bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A smartphone app to improve the safety of patients undergoing treatment with oral antineoplastic agents: 4 years of experience in a university hospital
Authors: Villanueva-Bueno Cristina , Collado-Borrell Roberto , Escudero-Vilaplana Vicente , Revuelta-Herrero José Luis , Marzal-Alfaro María Belén , González-Haba Eva , Arranz-Arija José Ángel , Osorio Santiago , Herranz-Alonso Ana , Sanjurjo-Saez María
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study aims to analyze the impact of the eOncosalud app on the management and follow-up of adverse effects (AE) in patients receiving oral antineoplastic agents.

Material and methods

We performed an observational, prospective study of cancer outpatients treated with oral antineoplastic agents (OAA), monitored by the eOncosalud app between August 2017 and October 2021. Safety variables were collected from eOncosalud: the number of AE; severity of the AE according to CTCAE, version 4.03; timelapse from app installation to first recorded AE; automatic recommendations issued; and the patient's acceptance of the recommendations made. To assess the impact of the recommendations generated by the algorithm, we calculated the positive predictive value (PPV) as the number of recommendations accepted out of the total number of recommendations generated. Safety-related patient messages were also analyzed (AE, drug–drug interactions, drug administration).

Result

The app was downloaded and used by 186 patients (58.0% women), with a mean age of 59.0 years. A total of 1,368 AE were recorded, the most frequent being fatigue (19.37%), diarrhea (18.20%), and skin changes (9.21%). Regarding the recommendations issued by the app algorithm, 102 patients received 344 information brochures, 39 patients received 51 recommendations for supportive care to control AE, 60 patients received 240 recommendations to visit their primary care doctor, 14 patients received 16 recommendations to contact their specialist pharmacist or oncologist-hematologist, and 34 patients received 73 recommendations to go to the emergency room. The suggestion to go to the emergency room and contact the specialist pharmacist or oncologist-hematologist had a PPV of 0.51 and 0.35, respectively. Half of the patients (50.4%) used the messaging module. A total of 1,668 messages were sent. Of these, 47.8% were related to treatment safety: AE, 22.7%; drug-drug interactions, 20.6%; drug administration, 3.6%; and missing a dose, 1.0%.

Conclusions

The eOncosalud app enables close, real-time monitoring of patients treated with OAA. The automatic recommendations through the app's algorithm have optimized available healthcare resources. The app facilitated early detection of AE, thus enabling patients themselves to improve the safety of their treatment.
Increased endothelial biomarkers are associated with HIV antiretroviral therapy and C-reactive protein among a African rural population in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Hanser Sidney , Mphekgwana Peter Modupi , Moraba Mpho Matthias , Erasmus Lourens , van Staden Marlise
Published: November 2022

In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) endothelial dysfunction (ED) and chronic inflammation in the HIV-positive adults population who are on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) are not fully explored. We determined the effect of HAART on chronic inflammation and ED among HAART-exposed adults in a rural setting. Weight and height were measured to quantify the body mass index (BMI). Lipid and Glucose levels were determined. C-reactive protein (CRP), L-selectin, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM-1), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1) in serum samples were tested. The majority of the HAART-exposed group were on treatment for <5 years. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecules, sVCAM-1, L-selectin and CRP were elevated in the HIV-infected groups as compared to the control group. The multivariate analysis showed that HIV infection (HAART-naïve) associated with increased sICAM-1 (β = 0.350; 95% CI: 0.035–0.664, p = 0.029) and L-selectin (β = 0.236; 95% CI: 0.038–0.434, p = 0.019) but not sVCAM-1 (β = 0.009; 95% CI: 0.252–0.270, p = 0.468). The HAART-exposed group is associated with sVCAM-1 (β = 0.250; 95% CI: 0.015–0.486, p = 0.037) but not with sICAM-1- (β = 0.253; 95% CI: −0.083–0.590, p = 0.14) and L-selectin (β = 0.119; 95% CI: −0.016–0.253, p = 0.084). sVCAM-1 was associated with decreased alcohol consumption (β = −0.245; 95% CI: −0.469–0.021, p = 0.032) while L-selectin was associated with decreased total cholesterol (β = −0.061; 95% CI: −0.124–0.002, p = 0.05) and increased CRP (β = 0.015; 95% CI: 0.009–0.022, p < 0.001). Increased endothelial biomarkers were associated with HIV disease and HAART in a rural black adult population of African descent after controlling for CVD risk factors. Inflammation (as measured with CRP) may play an important role in endothelial activation. Further studies are needed to explore the association between endothelial dysfunction and inflammation especially among the HIV-positive population on HAART in similar settings.
GMAG: An open-source python package for ground-based magnetometers
Authors: Murphy Kyle R. , Rae I. Jonathan , Halford Alexa J. , Engebretson Mark , Russell Christopher T. , Matzka Jürgen , Johnsen Magnar G. , Milling David K. , Mann Ian R. , Kale Andy , Xu Zhonghua , Connors Martin , Angelopoulos Vassilis , Chi Peter , Tanskanen Eija
Published: November 2022

Magnetometers are a key component of heliophysics research providing valuable insight into the dynamics of electromagnetic field regimes and their coupling throughout the solar system. On satellites, magnetometers provide detailed observations of the extension of the solar magnetic field into interplanetary space and of planetary environments. At Earth, magnetometers are deployed on the ground in extensive arrays spanning the polar cap, auroral and sub-auroral zone, mid- and low-latitudes and equatorial electrojet with nearly global coverage in azimuth (longitude or magnetic local time—MLT). These multipoint observations are used to diagnose both ionospheric and magnetospheric processes as well as the coupling between the solar wind and these two regimes at a fraction of the cost of in-situ instruments. Despite their utility in research, ground-based magnetometer data can be difficult to use due to a variety of file formats, multiple points of access for the data, and limited software. In this short article we review the Open-Source Python library GMAG which provides rapid access to ground-based magnetometer data from a number of arrays in a Pandas DataFrame, a common data format used throughout scientific research.
Geospace: The naturally occurring plasma laboratory
Authors: Longley William J. , Goodwin Lindsay V.
Published: November 2022

While the societal relevance of space physics drives most of the research in the field, this paper argues for the merit in addressing problems that are core to plasma physics, regardless of discipline or application to society. The geospace environment is a unique, naturally occurring laboratory that can be used for investigating basic plasma processes. Ground and satellite-based observations provide important data for understanding basic plasma processes such as transport, charge-neutral interactions, collisions, and turbulence. These are important topics in space physics, and we show how these topics are relevant to the broader plasma physics community. This paper recommends improved funding lines to examine fundamental plasma physics in the geospace environment. This can be accomplished by annual solicitation of the NASA ROSES B.3 Heliophysics Theory, Modeling, and Simulations (HTMS) program; consideration of plasma physics as relevant to all NASA proposals; and creating a pathway for high-risk research into fundamental science.
Impact of primary site on survival in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma from 2004 to 2015
Authors: Shen Tianyi , Cai Wenting , Li Tingting , Yu Donghui , Ren Chengda , Yu Jing
Published: November 2022

Background

Nasopharynx carcinoma (NPC) is the most common malignant tumor of the nasopharynx. Many studies have shown some factors related with the prognosis of NPC patients. Our study aims to evaluate the differences of prognosis between initial and second primary NPC.

Material and methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program was used to perform the population-based analysis in NPC patients who were newly diagnosed between 2004 and 2015. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regressions were used to evaluate the effects of primary site on the overall survival (OS), as well as the cancer-specific survival (CSS).

Results

Our study included 5,012 NPC patients: 4,474 initial primary NPC patients and 5,38 s primary NPC patients. Significant differences were observed in sex, age at diagnosis, race, median household income, histological type, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, N-stage, radiation treatment and chemotherapy between patients with initial and second NPC (P < 0.05). Moreover, the patients with second NPC had longer survival months. In addition, radiation and chemotherapy were recommended both in first and second primary NPC patients.

Conclusion

Worse prognosis was observed in patients with second primary NPC compared with those with primary NPC in all subgroups of AJCC stage and age at diagnosis.
Transvaginal natural orifice endoscopic surgery for myomectomy: Can it be a conventional surgery?
Authors: Hou Qiannan , Li Xin , Huang Lu , Xiong Ying , Feng Dan , Zhang Qiang , Zeng Xiaoyan , Yang Yang , Liu Tianjiao , Li Yalan , Lin Yonghong , He Li
Published: November 2022

Introduction

As a new minimally invasive surgery, transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) has been proved to be suitable for the treatment of a variety of gynecological benign diseases. However, compared with other minimally invasive surgeries that have been widely used, such as conventional multiport laparoscopy and transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS), their advantages and disadvantages and how to choose are still unknown. The purpose of our study is to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the three minimally invasive surgeries in myomectomy and to provide theoretical basis for the wider development of vNOTES surgery.

Material and methods

This retrospective study included 282 patients at our hospital who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy from May 2021 to March 2022. Based on the surgical approach, patients were classified into multiport, transumbilical LESS, and vNOTES groups. The patients’ demographic characteristics and follow-up data were collected during the perioperative period and at 1 month postoperatively.

Results

Among the three procedures, vNOTES had the shortest anal exhaust time but also the highest postoperative infection rate. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the operative time increased by 3.5 min for each 1 cm increase in myoma, and intraoperative bleeding increased by approximately 12 ml. The average duration of single pores increased by 25 min compared to that of multiports, and the operative duration increased by 10.48 min for each degree of adhesion.

Conclusions

For gynecologists who have mastered vNOTES, this procedure has the same efficacy and safety as the two existing minimally invasive surgeries in myomectomy, but it shows obvious advantages in postoperative recovery.
Efficacy of ultrasound guided dry needling as an adjunct to conventional physical therapy for patients with jumper’s knee: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sharif Faiza , Ahmad Ashfaq , Gilani Syed Amir , Bacha Raham , Hanif Asif , Arif Muhammad Asim
Published: November 2022

Background

Jumper’s knee is a degenerative condition among athletes, and it has been treated with conventional physical therapy (CPT). Ultrasound guided dry needling (USG-DN) is a relatively new technique to explore clinical outcomes in patients with tendinopathy.

Methods

This parallel group, single-blinded randomized controlled trial was carried out involving 94 athletes with clinically diagnosed jumper’s knee, divided into an intervention group (USG-DN + CPT, n = 47) and a control group (CPT, n = 47). Participants received a 4-week programme; the intervention group received ultrasound guided patellar tendon dry needling (DN) in conjunction with CPT. The control group received only CPT. The visual analog scale (VAS), Victorian institute of sports assessment-Patellar tendinopathy (VISA-P) questionnaire, Lysholm scale, Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and ultrasonographic features of patellar tendinopathy were evaluated at baseline,1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. The data were analyzed through SPSS-26.

Results

The study found statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) regarding VAS, Lysholm, VISA-P, and KOOS scales at baseline, 1st, 2nd, and 4th week post-intervention. Within-group differences also showed statistically significant results after the intervention. There were significant results observed in ultrasonographic outcomes between both groups at 1 month post-intervention (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of the current study suggest, ultrasound guided DN of patellar tendon in combination with CPT reduced pain, improved function, and showed a tendency to decrease tendon thickness in patients with patellar tendinopathy.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

(IRCT20210409050913N1). Dated: 17.04.2021. https://www.irct.ir/user/trial/55607/view.
Does the continuation of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid during the perioperative period of thyroidectomy increase the risk of cervical haematoma? A 1-year experience of two Italian centers
Authors: Canu Gian Luigi , Medas Fabio , Cappellacci Federico , Giordano Alessio Biagio Filippo , Casti Francesco , Grifoni Lucrezia , Feroci Francesco , Calò Pietro Giorgio
Published: November 2022

Background

A growing number of patients taking antiplatelet drugs, mainly low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (75–150 mg/day), for primary or secondary prevention of thrombotic events, are encountered in every field of surgery. While the bleeding risk due to the continuation of these medications during the perioperative period has been adequately investigated in several surgical specialties, in thyroid surgery it still needs to be clarified. The main aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of cervical haematoma in patients receiving low-dose acetylsalicylic acid, specifically ASA 100 mg/day, during the perioperative period of thyroidectomy.

Methods

Patients undergoing thyroidectomy in two high-volume thyroid surgery centers in Italy, between January 2021 and December 2021, were retrospectively analysed. Enrolled patients were divided into two groups: those not taking ASA were included in Group A, while those receiving this drug in Group B. Univariate analysis was performed to compare these two groups. Moreover, multivariate analysis was employed to evaluate the use of low-dose ASA as independent risk factor for cervical haematoma.

Results

A total of 412 patients underwent thyroidectomy during the study period. Among them, 29 (7.04%) were taking ASA. Based on the inclusion criteria, 351 patients were enrolled: 322 were included in Group A and 29 in Group B. In Group A, there were 4 (1.24%) cervical haematomas not requiring surgical revision of haemostasis and 4 (1.24%) cervical haematomas requiring surgical revision of haemostasis. In Group B, there was 1 (3.45%) cervical haematoma requiring surgical revision of haemostasis. At univariate analysis, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of occurrence of cervical haematoma, nor of the other early complications of thyroidectomy. At multivariate analysis, the use of low-dose ASA did not prove to be an independent risk factor for cervical haematoma.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, we believe that in patients receiving this drug, either for primary or secondary prevention of thrombotic events, its discontinuation during the perioperative period of thyroidectomy is not necessary.
Outcomes after superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery anastomosis combined with multiple burr hole surgery and dural inversion synangiosis for moyamoya disease in adults
Authors: Xu Dongxiao , Zheng Bingjie , Wu Qiaowei , Yao Jinbiao , Ilyasova Tatiana , Beilerli Aferin , Shi Huaizhang
Published: November 2022

Objective

Several forms of cerebral revascularization have been carried out to treat moyamoya disease, however, the existing methods are accompanied by a variety of complications. In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate the clinical and angiographic outcomes of a new surgical procedure: superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) anastomosis combined with multiple burr hole (MBH) surgery and dural inversion synangiosis for the treatment of moyamoya disease in adults.

Methods

Patients treated for moyamoya disease from August 2019 to July 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data, including perioperative complications and follow-up outcomes, were noted. Preoperative and postoperative angiograms were compared, and the diameters of the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery (F-STA), the deep temporal artery (DTA), the distal superficial temporal artery (STA) before the bifurcation and the middle meningeal artery (MMA) were measured on preoperative and postoperative angiograms. Meanwhile, a Matsushima score was assigned from postoperative angiograms.

Results

This study included 66 patients (67 hemispheres). During the follow-up period, a median of 18 (IQR, 13–21) months, no stroke or death occurred in any of the patients. The clinical outcomes were excellent in 27 patients (40.9%), good in 34 patients (51.6%), fair in 4 patients (6.0%), and poor in 1 patient (1.5%); the overall rate of favorable clinical outcomes (excellent and good) was 92.5%. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was significantly improved at follow-up (P < 0.001). There were 41 hemispheres imaged by cerebral angiography after the operation, at a median postoperative interval of 9 (IQR, 8–12) months; among them, 34 (82.9%) hemispheres had Matsushima scores of grade A and grade B. The average postoperative diameters in the STA, DTA and MMA were increased significantly in 41 hemispheres at follow-up (P < 0.001). Sixteen (24.2%) patients suffered from perioperative complications, including focal hyperperfusion syndrome (HS) in 8 (12.2%) patients, cerebral infarction in 3 (4.5%) patients (including one case accompanied by wound infection), cerebral hemorrhage in 2 (3.0%) patients, seizures in 2 (3.0%) patients, and subdural effusion in 1 (1.5%) patient.

Conclusions

The procedure of STA-MCA anastomosis combined with MBH surgery and dural inversion synangiosis may be a safe and effective treatment for adult patients with moyamoya disease.
Impacts of primary tumor location on outcomes in patients undergoing hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis vary according to tumor burden
Authors: Wang Hong-Wei , Wang Li-Jun , Li Juan , Wang Kun , Xing Bao-Cai
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to verify whether the prognostic value of primary tumor location (PTL) for patients undergoing resection for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) is affected by tumor burden.

Methods

Patients who underwent a first curative-intent surgery for CRLM from 2006 to 2017 were enrolled. The imaging tumor burden score (TBS) was calculated as TBS2 = (maximum tumor diameter in cm)2 + (number of lesions)2. Then, the prognostic role of PTL was assessed in different TBS zones.

Results

The patient population consisted of 524 left-sided (LS) and 118 right-sided (RS) primary tumors. The distribution of TBS in the patient cohort was: Zone1: TBS <3 [n = 161 (25.1%)], zone 2: TBS ≥3 to <7 [n = 343 (53.4%)], and zone 3: TBS ≥7 [n = 138 (21.5%)]. In the whole cohort, the 5-year overall survival (OS) in the RS group was worse than that in the LS group (35.6% vs. 45.4%). However, after adjustment for known prognostic confounders, the RS group was not independently associated with a poorer OS (HR 1.18, p = 0.247). Among patients with TBS <7, OS in the RS group was significantly shorter than that in the LS group in both univariate and multivariate analyses. The prognostic role of PTL remained significant after propensity score matching or excluding patients who received anti-EGFR agents. Conversely, the association between PTL and OS was no longer evident in patients with TBS ≥7.

Conclusion

The current study demonstrates that the prognostic value of PTL varies by TBS, and RS tumors are only associated with shorter survival in patients with low or medium TBS.
Robot-assisted Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy (RAILE): A review of surgical techniques and clinical outcomes
Authors: Shen Tianzheng , Zhang Yajie , Cao Yuqin , Li Chengqiang , Li Hecheng
Published: November 2022

In the past 20 years, robotic system has gradually found a place in esophagectomy which is a demanding procedure in the deep and narrow thoracic cavity containing crucial functional structures. Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (ILE) is a mainstream surgery type for esophagectomy and is widely accepted for its capability in lymphadenectomy and relatively mitigated trauma. As a minimally invasive technique, robot-assisted Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (RAILE) has been frequently compared with the video-assisted procedure and the traditional open procedure. However, high-quality evidence elucidating the advantages and drawbacks of RAILE is still lacking. In this article, we will review the surgical techniques, both short and long-term outcomes, the learning curve, and explicate the current progress and clinical efficacy of RAILE.
Driving Torque Control of Dual-Motor Powertrain for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Wu Jinglai , Wang Bing , Hong Xianqian
Published: November 2022

This paper investigates the driving torque control method for the dual-motor powertrain in electric vehicles (EVs) to achieve the performance of accurate vehicle speed tracking, seamless driving mode shift, and high energy efficiency. The configuration of the dual-motor powertrain is based on the parallel axle transmission structure, which does not contain any clutch or synchronizer. The powertrain provides three driving modes that are two single-motor driving modes and one dual-motor combined driving mode. A detailed dynamic model of the dual-motor powertrain is built to simulate the dynamic response of an EV. An energy management strategy (EMS) is used to select the driving mode and determine the ideal driving torque of two motors. The dynamic control strategy tries to track the ideal vehicle speed when uncertain parameters existed and avoid power interruption or impact during the mode shift. Three dynamic control strategies are proposed, which are the backward dynamic control strategy (BDCS), combined forward and backward dynamic control strategy (CFBDCS), and nested forward and backward dynamic control strategy (NFBDCS). The simulation results demonstrate that the NFBDCS has the best comprehensive performance in vehicle speed tracking, seamless mode shift, and good system energy efficiency.
Analysis of Crash Characteristics of Hydrogen Storage Structure of Hydrogen Powered UAV
Authors: Zhang Yongjie , Wang Songyuan , Cui Bo , Zhang Nuo
Published: November 2022

In the context of green aviation, as an internationally recognized solution, hydrogen energy is lauded as the “ultimate energy source of the 21st century”, with zero emissions at the source. Developed economies with aviation industries, such as Europe and the United States, have announced hydrogen energy aviation development plans successively. The study and development of high-energy hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen energy power systems have become some of the future aviation research focal points. As a crucial component of hydrogen energy storage and delivery, the design and development of a safe, lightweight, and efficient hydrogen storage structure have drawn increasing consideration. Using a hydrogen-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) as the subject of this article, the crash characteristics of the UAV’s hydrogen storage structure are investigated in detail. The main research findings are summarized as follows: (1) A series of crash characteristics analyses of the hydrogen storage structure of a hydrogen-powered UAV were conducted, and the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) response of the structure under different impact angles, internal pressures, and impact speeds was obtained and analyzed. (2) When the deformation of the hydrogen storage structure exceeds 50 mm, and the strain exceeds 0.8, an initial crack will appear at this part of the hydrogen storage structure. The emergency release valve should respond immediately to release the gas inside the tank to avoid further damage. (3) Impact angle and initial internal pressure are the main factors affecting the formation of initial cracks.
Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of the Leaf Essential Oils of Curcuma longa, Curcuma aromatica and Curcuma angustifolia
Authors: Albaqami Jawaher J. , Hamdi Hamida , Narayanankutty Arunaksharan , Visakh Naduvilthara U. , Sasidharan Anju , Kuttithodi Aswathi Moothakoottil , Famurewa Ademola C. , Pathrose Berin
Published: November 2022

Curcuma species are widely used as a food additive and also in various medicinal purposes. The plant is a rich source of essential oil and is predominantly extracted from the rhizomes. On the other hand, the leaves of the plants are usually considered as an agrowaste. The valorization of these Curcuma leaf wastes into essential oils is becoming accepted globally. In the present study, we aim to extract essential oils from the leaves of Curcuma longa (LEO), C. aromatica (REO), and C. anguistifolia (NEO). The chemical composition of these essential oils was analyzed by GC-MS. Free radical scavenging properties were evaluated against the radical sources, including DPPH, ABTS, and hydrogen peroxide. The antibacterial activity was assessed by the disc diffusion method and Minimum inhibitory concentration analysis against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica) bacteria. Results identified the compounds α-phellandrene, 2-carene, and eucalyptol as predominant in LEO. The REO was predominated by camphor, 2-bornanone, and curdione. The main components detected in NEO were eucalyptol, curzerenone, α-lemenone, longiverbenone, and α-curcumene. Antioxidant properties were higher in the LEO with IC50 values of 8.62 ± 0.18, 9.21 ± 0.29, and 4.35 ± 0.16 μg/mL, against DPPH, ABTS, and hydrogen peroxide radicals. The cytotoxic activity was also evident against breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells; the LEO was found to be the most active against these two cell lines (IC50 values of 40.74 ± 2.19 and 45.17 ± 2.36 μg/mL). Likewise, the results indicated a higher antibacterial activity for Curcuma longa essential oil with respective IC50 values (20.6 ± 0.3, 22.2 ± 0.3, 20.4 ± 0.2, and 17.6 ± 0.2 mm). Hence, the present study confirms the possible utility of leaf agrowastes of different Curcuma spp. as a possible source of essential oils with pharmacological potential.
Identification and Validation of a Novel Antibacterial Compound MZ-01 against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Yang Junshu , Brown Christopher , Noland Wayland , Johnson Timothy J. , Ji Yinduo
Published: November 2022

The discovery of new classes of antibiotics is slow, and it is being greatly outpaced by the development of bacterial resistance. This disparity places us in an increasingly vulnerable position because we are running out of safe and effective therapeutic options to treat antibiotic-resistant infections. This is exemplified by the emergence and persistence of hospital-acquired and community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), which has markedly narrowed our options for treating life-threatening staph infections. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop novel, potent, preventive, and therapeutic agents. In our current study, we performed a whole-cell screening assay of synthetic libraries for antibacterial activity and identified a novel molecule, MZ-01. MZ-01 exhibited potent bactericidal activity against Gram-positive bacterial pathogens, including MRSA, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, at low concentrations. MZ-01 killed and lysed both the late exponential phase of an S. aureus population and bacteria inside mammalian cells. Furthermore, MZ-01 exhibited low cytotoxicity. These results indicate that MZ-01 is a promising scaffold to guide the development of novel, potent antibacterial agents against multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacterial pathogens such as MRSA.
Impacts of Fortifying Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Diet with Different Strains of Microalgae on Its Performance, Fillet Quality and Disease Resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila Considering the Interplay between Antioxidant and Inflammatory Response
Authors: Ibrahim Doaa , Abd El-Hamid Marwa I. , Al-Zaban Mayasar I. , ElHady Mohamed , El-Azzouny Mona M. , ElFeky Tamer Mohamed , Al Sadik Gehan M. , Samy Omima M. , Hamed Thoria A. , Albalwe Fauzeya Mateq , Alenezi Muneefah Abdullah , Omar Anaam E.
Published: November 2022

The oxidative stress facing fish during intensive production brings about diseases and mortalities that negatively influence their performance. Along with that, the increased awareness of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3-PUFAs) health benefits has been triggered the introduction of alternative additives in aqua feed that cause not only modulation in fish immune response but also fortification of their fillet. In this context, the role of microalgae mix (NSS) containing Nannochloropsis oculate and Schizochytrium and Spirulina species, which were enriched with bioactive molecules, especially EPA and DHA, was assessed on Nile tilapia’s performance, fillet antioxidant stability, immune response, and disease resistance. Varying levels of NSS (0.75%, 1.5%, and 3%) were added to Nile tilapia’s diet for 12 weeks and then a challenge of fish with virulent Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) was carried out. Results showed that groups fed NSS, especially at higher levels, showed an improved WG and FCR, which corresponded with enhanced digestive enzymes’ activities. Higher T-AOC was detected in muscle tissues of NSS3.0% fed fish with remarkable reduction in ROS, H2O2, and MDA contents, which came in parallel with upregulation of GSH-Px, CAT, and SOD genes. Notably, the contents of EPA and DHA in fillet were significantly increased with increasing the NSS levels. The mean log10 counts of pathogenic Vibrio and Staphylococcus species were reduced, and conversely, the populations of beneficial Lactobacillus and Bacillus species were increased more eminent after supplementation of NSS3.0% and NSS1.5%. Moreover, regulation of the immune response (lysozyme, IgM, ACH50, NO, and MPO), upregulation of IL-10, TGF-β, and IgM, and downregulation of IL-1β, TNF-α, HSP70, and COX-2 were observed following dietary higher NSS levels. After challenge, reduction in A. hydrophila counts was more prominent, especially in NSS3.0% supplemented group. Taken together, the current study encourages the incorporation of such microalgae mix in Nile tilapia’s diet for targeting maximum performance, superior fillet quality, and protection against A. hydrophila.
Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC) Liquid Crystalline State in Suspension: An Overview
Authors: Abbasi Moud Aref , Abbasi Moud Aliyeh
Published: November 2022

Films made from cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) may have iridescent structural colours (pure or in combination with other materials). Numerous fields might benefit from understanding how CNC self-assembly constructs these periodic structures. Herein, we looked at the colloidal characteristics of CNC particles as well as the development and behaviour of liquid crystals (LCs). We conducted a very brief literature analysis on the main issues related to the chiral structure creation of CNC LCs, including the origins of chirality, orientation, as well as its mechanical properties. Finally, by altering the pitch size, applications such as energy storage, humidity sensing, and photonic crystals were studied in a case-by-case manner. The manuscript, it is observed that the rational design of metamaterials built on CNCs allows for the reversible changing of colours through physical and chemical modifications by adding chemical or changing environmental factors. Examples of this alteration include the use of solvents, chemical penetration in applied fields (magnetic and electric), deflection, light, temperature change, acidity change, and molecular interaction detection. Reversible colours may be produced by altering the spacing between the particles, the filler materials, or the structural elements of the system’s refractive indices. This article briefly discusses the inner workings of CNCs, potential barriers to developing photonic structures, and several techniques and processes for achieving changeable colours.
The Gel-State Electrolytes in Zinc-Ion Batteries
Authors: Hu Fulong , Li Maoyun , Gao Guowei , Fan Huiqing , Ma Longtao
Published: November 2022

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are receiving increasing research attention due to their high energy density, resource abundance, low-cost, intrinsic high-safety properties, and the appropriate plating/stripping voltage. Gel-state electrolytes possess merits of having a wide electrochemical window, good flexibility, superior water retainability, and excellent compatibility with aqueous electrolytes, which makes them potential candidates for flexible batteries. However, the practical applications of ZIBs with gel-state electrolytes still have some issues of water content easily dropping, poor mechanical stability, and the interface problem. Therefore, the application of hydrogel-based, self-healing gel, gel polymer, thermos-reversible, and other additional functions of gel electrolytes in ZIBs are discussed in this review. Following that, the design of multi-functional gel-state electrolytes for ZIBs is proposed. Finally, the prospect and the challenges of this type of battery are described.
THOR: A Hybrid Recommender System for the Personalized Travel Experience
Authors: Javadian Sabet Alireza , Shekari Mahsa , Guan Chaofeng , Rossi Matteo , Schreiber Fabio , Tanca Letizia
Published: November 2022

One of the travelers’ main challenges is that they have to spend a great effort to find and choose the most desired travel offer(s) among a vast list of non-categorized and non-personalized items. Recommendation systems provide an effective way to solve the problem of information overload. In this work, we design and implement “The Hybrid Offer Ranker” (THOR), a hybrid, personalized recommender system for the transportation domain. THOR assigns every traveler a unique contextual preference model built using solely their personal data, which makes the model sensitive to the user’s choices. This model is used to rank travel offers presented to each user according to their personal preferences. We reduce the recommendation problem to one of binary classification that predicts the probability with which the traveler will buy each available travel offer. Travel offers are ranked according to the computed probabilities, hence to the user’s personal preference model. Moreover, to tackle the cold start problem for new users, we apply clustering algorithms to identify groups of travelers with similar profiles and build a preference model for each group. To test the system’s performance, we generate a dataset according to some carefully designed rules. The results of the experiments show that the THOR tool is capable of learning the contextual preferences of each traveler and ranks offers starting from those that have the higher probability of being selected.
Bioengineering of Hair Follicle-like Structure for Validation of Hair Growth Promoting Compounds
Authors: Joo Hyun Woo , Kim Min Kyu , Bak Soon Sun , Sung Young Kwan
Published: November 2022

We aimed to establish screening and efficacy test techniques for use in the development of hair-promoting agents. To this end, we used the dermal papilla cell (DPc)-derived immortalized cell line (SV40T-hTERT DPc) and neonatal foreskin-derived keratinocyte cell line (Ker-CT) to form an immortalized cell-based hair follicle-like structure. The SV40T-hTERT DPc spheroids exhibited a higher cell ratio in the spheroids than primary DPc spheroids, and SV40T-hTERT DPc aggregated with spheroids larger in diameter than primary DPc when the same cell number was seeded into the low-adhesion plate. Microscopic imaging and fluorescence staining results indicated that both primary and immortalized cell combinations form a hair follicle-like structure with a long-stretched keratinocyte layer under the condition that the spheroids have the same diameter as that of in vivo dermal papillary tissue in the hair follicle. The hair follicle-like structure elongation was increased upon treatment with three known hair follicle growth-promoting compounds (minoxidil, tofacitinib, and ascorbic acid) compared with that in the control group. Therefore, using immortalized cells to generate a coherent follicle-like structure, we have developed models for screening and evaluating hair-care materials commonly used in the industry.
Meta-Analysis: A Convenient Tool for the Choice of Nose-to-Brain Nanocarriers
Authors: Hathout Rania M. , El-Marakby Eman M.
Published: November 2022

Objectives: The intranasal route represents a high promising route of administration aiming for brain delivery. Yet, it represents one of the most difficult and complicated routes. Accordingly, scientists are in a continuous search for novel drug delivery vehicles such as the lipid and polymeric nanoparticles that are apt to enhance the bioavailability of the administered drugs to reach the brain. In this study, a certain number of publications were selected from different databases and literature. Meta-analysis studies using two different algorithms (DerSimonian–Laird and inverse variance) followed aiming to explore the published studies and confirm by evidence the superiority of nanocarriers in enhancing the brain bioavailability of various drugs. Furthermore, the quantitative comparison of lipid versus polymeric nanosystems was performed. Methods: The area under the curve (AUC) as an important pharmacokinetic parameter extracted from in vivo animal studies was designated as the “effect” in the performed meta-analysis after normalization. Forest plots were generated. Key findings and Conclusions: The meta-analysis confirmed the augmentation of the AUC after the comparison with traditional preparations such as solutions and suspensions. Most importantly, lipid nanoparticles were proven to be significantly superior to the polymeric counterparts.
SelfCoLearn: Self-Supervised Collaborative Learning for Accelerating Dynamic MR Imaging
Authors: Zou Juan , Li Cheng , Jia Sen , Wu Ruoyou , Pei Tingrui , Zheng Hairong , Wang Shanshan
Published: November 2022

Lately, deep learning technology has been extensively investigated for accelerating dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, with encouraging progresses achieved. However, without fully sampled reference data for training, the current approaches may have limited abilities in recovering fine details or structures. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a self-supervised collaborative learning framework (SelfCoLearn) for accurate dynamic MR image reconstruction from undersampled k-space data directly. The proposed SelfCoLearn is equipped with three important components, namely, dual-network collaborative learning, reunderampling data augmentation and a special-designed co-training loss. The framework is flexible and can be integrated into various model-based iterative un-rolled networks. The proposed method has been evaluated on an in vivo dataset and was compared to four state-of-the-art methods. The results show that the proposed method possesses strong capabilities in capturing essential and inherent representations for direct reconstructions from the undersampled k-space data and thus enables high-quality and fast dynamic MR imaging.
The Relationship between the Plasma Concentration of Electrolytes and Intensity of Sleep Bruxism and Blood Pressure Variability among Sleep Bruxers
Authors: Kanclerska Justyna , Wieckiewicz Mieszko , Szymanska-Chabowska Anna , Poreba Rafal , Gac Pawel , Wojakowska Anna , Mazur Grzegorz , Martynowicz Helena
Published: November 2022

Plasma sodium plays a major role in regulating blood pressure (BP). An augmented variability of BP is considered a risk factor for the development of arterial hypertension, which is prevalent among patients with suspected sleep bruxism (SB). The aims of this study were to assess the plasma concentration of electrolytes and their effect on the intensity of SB and BP variability among sleep bruxers. A total of 51 patients were enrolled in this prospective, observational study. A single full-night polysomnographic examination was conducted in the Wroclaw Medical University Sleep Laboratory, Poland, and based on the guidelines of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the results were analyzed. The monitoring of ambulatory BP was performed the next day, and the plasma levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium were measured. The mean age of the studied group was 33.9 ± 11.2 years, and the mean bruxism episode index (BEI) was 4.94 ± 3.53. The study revealed statistically significant differences in the plasma concentrations of sodium in the SB group. A decreased sodium concentration was observed in the group of mild bruxers (2 ≤ BEI < 4) (139.7 ± 1.4 vs. 142.8 ± 3.2, p = 0.002) and severe bruxers (BEI ≥ 4) (140.5 ± 2.0 vs. 142.8 ± 3.2, p = 0.016) compared to nonbruxers (BEI < 2). A statistically significant positive linear correlation was found between plasma sodium concentration and daytime systolic BP variability (r = 0.32, p < 0.05) as well as between plasma sodium concentration and nighttime diastolic BP variability (r = 0.31, p < 0.05). The preliminary results suggest the probable relationship between the lower plasma concentration of sodium and increased intensity of SB and BP variability among suspected sleep bruxers.
A Novel Murine Multi-Hit Model of Perinatal Acute Diffuse White Matter Injury Recapitulates Major Features of Human Disease
Authors: Renz Patricia , Schoeberlein Andreina , Haesler Valérie , Maragkou Theoni , Surbek Daniel , Brosius Lutz Amanda
Published: November 2022

The selection of an appropriate animal model is key to the production of results with optimal relevance to human disease. Particularly in the case of perinatal brain injury, a dearth of affected human neonatal tissue available for research purposes increases the reliance on animal models for insight into disease mechanisms. Improvements in obstetric and neonatal care in the past 20 years have caused the pathologic hallmarks of perinatal white matter injury (WMI) to evolve away from cystic necrotic lesions and toward diffuse regions of reactive gliosis and persistent myelin disruption. Therefore, updated animal models are needed that recapitulate the key features of contemporary disease. Here, we report a murine model of acute diffuse perinatal WMI induced through a two-hit inflammatory–hypoxic injury paradigm. Consistent with diffuse human perinatal white matter injury (dWMI), our model did not show the formation of cystic lesions. Corresponding to cellular outcomes of dWMI, our injury protocol produced reactive microgliosis and astrogliosis, disrupted oligodendrocyte maturation, and disrupted myelination.. Functionally, we observed sensorimotor and cognitive deficits in affected mice. In conclusion, we report a novel murine model of dWMI that induces a pattern of brain injury mirroring multiple key aspects of the contemporary human clinical disease scenario.
How Non-Uniform Stiffness Affects the Propulsion Performance of a Biomimetic Robotic Fish
Authors: Zheng Changzhen , Ding Jiang , Dong Bingbing , Lian Guoyun , He Kai , Xie Fengran
Published: November 2022

Live fish in nature exhibit various stiffness characteristics. The anguilliform swimmer, like eels, has a relatively flexible body, while the thunniform swimmer, like the swordfishes, has a much stiffer body. Correspondingly, in the design of biomimetic robotic fish, how to balance the non-uniform stiffness to achieve better propulsion performance is an essential question needed to be answered. In this paper, we conduct an experimental study on this question. First, a customized experimental platform is built, which eases the adjustment of the non-uniform stiffness ratio, the stiffness of the flexible part, the flapping frequency, and the flapping amplitude. Second, extensive experiments are carried out, finding that to maximize the propulsion performance of the biomimetic robotic fish, the non-uniform stiffness ratio is required to adapt to different locomotor parameters. Specifically, the non-uniform stiffness ratio needs to be reduced when the robotic fish works at low frequency, and it needs to be increased when the robotic fish works at high frequency. Finally, detailed discussions are given to further analyze the experimental results. Overall, this study can shed light on the design of a non-uniform biomimetic robotic fish, which helps to increase its propulsion performance.
Tumors Involving the Infratemporal Fossa: A Systematic Review of Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Bin-Alamer Othman , Bhenderu Lokeshwar S. , Palmisciano Paolo , Balasubramanian Kishore , Upadhyay Prashant , Ferini Gianluca , Viola Anna , Zagardo Valentina , Yu Kenny , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A. , El Ahmadieh Tarek Y. , Haider Ali S.
Published: November 2022

Background: Infratemporal fossa (ITF) tumors represent various pathologies and are seldom described in the literature, reflecting their rarity. Here we review the literature on tumors invading ITF and describe patient characteristics, treatment strategies, and clinical outcomes. Methods: Relevant articles were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on the clinical presentation, treatment protocols, and clinical outcomes. Result: A total of 27 articles containing 106 patients with ITF tumors (median tumor size: 24.3 cm3 [interquartile range, 15.2–42 cm3]) were included (median age: 46 years [interquartile range, 32–55 years]; 59.4% were males]). Of the confirmed tumor pathology data, schwannomas (n = 24; 26.1%) and meningiomas (n = 13; 14.1%) were the most common tumors. Facial hypoesthesia (n = 22; 18.5%), auricular/preauricular pain (n = 20; 16.8%), and headaches (n = 11; 9.2%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Of patients who had surgical resection (n = 97; 95.1%), 70 (73.7%) had transcranial surgery (TCS) and 25 (26.3%) had endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES). Among available details on the extent of resection (n = 84), gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 62 (73.8%), and 5 (6.0%) had biopsy only. Thirty-five (33.0%) patients had postoperative complications. Among cases with available data on reconstruction techniques (n = 8), four (50%) had adipofascial antero-lateral thigh flap, three (37.5%) had latissimus dorsi free flap, and one (12.5%) had antero-lateral thigh flap. Fourteen (13.2%) patients had adjuvant chemotherapy, and sixteen (15.1%) had adjuvant radiotherapy. During a median follow-up time of 28 months (IQR, 12.25–45.75 months), 15 (14.2%) patients had recurrences, and 18 (17.0%) patients died. The median overall survival (OS) time was 36 months (95% confidence interval: 29–41 months), and the 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 61%. Conclusion: Various tumor types with different biological characteristics invade the ITF. The present study describes patient demographics, clinical presentation, management, and outcomes. Depending on the tumor type and patient condition, patient-tailored management is recommended to optimize treatment outcomes.
Role of the PP2A Pathway in Cholangiocarcinoma: State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Cristóbal Ion , Lamarca Angela
Published: November 2022

Cholangiocarcinoma represents a heterogeneous disease at both a clinical and molecular level [...]