bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cadaver imprint on soil chemistry and microbes - Knowns, unknowns, and perspectives
Authors: Fiedler Sabine , Kaiser Klaus , Fournier Bertrand
Published: February 2023

Cadaver-decomposition unleashes an ephemeral pulse of matter input that modifies microbial communities, as well as nutrient pools and fluxes. This leaves behind a measurable imprint on affected soils. However, the persistence of this imprint remains poorly understood. We define cadaver imprint persistence as the entire period between time of cadaver deposition and time when cadaver effects on microbial community structure and chemical indicators are no longer detectable. We present a brief overview of published results on the cadaver-induced changes in the bio-elements carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, which regulate the structure and functions of the soil microbiome. Based on this, we identified conceptual and methodological gaps and biases and suggest potential research avenues to address them. This will help to better understand the relationships between cadaver-derived matter and microbial taxa and functions, as well as the role of cadaver-decomposition within and across ecosystems. The proposed future research on cadaver-derived imprint on soils has the potential to serve as a hub for connecting soil chemistry, microbial ecology, forensic sciences, and ecosystems science.
Comparison of clinical characteristics and mortality risk between patients with cholangiocarcinoma: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Yaming , Wang Yanhong , Yu Yaqi , Luo Haopeng , Zhen Maochuan , Ren Jianlin
Published: February 2023

Background

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is primary liver cancer originating from the biliary tract. The epidemiology of CCA is diverse across the globe. There are no reliably effective options for systemic therapy and CCA outcomes are poor. Herein, we examined the association between overall survival and clinical characteristics of CCA patients in our region.

Methods

We included 62 CCA cases diagnosed between 2015 and 2019. Demographics, clinical history, therapeutic procedures, and concomitant diseases were abstracted. Patient survival was obtained from a household registration system.

Results

The cohort was 69% male and 31% female, with 26 (42%) iCCA, 27 (44%) pCCA, and 9 (15%) dCCA. No age differences were observed between the three subtypes. Bile duct and metabolic disorders were the major concomitant diseases and showed varying associations with CCA subgroups. Serum triglycerides (TG) were higher in pCCA and dCCA than iCCA patients (p < 0.05), and TG and total cholesterol (TC) were highest among pCCA patients with cholelithiasis. Liver function appeared significant difference between iCCA, pCCA and dCCA subtypes (p < 0.01), and also in the subgroups without cholelithiasis (p < 0.01). The obstructive jaundice in pCCA patients was associated with survival time after surgery, and the presence of cholelithiasis was also another influential factor.

Conclusion

We found that pCCA was more frequently associated with metabolic disorders compared to iCCA and dCCA. Postoperative survival was also associated with the degree of jaundice in pCCA compared to iCCA or dCCA. And biliary drainage is an important predictor of outcome of pCCA.
Veterinarians' perspective on telemedicine in Germany
Authors: Becker Björn , Tipold Andrea , Ehlers Jan , Kleinsorgen Christin
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Information on the use of telemedical approaches in the context of veterinary medicine is evolving. As in human medicine, veterinary medicine is subject to an increasing digitalization effort. The aim of the current study was to investigate the perspective of German veterinarians regarding their awareness and usage of telemedical approaches. Furthermore, the degree of implementation of different digital approaches in the context of German veterinary medicine was elaborated.

Methods

A literature review, that also aimed to address the necessary framework or standardization of these digitalization efforts and potential barriers such as legal or infrastructural aspects, provided information for the empirical research. Using a quantitative research approach, the perspective of German veterinarians was surveyed.

Results

In total, responses from 169 veterinarians were analyzed. The results show that digital approaches were used by veterinarians and the usage was enhanced by the COVID-19 crisis.

Discussion

However, the lack of a clear legal framework may be a significant barrier for further implementation. This survey provides a basis for a critical discussion on the use of veterinary telemedicine in Germany. The results may contribute to future strategies for the implementation and development of necessary policies, training, and service applications within Germany, which may be transferable for the profession in other countries.
Cancer—A Pragmatic Switch to Combat Metabolic Syndrome?
Authors: Claras John
Published: February 2023

Both cancer and metabolic disease have become the prevalent health risks in modern societies worldwide. Cancer is a complex set of illnesses with many definitions. About 15% of cancers are caused by infections, and 10% carry a hereditary burden. The remaining 70%–75% cancers are associated with a variety of processes, often associated with metabolic syndrome and chronic inflammation. This review examines the role of metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation in cancer development. I propose a novel concept of a switch, in which our intelligent body uses its sophisticated set of subsystems and sensors to pragmatically anticipate and combat metabolic dysfunction as its’ most direct and dire threat first, while temporarily accepting cancer as a state that in any other circumstances would be considered detrimental, and utilizing cancer as an additional tool to lower glucose levels. Once metabolic dysfunction has been resolved this switch is reversed, and cancer growth will be impaired.
O cyklach integracji, dezintegracji i reintegracji w życiu politycznym
Authors: Karwat Mirosław
Published: February 2023

Transformations of ideological systems, institutional structures, models of political order and socio-political movements are cyclical processes of integration, disintegration, reintegration of large social groups and communities occurring due to changes in the circumstances of their functioning, reevaluation of the criteria for the validity of social demand, revision of the designators of collective identity. The recurrence of such paradoxical recurrences (although in altered conditions and forms) of what seemed to have been overcome is ruled by dialectical laws: the contradictory nature of any phenomena, self-denial or negation via alternative factors, and then negation of negation. This explains the paradoxical continuity in the variability of ideas, structures, patterns of action, symbols, political rituals.
Jak wygrać wybory? O pomysłach Prawa i Sprawiedliwości na zmianę systemu wyborczego do Sejmu i Senatu
Authors: Uziębło Piotr
Published: February 2023

The aim of this article is to try to reconstruct the potential changes to the electoral system to the Sejm and the Senate resulting from the announcements of the politicians of the Law and Justice party, as well as to indicate the impact of such changes on the election results based on the data from the 2019 elections. These studies indicate that such changes would lead to a significant strengthening of the party with the largest number of votes, in fact leading to the marginalization of the smallest parliamentary parties. As a result, there would be a far-reaching disproportionality of the choices and a violation of the material aspect of the principle of equality. In addition, an artificial majority would be created that could, under certain circumstances, constitute a constitutional majority despite relatively low public support.
Wojna jako konflikt interesów. Stanowisko wybranych ruchów radykalnej lewicy wobec wojny w Ukrainie
Authors: Malendowicz Paweł
Published: February 2023

The subject of the article is an analysis of the attitude of selected radical left movements in the world towards the war in Ukraine. The aim of the article is to identify and systematize the attitudes of the radical left organizations to the war in Ukraine. The author assumed that these attitudes were different, and their differentiation was a consequence of ideological differences, as well as the political context and narrative environment in which these organizations operated. The methods used to verify the hypothesis were a critical analysis of source texts and an aspect analysis.
Znaczenie partii islamskich i chrześcijańskich w Indonezji
Authors: Trzciński Krzysztof
Published: February 2023

This paper deals with the role of religious parties in the Indonesian political system. It demonstrates the importance of Islamic parties and explains the declining significance of Christian parties in the last dozen or so years. In the conditions of deep religiosity in Indonesian society, religious parties are understood as political parties that meet the following criteria: 1) are created by and for the followers of Islam or Christianity, respectively, 2) serve to pursue their interests (specifically the interests articulated by the political and religious elites of religious communities) and 3) build their programs based on the principles and values of faith, and also promote and protect them.
JOACHIM OSIŃSKI Państwo w warunkach globalnego kryzysu ekonomicznego. Przyczynek do teorii państwa
Authors: Tarnawski Eduard
Published: February 2023

The ideology of the free market, at the beginning of the transformation was used in a propagandistic manner that was similar to the one used in the communist period of the Polish history. The Author presents a convincing polemic debate with the neoliberal dogmas and myths. The Book also includes the lessons learnt from the Icelandic banking crisis that are relevant for any constitutional reformer. Finally, it offers a suggestive prospect to increase the efficacy of the Polish State.
Pogorzelisko i zarzewie. Ideowe i symboliczne ramy zmiany politycznej w dyskursie o faszyzmie
Authors: Mikołajczyk Magdalena
Published: February 2023

The ways in which various authors depict social and political changes through examples from the first half of the 20th century make the subject of this analysis. The discourse on fascism springs from often-used motifs or ideas that, even after being abandoned to oblivion, seem to resurface under a certain type of conditions. Publications that are re-issued on the topic, portray the beliefs, movements and events that preceded World War II in ways that appeal to the contemporary reader. They also propose a framework or cognitive structure that allows the readers to diagnose the current state of affairs. In particular, narratives showing coincidences, that is, the simultaneous concurrence of factors or events in the past and now, are used to demonstrate the similarity of contemporary and historical situations. The proposed framework allows us to understand the possible consequences of the economic crisis, structural inequalities, changes in communication and leadership styles. At the same time, this research explores how dwelling on these inhibits the creation of new concepts that more appropriately define the social and political realities of the 21st century.
Новеллы избирательного законодательства Республики Беларусь и возможные варианты модернизации выборов
Authors: Пастухов Михаил Иванович
Published: February 2023

The purpose of the study is a systematic analysis of amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus in the field of electoral legislation. Systemic, logical, and comparative methods were used during the research. As a result, the author has analyzed the peculiarities of changes and additions into the procedure of elections of the President of the Republic of Belarus, the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, as well as the procedure of forming a new body of power – the All Belarussian People’s Assembly. The author also substantiates the proposals to improve the legislation on elections.
Концептуальные направления политики Республики Узбекистан в отношении деятельноси международных неправительственных организаций
Authors: Эрназаров Дилмурод Зухриддинович
Published: February 2023

The role and importance of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in solving global problems, developing human rights, democratic principles, reforms, modernizing public life and developing a global civil society is constantly increasing. INGOs have become new actors in the system of world politics and international relations. There was a need to study the activities of INGOs around the world in the field of history, law, sociology, philosophy, political science. In recent years, many INGOs have appeared in the world, and they work in all countries of the world in such priorities as ensuring human rights, freedom of speech, the economy, the social sphere, the environment, etc. Today, there is an increasing need for a comprehensive study of the activities of INGOs, trends in their increase in the number and rapid growth, influence on the domestic and foreign policies of states and in shaping the global political agenda. The emergence of global problems and the lack of strength and political will of some countries to solve them slow down the integration processes around the world. Especially, there is a need for cooperation in the issues of democratization, liberalization and modernization of public administration and public life. Therefore, today the role and participation of INGOs in solving such issues is increasing. An important result of INGO activity is constructivism and pragmatism.
Gender Differences in Inflation Expectations: Recent Evidence from India
Authors: Chalwadi Swapnil Virendra , Joshi Preeti Tushar , Mohanlal Sharma Nitin , Gite Chaitanya , Salve Sangita
Published: February 2023

This study investigates gender disparities in inflation expectations in India using data from the Reserve Bank of India’s Households’ Inflation Expectations Survey (March 2011 to September 2022). To determine these differences, the authors analyze the expectations of future prices for various categories including food products, nonfood products, household durables, housing, and general prices for both a short-term horizon (the next three months) and a long-term horizon (one year ahead). The authors employ independent sample t test, ordinary least square (OLS) regression, and ordinal logistic regression (OLOGIT) models to assess the average inflation expectations disparities between genders. The results demonstrate a significant relationship between gender and inflation expectations, with the findings indicating that, on average, females exhibit higher inflation expectations compared to males.
Greek Pig Farmers’ Perceptions and Experiences of Tail Biting and Tail Docking
Authors: Kakanis Michail , Marinou Katerina , Sossidou Evangelia N.
Published: February 2023

Tail biting is both an important economic and a welfare problem. The primary preventive measure, almost on a routine basis throughout Europe, remains tail docking following a risk analysis. This study aimed to get insight on the perceptions of Greek pig farmers towards tail docking, intervention measures, and risk factors of tail biting, as well as opinions on pig welfare themes. Eighty-two farmers answered a questionnaire provided online and in printed form. In the case of a tail-biting outbreak, the most important intervention measure is the removal of the bitten pig (victim), while feed quality, air movements, and stocking density were ranked as the highest risk factors (p ≤ 0.05). Chains are the most common type of enrichment by 67% followed by plastic objects by 29.5%. Almost half of the farmers reported having no tail-biting problem on their farm, while 64.4% of the respondents have already tried at least once to raise pigs with intact tails. To reduce routine tail docking, it is essential to apply specific farm-oriented solutions effectively. To succeed in this aim, it is important to consider farmers’ concerns and practices. This study is the first step in that direction.
Odontogenic Sinusitis from Classical Complications and Its Treatment: Our Experience
Authors: Sabatino Lorenzo , Pierri Michelangelo , Iafrati Francesco , Di Giovanni Simone , Moffa Antonio , De Benedetto Luigi , Passarelli Pier Carmine , Casale Manuele
Published: February 2023

Odontogenic sinusitis (ODS) refers to the maxillary sinus infection, which is secondary to either adjacent infectious dental pathologies or procedures. The aim of this retrospective study is to report the experiences of the department of integrated therapies in otolaryngology (Campus Bio-Medico Foundation, Rome, Italy) in classifying and treating patients that are affected by odontogenic sinusitis derived from “classic complications”. A total of 68 patients responding to the criteria and to the definition as a classical odontogenic complication were included. The surgical therapy consisted of a combined oral and nasal simultaneous approach for 28 patients (43%), a combined non-simultaneous approach for 4 patients (6%), a nasal only approach for 14 patients (21%), and an oral only approach for 20 patients (30%). All the patients presented a complete resolution of the symptoms. The choice of performing a nasal, oral, or combined approach is based on the presence of anatomical elements that facilitate sinusitis and reinfection occurrence, such as deviated nasal septum, concha bullosa, or obstructed osteo-meatal complex. The correct use of validated classification, the pre-operative CT scan, a multidisciplinary approach, and an appropriate presurgical examination are the necessary elements to obtain a good success rate.
Complement as a Biomarker for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Ayano Masahiro , Horiuchi Takahiko
Published: February 2023

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease of immune complex deposition; therefore, complement plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of SLE. In general, complement levels in blood and complement deposition in histological tests are used for the management of SLE. Thus, the evaluation of complement status can be useful in the diagnosis of SLE, assessment of disease activity, and prediction of treatment response and prognosis. In addition, novel complement biomarkers, such as split products and cell-bound complement activation products, are considered to be more sensitive than traditional complement markers, such as serum C3 and C4 levels and total complement activity (CH50), which become more widely used. In this review, we report the complement testing in the management of SLE over the last decade and summarize their utility.
Applicability of a Green Nanocomposite Consisted of Spongin Decorated Cu2WO4(OH)2 and AgNPs as a High-Performance Aptasensing Platform in Staphylococcus aureus Detection
Authors: Shahdost-Fard Faezeh , Faridfar Shahin , Keihan Amir Homayoun , Aghaei Mohammad , Petrenko Iaroslav , Ahmadi Farhad , Ehrlich Hermann , Rahimi-Nasrabadi Mehdi
Published: February 2023

This study reports the synthesis of a nanocomposite consisting of spongin and its applicability in the development of an aptasensing platform with high performance. The spongin was carefully extracted from a marine sponge and decorated with copper tungsten oxide hydroxide. The resulting spongin-copper tungsten oxide hydroxide was functionalized by silver nanoparticles and utilized in electrochemical aptasensor fabrication. The nanocomposite covered on a glassy carbon electrode surface amplified the electron transfer and increased active electrochemical sites. The aptasensor was fabricated by loading of thiolated aptamer on the embedded surface via thiol-AgNPs linkage. The applicability of the aptasensor was tested in detecting the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium as one of the five most common causes of nosocomial infectious diseases. The aptasensor measured S. aureus under a linear concentration range of 10–108 colony-forming units per milliliter and a limit of quantification and detection of 12 and 1 colony-forming unit per milliliter, respectively. The highly selective diagnosis of S. aureus in the presence of some common bacterial strains was satisfactorily evaluated. The acceptable results of the human serum analysis as the real sample may be promising in the bacteria tracking in clinical samples underlying the green chemistry principle.
Validation of Rapid and Economic Colorimetric Nanoparticle Assay for SARS-CoV-2 RNA Detection in Saliva and Nasopharyngeal Swabs
Authors: Armesto María , Charconnet Mathias , Marimón José M. , Fernández Regueiro Cristina Lía , Jia Jia , Yan Tingdong , Sorarrain Ane , Grzelczak Marek , Sanromán María , Vicente Mónica , Klempa Boris , Zubiria Javier , Peng Yuan , Zhang Lei , Zhang Jianhua , Lawrie Charles H.
Published: February 2023

Even with the widespread uptake of vaccines, the SARS-CoV-2-induced COVID-19 pandemic continues to overwhelm many healthcare systems worldwide. Consequently, massive scale molecular diagnostic testing remains a key strategy to control the ongoing pandemic, and the need for instrument-free, economic and easy-to-use molecular diagnostic alternatives to PCR remains a goal of many healthcare providers, including WHO. We developed a test (Repvit) based on gold nanoparticles that can detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA directly from nasopharyngeal swab or saliva samples with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.1 × 105 copies mL−1 by the naked eye (or 8 × 104 copies mL−1 by spectrophotometer) in less than 20 min, without the need for any instrumentation, and with a manufacturing price of <$1. We tested this technology on 1143 clinical samples from RNA extracted from nasopharyngeal swabs (n = 188), directly from saliva samples (n = 635; assayed by spectrophotometer) and nasopharyngeal swabs (n = 320) from multiple centers and obtained sensitivity values of 92.86%, 93.75% and 94.57% and specificities of 93.22%, 97.96% and 94.76%, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a colloidal nanoparticle assay that allows for rapid nucleic acid detection at clinically relevant sensitivity without the need for external instrumentation that could be used in resource-limited settings or for self-testing.
Multi-Frequency Electrocochleography and Electrode Scan to Identify Electrode Insertion Trauma during Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Saoji Aniket A. , Graham Madison K. , Adkins Weston J. , Koka Kanthaiah , Carlson Matthew L. , Neff Brian A. , Driscoll Colin L. W. , Fitzpatrick Douglas C.
Published: February 2023

Intraoperative electrocochleography (ECOG) is performed using a single low-frequency acoustic stimulus (e.g., 500 Hz) to monitor cochlear microphonics (CM) during cochlear implant (CI) electrode insertion. A decrease in CM amplitude is commonly associated with cochlear trauma and is used to guide electrode placement. However, advancement of the recording electrode beyond the sites of CM generation can also lead to a decrease in CM amplitude and is sometimes interpreted as cochlear trauma, resulting in unnecessary electrode manipulation and increased risk of cochlear trauma during CI electrode placement. In the present study, multi-frequency ECOG was used to monitor CM during CI electrode placement. The intraoperative CM tracings were compared with electrode scan measurements, where CM was measured for each of the intracochlear electrodes. Comparison between the peak CM amplitude measured during electrode placement and electrode scan measurements was used to differentiate between different mechanisms for decrease in CM amplitude during CI electrode insertion. Analysis of the data shows that both multi-frequency electrocochleography and electrode scan could potentially be used to differentiate between different mechanisms for decreasing CM amplitude and providing appropriate feedback to the surgeon during CI electrode placement.
Advances in Autism Research: Series II
Authors: Narzisi Antonio
Published: February 2023

“Advances in Autism Research: Series II” is a continuation of the important Special Issue (SI) published in 2020 that collected 50 articles [...]
The Contagion of Unethical Behavior and Social Learning: An Experimental Study
Authors: Chen Yefeng , Pan Yiwen , Cui Haohan , Yang Xiaolan
Published: February 2023

Unethical behavior is discovered that is more contagious than ethical behavior. This article attempts to propose one of the possible underlying mechanisms—people may have underconfidence bias in information updating due to motivated reasoning, and such bias exhibits in a different direction compared to the overconfident bias documented in the literature on ethical environment, which generate the asymmetric pattern in contagion. This study designs an experiment which relates the unethical behavior to social learning, where a series of subjects with private information about penalty decide sequentially whether to conduct unethical behavior publicly. This study adopts a quantal response equilibrium to construct a structural model for estimation of the bias. In total, 162 university students participated in our experiment and the results confirm the asymmetric patterns that people rely more on others’ precedent decisions rather than their private signal; therefore, the bias facilitates the contagion. This study also tests two punishment systems in the experiment and the results suggest a policy: slightly increasing penalties for the “followers” in the early stages would effectively suppress the contagion.
Neuropsychological Evidence Underlying Counterclockwise Bias in Running: Electroencephalography and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies of Motor Imagery
Authors: Kim Teri , Kim Jingu , Kwon Sechang
Published: February 2023

We aimed to answer the question “why do people run the track counterclockwise (CCW)?” by investigating the neurophysiological differences in clockwise (CW) versus CCW direction using motor imagery. Three experiments were conducted with healthy adults. Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to examine hemispheric asymmetries in the prefrontal, frontal, and central regions during CW and CCW running imagery (n = 40). We also evaluated event-related potential (ERP) N200 and P300 amplitudes and latencies (n = 66) and conducted another experiment using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) (n = 30). EEG data indicated greater left frontal cortical activation during CCW imagery, whereas right frontal activation was more dominant during CW imagery. The prefrontal and central asymmetries demonstrated greater left prefrontal activation during both CW and CCW imagery, with CCW rotation exhibiting higher, though statistically insignificant, asymmetry scores than CW rotation. As a result of the fMRI experiment, greater activation was found during CW than during CCW running imagery in the brain regions of the left insula, Brodmann area 18, right caudate nucleus, left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, left superior parietal cortex, and supplementary motor area. In the ERP experiment, no significant differences were found depending on direction. These findings suggest that CCW rotation might be associated with the motivational approach system, behavioral activation, or positive affect. However, CW rotation reflects withdrawal motivation, behavioral inhibition, or negative affect. Furthermore, CW rotation is understood to be associated with neural inefficiency, increased task difficulty, or unfamiliarity.
Governing for Spatial Reconfiguration in Tourism-Oriented Peri-Urban Villages: New Developments from Three Cases in China
Authors: Shao Yiwen , Sun Yao
Published: February 2023

Peri-urban villages have become the new hotspot of rural tourism development in China as different actors strive to reconfigure the rural environment in order to meet growing tourist demands, provide distinctive tourism experience, and improve villagers’ quality of life. The presence of diverse stakeholders requires new governance wisdom. This situation also underscores the importance of examining emerging trends to enrich existing literature and guide future practices. Based on first-hand information from interviews, field investigation, and questionnaire surveys, this study illustrates the evolving structure and dynamics of governance approaches and the roles of stakeholders in creating characteristic peri-urban tourism destinations. Three exemplary cases, headed respectively by the local government, a state-owned enterprise, and artists, are investigated and evaluated. We find that collaborative approaches that foster value co-creation and benefit-sharing are gradually replacing earlier governance models that are dominated by a single party, and that proper leadership and institutional design are key to achieving collaborative governance. The findings support recommendations on openness to participation, negotiation and coordination, division of rights and responsibilities, and a combination of incentive and regulatory policies in rural tourism development.
A Review: How Deep Learning Technology Impacts the Evaluation of Traditional Village Landscapes
Authors: Wang Tao , Chen Jingjing , Liu Li , Guo Lingling
Published: February 2023

Recently, the deep learning technology has been adopted in the study of traditional village landscape. More precisely, it’s usually used to explore the representation of cultural heritage and the diversity of heritage information. In this study, we comprehensively reviewed these deep learning-related literatures for the evaluation of traditional village landscapes. E.g., the landscape image recognition led by the pixel-level semantic segmentation algorithm and image feature extraction technology enable user-centred exploration and make cultural heritage digitally and visually accessible. By suggesting a analytic framework using the pixel-level semantic segmentation algorithm and extracting image features, we attempted to identify the physical attributes and spatial characteristics of traditional village landscapes and further simulate the value perception thinking of experts and the public. Besides, we analysed the impact factors and correlation mechanism of spatial attributes to provide a scientific basis and technical support for the protection and utilization of traditional villages.
A Review on Emerging Cementitious Materials, Reactivity Evaluation and Treatment Methods
Authors: Jhatial Ashfaque Ahmed , Nováková Iveta , Gjerløw Eirik
Published: February 2023

Alternative to traditional concrete, sustainable concrete reduces cement content, waste management issues, and CO2 emissions. To achieve sustainable concrete, waste materials can be used as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to partially replace cement. Fly ash, ground-granulated blast furnace slag, and silica fume have been heavily studied as SCMs. However, due to the retirement of coal-fired power plants and switching to renewable energy, existing SCMs are losing their dominance. With SCMs becoming more widely accepted as partial cement substitutes, there is fear that the current supply will not meet future demand. As a result, researchers have been looking for alternative SCMs. The circular economy can be achieved by reusing non-hazardous construction and demolition materials, timber, and metal/steel production waste as SCMs. This article discusses emerging SCMs, reactivity evaluation methods, their limitations, and treatment methods that may improve reactivity. Emerging SCMs can replace existing SCMs in quantity, but their supply to cement factories and low reactivity due to stable crystallinity hinders their use. Among treatment methods, particle size reduction effectively enhances reactivity; however, very fine SCM may increase the overall water demand due to the large surface area. Decades-old reactivity evaluation methods have relatively weak correlations and thus misreport the reactivity of SCMs. Newer R3 models, such as calorimetry and bound water, give the best correlations (R ≥ 0.85) for 28-day relative strength and better performance. Additionally, more concrete testing with emerging SCMs under different durability and environmental protection conditions is required and life cycle assessments are needed to determine their regional environmental impact.
Medium-Scale Fire Resistance Testing of Timber Structures with Composite Cement Fibre Materials
Authors: Žajdlík Tomáš , Šuhajda Karel , Průša David
Published: February 2023

The combustibility of natural wood presents a negative impact for using this material in buildings. Timber elements can be cladded with boards made of non-combustible materials. This study represents a group of options for increasing the resistance of timber against the effects of fire and the possibility of slowing down the effect of thermal degradation of wood. The aim of this study is focused on an experimental testing of structures with timber elements protected by cement fibre boards as a non-combustible fire retardant. Cement fibre boards are fibre-reinforced composite materials used for systems of dry constructions. These boards present the highest degree of fire reaction class (A1). The behaviour of the structure, loaded by the effects of fire, was monitored during the experiment. The specimen was tested with reduced dimensions. The temperature loading corresponded to the procedure according to the standards. The final fire resistant (FR) results were evaluated in accordance with the requirements for the selected limit states of FR. This was assessed based on the measured temperatures and the whole condition of the tested specimen. The specimen fulfilled the fire-separating function of the structure for the classification times.
New Horizons in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Prognostic Role of CD44 Expression
Authors: Ziranu Pina , Aimola Valentina , Pretta Andrea , Dubois Marco , Murru Raffaele , Liscia Nicole , Cau Flaviana , Persano Mara , Deias Giulia , Palmas Enrico , Loi Francesco , Migliari Marco , Pusceddu Valeria , Puzzoni Marco , Lai Eleonora , Cascinu Stefano , Faa Gavino , Scartozzi Mario
Published: February 2023

Background: The transmembrane glycoprotein CD44, the major hyaluronan (HA) receptor, has been proven to regulate cell growth, survival, differentiation, and migration. It is therefore widely considered to be involved in carcinogenesis. Its role as a new therapeutic target in solid tumors is under evaluation in clinical trials. The prognostic value remains controversial. Here, we aimed to investigate the correlation between CD44 expression and the clinicopathological features and survival in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. Methods: Data from 65 mCRC patients of the Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari were retrospectively collected from 2008 to 2021. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed at the Pathology Division, University Hospital of Cagliari on 3 μm thick sections obtained from paraffin blocks. The intensity of immunohistochemical staining was subclassified into four groups: score 0 if negative or weak membrane staining in less than 10% of tumor cells; score 1+ if weak membrane staining in at least 10% of tumor cells or moderate membrane staining in less than 10% of tumor cells; score 2+ if moderate membrane staining in at least 10% of tumor cells or intensive membrane staining in less than 10% of tumor cells; score 3+ if intense membrane staining in at least 10% of tumor cells. Based on this score, we distinguished patients into low CD44 expression (score 0, 1+, 2+) and high CD44 expression (score 3+). Statistical analysis was performed with MedCalc (survival distribution: Kaplan–Meier; survival comparison: log-rank test; association between categorical variables: Fisher’s exact test). Results: Patients’ median age was 66 years (range 49–85). Regarding CD44 expression, score was 0 in 18 patients, 1+ in 15 patients, 2+ in 18 patients, and 3+ in 14 patients. Median overall survival (mOS) was 28.1 months (95%CI: 21.3–101). CD44 overexpression (3+) was correlated with poor prognosis (p = 0.0011; HR = 0.2), with a mOS of 14.5 months (95%CI 11.7 to 35.9) versus 30.7 months (95%CI 27.8 to 101) in lower CD44 expression. Higher CD44 expression was associated with clinically poor prognostic features: age ≥ 70 years (p = 0.0166); inoperable disease (p = 0.0008); stage IV at diagnosis (p = 0.0241); BRAF mutated (p = 0.0111), high-grade tumor (p = 0.0084). Conclusions: CD44 markedly correlated with aggressive tumor behavior and contributed to the earlier progression of disease, thus suggesting its role as a novel prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target for mCRC patients.
A Systematic Review on the Potential Acceleration of Neurocognitive Aging in Older Cancer Survivors
Authors: Kerstens Charlotte , Wildiers Hans P. M. W. , Schroyen Gwen , Almela Mercedes , Mark Ruth E. , Lambrecht Maarten , Deprez Sabine , Sleurs Charlotte
Published: February 2023

As survival rates increase, more emphasis has gone to possible cognitive sequelae in older cancer patients, which could be explained by accelerated brain aging. In this review, we provide a complete overview of studies investigating neuroimaging, neurocognitive, and neurodegenerative disorders in older cancer survivors (>65 years), based on three databases (Pubmed, Web of Science and Medline). Ninety-six studies were included. Evidence was found for functional and structural brain changes (frontal regions, basal ganglia, gray and white matter), compared to healthy controls. Cognitive decline was mainly found in memory functioning. Anti-hormonal treatments were repeatedly associated with cognitive decline (tamoxifen) and sometimes with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (androgen deprivation therapy). Chemotherapy was inconsistently associated with later development of cognitive changes or dementia. Radiotherapy was not associated with cognition in patients with non-central nervous system cancer but can play a role in patients with central nervous system cancer, while neurosurgery seemed to improve their cognition in the short-term. Individual risk factors included cancer subtypes (e.g., brain cancer, hormone-related cancers), treatment (e.g., anti-hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, cranial radiation), genetic predisposition (e.g., APOE, COMT, BDNF), age, comorbidities (e.g., frailty, cognitive reserve), and psychological (e.g., depression, (post-traumatic) distress, sleep, fatigue) and social factors (e.g., loneliness, limited caregiver support, low SES). More research on accelerated aging is required to guide intervention studies.
Kisspeptin and GPR54 Receptor Expression in Endometrial Cancer Tissue
Authors: Gowkielewicz Marek , Lipka Aleksandra , Piotrowska Aleksandra , Szadurska-Noga Marta , Nowakowski Jacek J. , Lepiarczyk Ewa , Wiszpolska Marta , Waśniewski Tomasz , Dzięgiel Piotr , Kaleczyc Jerzy , Majewski Mariusz Krzysztof , Majewska Marta
Published: February 2023

Kisspeptin (KISS) is a natural peptide—discovered in 1996 as a factor inhibiting the ability to metastasize in malignant melanoma. This protein plays also a regulatory role in the process of puberty, the menstrual cycle, spermatogenesis, implantation and development of the human placenta. The present study aimed to evaluate the expression of KISS and its receptor GPR54 in endometrial cancer (EC) tissue, depending on the histological type of cancer, its stage, various demographic characteristics, and clinical conditions in 214 hysterectomy patients. Expression of KISS and GPR54 was confirmed in 99.5% and 100% of the cases, respectively. Hormone replacement therapy and the coexistence of the anti-Müllerian type 2 receptor in cancer tissue enhanced KISS expression. Smoking, on the other hand, decreased KISS expression. GPR54 expression increased with the advancement of the disease (according to FIGO classification). Also, the presence of the anti-Müllerian type 2 receptor in EC increased the level of GPR54. Hypertension, age and miscarriage harmed the presence of GPR54. The histological type of cancer, diabetes type 2, body mass index, hormonal contraception, number of deliveries, birth weight of newborns, breastfeeding time, and the presence of AMH in EC tissue were not associated with the expression of either KISS nor GPR54. The KISS level was also significantly related to the GPR54 level. Considering that KISS is a non-toxic peptide with antimetastatic properties, further investigation is essential to determine the clinical significance of this peptide.
Electronic Patient Reported Outcome (ePRO) Measures in Patients with Soft Tissue Sarcoma (STS) Receiving Palliative Treatment
Authors: Hofer Silvia , Hentschel Leopold , Richter Stephan , Blum Veronika , Kramer Michael , Kasper Bernd , Riese Christoph , Schuler Markus K.
Published: February 2023

The PazoQoL prospective, randomized, controlled, multicenter study was designed to continuously assess global health related quality of life (HRQoL) during treatment with pazopanib or physician-preferred chemotherapy over a 9-week period. The questionnaires were completed by the patients at home with great reliability during this time period. Continuous electronic patient reported outcome (ePRO) enabled early detection of the onset of deterioration and timely initiation of countermeasures. The Cancer Therapy Satisfaction Questionnaire (CTSQ) showed high interindividual variability and decline over a 9-week period, whereas the Time Trade-off (TTO) proved to be an efficient method for assessing individual benefit from cancer therapy. In our cohort, the TTO clearly demonstrated that the prolongation of life and the side effect profile of continued therapy were not as satisfactory as expected by patients when starting a new therapy. Although the study had to be stopped early due to the pandemic, our findings could translate into clinical practice without much effort and outside of a trial.
Recent Developments in Photocatalytic Nanotechnology for Purifying Air Polluted with Volatile Organic Compounds: Effect of Operating Parameters and Catalyst Deactivation
Authors: Jaison Augustine , Mohan Anandhu , Lee Young-Chul
Published: February 2023

Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) is a successful method for indoor air purification, especially for removing low-concentration pollutants. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) form a class of organic pollutants that are released into the atmosphere by consumer goods or via human activities. Once they enter the atmosphere, some might combine with other gases to create new air pollutants, which can have a detrimental effect on the health of living beings. This review focuses on current developments in the degradation of indoor pollutants, with an emphasis on two aspects of PCO: (i) influence of environmental (external) conditions; and (ii) catalyst deactivation and possible solutions. TiO2 is widely used as a photocatalyst in PCO because of its unique properties. Here, the potential effects of the operating parameters, such as the nature of the reactant, catalyst support, light intensity, and relative humidity, are extensively investigated. Then the developments and limitations of the PCO technique are highlighted, especially photocatalyst deactivation. Furthermore, the nature and deactivation mechanisms of photocatalysts are discussed, with possible solutions for reducing catalyst deactivation. Finally, the challenges and future directions of PCO technology for the elimination of indoor pollutants are compared and summarized.
Biomass Mediated Synthesis of ZnO and ZnO/GO for the Decolorization of Methylene Blue under Visible Light Source
Authors: Al-Zahrani Salma Ahmed , Umar Khalid , Tweib Saleh Ali , Rashd Jebrel Abdeljawad M. , Afridi Saima Khan , Bhawani Showkat Ahmad , Otaibi Ahmed Al , Masood Najat , Mansour Dorsaf , Khan Anish , Ayyar Manikandan
Published: February 2023

In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) as well as ZnO/GO (zinc oxide/graphene oxide) were successfully synthesized. The Carica papaya leaf extract was used to synthesize ZnO and oil palm empty fruit bunch biomass to obtain graphene, which was further used to obtain graphene oxide. The samples were characterized through a variety of analytical methods such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV–Visible spectroscopy in order to understand their morphology, size, structural phase purity, functional groups and optical properties. Various peaks such as O-H, Zn-OH and Zn-O were found in the case of ZnO. Some additional peaks, such as C-C and C=C, were also been detected while analyzing the sample by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The results of the XRD and SEM studies demonstrated that the synthesized material shows the crystalline nature of the substance in the case of ZnO, and the crystallinity decreases for ZnO/GO. The average crystallite size was found to 80.0 nm for ZnO and 74.0 nm for ZnO/GO. Further, a red shift was shown in the case of ZnO/GO, which was indicated by the UV–Vis absorption spectrum. In the TEM analysis, the particles were shown to be nanosized. For instance, the highest number of particles was found in the range of 100 to 120 nm in the case of ZnO, while 80–100 nm sized particles were found for ZnO/GO. Using synthesized ZnO and ZnO/GO, the decolorization of methylene blue was found to be 64% and 91%, respectively.
Preparation of di-[EMIM]CoCl3 Ionic Liquid Catalyst and Coupling with Oxone for Desulfurization at Room Temperature
Authors: Wang Shaokang , Xu Hang
Published: February 2023

The intermediate di-[EMIM]Cl was synthesized from methyl imidazole and 1,4-dichlorobutane and then reacted with cobalt chloride at 105 °C to prepare a bi-[EMIM]CoCl3 ionic liquid catalyst. The di-[EMIM]CoCl3 catalyst coupled with oxone to remove sulfur-containing organics in octane. The di-[EMIM]CoCl3 catalyst was characterized by HNMR, FTIR, TG, and SEM–EDS. The dibenzothiophene (DBT) was dissolved in octane to prepare a model oil with an initial sulfur content of 500 ppm. Six grams of the model oil was added. The results showed that the optimal dosages of di-[EMIM]CoCl3, oxone (20 wt%), and [BMIM]BF4 extractant were 1 g, 2 g, and 2 g, respectively. At the optimum temperature of 45 °C, 100% of sulfur was removed after 40 min. After di-[EMIM]CoCl3 was recycled five times, the sulfur removal percentage remained above 91%. The sulfur removal percentages for different sulfur-containing organics followed the order of dibenzothiophene (DBT) > benzothiophene (BT) > 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT). The oxidation product was determined to be DBTO2 by GC–MS analysis, and the oxidation mechanism was discussed. The active oxygen atoms of oxone oxidized DBT to form DBTO, and then persulfate oxidized DBTO to DBTO2 via an identical oxidation mechanism.