bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data Analysis for Information Discovery
Authors: Amato Alberto , Di Lecce Vincenzo
Published: March 2023

Artificial intelligence applications are becoming increasingly popular and are producing better results in many areas of research. The quality of the results depends on the quantity of data and its information content. In recent years, the amount of data available has increased significantly, but this does not always mean more information and therefore better results. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effects of a new data preprocessing method for machine learning. This method was designed for sparce matrix approximation, and it is called semi-pivoted QR approximation (SPQR). To best of our knowledge, it has never been applied to data preprocessing in machine learning algorithms. This method works as a feature selection algorithm, and in this work, an evaluation of its effects on the performance of an unsupervised clustering algorithm is proposed. The obtained results are compared to those obtained using, as preprocessing algorithm, principal component analysis (PCA). These two methods have been applied to various publicly available datasets. The obtained results show that the SPQR algorithm can achieve results comparable to those obtained using PCA without introducing any transformation of the original dataset.
A Machine Learning-Based Roll Angle Prediction for Intracardiac Echocardiography Catheter during Bi-Plane Fluoroscopy
Authors: Annabestani Mohsen , Caprio Alexandre , Wong S. Chiu , Mosadegh Bobak
Published: March 2023

Catheterization is a procedure used to diagnose and treat various cardiovascular diseases. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is an emerging imaging modality that has gained popularity in these procedures due to its ability to provide high-resolution images of the heart and its surrounding structures in a minimally invasive manner. However, given its limited field of view, its orientation within the heart is difficult to judge simply from observing the acquired images. Therefore, ICE catheter tracking, which requires six degrees of freedom, would be useful to better guide interventionalists during a procedure. This work demonstrates a machine learning-based approach that has been trained to predict the roll angle of an ICE catheter using landmark scalar values extracted from bi-plane fluoroscopy images. The model consists of two fully connected deep neural networks that were trained on a dataset of bi-plane fluoroscopy images acquired from a 3D printed heart phantom. The results showed high accuracy in roll angle prediction, suggesting the ability to achieve 6 degrees of freedom tracking using bi-plane fluoroscopy that can be integrated into future navigation systems embedded into the c-arm, integrated within an AR/MR headset, or in other commercial navigation systems.
New Calculation Methodology of the Operations Number of Cold Rolling Rolls Fine Grinding
Authors: Bratan Sergey , Ságová Zuzana , Sága Milan , Yakimovich Boris , Kuric Ivan
Published: March 2023

This article considers the methods of calculating the number of operations for the fine grinding of cold rolling rolls which allows one to ensure the least labor-intensive processing of the part. Based on the analysis of the patterns in the operation of single abrasive grains, the dependence of the productivity of the fine-grinding process on the grain size of the wheel, the grinding allowance, the grinding mode, the size of the workpiece, and the wheel, is proposed. To analyze the productivity of the finishing grinding processes, a productivity indicator, independent of the size of the wheel and the workpiece, is analyzed, and the impact on the productivity indicator of the number of finishing grinding operations, as well as the following sequence of their optimization, is established. To simplify the calculation of the optimal number of operations, graphs and a nomogram are constructed. According to the proposed methodology, the calculation of the number of finishing operations of cold rolling rolls of various sizes was carried out. Experimental verification of the proposed theoretical dependencies and methods for calculating the optimal number of grinding operations was also carried out.
On the Different Quasi-2-Day Wave Behaviors during Sudden Stratospheric Warming Periods
Authors: Tang Liang , Gu Sheng-Yang , Teng Chen-Ke-Min , Yang Zhen-Lin , Zhao Shu-Yue , Huang Hui , Wang Dong
Published: March 2023

The temporal variations in the sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events in the winter stratosphere always coincide with the quasi-2-day wave (Q2DW) in the summer mesosphere, and the impact of SSW on Q2DW is interesting but still a mystery. Major SSWs occurred in both 2006 and 2009, while the Q2DW activity was quite different. The Second Modern Era-Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA-2) reanalysis dataset was used to comparatively analyze these two major SSW events and elucidate the reasons for the different Q2DW behaviors. We noticed that the summer easterly jet shows a large interannual variability. We conclude that the summer mesospheric Q2DWs are modulated by the winter SSW, whereas the modulation process is also affected by the interannual variability of the summer easterly flow itself. The effects of the SSW on the Q2DWs may differ from year to year due to the variability of the summer easterly flow itself, resulting in different anomalous Q2DW behavior. This conclusion may also be true for the interannual variability of other phenomena during the SSW period.
Axiomatic Processes for Asymmetric Allocation Rules under Fuzzy Multicriteria Situations
Authors: Chou Ling-Shan , Wei Hui-Chuan , Li Ai-Tzu , Wang Wei-Ni , Liao Yu-Hsien
Published: March 2023

The present paper is dedicated to investigating weighted allocation rules under fuzzy multicriteria situations. In real-world situations, participants may represent administrative departments of different natures in the management system; participants may be able to perform their duties in the economic model. In addition, participants may adopt relative operating levels to different situations and effectively engage multiple objectives under operational processes. Therefore, considering fuzzy behavior and multicriteria situations, it is reasonable to assign corresponding weights to participants and their relative behavior and to allocate efficiency according to weights in proportion to relative weights, even if it will lead to an asymmetrical situation. In existing studies on fuzzy allocation rules, weights are always given to “participants” or their “operating levels” and then the differences between participants and their operating levels are adjusted. Inspired by the above considerations, relative major results are as follows. (1) By simultaneously assigning weights to participants and their operating levels (strategies), this study seeks to use the supreme marginal variations among operating level vectors to define a new asymmetric allocation rule under fuzzy multicriteria situations. (2) This study further utilizes axiomatic results to illustrate the expedience for this weighted fuzzy asymmetric allocation rule. (3) Finally, an extended index is also proposed by replacing weights with the supreme marginal dedications.
Study of Time-Fractional Nonlinear Model Governing Unsteady Flow of Polytropic Gas
Authors: Singh Brajesh K. , Baskonus Haci Mehmet , Singh Neetu , Gupta Mukesh , Prakasha D. G.
Published: March 2023

The present study is concerned with studying the dynamical behavior of two space-dimensional nonlinear time-fractional models governing the unsteady-flow of polytropic-gas (in brief, pGas) that occurred in cosmology and astronomy. For this purpose, two efficient hybrid methods so-called optimal homotopy analysis J-transform method (OHAJTM) and J-variational iteration transform method (J-VITM) have been adopted. The OHAJTM is the hybrid method, where optimal-homotopy analysis method (OHAM) is utilized after implementing the properties of J-transform (JT), and in J-VITM is the J-transform-based variational iteration method. Banach’s fixed point approach is adopted to analyze the convergence of these methods. It is demonstrated that J-VITM is T-stable, and the evaluated dynamics of pGas are described in terms of Mittag–Leffler functions. The proposed evaluation confirms that the implemented methods perform better for the referred model equation of pGas. In addition, for a given iteration, the proposed behavior via OHAJTM performs better in producing more accurate behavior in comparison to J-VITM and the methods introduced recently.
How Learning Time Allocation Make Sense on Secondary School Students’ Academic Performance: A Chinese Evidence Based on PISA 2018
Authors: Liu Ang , Wei Yuguang , Xiu Qi , Yao Hao , Liu Jia
Published: March 2023

It is well known that the proper allocation of learning time is particularly important for promoting students’ academic performance. Based on the data from PISA 2018, this research used the method of threshold regression and quantile regression to explore the optimal length of learning time to promote the students’ academic performance. At the same time, this research also explored the heterogeneity of the effect of learning time on different academic levels of students. The results show that for four Chinese provinces and cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu province and Zhejiang province, students who study in rural areas and private schools usually have longer learning time than students in cities and public schools. Moreover, it is suggested that there is no significant association between school quality and students’ learning time. The average learning time of students from the four Chinese cities and provinces is obviously longer than that in OECD countries. Moreover, it is found that the impact of learning time on academic performance across subjects is inverted U-shaped, and the optimal study time can be found in the learning of mathematics, science, and reading related subjects. As for the effect of learning time, the results showed that learning time commitment is more effective for students who are academically disadvantaged. At the same time, this study found that there is a relationship between students’ excessive learning time and students’ subjective well-being and attitudes toward learning activities. The non-cognitive factors can influence students’ academic performance gradually. According to the results of this research, it is suggested that students need to balance their learning time allocation against the appropriate learning time standards. Moreover, schools should adopt different learning time allocation schemes for students at different academic achievement levels. The teachers also should uphold a more scientific design of students’ after-school homework, and teachers and parents should also focus on improving students’ learning efficiency.
Is There Any Relationship between Physical Activity Levels and Academic Achievement? A Cross-Cultural Study among Spanish and Chilean Adolescents
Authors: Gallardo Laura O. , Esteban-Torres Diego , Rodríguez-Muñoz Sheila , Moreno-Doña Alberto , Abarca-Sos Alberto
Published: March 2023

The current scientific literature has shown significant disparity in results when physical activity is linked to academic achievement among adolescents. Thus, the main objectives of this study were (1) to analyze the relationship among students’ academic achievement, intention to be physically active, and physical activity levels depending on the country (Spain or Chile), as well as to analyze these relationships based on students’ socio-economic status, type of school, school year, gender, and body mass index; and (2) to analyze the differences between all these variables depending on the students’ country and gender. In total, 3052 adolescents participated in the research (14.58 ± 1.39 years): 734 Chilean students (336 males and 398 females) and 2318 Spanish students (1180 males and 1138 females). Various questionnaires were used to measure the study variables. The results revealed significant relationships between academic achievement and the rest of the variables in Spanish adolescents, but in the Chilean population, academic achievement was significantly related only to socio-economic status and the type of school. Moreover, Spanish students obtained higher scores, especially the males, except for academic achievement, which was higher in females. There were also significant differences in academic achievement, intention to be physically active, physical activity levels, and socio-economic status depending on the country, with all scores being higher in Spain. Given the results, the country seems to be an important factor when comparing academic achievement and physical activity levels, besides other demographic variables.
The Properties of Sodium-Hypochlorite-Activated Crumb Rubber and the Influence of Aging on the Rheological Properties of Activated Asphalt Rubber
Authors: Zhang Peng , Li Dongna , Li Bo , Wang Yongning , Wei Yongzheng , Wang Binghui , Zhang Binlin
Published: March 2023

Asphalt rubber shows good road performance. However, the compatibility and aging problems of asphalt rubber limit its application. The improvement of the solubility of crumb rubber in asphalt was investigated in this research, and the mechanism of its aging effect on the rheological properties of activated asphalt rubber was studied. First, the crumb rubber was activated by using a sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) solution, and the pore characteristics and microstructure of the activated crumb rubber were analyzed. Second, the influence of the crumb rubber’s activation characteristics on the rheological properties of the asphalt rubber before and after aging was analyzed. Finally, the aging mechanism of the activated asphalt rubber was revealed at a microscopic level. The results showed that with the increase in the activation degree, the pore characteristics of the crumb rubber decreased first and then increased. The surface stacking structure of the crumb rubber increased, and a dense gel film gradually formed. The asphalt rubber prepared by the activated crumb rubber had better rheological properties and had a more significant effect under higher stress conditions. This may have been due to the activation of the crumb-rubber surface, forming oxygen-containing functional groups, which, in turn, increased the combination of the crumb rubber and the asphalt. In addition, the activation degree and aging effect of crumb rubber can reduce the large-particle-size molecule (LMS) content of activated asphalt rubber. There is a significant correlation between LMS content and rheological properties, and LMS content can be used to predict the rheological properties of asphalt rubber.
Women-Oriented Evaluation of Perceived Safety of Walking Routes between Home and Mass Transit: A Case Study and Methodology Test in Guangzhou
Authors: Cui Qinyu , Gong Pixin , Yang Guang , Zhang Shuyu , Huang Yiting , Shen Shixuan , Wei Bingcai , Chen Yu
Published: March 2023

Streets are an essential element of urban safety governance and urban design, but they are designed with little regard for possible gender differences. This study proposes a safety perception evaluation method from the female perspective based on street view images (SVIs) and mobile phone data, taking the central city of Guangzhou as an example. The method relies on crowdsourced data and uses a machine learning model to predict the safety perception map. It combines the simulation of women’s walking commuting paths to analyse the areas that need to be prioritised for improvement. Multiple linear regression was used to explain the relationship between safety perception and visual elements. The results showed the following: (1) There were differences in safety perceptions across genders. Women gave overall lower safety scores and a more dispersed distribution of scores. (2) Approximately 11% of the streets in the study area showed weak perceived safety, and approximately 3% of these streets have high pedestrian flows and require priority improvements. (3) Safe visual elements in SVIs included the existence of roads, sidewalks, cars, railways, people, skyscrapers, and trees. Our findings can help urban designers determine how to evaluate urban safety and where to optimise key areas. Both have practical implications for urban planners seeking to create urban environments that promote greater safety.
Implementation of a Condition Monitoring Strategy for the Monastery of Salzedas, Portugal: Challenges and Optimisation
Authors: Vila-Chã Eduarda , Barontini Alberto , Lourenço Paulo B.
Published: March 2023

The implementation of condition monitoring for damage identification and the generation of a reliable digital twin are essential elements of preventive conservation. The application of this promising approach to Cultural Heritage (CH) sites is deemed truly beneficial, constituting a minimally invasive mitigation strategy and a cost-effective decision-making tool. In this light, the present work focuses on establishing an informative virtual model as a platform for the conservation of the monastery of Santa Maria de Salzedas, a CH building located in the north of Portugal. The platform is the first step towards the generation of the digital twin and is populated with existing documentation as well as new information collected within the scope of an inspection and diagnosis programme. At this stage, the virtual model encompasses the main cloister, whose structural condition and safety raised concerns in the past and required the implementation of urgent remedial measures. In the definition of a vibration-based condition monitoring strategy for the south wing of the cloister, five modes were identified by carrying out an extensive dynamic identification. Nonetheless, significant challenges emerged due to the low amplitude of the ambient-induced vibrations and the intrusiveness of the activities. To this end, a data-driven Optimal Sensor Placement (OSP) approach was followed, testing and comparing five heuristic methods to define a good trade-off between the number of sensors and the quality of the collected information. The results showed that these algorithms for OSP allow the selection of sensor locations with good signal strength.
Investigating the Influence of Thermal Conductivity and Thermal Storage of Lightweight Concrete Panels on the Energy and Thermal Comfort in Residential Buildings
Authors: Kumar Dileep , Alam Morshed , Doshi Abhijeet Jayeshbhai
Published: March 2023

Phase change materials (PCM) are integrated into lightweight concrete (LWC) panels to increase their thermal mass. However, the integration of PCM into LWC also increases the thermal conductivity of the panels, which may have a negative impact. This study investigated the impact of thermal resistance and storage of LWC panels on thermal comfort and energy use in buildings. Six different LWC panels with varying levels of thermal conductivity and storage were developed using various combinations lightweight aggregates and PCM. The experimentally measured properties were used in building simulation software EnergyPlus V9.3 to calculate overheating and building energy consumption for each panel. The result showed that thermal mass influences severe discomfort hours more than thermal resistance. However, the level of influence depends on the position of the panels compared to the insulation layer. The presence of an insulation layer reduced the energy savings rate. The cooling energy consumption was more influenced by the thermal mass, whereas the heating was more influenced by the resistance of the wall. Overall, the LWC panel with the highest thermal mass was the best to reduce severe discomfort hours and energy consumption despite having the highest thermal conductivity. The outcome of this study can help to design an external building envelope with PCM panel as per user requirements, which could be to reduce overheating or cooling only, heating only, or both cooling and heating.
Mast Cell Leukemia: An Update with a Practical Review
Authors: Zanelli Magda , Quintini Martina , Magnasco Salvatore , Aprile Lara , Palicelli Andrea , Zizzo Maurizio , Sanguedolce Francesca , Ricci Stefano , Pancetti Saverio , Zuccalà Valeria , Martino Veronica , Broggi Giuseppe , Caltabiano Rosario , Cavazza Alberto , Parente Paola , Mecucci Cristina , Martino Giovanni , Ascani Stefano
Published: March 2023

Mast cell leukemia (MCL) is the leukemic form of SM with at least 20% mostly immature mast cells on bone marrow aspirate. MCL may develop de novo, in the absence of a prior SM, or it may represent a progression from a previous SM. MCL may be sub-divided into the more frequent, aggressive acute form with signs of organ damage (C-findings) and the chronic form lacking C-findings and presenting a more stable course, although over time, progression to acute MCL is common. The 2022 WHO subtype of MCL with an associated hematological neoplasm was renamed MCL with an associated myeloid neoplasm in the 2022 International Consensus Classification (ICC). The relevance of the distinction between the leukemic and aleukemic forms based on the percentage of circulating mast cells is a matter of debate. The current knowledge on MCL is restricted mainly to single reports or case series with a limited number of larger studies. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of this rare disease in terms of clinical manifestations, morphology, phenotype, molecular characteristics, differential diagnosis, outcome and treatment. A general overview on mastocytosis is also included.
A Successful Bridge Therapy Combining Hypomethylating Agents with Venetoclax for Adult Patients with Newly Diagnosed or Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Bang Su-Yeon , Park Silvia , Kwag Daehun , Lee Jong Hyuk , Min Gi-June , Park Sung-Soo , Yoon Jae-Ho , Lee Sung-Eun , Cho Byung-Sik , Eom Ki-Seong , Kim Yoo-Jin , Lee Seok , Min Chang-Ki , Cho Seok-Goo , Lee Jong Wook , Kim Hee-Je
Published: March 2023

Recently, the combination of VEN-HMA has been shown to achieve durable responses in patients with both newly diagnosed (ND) and R/R-AML. We retrospectively evaluated the post-allo-HCT outcomes of 50 patients who received VEN-HMA therapy. In total, 10 were ND and 40 were R/R and, at the time of HCT, the median age was 53 years. In the ND- and R/R-AML groups, the percentage of patients who achieved CR/CRi or MLFS was 90% and 92.5%, respectively. In all, after a median follow-up of 13.7 months, the probabilities of overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR), and nonrelapse mortality (NRM) at 1 year were 63.7%, 59.3%, 28.5%, and 12.2%, respectively. In addition, the cumulative incidences of grade II–IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and moderate–severe chronic GVHD at 1 year were 28.4% and 37.4%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the factors associated with a statistically significant impact on OS were VEN-HMA cycle (p = 0.021), ELN risk group (p = 0.041), and the response to VEN-HMA therapy before allo-HCT (p = 0.003). Although 80% of our patients had R/R-AML and 30% underwent a second allo-HCT, our data still suggest that allo-HCT following VEN-HMA therapy is a safe and effective treatment option.
Performing Automatic Identification and Staging of Urothelial Carcinoma in Bladder Cancer Patients Using a Hybrid Deep-Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Sarkar Suryadipto , Min Kong , Ikram Waleed , Tatton Ryan W. , Riaz Irbaz B. , Silva Alvin C. , Bryce Alan H. , Moore Cassandra , Ho Thai H. , Sonpavde Guru , Abdul-Muhsin Haidar M. , Singh Parminder , Wu Teresa
Published: March 2023

Accurate clinical staging of bladder cancer aids in optimizing the process of clinical decision-making, thereby tailoring the effective treatment and management of patients. While several radiomics approaches have been developed to facilitate the process of clinical diagnosis and staging of bladder cancer using grayscale computed tomography (CT) scans, the performances of these models have been low, with little validation and no clear consensus on specific imaging signatures. We propose a hybrid framework comprising pre-trained deep neural networks for feature extraction, in combination with statistical machine learning techniques for classification, which is capable of performing the following classification tasks: (1) bladder cancer tissue vs. normal tissue, (2) muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) vs. non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), and (3) post-treatment changes (PTC) vs. MIBC.
Opportunities from Metal Organic Frameworks to Develop Porous Carbons Catalysts Involved in Fine Chemical Synthesis
Authors: Pérez-Mayoral Elena , Godino-Ojer Marina , Matos Ines , Bernardo Maria
Published: March 2023

In the last decade, MOFs have been proposed as precursors of functional porous carbons with enhanced catalytic performances by comparison with other traditional carbonaceous catalysts. This area is rapidly growing mainly because of the great structural diversity of MOFs offering almost infinite possibilities. MOFs can be considered as ideal platforms to prepare porous carbons with highly dispersed metallic species or even single-metal atoms under strictly controlled thermal conditions. This review briefly summarizes synthetic strategies to prepare MOFs and MOF-derived porous carbons. The main focus relies on the application of the MOF-derived porous carbons to fine chemical synthesis. Among the most explored reactions, the oxidation and reduction reactions are highlighted, although some examples of coupling and multicomponent reactions are also presented. However, the application of this type of catalyst in the green synthesis of biologically active heterocyclic compounds through cascade reactions is still a challenge.
Catalytic Conversion of Sugars into Lactic Acid via a RuOx/MoS2 Catalyst
Authors: Li Zongling , Wu Pengfei , Pang Jifeng , Li Xianquan , Zhai Shangru , Zheng Mingyuan
Published: March 2023

The catalytic transformation of sugars into lactic acid has shown great potential for the scalable utilization of renewable biomass. Herein, RuOx/MoS2 catalysts were synthesized with the assistance of CaO for the one-pot conversion of glucose to lactic acid. Under the reaction conditions of 120 °C and 1 MPa O2, a 96.6% glucose conversion and a 54.3% lactic acid selectivity were realized in the one-pot catalytic reaction, with relatively high stability after four successive cycles. This catalytic system was also effective for the conversion of many other carbohydrate substrates, such as fructose, xylose and cellulose (selectivity 68.9%, 78.2% and 50.6%, respectively). According to catalyst characterizations and conditional experiments, the highly dispersed RuOx species on the surface of MoS2, together with OH−, promoted isomerization, retro-aldol condensation, dehydration and hydration reactions, resulting in a relatively high lactic acid yield for sugar conversions.
Melatonin Treatment in Kidney Diseases
Authors: Markowska Magdalena , Niemczyk Stanisław , Romejko Katarzyna
Published: March 2023

Melatonin is a neurohormone that is mainly secreted by the pineal gland. It coordinates the work of the superior biological clock and consequently affects many processes in the human body. Disorders of the waking and sleeping period result in nervous system imbalance and generate metabolic and endocrine derangements. The purpose of this review is to provide information regarding the potential benefits of melatonin use, particularly in kidney diseases. The impact on the cardiovascular system, diabetes, and homeostasis causes melatonin to be indirectly connected to kidney function and quality of life in people with chronic kidney disease. Moreover, there are numerous reports showing that melatonin plays a role as an antioxidant, free radical scavenger, and cytoprotective agent. This means that the supplementation of melatonin can be helpful in almost every type of kidney injury because inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress occur, regardless of the mechanism. The administration of melatonin has a renoprotective effect and inhibits the progression of complications connected to renal failure. It is very important that exogenous melatonin supplementation is well tolerated and that the number of side effects caused by this type of treatment is low.
Gal-1 Expression Analysis in the GLIOCAT Multicenter Study: Role as a Prognostic Factor and an Immune-Suppressive Biomarker
Authors: Martínez-Bosch Neus , Vilariño Noelia , Alameda Francesc , Mojal Sergi , Arumí-Uria Montserrat , Carrato Cristina , Aldecoa Iban , Ribalta Teresa , Vidal Noemí , Bellosillo Beatriz , Menéndez Silvia , Del Barco Sonia , Gallego Oscar , Pineda Estela , López-Martos Raquel , Hernández Ainhoa , Mesia Carlos , Esteve-Codina Anna , de la Iglesia Nuria , Balañá Carme , Martínez-García María , Navarro Pilar
Published: March 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most frequent primary malignant brain tumor and has a dismal prognosis. Unfortunately, despite the recent revolution of immune checkpoint inhibitors in many solid tumors, these have not shown a benefit in overall survival in GBM patients. Therefore, new potential treatment targets as well as diagnostic, prognostic, and/or predictive biomarkers are needed to improve outcomes in this population. The β-galactoside binding protein Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is a protein with a wide range of pro-tumor functions such as proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and immune suppression. Here, we evaluated Gal-1 expression by immunohistochemistry in a homogenously treated cohort of GBM (the GLIOCAT project) and correlated its expression with clinical and molecular data. We observed that Gal-1 is a negative prognostic factor in GBM. Interestingly, we observed higher levels of Gal-1 expression in the mesenchymal/classical subtypes compared to the less aggressive proneural subtype. We also observed a Gal-1 expression correlation with immune suppressive signatures of CD4 T-cells and macrophages, as well as with several GBM established biomarkers, including SHC1, PD-L1, PAX2, MEOX2, YKL-40, TCIRG1, YWHAG, OLIG2, SOX2, Ki-67, and SOX11. Moreover, Gal-1 levels were significantly lower in grade 4 IDH-1 mutant astrocytomas, which have a better prognosis. Our results confirm the role of Gal-1 as a prognostic factor and also suggest its value as an immune-suppressive biomarker in GBM.
Establishing 20S Proteasome Genetic, Translational and Post-Translational Status from Precious Biological and Patient Samples with Top-Down MS
Authors: Dafun Angelique Sanchez , Živković Dušan , Leon-Icaza Stephen Adonai , Möller Sophie , Froment Carine , Bonnet Delphine , de Jesus Adriana Almeida , Alric Laurent , Quaranta-Nicaise Muriel , Ferrand Audrey , Cougoule Céline , Meunier Etienne , Burlet-Schiltz Odile , Ebstein Frédéric , Goldbach-Mansky Raphaela , Krüger Elke , Bousquet Marie-Pierre , Marcoux Julien
Published: March 2023

The mammalian 20S catalytic core of the proteasome is made of 14 different subunits (α1-7 and β1-7) but exists as different subtypes depending on the cell type. In immune cells, for instance, constitutive catalytic proteasome subunits can be replaced by the so-called immuno-catalytic subunits, giving rise to the immunoproteasome. Proteasome activity is also altered by post-translational modifications (PTMs) and by genetic variants. Immunochemical methods are commonly used to investigate these PTMs whereby protein-tagging is necessary to monitor their effect on 20S assembly. Here, we present a new miniaturized workflow combining top-down and bottom-up mass spectrometry of immunopurified 20S proteasomes that analyze the proteasome assembly status as well as the full proteoform footprint, revealing PTMs, mutations, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and induction of immune-subunits in different biological samples, including organoids, biopsies and B-lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from patients with proteasome-associated autoinflammatory syndromes (PRAAS). We emphasize the benefits of using top-down mass spectrometry in preserving the endogenous conformation of protein modifications, while enabling a rapid turnaround (1 h run) and ensuring high sensitivity (1–2 pmol) and demonstrate its capacity to semi-quantify constitutive and immune proteasome subunits.
Heterogeneity of Cholangiocarcinoma Immune Biology
Authors: Vita Francesca , Olaizola Irene , Amato Francesco , Rae Colin , Marco Sergi , Banales Jesus M. , Braconi Chiara
Published: March 2023

Cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs) are aggressive tumors arising along the biliary tract epithelium, whose incidence and mortality are increasing. CCAs are highly desmoplastic cancers characterized by a dense tumor microenvironment (TME), in which each single component plays a fundamental role in shaping CCA initiation, progression and resistance to therapies. The crosstalk between cancer cells and TME can affect the recruitment, infiltration and differentiation of immune cells. According to the stage of the disease and to intra- and inter-patient heterogeneity, TME may contribute to either protumoral or antitumoral activities. Therefore, a better understanding of the effect of each immune cell subtype may open the path to new personalized immune therapeutic strategies for the management of CCA. In this review, we describe the role of immune cells in CCA initiation and progression, and their crosstalk with both cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and the cancer-stem-cell-like (CSC) niche.
Microstructure Evolution and Wear Resistance of the Eutectic High-Entropy Alloy Al0.3CoCrFeNiNb0.5 Produced by Laser Metal Deposition
Authors: Preuß Bianca , Lindner Thomas , Uhlig Thomas , Tapia Cabrera Jorge Eduardo , Schwarz Holger , Wagner Guntram , Seyller Thomas , Lampke Thomas
Published: March 2023

Eutectic high-entropy alloys (EHEAs) are characterized by a fine lamellar microstructure. This allows for homogeneous functional surface properties. Furthermore, the risk of coarse precipitate formation during coating processes from the liquid state is avoided. However, the influence of the size and the texture of the local microstructure domain on functional properties is still unknown. The present work is devoted to the microstructural evolution of the EHEA Al0.3CoCrFeNiNb0.5. Inert gas atomized powder was processed by laser metal deposition (LMD) and spark plasma sintering (SPS). Both specimens were heat treated near their liquidus temperatures. The different production routes have a decisive influence on the orientation of the lamellar structure. The SPS bulk material has a statistically distributed orientation of the lamellae defined by the microstructure of the powder. However, the remelting of the powder during the LMD process causes a directional vertical solidification of the lamellar structure. Based on these differences, positive effects on their functional properties were detected for directionally solidified LMD coatings. As a result of the heat treatment, the influence of the lamellar orientation on their tribological properties is reduced, whereas the influence of the lamellar size on their property profile can be derived.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ti-TiH2 Based Matrix Composites Reinforced with xTiB2 Particles Processed by Powder Metallurgy
Authors: Bravo Barcenas David Israel , Chávez Aguilar Jorge Manuel , Jiménez Alemán Omar , Olmos Navarrete Luis , Flores Jiménez Max Fernando , González Albarrán Marco Aurelio , Farias Velázquez Iván Gerardo
Published: March 2023

The structure changes, microstructure evolution, and mechanical properties during Powder Metallurgy (PM) through High Vacuum Sintering of a Ti-TiH2 matrix reinforced with Titanium Diboride (TiB2) particles were investigated. Composites were fabricated at 850, 1100, and 1300 °C. The strategy for the fabrication process was to use the PM route employing titanium hydride (TiH2) to reduce the consumption of Commercially Pure Titanium (CP-Ti). The structure of the composites was analyzed using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), while Optical Microscopy (OM), and Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis were used to study the microstructure. Vickers microhardness and nanoindentation were performed to evaluate the elastoplastic and mechanical properties. According to the results, the unreinforced Ti-TiH2 sample presented higher sinter-ability, attaining relative density values of 93% with the higher sintering temperature. Composite samples showed TiB and TiB2 phases without the presence of any TiH2 residual phase. The highest mechanical properties were measured for reinforced samples with 30 vol.% of TiB2, sintered at 1300 °C, showing values of 509.29 HV and 4.94 GPa for microindentation Vickers and nanoindentation essays, respectively, which resulted in 8.5% higher than the values for the unreinforced sample. In addition, their H/Er and H3/Er2 ratios are higher than those of CP-Ti suggesting a better wear resistance of the Ti-TiH2 matrix-reinforced samples, combined with its mechanical properties makes it more suitable than CP-Ti for its potential in biomedical applications.
Automated Stereology and Uncertainty Quantification Considering Spherical Non-Penetrating Dispersions
Authors: Anderson Magnus , Basoalto Hector
Published: March 2023

Automated stereological methods are presented for approximating the 3D size distribution of unimodal or bimodal precipitate dispersions considering 2D and 1D measurements taken from polydisperse spherical non-penetrating particle dispersions. A method to quantify the uncertainty of the approximation as a function of the number of sampled particles is presented and demonstrated to experimental data. The derivation and verification of the analytical stereological expressions used are included. Two procedures are presented for estimating the 3D size distribution of bimodal particle populations depending upon the relative size of the two particle populations. If the particles can be characterised using micrographs of the same magnification, it is possible to estimate the volume fraction of each particle population. For cases where micrographs have been taken at different magnification, an estimate of the area fractions of the particle populations is needed to combine the datasets and allow for the approximation of the 3D size distribution. These methods are useful for use in determining the initial particle size distribution for use in modelling and determining the appropriate number of micrographs and particles to measure when characterising a precipitate dispersion.
Validity of a Self-Assessment Skin Tone Palette Compared to a Colorimeter for Characterizing Skin Color for Skin Cancer Research
Authors: Martin Michelle K. , Zaman Tanzida , Okello Amanda M. , Dennis Leslie K.
Published: March 2023

Our goal is to determine whether our objective 9-point Self-Assessment Skin Tone Palette (SASTP) is correlated with a colorimeter’s assessment of a melanin index, so that Hispanic and Black people can be included in skin cancer research where scales were developed for White populations. Subjects were asked to self-identify their skin tones using the SASTP. This study assessed the criterion validity of the SASTP by measuring a range of skin colors compared to a melanin index reported from a colorimeter for the upper-inner arm (non-sun-exposed skin color), and the outer forearm (sun-exposed). Among 188 non-artificial tanners, 50% were White, 30% were Hispanic or White-Hispanic, and 20% were other racial categories. Meanwhile, 70% were female (30% male) and 81% were age 18–29 (19% age 30+). The mean melanin of the upper-inner arm decreased with lighter skin color and stronger tendency to burn. The SASTP in comparison to melanin index values was correlated for both the upper-inner arm (r = 0.81, p < 0.001) and the outer forearm (r = 0.77, p < 0.001). The SASTP provides a 9-point scale that can be considered as an alternative, less expensive method that is comparable to the objective colorimeter melanin index, which may be useful in studies on skin cancer among White, non-White, and Hispanic peoples.
PET Imaging of Neuro-Inflammation with Tracers Targeting the Translocator Protein (TSPO), a Systematic Review: From Bench to Bedside
Authors: Corica Ferdinando , De Feo Maria Silvia , Gorica Joana , Sidrak Marko Magdi Abdou , Conte Miriam , Filippi Luca , Schillaci Orazio , De Vincentis Giuseppe , Frantellizzi Viviana
Published: March 2023

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, affecting 2–3% of the population of patients >65 years. Although the standard diagnosis of PD is clinical, neuroimaging plays a key role in the evaluation of patients who present symptoms related to neurodegenerative disorders. MRI, DAT-SPECT, and PET with [18F]-FDG are routinely used in the diagnosis and focus on the investigation of morphological changes, nigrostriatal degeneration or shifts in glucose metabolism in patients with parkinsonian syndromes. The aim of this study is to review the current PET radiotracers targeting TSPO, a transmembrane protein that is overexpressed by microglia in another pathophysiological process associated with neurodegenerative disorders known as neuroinflammation. To the best of our knowledge, neuroinflammation is present not only in PD but in many other neurodegenerative disorders, including AD, DLB, and MSA, as well as atypical parkinsonian syndromes. Therefore, in this study, specific patterns of microglial activation in PD and the differences in distribution volumes of these radiotracers in patients with PD as compared to other neurodegenerative disorders are reviewed.
Retinal Vessel Local Tortuosity under a Macula-to-Optic Disc Central-Framing Change
Authors: Ramírez Natalia , Ralló Miquel , Millan Maria S.
Published: March 2023

Some ocular and cardiovascular diseases can be detected through the increased tortuosity of retinal blood vessels. Objective tortuosity measures can be obtained from digital image analysis of a retinography. This study tested a set of local tortuosity indices under a change in the frame center (macula, optic disc) of the eye fundus image. We illustrate the effects of such a change on 40 pairs of vessels evaluated with eight tortuosity indices. We show that the frame center change caused significant differences in the mean values of the vast majority of the tortuosity indices analyzed. The index defined as the ratio of the curvature to the arc length of a vessel segment proved to be the most robust in relation to a frame center change. Experimental results obtained from the analysis of clinical images are provided and discussed.
Positional Features of the Mandibular Condyle in Patients with Facial Asymmetry
Authors: López Diego Fernando , Rios Borrás Valentina , Cárdenas-Perilla Rodrigo
Published: March 2023

Objective: To describe the position of the mandibular condyle, the size of the joint spaces and the condylar angulation in patients with facial asymmetry (FA), and to classify these results according to the type of FA and compare them with a reference group without FA. Materials and Methods/Patients: An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study using computed tomography (CT) was conducted on a sample of 133 patients with a clinical diagnosis of FA derived from the following entities: hemimandibular elongation (HE) (n = 61), hemimandibular hyperplasia (HH) (n = 11), condylar hyperplasia in its hybrid form (HF) (n = 19), asymmetric mandibular prognathism (AMP) (n = 25), glenoid fossa asymmetry (GFA) (n = 9) and functional laterognathism (FL) (n = 8). Likewise, a group of 20 patients without clinical or tomographic characteristics of FA was taken and their complete cone beam tomography (CBCT) scans were analyzed. The quantified variables were joint spaces (anterior, middle and posterior), angle of the condylar axis and condylar position. All measurements were performed using the free, open-source Horos software. Results: Most of the subjects without FA had a right middle condylar position (55%), while in the patients with FA the anterior condylar position predominated. On the left side, the most frequent condylar position was anterior, including the group without FA, except in the HH group. Considering the measurements of the anterior, middle and posterior joint space (mm) on the right side (anterior JS: 1.9 mm, middle JS: 2 mm and posterior JS: 2.8 mm) and on the left side (anterior JS: 2.7 mm, middle JS: 2.1 mm and posterior JS: 2.6 mm) of the subjects without FA, compared to those with FA, the latter presented smaller distances in all diagnoses and only for the right posterior JS (1.9 mm) in HH, was not significant. The condylar axis of the AF group showed significant differences with smaller angles for the left side in those diagnosed with HE (65.4°) and HH (56.5°) compared to those without AF (70.4°). Conclusions: The condylar position of patients with FA tends to be anterior, both on the right and left sides, while for cases without FA it is middle and anterior, respectively. Patients with FA have smaller joint spaces (mm) compared to patients without FA, with the exception of HH for the right posterior JS.
Prognostic Scores in Acute Liver Failure Due to Viral Hepatitis
Authors: Biswas Sagnik , Kumar Ramesh , Acharya Subrat Kumar , Shalimar
Published: March 2023

Viral infections are among the major causes of acute liver failure (ALF) worldwide. While the role of agents such as hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses in precipitating ALF are well known, improvements in serological assays have led to the detection of viral agents such as Epstein Barr virus, cytomegalovirus etc. as atypical causes of ALF. Despite the plethora of literature available on viral hepatitis and ALF, there is very limited large-scale epidemiologic data on the prevalence, risk factors of progression and outcomes in ALF of viral causes. This is important as viral infections remain the leading cause of ALF in the East and in developing countries, while the impact of viral ALF in the West has largely been ameliorated by effective vaccination and sanitization programs. This review focuses specifically on the available prognostic scores that aid in the management of ALF of viral etiologies while also briefly reviewing the current literature on newer viral agents known to cause ALF, risk factors of progression, outcomes and how management algorithms can be developed by incorporation of prognostic scoring systems for referral and transplant listing.
Serum Vitamin D Concentration Is Lower in Patients with Tinnitus: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Nocini Riccardo , Henry Brandon M. , Mattiuzzi Camilla , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: March 2023

Background: Tinnitus is a highly prevalent and frequently disabling condition, such that the identification of possible causal mechanisms would yield significant clinical and social benefits. Since vitamin D (Vit D) is involved in the pathogenesis of several ear disturbances, we review here the current scientific literature addressing the relationship between Vit D status and tinnitus. Methods: An electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science with the keywords “tinnitus” and “Vitamin D” or “Vit D” or “25OH-D” or “cholecalciferol” or “ergocalciferol” or “hydroxycholecalciferol”, without date (i.e., up to 8 February 2023) or language restrictions, in accordance with a protocol based on the transparent reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020 checklist, for identifying studies which assayed serum Vit D concentration in patients with or without tinnitus. Results: Three observational, case-control studies encompassing four cohorts and totaling 468 patients with (n = 268) or without tinnitus (n = 200) were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled analysis with quality effects models evidenced significantly reduced serum Vit D levels in patients with tinnitus compared to those without (weighted mean difference [WMD], −6.2 ng/mL; 95% CI, −10.3 to −2.1 ng/mL; I2, 56%). Serum Vit D was found to be 22% lower in patients with tinnitus compared to those without. Conclusions: Lower serum Vit D levels may be associated with tinnitus, thus paving the way to plan future trials aimed at exploring whether Vit D supplementation may aid in preventing and/or improving tinnitus.