bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview of Innate Immune Cell Landscape in Liver Aging
Authors: Lin Yan , Li Qiao , Liang Guangyu , Xiao Nanyin , Yang Jiankun , Yang Xiao , Zhang Heng , Zhang Cuntai , Liu Anding
Published: December 2023

Aging is a biological process with a gradual decline in functional capacity, and this process often enhances the risk of chronic disease morbidity and mortality. With advanced age, the immune system undergoes a process of remodeling that can lead to a chronic inflammatory state, termed immunosenescence and inflammaging, respectively. Immunosenescence is accompanied by changes in the number, proportion, and functional capacity of the innate immune cells. The accumulation of dysfunctional immune cells and the presence of low-grade inflammation can lead to organ damage and expedite the aging process. The liver, crucial in regulating the body’s metabolism and immune function, is not exempt from these effects. Age-related modifications affect its immune function and regenerative abilities, potentially increasing the prevalence of age-related liver diseases. While aging’s impact on the liver is relatively less severe compared to other organ systems, it still experiences an infiltration of innate immune cells and heightened inflammation levels. This review will elaborate on how aging affects the liver’s innate immune cells, such as neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, mast cells, and innate lymphoid cells. It will also explore potential strategies for delaying immunosenescence to alleviate these age-related changes.
The Ralstonia solanacearum Type III Effector RipAW Targets the Immune Receptor Complex to Suppress PAMP-Triggered Immunity
Authors: Sun Zhi-Mao , Zhang Qi , Feng Yu-Xin , Zhang Shuang-Xi , Bai Bi-Xin , Ouyang Xue , Xiao Zhi-Liang , Meng He , Wang Xiao-Ting , He Jun-Min , An Yu-Yan , Zhang Mei-Xiang
Published: December 2023

Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, one of the most destructive phytopathogens, leads to significant annual crop yield losses. Type III effectors (T3Es) mainly contribute to the virulence of R. solanacearum, usually by targeting immune-related proteins. Here, we clarified the effect of a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase (NEL) T3E, RipAW, from R. solanacearum on pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity (PTI) and further explored its action mechanism. In the susceptible host Arabidopsis thaliana, we monitored the expression of PTI marker genes, flg22-induced ROS burst, and callose deposition in RipAW- and RipAWC177A-transgenic plants. Our results demonstrated that RipAW suppressed host PTI in an NEL-dependent manner. By Split-Luciferase Complementation, Bimolecular Fluorescent Complimentary, and Co-Immunoprecipitation assays, we further showed that RipAW associated with three crucial components of the immune receptor complex, namely FLS2, XLG2, and BIK1. Furthermore, RipAW elevated the ubiquitination levels of FLS2, XLG2, and BIK1, accelerating their degradation via the 26S proteasome pathway. Additionally, co-expression of FLS2, XLG2, or BIK1 with RipAW partially but significantly restored the RipAW-suppressed ROS burst, confirming the involvement of the immune receptor complex in RipAW-regulated PTI. Overall, our results indicate that RipAW impairs host PTI by disrupting the immune receptor complex. Our findings provide new insights into the virulence mechanism of R. solanacearum.
miRNA-378 Is Downregulated by XBP1 and Inhibits Growth and Migration of Luminal Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Arabkari Vahid , Barua David , Hossain Muhammad Mosaraf , Webber Mark , Smith Terry , Gupta Ananya , Gupta Sanjeev
Published: December 2023

X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in the unfolded protein response (UPR), a cellular stress response pathway involved in maintaining protein homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum (EnR). While the role of XBP1 in UPR is well-characterised, emerging evidence suggests its involvement in endocrine resistance in breast cancer. The transcriptional activity of spliced XBP1 (XBP1s) is a major component of its biological effects, but the targets of XBP1s in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer are not well understood. Here, we show that the expression of miR-378 and PPARGC1B (host gene of miR-378) is downregulated during UPR. Using chemical and genetic methods, we show that XBP1s is necessary and sufficient for the downregulation of miR-378 and PPARGC1B. Our results show that overexpression of miR-378 significantly suppressed cell growth, colony formation, and migration of ER-positive breast cancer cells. Further, we found that expression of miR-378 sensitised the cells to UPR-induced cell death and anti-estrogens. The expression of miR-378 and PPARGC1B was downregulated in breast cancer, and higher expression of miR-378 is associated with better outcomes in ER-positive breast cancer. We found that miR-378 upregulates the expression of several genes that regulate type I interferon signalling. Analysis of separate cohorts of breast cancer patients showed that a gene signature derived from miR-378 upregulated genes showed a strong association with improved overall and recurrence-free survival in breast cancer. Our results suggest a growth-suppressive role for miR-378 in ER-positive breast cancer where downregulation of miR-378 by XBP1 contributes to endocrine resistance in ER-positive breast cancer.
Serum Calretinin and Genetic Variability as a Prognostic and Predictive Factor in Malignant Mesothelioma
Authors: Zupanc Cita , Franko Alenka , Štrbac Danijela , Kovač Viljem , Dolžan Vita , Goričar Katja
Published: December 2023

Calretinin is a promising diagnostic biomarker for malignant mesothelioma (MM), but less is known about its prognostic role. Our aim was to evaluate the association between serum calretinin concentration or genetic factors and the survival or outcome of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in MM. Our study included 265 MM patients. Serum calretinin concentration was determined using ELISA. Patients were genotyped for seven polymorphisms in CALB2, E2F2, MIR335, NRF1, and SEPTIN7 using competitive allele-specific PCR. Nonparametric tests, logistic regression, and survival analysis were used for statistical analysis. Higher serum calretinin concentration was associated with shorter progression-free (PFS) (HR = 1.18 (1.02–1.37), p = 0.023) and overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.20 (1.03–1.41), p = 0.023), but the association was not significant after adjusting for clinical factors (HR = 1.05 (0.85–1.31), p = 0.653 and HR = 1.06 (0.84–1.34), p = 0.613, respectively). SEPTIN7 rs3801339 and MIR335 rs3807348 were associated with survival even after adjustment (HR = 1.76 (1.17–2.64), p = 0.007 and HR = 0.65 (0.45–0.95), p = 0.028, respectively). Calretinin concentration was higher in patients who progressed after treatment with cisplatin-based chemotherapy (1.68 vs. 0.45 ng/mL, p = 0.001). Calretinin concentration above 0.89 ng/mL was associated with shorter PFS and OS from the start of chemotherapy (HR = 1.88 (1.28–2.77), p = 0.001 and HR = 1.91 (1.22–2.97), p = 0.004, respectively), even after adjusting for clinical factors (p < 0.05). MIR335 rs3807348 was associated with a better response to chemotherapy (OR = 2.69 (1.17–6.18), p = 0.020). We showed that serum calretinin is associated with survival and chemotherapy treatment outcomes in MM and could serve as a predictive biomarker.
The Implication of a Polymorphism in the Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene in Homocysteine Metabolism and Related Civilisation Diseases
Authors: Zarembska Emilia , Ślusarczyk Klaudia , Wrzosek Małgorzata
Published: December 2023

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key regulatory enzyme in the one-carbon cycle. This enzyme is essential for the metabolism of methionine, folate, and RNA, as well as for the production of proteins, DNA, and RNA. MTHFR catalyses the irreversible conversion of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to its active form, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, a co-substrate for homocysteine remethylation to methionine. Numerous variants of the MTHFR gene have been recognised, among which the C677T variant is the most extensively studied. The C677T polymorphism, which results in the conversion of valine to alanine at codon 222, is associated with reduced activity and an increased thermolability of the enzyme. Impaired MTHFR efficiency is associated with increased levels of homocysteine, which can contribute to increased production of reactive oxygen species and the development of oxidative stress. Homocysteine is acknowledged as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, while chronic inflammation serves as the common underlying factor among these issues. Many studies have been conducted to determine whether there is an association between the C677T polymorphism and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and overweight/obesity. There is substantial evidence supporting this association, although several studies have concluded that the polymorphism cannot be reliably used for prediction. This review examines the latest research on MTHFR polymorphisms and their correlation with cardiovascular disease, obesity, and epigenetic regulation.
The Hidden Truths of Fungal Virulence and Adaptation on Hosts: Unraveling the Conditional Dispensability of Minichromosomes in the Hemibiotrophic Colletotrichum Pathogens
Authors: Bhadauria Vijai , Zhang Manyu , Ma Wendi , Yang Jun , Zhao Wensheng , Peng You-Liang
Published: December 2023

Colletotrichum spp. are ascomycete fungi and cause anthracnose disease in numerous crops of economic significance. The genomes of these fungi are distributed among ten core chromosomes and two to three minichromosomes. While the core chromosomes regulate fungal growth, development and virulence, the extent to which the minichromosomes are involved in these processes is still uncertain. Here, we discuss the minichromosomes of three hemibiotrophic Colletotrichum pathogens, i.e., C. graminicola, C. higginsianum and C. lentis. These minichromosomes are typically less than one megabase in length, characterized by containing higher repetitive DNA elements, lower GC content, higher frequency of repeat-induced point mutations (RIPMs) and sparse gene distribution. Molecular genetics and functional analyses have revealed that these pathogens harbor one conditionally dispensable minichromosome, which is dispensable for fungal growth and development but indispensable for fungal virulence on hosts. They appear to be strain-specific innovations and are highly compartmentalized into AT-rich and GC-rich blocks, resulting from RIPMs, which may help protect the conditionally dispensable minichromosomes from erosion of already scarce genes, thereby helping the Colletotrichum pathogens maintain adaptability on hosts. Overall, understanding the mechanisms underlying the conditional dispensability of these minichromosomes could lead to new strategies for controlling anthracnose disease in crops.
Novel Hydrophobic Functionalized UiO-66 Series: Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Their Structural and Physical–Chemical Properties
Authors: Narea Pilar , Brito Iván , Quintero Yurieth , Camú Esteban
Published: December 2023

A novel set of four functionalized hydrophobic UiO-66-NHR series were synthesized through postsynthetic procedures, utilizing various benzoyl chlorides and UiO-66-NH2 as starting materials. This synthesis method was carried out by employing p- (1) and o-toluoyl (2), as well as 2- (3) and 4-fluorobenzoyl (4) substituents. The analysis of the resulting compounds was performed using conventional spectroscopic methods such as FT-IR and 1H NMR to quantify the conversion rate into amide. Furthermore, SEM and XPS techniques were employed for morphological and surface analysis. Finally, the evaluation of the chemical stability and contact angle using the sessile drop method was performed to evaluate the technological potential of these compounds for application in aqueous and acidic media (such as selective separation of different metals and wastewater recovery).
Selected Cytokines and Metalloproteinases in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Sosna Barbara , Aebisher David , Myśliwiec Angelika , Dynarowicz Klaudia , Bartusik-Aebisher Dorota , Oleś Piotr , Cieślar Grzegorz , Kawczyk-Krupka Aleksandra
Published: December 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a collective term for two diseases: ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). There are many factors, e.g., genetic, environmental and immunological, that increase the likelihood of these diseases. Indicators of IBDs include extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The aim of this review is to present data on the role of selected cytokines and metalloproteinases in IBD. In recent years, more and more transcriptomic studies are emerging. These studies are improving the characterization of the cytokine microenvironment inside inflamed tissue. It is observed that the levels of several cytokines are consistently increased in inflamed tissue in IBD, both in UC and CD. This review shows that MMPs play a major role in the pathology of inflammatory processes, cancer, and IBD. IBD-associated inflammation is associated with increased expression of MMPs and reduced ability of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) to inhibit their action. In IBD patients in tissues that are inflamed, MMPs are produced in excess and TIMP activity is not sufficient to block MMPs. This review is based on our personal selection of the literature that was retrieved by a selective search in PubMed using the terms “Inflammatory bowel disease” and “pathogenesis of Inflammatory bowel diseases” that includes systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical trials. The involvement of the immune system in the pathophysiology of IBD is reviewed in terms of the role of the cytokines and metalloproteinases involved.
Concentrations of Selected Adipocytokines in the Blood Plasma in Proximal Suspensory Desmopathy of Horses, with a Focus on Their Physical Activity—A Pilot Study
Authors: Nowicka Beata , Torres Anna , Polkowska Izabela , Jackow-Nowicka Jagoda , Przewozny Maciej , Jackow-Malinowska Joanna
Published: December 2023

Chronic tendon and ligament diseases are commonly encountered in both athletic humans and animals, especially horses. Distal limb diseases, including suspensory ligament (SL) pathology due to anatomical, histological, and biomechanical properties, can be considered a model for tendon and ligament pathologies in humans. The appropriate selection of therapy is often crucial in optimising the healing process. One decisive factor influencing the possibility of returning to pre-disease training levels appears to be the utilisation of physical activity, including controlled movement, during the rehabilitation process. In the pathogenesis of musculoskeletal diseases and rehabilitation, adipocytokines play diverse roles. However, it is unclear what significance they hold in horses and in specific disease entities as well as the consequences of their mutual interactions. Recent studies indicate that in the pathogenesis of diseases with varied aetiologies in humans, their value varies at different stages, resulting in a diverse response to treatment. The results of this study demonstrate lower resistin concentrations in the venous blood plasma of horses with proximal suspensory desmopathy (PSD), while higher levels were observed in regularly trained and paddocked animals. The horses investigated in this study showed higher concentrations of resistin and IL-8, particularly in paddocked horses as well as in the working group of horses. The results suggest that these concentrations, including resistin in blood plasma, may be clinically significant. This attempt to explore the aetiopathogenesis of the processes occurring in the area of the proximal attachment of the suspensory ligament may optimise the procedures for the treatment and rehabilitation of horses.
Generation and Characterization of Trastuzumab/Pertuzumab-Resistant HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Sanz-Álvarez Marta , Luque Melani , Morales-Gallego Miriam , Cristóbal Ion , Ramírez-Merino Natalia , Rangel Yamileth , Izarzugaza Yann , Eroles Pilar , Albanell Joan , Madoz-Gúrpide Juan , Rojo Federico
Published: December 2023

The combination of trastuzumab and pertuzumab as first-line therapy in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer has shown significant clinical benefits compared to trastuzumab alone. However, despite initial therapeutic success, most patients eventually progress, and tumors develop acquired resistance and invariably relapse. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve our understanding of the mechanisms governing resistance in order to develop targeted therapeutic strategies with improved efficacy. We generated four novel HER2-positive cell lines via prolonged exposure to trastuzumab and pertuzumab and determined their resistance rates. Long-term resistance was confirmed by a significant increase in the colony-forming capacity of the derived cells. We authenticated the molecular identity of the new lines via both immunohistochemistry for the clinical phenotype and molecular profiling of point mutations. HER2 overexpression was confirmed in all resistant cell lines, and acquisition of resistance to trastuzumab and pertuzumab did not translate into differences in ER, PR, and HER2 receptor expression. In contrast, changes in the expression and activity of other HER family members, particularly HER4, were observed. In the same vein, analyses of the receptor and effector kinase status of different cellular pathways revealed that the MAPK pathway may be involved in the acquisition of resistance to trastuzumab and pertuzumab. Finally, proteomic analysis confirmed a significant change in the abundance patterns of more than 600 proteins with implications in key biological processes, such as ribosome formation, mitochondrial activity, and metabolism, which could be relevant mechanisms in the generation of resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer. We concluded that these resistant BCCLs may be a valuable tool to better understand the mechanisms of acquisition of resistance to trastuzumab and pertuzumab-based anti-HER2 therapy.
Oral Health Statuses of Children and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Sami Waqas , Ahmad Mohammad Shakil , Shaik Riyaz Ahamed , Miraj Mohammad , Ahmad Sadiya , Molla Muhammed Hamza
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the oral health statuses of children and adults within the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) population through an umbrella review approach. The prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease, and associated variables were investigated across selected studies. A systematic search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, Science Direct, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Wiley Online Library to identify relevant studies. The assessed variables included dental caries prevalence, periodontal disease prevalence, oral hygiene indicators, and the necessity of dental treatment. The pooled prevalence rates, odds ratios, and standardized mean differences were calculated where applicable. The pooled prevalence of dental caries among ASD individuals ranged from 60.6% to 67.3%, while the periodontal disease prevalence ranged from 59.8% to 69.4%. High rates of dental treatment under general anesthesia were reported. Heterogeneous dental caries and periodontal disease prevalence rates were identified, highlighting the need for collaboration and preventive care. Several studies also reported higher prevalence rates of dental trauma and self-inflicted oral injuries among individuals with ASD. However, the review also identified significant methodological limitations in the included studies, including inconsistency in oral health assessment methods and potential bias. The necessity for targeted policies due to high prevalence rates and the requirement for integrated care systems in high DMFT regions were also observed. The umbrella review synthesized diverse findings, revealing variations in dental caries and periodontal disease prevalence among ASD individuals. This review underscores the need for tailored interventions and policies to address oral health disparities. It highlights the necessity of integrated care systems, methodological improvements, and longitudinal studies to comprehensively address the multifaceted oral health challenges within the ASD population.
Lipid-Lowering Therapy in PURE Poland Cohort Study
Authors: Lubieniecki Paweł , Wołyniec Maria , Połtyn-Zaradna Katarzyna , Zatońska Katarzyna , Szuba Andrzej
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study is to present data on the use of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) in relation to calculated cardiovascular risk (CVR) and an additionally defined target LDL-C concentration. The cohort consisted of 1287 participants in the Polish edition of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological Study (PURE). CVR was calculated for each participant using the SCORE2 or SCORE2-OP scale, and for patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD) or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) according to the respective criteria. In the cohort analysed, 107 of 212 people (50.5%) in the low cardiovascular risk (CVR) group, 284 of 414 people (68.6%) in the moderate CVR group, 562 of 612 people (91.8%) in the high CVR group and 48 of 49 people (98%) in the very high CVR group did not meet the target LDL-c criterion. Of those in the low CVR group, 86% of participants were not receiving lipid-lowering therapy (LLT); in the moderate CVR group, the proportion was 77.8%; in the high CVR group, 68.1% and in the very high CVR group, 75%. In each cardiovascular risk group, participants who did not meet the target LDL-c concentration criterion and did not take LLT made up the larger group.
New Score for Predicting Results after Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: VAT-DHF
Authors: Nastasă Alexandrina , Bogdan Ștefan , Iorgulescu Corneliu , Radu Andrei Dan , Craițoiu-Nirlu Luminița , Vătășescu Radu Gabriel
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) has been proven to have the highest efficacy in maintaining sinus rhythm. Several studies have proposed different scores for predicting post-procedural success, but most have not been validated in prospective cohorts. Further research is required to determine the optimal formulae. Purpose: This study aimed to identify independent predictors of AF recurrence after CA and develop a composite score. Methods: Consecutive patients with persistent and paroxysmal AF who underwent CA were retrospectively analyzed. The independent predictors of recurrence were used to create a new predictive score. Results: The cohort included 263 patients with a follow-up of 37.6 ± 23.4 months. Persistent AF, f-waves < 0.1 mV, indexed left atrium volume, the presence of type 2 diabetes, and smaller height were independent predictors of recurrence and were used to create a new scoring model, VAT-DHF (V = Volume, AT = AF Type, D = Diabetes, H = Height, F = f waves). The ROC curve for this new score showed an AUC of 0.869, p < 0.0001, 95% CI [0.802–0.936], while those for APPLE and CHA2DS2-VASc showed an AUC of 0.765, 95% CI [0.637–0.893] and an AUC of 0.655, 95% CI [0.580–0.730], respectively. Patients who had a VAT-DHF score between 0 and 3.25, 3.25 and 6, and ≥6, had success rates of 95.7%, 76.3%, and 25% (p < 0.0001), respectively. Conclusions: The novel VAT-DHF score is easy to calculate and may be a useful clinical tool for identifying patients with a low, intermediate, or high risk of AF recurrence after CA.
Clinical Dilemma Involving Treatments for Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants and the Potential Risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Iijima Shigeo
Published: December 2023

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a critical gastrointestinal emergency with substantial morbidity and mortality risks, especially for very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants, and unclear multifactorial pathophysiology. Whether common treatments for VLBW infants increase the NEC risk remains controversial. Indomethacin (utilized for patent ductus arteriosus) offers benefits but is concerning because of its vasoconstrictive impact on NEC susceptibility. Similarly, corticosteroids used to treat bronchopulmonary dysplasia may increase vulnerability to NEC by compromising immunity and altering the mesenteric blood flow. Histamine-2 receptor blockers (used to treat gastric bleeding) may inadvertently promote NEC by affecting bacterial colonization and translocation. Doxapram (used to treat apnea) poses a risk of gastrointestinal disturbance via gastric acid hypersecretion and circulatory changes. Glycerin enemas aid meconium evacuation but disrupt microbial equilibrium and trigger stress-related effects associated with the NEC risk. Prolonged antibiotic use may unintentionally increase the NEC risk. Blood transfusions for anemia can promote NEC via interactions between the immune response and ischemia–reperfusion injury. Probiotics for NEC prevention are associated with concerns regarding sepsis and bacteremia. Amid conflicting evidence, this review unveils NEC risk factors related to treatments for VLBW infants, offers a comprehensive overview of the current research, and guides personalized management strategies, thereby elucidating this clinical dilemma.
Platelet microRNAs as Potential Novel Biomarkers for Antiplatelet Therapy with P2Y12 Inhibitors and Their Association with Platelet Function
Authors: Gumiężna Karolina , Bednarek Adrian , Sygitowicz Grażyna , Maciejak-Jastrzębska Agata , Baruś Piotr , Hunia Jaromir , Klimczak-Tomaniak Dominika , Kochman Janusz , Grabowski Marcin , Tomaniak Mariusz
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) require dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). However, the response to treatment can vary considerably. Certain platelet microRNAs (miRs) are suspected to predict DAPT response and influence platelet function. This study aimed to analyze selected miRs’ expressions and compare them among patients treated with different P2Y12 inhibitors while assessing their association with platelet activity and turnover parameters. Materials and methods: We recruited 79 ACS patients post-PCI treated with clopidogrel, ticagrelor, or prasugrel, along with 18 healthy volunteers. Expression levels of miR-126-3p, miR223-3p, miR-21-5p, miR-197-3p, and miR-24-3p, as well as immature platelet fraction (IPF) and ADP-induced platelet reactivity, were measured and compared between groups. Results: Analyses revealed significantly lower expressions of miR-126-3p, miR-223-3p, miR-21-5p, and miR-197-3p in patients treated with ticagrelor, compared to clopidogrel (fold changes from −1.43 to −1.27, p-values from 0.028 to 0.048). Positive correlations were observed between platelet function and the expressions of miR-223-3p (r = 0.400, p = 0.019) and miR-21-5p (r = 0.423, p = 0.013) in patients treated with potent drugs. Additionally, miR-24-3p (r = 0.411, p = 0.012) and miR-197-3p (r = 0.333, p = 0.044) showed correlations with IPF. Conclusions: The identified platelet miRs hold potential as biomarkers for antiplatelet therapy. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT06177587).
Virtual Care in Nephrology: An In-Depth Retrospective Analysis of Outcomes Using the Reset Kidney Health Model
Authors: Fritz Benjamin A.
Published: December 2023

The advent of virtual healthcare has reshaped patient management paradigms across various medical domains. This analysis examines the potential effectiveness of treating chronic kidney disease (CKD) using Reset Kidney Health’s virtual, multidisciplinary, and integrated care approach. The pilot study concentrated on evaluating the impact of this care model on the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) of CKD patients over an eight-month period. The analyses showed that a majority of patients managed with the Reset Kidney Health Model experienced stability or improvements in their kidney function, as measured by eGFR. While this pilot study has several limitations, these early results suggest the potential benefits of digital healthcare innovations in chronic disease management and provide an argument for the broader integration of virtual care strategies in healthcare systems. These initial findings could lay the groundwork for further research into effectively integrating digital healthcare in chronic disease management.
Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: New Approved Options
Authors: García-Sancho Alejandro Martín , Cabero Almudena , Gutiérrez Norma C.
Published: December 2023

Overall, around 40% of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have refractory disease or relapse after the first line of treatment. Until relatively recently, the prognosis of patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL was very poor and treatment options were very limited. In recent years, several novel therapies have been approved that provide more effective options than conventional chemotherapy and that have manageable toxicity profiles. CAR-T cell therapy has become the new standard treatment for patients with refractory or early relapsed DLBCL, based on the positive results of the phase 3 ZUMA-7 and TRANSFORM clinical trials. This review addresses the role of CAR-T therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation in the treatment of these patients and other approved options for patients who are not candidates for transplant, such as the combinations of polatuzumab vedotin with bendamustine and rituximab, and tafasitamab with lenalidomide.
Numerical Modelling for Efficient Analysis of Large Size Multi-Stage Incremental Sheet Forming
Authors: Abdel-Nasser Yehia , Ma Ninshu , Rashed Sherif , Miyamoto Kenji , Miwa Hirotaka
Published: December 2023

Incremental sheet forming (ISF) is an advanced flexible manufacturing process to produce complex 3D products. Unlike the conventional stamping process, ISF does not require any high cost dedicated dies. However, numerical computation for large-size ISF processes is time-consuming, and its accuracy for spring back due to unclamping tools after ISF cannot satisfy industrial demand. In this paper, an advanced numerical model considering complicated forming tool paths, trimming, and spring back was developed to efficiently simulate the multi-stage deformation phenomena of incremental sheet forming processes. Numerical modeling accuracy and efficiency are investigated considering the influence of tool path, material properties of the blank, mesh size, and boundary conditions. Through a series of case studies and comparisons with experimental results, it is observed that the numerical model with kinematics material properties and a moderate element size (5 mm) may reproduce the deformation characteristics of ISF with good accuracy and can obtain practical efficiency for a large-size ISF part.
Prediction Model of the Sound Speed of Seafloor Sediments on the Continental Shelf of the East China Sea Based on Empirical Equations
Authors: Kan Guangming , Lu Junjie , Meng Xiangmei , Wang Jingqiang , Zhang Linqing , Li Guanbao , Liu Baohua , Hua Qingfeng , Chen Mujun
Published: December 2023

Based on the data of the acoustic and physical properties of seafloor sediments obtained on the continental shelf area of the East China Sea (ECS), prediction equations of the sediment sound speed based on single and dual parameters were established, and the correlation of the sound speed with physical parameters was discussed. The results show that the sediment sound speed (c) is strongly correlated with water content (w), density (ρ), void ratio (e), mean grain size (Mz) and median grain size (Md), and the coefficient of determination R2 of the empirical regression equation is generally greater than 0.80, while the empirical regression equation coefficient of determination R2 of the compression coefficient (a) and compression modulus (E) are slightly lower, with 0.79 and 0.73, respectively. The coefficients of determination of the dual parameter regression equations between sediment sound speed with physical property parameters are generally higher than those of the single parameter equations, which are all higher than 0.90 indicating better prediction performance. The sensitivity of the physical parameters to the sound speed was analyzed, and the result shows that the sequence of sensitivity from high to low influence on sediment sound speed is void ratio, density, compressibility coefficient, median grain size and mean grain size. The prediction equations established in this study are a good extension and supplement to marine geoacoustic models and is of great significance for obtaining the acoustic properties of the seafloor sediments on the shelf of the East China Sea.
Optimal Design of Rotor Sails Based on Environmental Conditions and Cost
Authors: Guzelbulut Cem , Suzuki Katsuyuki
Published: December 2023

Rotor sails are one of the promising solutions to reducing the energy consumption and CO2 emissions of ships. Previous studies focused on how rotor sails affect ship dynamics and energy consumption. In the present study, an optimization-based workflow was proposed to find the optimal design of a rotor sail based on given environmental conditions for a target ship. Since the performance of a rotor sail depends on both operational conditions and the design of the rotor sail, a two-level optimization problem was proposed to separate the optimization of operational conditions and rotor sail design. At the operational level, the spin ratio of a given rotor sail was optimized at each time step under different environmental conditions. Then, the design of the rotor sail was optimized on the design level considering the initial cost of rotor sails and the average operational cost of the ship depending on the environmental conditions and their probabilities. The reductions in energy consumption of ships having optimal rotor sail designs, considering 5-year, 10-year, 15-year, and 20-year investment plans were found to be 0.34%, 2.7%, 3.91%, and 4.29%, respectively. When more severe environmental conditions were assumed for the 10-year investment plan, the diameter of the rotor sail increased and the reduction in energy consumption increased from 2.7% to 4.06%.
An Initial Survey on Occurrence, Fate, and Environmental Risk Assessment of Organophosphate Flame Retardants in Romanian Waterways
Authors: Paun Iuliana , Pirvu Florinela , Iancu Vasile Ion , Niculescu Marcela , Pascu Luoana Florentina , Chiriac Florentina Laura
Published: December 2023

Organophosphate ester flame retardants (OPFRs) are ubiquitous organic pollutants in the environment and present an important preoccupation due to their potential toxicity to humans and biota. They can be found in various sources, including consumer products, building materials, transportation industry, electronic devices, textiles and clothing, and recycling and waste management. This paper presents the first survey of its kind in Romania, investigating the composition, distribution, possible sources, and environmental risks of OPFRs in five wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and the rivers receiving their effluents. Samples from WWTPs and surface waters were collected and subjected to extraction processes to determine the OPFRs using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. All the target OPFRs were found in all the matrices, with the average concentrations ranging from 0.6 to 1422 ng/L in wastewater, 0.88 to 1851 ng/g dry weight (d.w.) in sewage sludge, and 0.73 to 1036 ng/L in surface waters. The dominant compound in all the cases was tri(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP). This study observed that the wastewater treatment process was inefficient, with removal efficiencies below 50% for all five WWTPs. The environmental risk assessment indicated that almost all the targeted OPFRs pose a low risk, while TDCPP, TCPP, and TMPP could pose a moderate risk to certain aquatic species. These findings provide valuable information for international pollution research and enable the development of pollution control strategies.
Local Government Environmental Attention and Urban Land Green Use Efficiency in China: The Intermediary Role of Industrial Restructuring
Authors: Lu Xinhai , Tao Xiangqian
Published: December 2023

Local governments in China have decision-making authority over urban land use, and their level of environmental attention influences the green use of urban land. However, the impact of local government environmental attention on urban land green use efficiency and its mechanisms remain unclear. This study utilizes panel data from 284 cities from 2003 to 2020 in China and employs fixed effects models and mediation analysis to investigate the pathways through which local government environmental attention affects urban land green use efficiency. The main results are as follows: (1) Through a series of significance tests, local government environmental attention has a significant positive influence on urban land green use efficiency in cities. (2) Further research suggests that both the quantity and quality of industrial structure upgrading act as intermediaries between local government environmental attention and urban land green use efficiency, while the rationalization of industrial structure plays a partial masking role rather than acting as an intermediary. (3) Furthermore, a regional heterogeneity analysis indicates that the impact of local government environmental attention on urban land green use efficiency is significant in the central region but not in the eastern and western regions. Based on these research findings, this study provides valuable policy insights aimed at contributing to green land use and sustainable development in Chinese cities.
Spatial Characteristics of the Non-Grain Production Rate of Cropland and Its Driving Factors in Major Grain-Producing Area: Evidence from Shandong Province, China
Authors: Wang Liye , Xu Jiwei , Liu Yaolin , Zhang Siyu
Published: December 2023

The non-grain production rate (NGPR) of cropland is a grave threat to global grain and food supply, and has been a hot issue across the world. However, few scholars explored the impacts of the NGPRs of different cropland types, such as those of paddy land and irrigated land in the same region. Thus, according to the third land survey data, this research first estimated the NGPRs of cropland, paddy land, irrigated land, and dry land at different scales in Shandong Province, China in 2019. Then, their spatial characteristics at a county scale were identified by combining the standard deviation ellipse model and spatial autocorrelation analysis. Finally, the potential driving factors of the NGPR of cropland were explored with the geographical weight regression model. Results are as follows: (1) The NGPR of cropland is at relatively lower level in Shandong Province and is dominated by that of irrigated land, and the NGPR of dry land is higher than those of other cropland types; (2) Significant regional differences exist in the NGPR of cropland, with profound severity in the southeast and much lower in the northwest; (3) At the provincial scale, the total power of agricultural machinery per capita and utilization degree of cropland factors can relieve the NGPR of cropland in nearly the entire research area. The proportion of GDP of the primary industry in GDP, urban population rate, and DEM are the main obstacles for NGPR decrease. At the county scale, the influences of driving factors varied across regions. This research can provide targeted and regional differentiated references for policy improvement and NGPR management.
Effect of Composite Bionic Micro-Texture on Cutting Performance of Tools
Authors: Xu Tiantian , Ma Chunlu , Shi Hu , Xiao Kai , Liu Jinpeng , Li Qinghua
Published: December 2023

Dry cutting is an effective method to realize the concept of green cutting today. However, in the process of cutting bearing steel, the high temperatures and high pressures produced by the cutting tool and chip under dry friction seriously affect the machining performance of the tool. Therefore, a bionic microstructure tool based on bionics is proposed to improve the cutting performance and reduce friction by changing the size parameters of the microstructure. On the basis of finite element simulation and cutting tests, the cutting force, surface roughness, and chip shape are used to evaluate the cutting performance. It is found that composite bionic micro-textured tools have a significantly reduced cutting force compared with non-micro-textured tools; composite bionic micro-textured tools lead to a reduction in surface roughness of 10–25%; and composite bionic micro-textured tools are more prone to enhancing the curling and breaking of chips. In addition, with the increase in the microstructure area occupancy, the cutting performance of the tool was also significantly improved. Moreover, it was found that the cutting performance of the tool was improved when the area occupancy of the micro-texture on the front face of the tool was increased.
Electrophysical Properties of the Three-Component Multiferroic Ceramic Composites
Authors: Bochenek Dariusz , Niemiec Przemysław , Brzezińska Dagmara , Dercz Grzegorz , Wąs Marcin
Published: December 2023

Using the free (pressureless) sintering method, multiferroic ceramic composites based on two ferroelectric materials, i.e., BaTiO3 (B) and Pb0.94Sr0.06 (Zr0.46Ti0.54)0.99Cr0.01O3 (P), and magnetic material, i.e., zinc–nickel ferrite (F) were obtained. Three composite compositions (BP-F) were obtained with a constant 90/10 content (ferroelectric/magnetic) and a variable content of the ferroelectric component (B/P), i.e., 70/30, 50/50, and 30/70. Crystalline structure, microstructural, DC electrical conductivity, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties of multiferroic composites were investigated. The concept of a composite consisting of two ferroelectric components ensures the preservation of sufficiently high ferroelectric properties of multiferroic composites sintered by the free sintering method. Research has shown that the percentage of individual ferroelectric components in the composite significantly affects the functional properties and the entire set of physical parameters of the multiferroic BP-F composite. In the case of the dielectric parameters, the best results were obtained for the composition with a more significant amount of BaTiO3; i.e., permittivity is 1265, spontaneous polarization is 7.90 µC/cm2, and remnant polarization is 5.40 µC/cm2. However, the most advantageous set of performance parameters shows the composite composition of 50BP-F.
The Influence of [110] Compressive Stress on Kinetically Arrested B2–R Transformation in Single-Crystalline Ti–44Ni–6Fe and Ti–42Ni–8Fe Shape-Memory Alloys
Authors: Todai Mitsuharu , Fukuda Takashi , Kakeshita Tomoyuki
Published: December 2023

Ti–(50−x)Ni–xFe alloys exhibit a thermally induced B2–R martensitic transformation (MT) when x is between 1.5% and 5.7%, whereas this transformation is suppressed when x is 6 at% and higher. We studied the reason for this suppression by applying compressive stress in the [110]B2 direction to single-crystalline Ti–44Ni–6Fe and Ti–42Ni–8Fe (at%) alloys. Under stress, these alloys exhibit a B2–R MT with a large temperature hysteresis of ≥50 K. The B2–R MT in these alloys is probably thermally arrested, and a small entropy change is a possible reason for this arrest. The Young’s modulus E[110] of these alloys significantly decreases with decreasing temperature, and the B2–R MT under stress occurs at a temperature where E[110] is approximately 50 GPa. Presumably, lattice softening assists the B2–R MT.
The Selection of Leveler Parameters Using FEM Simulation
Authors: Mróz Sebastian , Szota Piotr , Garstka Tomasz , Stradomski Grzegorz , Gróbarczyk Jakub , Gryczkowski Radosław
Published: December 2023

The aim of this research was to select parameters for the roll pre-leveler to provide sheet metal waviness reduction after unwinding from the coil. Straightening parameters were selected based on the results of numerical simulations with the use of an FEM-based computer program. The material used for research was a hot-rolled sheet metal of grade S235JR + AR with a thickness of 3 mm and width of 1500 mm after unwinding from the coil. A mathematical model was developed to determine straightening roll arrangements in the pre-leveler. It enabled roll arrangement selection and a straightening scheme to be elaborated. The model’s innovative feature was conducting straightening numerical simulations for the real sheet metal geometric models obtained as a result of 3D laser scanning, which increased the accuracy of the numerical calculations.
Design Method and Teeth Contact Simulation of PEEK Involute Spline Couplings
Authors: Xue Xiangzhen , Yu Wei , Lin Kuan , Zhang Ning , Xiao Li , Jiang Yiqiang
Published: December 2023

In order to design an involute spline made of PEEK (polyetheretherketone)-based material with better performance and improve the design rules of involute splines, initially, an involute splines design theory for PEEK (polyetheretherketone)-based materials is presented, which combines international standards (ISO 4156, 1. 2. 3, 2005), American standards (ANSI B92.2M. 1989), and traditional empirical formulas. Second, using the involute splines calibration method in international standards as a guide, we developed the involute splines calibration method for PEEK-based materials by estimating the impact of energy consumption caused by viscoelasticity on temperature field calibration. Next, the contact characteristics of the designed spline were analyzed using ABAQUS2022 software to confirm the accuracy and reliability of the design and calibration methods. Finally, finite element simulation was used to analyze the influence of different pressure angles, moduli, combined lengths, and other parameters on the contact characteristics of the spline in order to realize the optimal design of PEEK-based material involute splines, to offer a theoretical foundation and improved design methodology for cylindrical straight-tooth involute splines.
Quantum-Size Effects in Ultra-Thin Gold Films on Pt(111) Surface
Authors: Koroteev Yury M. , Silkin Igor V. , Silkin Vyacheslav M. , Chulkov Evgueni V.
Published: December 2023

We calculate, within the density-functional theory, the atomic and electronic structure of the clean Pt(111) and Au(111) surfaces and the nML-Au/Pt(111) systems with n varying from one to three. The effect of the spin–orbital interaction was taken into account. Several new electronic states with strong localization in the surface region were found and discussed in the case of clean surfaces. The Au adlayers introduce numerous quantum well states in the energy regions corresponding to the projected bulk band continuum of Au(111). Moreover, the presence of states resembling the true Au(111) surface states can be detected at n = 2 and 3. The Au/Pd interface states are found as well. In nML-Au/Pt(111), the calculated work function presents a small variation with a variation of the number of the Au atomic layer. Nevertheless, the effect is significantly smaller in comparison to the s-p metals.