovarian cancer. While the role of the HR pathway and HR-targeting strategy in platinum resistance is well studied, dissecting and targeting NHEJ machinery to overcome platinum resistance in ovarian cancer remain largely unexplored. Here, through an NHEJ pathway-focused gene RNAi screen, we found that the knockdown of XRCC4 significantly sensitized cisplatin treatment in the platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cell lines. Moreover, upregulation of XRCC4 is observed in a panel of platinum-resistant cell lines relative to the parental cell lines, as well as in ovarian cancer patients with poor progression-free survival. Mechanistically, the increased sensitivity to cisplatin upon XRCC4 knockdown was caused by accumulated DNA damage. In cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer, the JNK-cJUN complex, activated by cisplatin, translocated into the nucleus and promoted the transcription of XRCC4 to confer cisplatin resistance. Knockdown of XRCC4 or treatment of the JNK inhibitor led to the attenuation of cisplatin-resistant tumor growth in the xenograft mouse models. These data suggest targeting XRCC4 is a potential strategy for ovarian cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer.
Long-Term Projections of Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Japan and Decomposition Analysis of Changes in Cancer Burden, 2020–2054: An Empirical Validation Approach
Authors: Nguyen Phuong The , Saito Eiko , Katanoda Kota
Published: December 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study was to project new cancer cases/deaths forward to 2054, and decompose changes in cancer cases/deaths to assess the impact of demographic transitions on cancer burden. Methods: We collected data on cancer cases/deaths up to 2019, empirically validated the projection performance of multiple statistical models, and selected optimal models by applying time series cross-validation. Results: We showed an increasing number of new cancer cases but decreasing number of cancer deaths in both genders, with a large burden attributed to population aging. We observed the increasing incidence rates in most cancer sites but reducing rates in some infection-associated cancers, including stomach and liver cancers. Colorectal and lung cancers were projected to remain as leading cancer burdens of both incidence and mortality in Japan over 2020–2054, while prostate and female breast cancers would be the leading incidence burdens among men and women, respectively. Conclusions: Findings from decomposition analysis require more supportive interventions for reducing mortality and improving the quality of life of Japanese elders. We emphasize the important role of governments and policymakers in reforming policies for controlling cancer risk factors, including oncogenic infections. The rapid increase and continued presence of those cancer burdens associated with modifiable risk factors warrant greater efforts in cancer control programs, specifically in enhancing cancer screening and controlling cancer risk factors in Japan.
The In Vitro Adaptation of Patient-Derived Organoids Suggests Alternative Strategies against CMS1 Colorectal Cancer: When the Microenvironment Does Make the Difference
Authors: Poggi Alessandro , Matis Serena , Benelli Roberto
Published: December 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a relatively slow-growing tumor that can be treated successfully when identified in the early stages [...]
Biomarkers for the Detection and Risk Stratification of Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Authors: Eickelschulte Samaneh , Riediger Anja Lisa , Angeles Arlou Kristina , Janke Florian , Duensing Stefan , Sültmann Holger , Görtz Magdalena
Published: December 2022

Current strategies for the clinical management of prostate cancer are inadequate for a precise risk stratification between indolent and aggressive tumors. Recently developed tissue-based molecular biomarkers have refined the risk assessment of the disease. The characterization of tissue biopsy components and subsequent identification of relevant tissue-based molecular alterations have the potential to improve the clinical decision making and patient outcomes. However, tissue biopsies are invasive and spatially restricted due to tumor heterogeneity. Therefore, there is an urgent need for complementary diagnostic and prognostic options. Liquid biopsy approaches are minimally invasive with potential utility for the early detection, risk stratification, and monitoring of tumors. In this review, we focus on tissue and liquid biopsy biomarkers for early diagnosis and risk stratification of prostate cancer, including modifications on the genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic levels. High-risk molecular alterations combined with orthogonal clinical parameters can improve the identification of aggressive tumors and increase patient survival.
Automatic Radiobiological Comparison of Radiation Therapy Plans: An Application to Gastric Cancer
Authors: Mazonakis Michalis , Tzanis Eleftherios , Lyraraki Efrossyni , Damilakis John
Published: December 2022

(1) Aim: This study was conducted to radiobiologically compare radiotherapy plans for gastric cancer with a newly developed software tool. (2) Methods: Treatment planning was performed on two computational phantoms simulating adult male and female patients. Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans for gastric cancer were generated with three-photon beam energies. The equivalent uniform dose (EUD), tumor control probability (TCP) of the target and normal tissue control probability (NTCP) of eight different critical organs were calculated. A new software was employed for these calculations using the EUD-based model and dose-volume-histogram data. (3) Results: The IMRT and VMAT plan led to TCPs of 51.3–51.5%, whereas 3D-CRT gave values up to 50.2%. The intensity-modulated techniques resulted in NTCPs of (5.3 × 10−6–3.3 × 10−1)%. The corresponding NTCPs from 3D-CRT were (3.4 × 10−7–7.4 × 10−1)%. The above biological indices were automatically calculated in less than 40 s with the software. (4) Conclusions: The direct and quick radiobiological evaluation of radiotherapy plans is feasible using the new software tool. The IMRT and VMAT reduced the probability of the appearance of late effects in most of the surrounding critical organs and slightly increased the TCP compared to 3D-CRT.