bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of SOX2 and SOX9 Transcription Factors in the Reactivation-Related Functional Properties of NT2/D1-Derived Astrocytes
Authors: Balint Vanda , Peric Mina , Dacic Sanja , Stanisavljevic Ninkovic Danijela , Marjanovic Jelena , Popovic Jelena , Stevanovic Milena , Lazic Andrijana
Published: April 2024

Astrocytes are the main homeostatic cells in the central nervous system, with the unique ability to transform from quiescent into a reactive state in response to pathological conditions by reacquiring some precursor properties. This process is known as reactive astrogliosis, a compensatory response that mediates tissue damage and recovery. Although it is well known that SOX transcription factors drive the expression of phenotype-specific genetic programs during neurodevelopment, their roles in mature astrocytes have not been studied extensively. We focused on the transcription factors SOX2 and SOX9, shown to be re-expressed in reactive astrocytes, in order to study the reactivation-related functional properties of astrocytes mediated by those proteins. We performed an initial screening of SOX2 and SOX9 expression after sensorimotor cortex ablation injury in rats and conducted gain-of-function studies in vitro using astrocytes derived from the human NT2/D1 cell line. Our results revealed the direct involvement of SOX2 in the reacquisition of proliferation in mature NT2/D1-derived astrocytes, while SOX9 overexpression increased migratory potential and glutamate uptake in these cells. Our results imply that modulation of SOX gene expression may change the functional properties of astrocytes, which holds promise for the discovery of potential therapeutic targets in the development of novel strategies for tissue regeneration and recovery.
A Pilot Study on the Proteomics Profile of Serum Exosome-Enriched Extracellular Vesicles from Normal versus Individuals with Obesity-Related Insulin Resistance
Authors: Saraswathi Viswanathan , Ai Weilun , Kumar Vikas , Sharma Kanika , Gopal Thiyagarajan , Kumar Narendra , Malhi Harmeet , Sehrawat Tejasav , Desouza Cyrus V.
Published: April 2024

Objective: Circulating exosome-enriched extracellular vesicles (EVs) have drawn considerable importance in obesity-related insulin-resistance (IR). We sought to compare the proteomics profile of serum exosomes from normal individuals and those with obesity and IR. Methods: We isolated serum exosomes from male subjects with obesity and insulin resistance (Ob-IR, HOMA-IR > 2.0) and lean/overweight insulin-sensitive (Normal (N), HOMA-IR < 2.0) individuals. The differential protein expression between the two groups was detected by a label-free quantitative mass spectrometry analysis followed by GO annotation and ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA). Results: We identified 23 upregulated and 46 downregulated proteins between Ob-IR and N groups. Some of these proteins are involved in altering insulin signaling (VPS13C, TBC1D32, TTR, and ADIPOQ), inflammation (NFκB and CRP), and B-cell proliferation/activation (IGLV4-69, IGKV1D-13, and IGHV4-28). GO analysis revealed that the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) are mainly involved in regulating immune cell activation and are located in extracellular space. IPA analysis showed that top molecules mediating IR, inflammation and B-cell activation were upregulated in Ob-IR subjects compared to N subjects. Conclusions: Serum exosomal proteins can be used as biomarkers to identify the future risk of diabetes and a therapeutic target to prevent or slow down the progression of diabetes in high-risk individuals.
Complementary Therapeutic Effect of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Ulcerative Colitis after the Response to Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Agent Was Lost: A Case Report
Authors: Shin Jongbeom , Baek Ga Hyeon , Cha Boram , Park Soo-Hyun , Lee Jung-Hwan , Kim Jun-Seob , Kwon Kye Sook
Published: April 2024

In patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), the development of an antidrug antibody (ADA) to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α agent is a crucial problem which aggravates the clinical course of the disease, being cited as one of the most common causes for discontinuing anti-TNFα treatment. This is due to ADA eventually causing secondary LOR, leading to discontinuation of anti-TNFα treatment. Recently, research on the microbiome and relationship between worsening UC and dysbiosis has been conducted. Further, investigations on the association between the microbiome and secondary LOR are increasing. Here, we present the therapeutic effect of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on a 42-year-old man with secondary LOR and high ADA levels. FMT has recently been used for the treatment of, and for overcoming, drug resistance through microbiome modification. Stool samples were collected from the patient before and 4 weeks after FMT. Symptoms, including hematochezia and Mayo endoscopy sub-scores, improved after FMT, while ADA levels decreased by one-third to less than half the value (29 ng/mL) compared to before FMT (79 ng/mL). Additionally, the trough level of infliximab became measurable, which reflects the improvement in the area under the concentration (AUC). Butyricicoccus, Faecalibacterium, Bifidobacterium, Ligilactobacillus, Alistipes, and Odoribacter, which regulate immune responses and alleviate inflammation, also increased after FMT. We report a case in which microbiome modification by FMT increased the AUC of anti-TNFα in a patient who developed secondary LOR during anti-TNFα treatment, thereby improving symptoms and mucosal inflammation.
Numerical Evaluation of the Punching Shear Strength of Flat Slabs Subjected to Balanced and Unbalanced Moments
Authors: Mendes Roberta Prado , Mesquita Leonardo Carvalho , Ferreira Maurício Pina , Trautwein Leandro Mouta , Marvila Markssuel Teixeira , Marques Marília Gonçalves
Published: April 2024

In reinforced concrete flat slab buildings, the transference of unbalanced moments in the slab–column connections usually results from the asymmetry of spans, vertical loads, and horizontal forces from the wind. The punching strength of the slab–column connections can limit the load-carrying capacity of the structure in these cases, leading to structural collapse. The design code provisions are still based on empirical or semi-empirical equations; as the punching shear failure mechanisms are complex, and the ultimate strength is affected by several parameters. In this context, this paper presents the results of the computational investigation of the mechanical behaviour of flat slabs subjected to balanced and unbalanced moments using numerical Finite Element models. The numerical models were calibrated and accurately reproduced the behaviour and the punching resistance for concentric and eccentric loading. Furthermore, a parametric study was conducted to evaluate the mechanical behaviour of flat slabs under different load eccentricities, confirming that the increase in the unbalanced moment negatively impacts the load-carrying capacity of the slab–column connection. Furthermore, it was observed that all computational results obtained from models with unbalanced bending moments were higher than those estimated by the design codes.
Research Progress and Trend Analysis of Concrete 3D Printing Technology Based on CiteSpace
Authors: Wang Jun , Liu Zhenhua , Hou Jia , Ge Mengmeng
Published: April 2024

As an emerging method in engineering construction, concrete 3D printing has experienced rapid development in recent years due to its advantages in terms of automation, digitization, and intelligence. In order to comprehensively understand the research progress of concrete 3D printing technology, the literature on concrete 3D printing technology published in the Web of Science core database from 2014 to 2023 is used as a data source, and the visualization tool CiteSpace is utilized to research and analyze these results from the following aspects: number of publications, collaboration networks, research hotspots, and evolutionary trends. The results show that the number of publications in the field of concrete 3D printing technology has been increasing from year to year, with a gradually accelerating growth rate. The top three journals in terms of publication volume are Construction and Building Materials, Cement and Concrete Composites, and Materials. Research in the field of concrete 3D printing technology is mainly conducted through collaborations among research groups or institutions, while there are relatively fewer interactions among researchers from different institutions, regions, and countries. The current research direction mainly focuses on 3D printing materials, process parameters, and technology. The research content has progressed from initial explorations of concrete 3D printing technology to detailed studies of 3D printing materials and their performance. Overall, the research in this field continues to add further details to our knowledge of concrete 3D printing technology, and its application in engineering is gradually increasing. The automated, digitized, and intelligent construction methods of concrete 3D printing technology serve as a powerful driving force for the transformation and upgrading of the field of architecture.
Tests and Seismic Response Analysis of Guided-Rail-Type Anti-Tensile Rubber Bearing
Authors: Zhang Longfei , Lan Xiang , Wu Kechuan , Yu Wenzheng
Published: April 2024

When subjected to seismic activity, tall isolated buildings with a high aspect ratio are susceptible to overturning as a result of the failure of rubber isolation bearings under tension. In order to address this issue, a guided-rail tension device (GR) has been developed to enhance the tensile strength of rubber bearings. Furthermore, a novel guided-rail isolation rubber bearing (GR&RB) has been proposed as a potential solution. Quasi-static tests have been conducted to investigate the mechanical properties of the GR, as well as the GR&LNR600 and LNR600. Additionally, numerical finite element analysis has been employed to study the seismic response of the GR&RB under El Centro seismic action in a high-rise building with an aspect ratio of approximately 4. The experimental results suggest that the inclusion of GRs has a limited effect on the horizontal mechanical attributes of rubber isolation bearings. Nevertheless, it simultaneously enhances their tensile strength, demonstrating a significant augmentation of 4.23 times. Moreover, the mechanical behavior of the GR aligns with the Hook model. The numerical analysis suggests that the utilization of GR&RB can mitigate the tensile stress levels of rubber isolators. Furthermore, it is recommended to augment the elastic tensile stiffness of the GR while reducing the open value to enhance the tensile efficiency, with the potential to attain up to 75% efficiency in tensile performance.
A Numerical Case Study of Particle Flow and Solar Radiation Transfer in a Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC) Photocatalytic Reactor for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Geng Jiafeng , Wei Qingyu , Luo Bing , Zong Shichao , Ma Lijing , Luo Yu , Zhou Chunyu , Deng Tongkun
Published: April 2024

Compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) photocatalytic reactors are commonly used for photocatalytic water splitting in hydrogen production. This study aimed to gain a better understanding of the physical processes in CPC photocatalytic reactors and provide theoretical support for their design, optimization, and operation. The analysis involved the ray tracing approach, Euler–Euler two-fluid model, and discrete ordinates method (DOM) to study solar radiation transfer and particle flow in the reactor. The distribution of solar radiation on the receiving tube’s surface after CPC concentration was obtained by conducting the ray tracing approach. This solar radiation distribution was then coupled into the Euler–Euler two-fluid model to solve for the natural convection flow field, the temperature field, and particle phase volume fraction distribution inside the receiving tube over a period of 120 s. Lastly, the discrete ordinates method (DOM) was used to analyze the transfer of radiation inside the receiving tube at different times, obtaining the distribution of local volume radiative power absorption (LVRPA) and the total radiative power absorption (TRPA) inside the tube. The results showed that the TRPA reached its maximum at 120 s, accounting for 66.61% of the incident solar UV radiation. According to the above results, it could be suggested that adopting an intermittent operation mode in CPC photocatalytic reactors is reasonable and efficient.
NEXAFS and XPS Studies of Co Doped Bismuth Magnesium Tantalate Pyrochlores
Authors: Zhuk Nadezhda A. , Makeev Boris A. , Koroleva Aleksandra V. , Nekipelov Sergey V. , Petrova Olga V.
Published: April 2024

Co doped bismuth magnesium tantalate with a pyrochlore structure (sp. gr. Fd-3m) was synthesized for the first time using the standard ceramic method. Single phase Bi2Mg1−xCoxTa2O9 samples were found to be formed when x < 0.7 in the X-ray phase analysis. However, with a higher cobalt content in the samples, the impurity phase β-BiTaO4 (sp. gr. P-1) is detected, and its amount is proportional to the degree of cobalt doping. The formation of solid solutions is evidenced by a uniform increase in the unit cell parameter of the Co,Mg co doped bismuth tantalate phase with an increase in the content of cobalt ions in the samples from 10.5412(8) (x = 0.3) to 10.5499(8) Å (x = 0.7). The samples exhibit a porous microstructure consisting of chaotically oriented and partially fused elongated grains measuring 1–2 μm. The dependence of the ceramic grain size on the n(Mg)/n(Co) ratio was not determined. X-ray spectroscopy (ear dge X-ray bsorption ine tructure (NEXAFS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)) was used to study the charge state of ions in Bi2Mg1−xCoxTa2O9. The NEXAFS and XPS data showed that doping with cobalt and magnesium did not change the bismuth and tantalum oxidation states in pyrochlore; in particular, the ions maintained their oxidation states of Bi(+3), Mg(+2) and Ta(+5). The energy position of the peaks of the Ta4f-, Ta5p-, Ta4d spectra had a characteristic shift towards lower energies compared to the binding energy in pentavalent tantalum oxide Ta2O5. A shift towards lower energies is characteristic of a decrease in the effective positive charge; in particular, for the Ta4f and Ta4d spectra we presented, this energy shift was ΔE = 0.65 eV, and in the region of the Ta4d edge—0.55 eV. This in turn allowed for us to assume that tantalum atoms have the same effective charge +(5-δ). The oxidation state of cobalt ions was predominantly 2+ and partially 3+, according to NEXAFS spectroscopy data.
Trauma Outcomes in Pediatric Nonfatal Road Traffic Accidents
Authors: Popa Ștefan , Bulgaru-Iliescu Diana , Ciongradi Carmen Iulia , Surd Adrian Onisim , Candussi Iuliana-Laura , Popa Irene Paula , Sârbu Ioan
Published: April 2024

Background: By 2025, road traffic injuries are projected to rank third in the global burden of disease, posing a significant challenge that affects health, social well-being, and economic aspects. According to data from the Romanian Police National Statistics Center, there have been an average of 342 traffic accidents per year involving pediatric patients over the past 10 years. Materials and Methods: A retrospective research study was conducted, encompassing 358 cases of road traffic accidents identified for the study, with data collected over a span of eight years, and with the aim of analyzing the types of injury and treatment methods in relation to age and sex, while also focusing on the duration of hospitalization and the occurrence of complications. Results: An oscillating trend is observed from 2015 to 2020, with its lowest value recorded in 2017 at around 6.8% and its peak in 2019 at 20.1%. Notably, post-pandemic (COVID-19), the cases underwent a substantial decline of approximately 60%. At least 78.7% of those who did not undergo orthopedic reduction required surgery, whereas among those who underwent orthopedic reduction, only 23.4% needed surgery. Regarding the frequency of complications 17.3% of the total cases experienced complications. Conclusions: According to our findings, age has a significant effect on the type of accident (p < 0.05). Complications occurred in 17.3% of patients, most commonly surgical (24 cases, 38.7%), orthopedic (17 cases, 27.4%), and neurological (15 cases, 24.2%).
Longitudinal Analysis of Latvian Child Growth: Anthropometric Parameters Dynamics from Birth to Adolescence
Authors: Umbraško Silvija , Martinsone-Berzkalne Liene , Plavina Liana , Cauce Vinita , Edelmers Edgars , Starikovs Aleksandrs , Vetra Janis
Published: April 2024

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the physical development patterns from birth to adolescence, utilizing a longitudinal dataset of 70 children monitored from birth until 17 years of age. The research focuses on the variability of growth trajectories, emphasizing the role of genetic and environmental factors in influencing these patterns. Key findings indicate that most children undergo one or two periods of accelerated growth, with significant variability in the timing and magnitude of these growth spurts. The study also highlights the adaptive nature of growth changes over generations, influenced by ecological, nutritional, and socio-economic conditions. The longitudinal approach reveals critical insights into the timing of peak growth velocities, demonstrating that girls reach their growth peak approximately one year earlier than boys. The analysis of intergenerational growth patterns suggests a significant increase in average height over the century, attributed to genetic diversity and changes in lifestyle and nutrition. This study’s findings emphasize the importance of updating physical development standards regularly to reflect the changing genetic and environmental landscape. The variability in growth patterns and their correlation with health outcomes in later life highlights the need for targeted public health strategies that address the underlying socio-economic and environmental determinants of health. This research contributes to the understanding of physical development trajectories and provides a foundation for future studies aimed at optimizing health outcomes from early childhood through adolescence. The primary objective of this article is to meticulously analyze the dynamics of height growth and accurately identify the periods of accelerated bodily development within the context of longitudinal research.
A Prediction Model of Autism Spectrum Diagnosis from Well-Baby Electronic Data Using Machine Learning
Authors: Ben-Sasson Ayelet , Guedalia Joshua , Nativ Liat , Ilan Keren , Shaham Meirav , Gabis Lidia V.
Published: April 2024

Early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is crucial for timely intervention, yet diagnosis typically occurs after age three. This study aimed to develop a machine learning model to predict ASD diagnosis using infants’ electronic health records obtained through a national screening program and evaluate its accuracy. A retrospective cohort study analyzed health records of 780,610 children, including 1163 with ASD diagnoses. Data encompassed birth parameters, growth metrics, developmental milestones, and familial and post-natal variables from routine wellness visits within the first two years. Using a gradient boosting model with 3-fold cross-validation, 100 parameters predicted ASD diagnosis with an average area under the ROC curve of 0.86 (SD < 0.002). Feature importance was quantified using the Shapley Additive explanation tool. The model identified a high-risk group with a 4.3-fold higher ASD incidence (0.006) compared to the cohort (0.001). Key predictors included failing six milestones in language, social, and fine motor domains during the second year, male gender, parental developmental concerns, non-nursing, older maternal age, lower gestational age, and atypical growth percentiles. Machine learning algorithms capitalizing on preventative care electronic health records can facilitate ASD screening considering complex relations between familial and birth factors, post-natal growth, developmental parameters, and parent concern.
Nutrition in Pediatric Patients and Vulnerable Populations: Updates and Advances
Authors: Grammatikopoulou Maria G. , Vassilakou Tonia
Published: April 2024

Nutrition is a modifiable factor of paramount importance for the prevention and attainment of health and the development of youngsters [...]
Childhood Obesity Trends among 8–11-Year-Olds: Insights from a School Sample in Vienna, Austria (2017–2023)
Authors: Moliterno Paula , Donhauser Victoria , Widhalm Kurt
Published: April 2024

In Austria, childhood obesity is a public health concern. This study examined time trends in the percentage of obesity among a sample of schoolchildren from Vienna (2017–2023). The body mass index percentiles of 326 children [9.3 years old (95% CI 8.3–10.5, min–max 8.0–10.9] from the EDDY study were calculated for trend analyses. Trend analysis was performed using a logistic regression using overweight and obesity as dependent binary variables, and study year and age as independent continuous variables. The percentage change over time was calculated, including the first period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Obesity percentages increased from 23.5 (95% CI 15.1–31.9)% in 2017 to 25.0 (95% CI 12.2–37.8)% in 2023. From 2017 to 2023, while overweight/obesity percentages decreased by 25.9 (−59.5–15.6)%, obesity increased by 6.4 (−51.2–94.9)%. A non-significant trend (p ≥ 0.38) was observed. During the first period of the pandemic, the percentage changes in overweight/obesity and obesity were 68.4 (5.6–187.9)% and 29.2 (−37.3–166.8)%, respectively. The current percentage of obesity in this sample is high and peaked in 2020 during the pandemic. These findings emphasize the need for future investigations considering the representativeness of the school-aged population in Austria to gain a broader picture of overweight and obesity trends.
Dissociative Adsorption of Hydrogen Molecules at Al2O3 Inclusions in Steels and Its Implications for Gaseous Hydrogen Embrittlement of Pipelines
Authors: Sun Yinghao , Cheng Frank
Published: April 2024

Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) of steel pipelines in high-pressure gaseous environments is a potential threat to the pipeline integrity. The occurrence of gaseous HE is subjected to associative adsorption of hydrogen molecules (H2) at specific “active sites”, such as grain boundaries and dislocations on the steel surface, to generate hydrogen atoms (H). Non-metallic inclusions are another type of metallurgical defect potentially serving as “active sites” to cause the dissociative adsorption of H2. Al2O3 is a common inclusion contained in pipeline steels. In this work, the dissociative adsorption of hydrogen at the α-Al2O3(0001)/α-Fe(111) interface on the Fe011¯ plane was studied by density functional theory calculations. The impact of gas components of O2 and CH4 on the dissociative adsorption of hydrogen was determined. The occurrence of dissociative adsorption of hydrogen at the Al2O3 inclusion/Fe interface is favored under conditions relevant to pipeline operation. Thermodynamic feasibility was observed for Fe and O atoms, but not for Al atoms. H atoms can form more stable adsorption configurations on the Fe side of the interface, while it is less likely for H atoms to adsorb on the Al2O3 side. There is a greater tendency for the occurrence of dissociative adsorption of O2 and CH4 than of H2, due to the more favorable energetics of the former. In particular, the dissociative adsorption of O2 is preferential over that of CH4. The Al-terminated interface exhibits a higher H binding energy compared to the O-terminated interface, indicating a preference for hydrogen accumulation at the Al-terminated interface.
Current Knowledge and Regulatory Framework on the Use of Hyaluronic Acid for Aesthetic Injectable Skin Rejuvenation Treatments
Authors: Allen Jenny , Dodou Kalliopi
Published: April 2024

Dermal injections of hyaluronic acid gel for aesthetic skin rejuvenation are becoming increasingly popular nowadays. Although these products are classified as medical devices, the regulations on their administration by licensed practitioners are still weak, whereas their manufacturers increasingly highlight and advertise the cellular effects that underpin the efficacy of these injections. In this review, we discuss all current knowledge on the mode of action of dermally injected hyaluronic acid and the potential toxicological implications, especially from crosslinked gels, in conjunction with the current global regulations. We also highlight the urgent need for further research to elucidate the therapeutic implications and underscore the imperative need for robust regulatory frameworks to safeguard public health. We conclude that dermal injections of hyaluronic acid have several therapeutic implications that warrant further research and that strict regulations must be applied to their manufacture/quality control and the required qualifications of licensed aesthetic injectors.
Wigs and Alopecia Areata: Psychosocial Impact and Economic Considerations
Authors: Courtney Ashling , Su John C.
Published: April 2024

Alopecia areata (AA) presents a challenging and unpredictable condition associated with substantial psychosocial and financial burdens. A chronic, relapsing form of non-scarring hair loss, it affects approximately 0.1–0.2% of the population worldwide with a lifetime risk of 1.0% to 2.1%. The psychosocial implications of AA, including its association with depression, anxiety, social phobia, employment disruption, and relationship challenges are well described. Significant economic costs of AA include those of healthcare, lost income, transportation, psychotherapy, and cosmetic accessories (wigs and hairpieces). However, wigs and hairpieces can contribute to enhanced self-esteem, confidence, and overall quality of life (QOL) in AA patients; these positive outcomes correlating with satisfaction in appearance. This article explores the role of wigs in addressing the aesthetic and emotional impact of AA, emphasizing their importance as potential coping mechanisms for individuals facing hair loss whilst also acknowledging possible barriers to their use. Different types of wigs and hairpieces, their respective advantages and disadvantages, and methods of attachment are thoroughly discussed, providing a comprehensive overview for both patients and healthcare professionals. Considering the economic impact of AA, this article explores the cost of wigs in Australia and available financial assistance programs. Wigs can play a pivotal role in rapidly addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by AA, offering time for psychosocial adaptation and delayed response to medical therapies. This review aims to provide valuable insights to inform evidence-based, practical, and personalized counselling of patients with AA and enable shared decision making about the utility of wigs and other cosmetic interventions for hair loss. Further research is warranted to explore differences in the optimal utilization of wigs between diverse sub-populations with AA.
Permanent Makeup (PMU) Removal with Plant Origin Extracts
Authors: Andreou Eleni , Rallis Efstathios , Hatziantoniou Sophia , Kefala Vasiliki
Published: April 2024

Permanent makeup (PMU) is a popular application for the correction of face and body imperfections. It can be applied over the facial area to correct the shape and color of eyebrows, to the eyelids to create permanent eyeliner shapes, and the lips to create permanent lipliner and lip shading features. Furthermore, its “medical” use on the scalp and men’s facial hair area to camouflage hair follicles and to cover hairless areas makes it popular for hair transplants. No matter how useful these procedures are, there are always mistakes and the factor of bad application which raises the number of patients who want to “remove” it or “correct” it on their face or body. In order to find a non-laser solution for PMU removal, we investigated the decolorization capacity of common plants and plant origin extracts on mouse models. Two methods were used for PMU decolorization. The first one included the use of traditional tattooing with needles combined with plant origin extracts applied over the tattooed area. The second one included the use of electroporation technology application with the combination of plant origin materials to remove the PMU colorants over the tattooed area. In both cases, the permanent makeup colorants for eyebrows, eyeliners, and lipliners were applied in vivo.
High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer during Pregnancy: From Diagnosis to Treatment
Authors: Vivod Gregor , Merlo Sebastjan , Kovacevic Nina
Published: April 2024

Background: Due to the rarity of ovarian cancer diagnosed during pregnancy, the literature on the treatment of subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancer in pregnancy is sparse. The aim of our review was to analyze cases of high-grade serous ovarian cancer in pregnancy. Methods: The PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for relevant articles published in English between January 2000 and December 2023. The references of all the relevant reviews found were also checked to avoid omitting eligible studies. Information on the all retrieved cases was extracted and reviewed in detail. The most important detail was the subtype of high-grade serous ovarian cancer, which was referred to as serous adenocarcinoma (grade 2 or grade 3) in older cases. Results: We found eleven cases with relevant details of high-grade serous ovarian cancer diagnosed in pregnancy. Despite the small number of cases we found, our study demonstrated the importance of an accurate initial vaginal ultrasound at the first examination in pregnancy and the safety of diagnostic surgery and chemotherapy in pregnancy. Conclusions: There have not been long-term follow-ups of patients’ oncologic and obstetric outcomes. As patients should be comprehensively informed, more detailed case reports or series with longer follow-up periods are needed.
A Rare Early-Onset Fatal Complication after Transarterial Chemoembolization: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Péčová Monika , Benko Jakub , Péč Martin Jozef , Jurica Jakub , Horná Simona , Bolek Tomáš , Hurtová Tatiana , Sýkora Ján , Zeleňák Kamil , Samoš Matej , Sokol Juraj
Published: April 2024

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a minimally invasive treatment for liver cancer, often employed as a bridging therapy or destination treatment for non-operable cases. This case report discusses an 82-year-old woman with a large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent elective TACE due to the high surgical risk associated with her tumor size. Unexpectedly, the patient experienced liver rupture 20 h post-procedure, leading to acute surgical intervention. Despite successful hemostasis during surgery, the patient succumbed to progressive multi-organ failure. We aimed to search the PubMed database for documented cases of ruptured HCC after TACE. This study highlights risk factors for spontaneous HCC rupture and specific factors associated with TACE-induced rupture. Transarterial embolization (TAE) is currently favored as the treatment method for spontaneous ruptures, while the optimal therapy for TACE-induced ruptures remains unclear. In conclusion, this case underscores the importance of recognizing the rare complication of HCC rupture post-TACE and the need for personalized risk assessment. While TAE emerges as a primary treatment choice, the lack of consensus necessitates further studies to establish evidence-based approaches for managing this uncommon yet life-threatening complication.
The Potential of Integrative Cancer Treatment Using Melatonin and the Challenge of Heterogeneity in Population-Based Studies: A Case Report of Colon Cancer and a Literature Review
Authors: Smorodin Eugeniy , Chuzmarov Valentin , Veidebaum Toomas
Published: April 2024

Melatonin is a multifunctional hormone regulator that maintains homeostasis through circadian rhythms, and desynchronization of these rhythms can lead to gastrointestinal disorders and increase the risk of cancer. Preliminary clinical studies have shown that exogenous melatonin alleviates the harmful effects of anticancer therapy and improves quality of life, but the results are still inconclusive due to the heterogeneity of the studies. A personalized approach to testing clinical parameters and response to integrative treatment with nontoxic and bioavailable melatonin in patient-centered N-of-1 studies deserves greater attention. This clinical case of colon cancer analyzes and discusses the tumor pathology, the adverse effects of chemotherapy, and the dynamics of markers of inflammation (NLR, LMR, and PLR ratios), tumors (CEA, CA 19-9, and PSA), and hemostasis (D-dimer and activated partial thromboplastin time). The patient took melatonin during and after chemotherapy, nutrients (zinc, selenium, vitamin D, green tea, and taxifolin), and aspirin after chemotherapy. The patient’s PSA levels decreased during CT combined with melatonin (19 mg/day), and melatonin normalized inflammatory markers and alleviated symptoms of polyneuropathy but did not help with thrombocytopenia. The results are analyzed and discussed in the context of the literature on oncostatic and systemic effects, alleviating therapy-mediated adverse effects, association with survival, and N-of-1 studies.
Wearable Device Bluetooth/BLE Physical Layer Dataset
Authors: Rusins Artis , Tiscenko Deniss , Dobelis Eriks , Blumbergs Eduards , Nesenbergs Krisjanis , Paikens Peteris
Published: April 2024

Wearable devices, such as headsets and activity trackers, rely heavily on the Bluetooth and/or the Bluetooth Low Energy wireless communication standard to exchange data with smartphones or other peripherals. Since these devices collect personal health and activity data, ensuring the privacy and security of the transmitted data is crucial. Therefore, we present a dataset that captures complete Bluetooth communications—including advertising, connection, data exchange, and disconnection—in an RF isolated environment using software-defined radio. We were able to successfully decode the captured Bluetooth packets using existing tools. This dataset provides researchers with the ability to fully analyze Bluetooth traffic and gain insight into communication patterns and potential security vulnerabilities.
Small Bowel Perforation Due to Renal Carcinoma Metastasis: A Comprehensive Case Study and Literature Review
Authors: Todorovic Đorđe , Stojanovic Bojan , Filip Milutinovic , Đorđevic Đorđe , Stankovic Milos , Jovanovic Ivan , Spasic Marko , Milosevic Bojan , Cvetkovic Aleksandar , Radovanovic Dragce , Jovanovic Marina , Stojanovic Bojana S. , Pantic Damnjan , Cvetkovic Danijela , Jovanovic Dalibor , Markovic Vladan , Stojanovic Milica Dimitrijevic
Published: April 2024

This case report presents a unique instance of small bowel perforation caused by solitary metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a rare and complex clinical scenario. The patient, a 59-year-old male with a history of RCC treated with nephrectomy four years prior, presented with acute abdomen symptoms. Emergency diagnostic procedures identified a significant lesion in the small intestine. Surgical intervention revealed a perforated jejunal segment due to metastatic RCC. Postoperatively, the patient developed complications, including pneumonia and multi-organ failure, leading to death 10 days after surgery. Histopathological analysis confirmed the metastatic nature of the lesion. This case underscores the unpredictable nature of RCC metastasis and highlights the need for vigilance in post-nephrectomy patients. The rarity of small bowel involvement by RCC metastasis, particularly presenting as perforation, makes this case a significant contribution to medical literature, emphasizing the challenges in the diagnosis and management of such atypical presentations.
Sepsis-Related Lung Injury and the Complication of Extrapulmonary Pneumococcal Pneumonia
Authors: Darkwah Samuel , Kotey Fleischer C. N. , Ahenkorah John , Adutwum-Ofosu Kevin Kofi , Donkor Eric S.
Published: April 2024

Globally, sepsis and pneumonia account for significant mortality and morbidity. A complex interplay of immune-molecular pathways underlies both sepsis and pneumonia, resulting in similar and overlapping disease characteristics. Sepsis could result from unmanaged pneumonia. Similarly, sepsis patients have pneumonia as a common complication in the intensive care unit. A significant percentage of pneumonia is misdiagnosed as septic shock. Therefore, our knowledge of the clinical relationship between pneumonia and sepsis is imperative to the proper management of these syndromes. Regarding pathogenesis and etiology, pneumococcus is one of the leading pathogens implicated in both pneumonia and sepsis syndromes. Growing evidence suggests that pneumococcal pneumonia can potentially disseminate and consequently induce systemic inflammation and severe sepsis. Streptococcus pneumoniae could potentially exploit the function of dendritic cells (DCs) to facilitate bacterial dissemination. This highlights the importance of pathogen-immune cell crosstalk in the pathophysiology of sepsis and pneumonia. The role of DCs in pneumococcal infections and sepsis is not well understood. Therefore, studying the immunologic crosstalk between pneumococcus and host immune mediators is crucial to elucidating the pathophysiology of pneumonia-induced lung injury and sepsis. This knowledge would help mitigate clinical diagnosis and management challenges.
The Evaluation of the Cervical Marginal Sealing of Direct vs. Indirect Composite Resin Restorations in MOD Cavities
Authors: Tiron Bianca , Forna Norina Consuela , Tărăboanță Ionuț , Stoleriu Simona , Topoliceanu Claudiu , Sălceanu Mihaela , Brânzan Răzvan , Iovan Gianina
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the quality of marginal sealing at the cervical margins of indirect and direct composite resin restorations in mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities. Material and method: MOD preparations were performed on 30 extracted teeth. The mesial cervical margin of each tooth was relocated using a flow composite resin (Enamel Plus HRi Flow, Micerium, Avegno, GE, Italy), then the samples were divided into three groups. In group A, the cavities were directly restored using a nanohybrid composite resin (Miris 2 Coltène Whaledent, Altstaetten, Switzerland) and a universal adhesive (ScotchBond Universal, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) by the etch-and-rinse strategy, for group B, the restoration procedure was similar but the self-etch strategy was used, and the samples in group C were filled using the inlay technique. Each sample was stored for 48 h in a 2% methylene blue solution, then it was cut in a mesio-distal direction using a Struers Secotom 50 device (Cleveland, OH, USA). The marginal sealing and adhesive interface were assessed for each sample at the cervical margin by optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used with a significance level of 0.05. Results: Significant differences were recorded within groups A and C, between mesial and distal margins (p = 0.02 in group A and p = 0.043 in group C). Conclusions: The marginal sealing is more effective in MOD inlay restoration compared to direct restorations. Relocation of the cervical margin with flow composite resin and the use of different adhesive strategies do not improve the marginal sealing.
The Effect of Oral Care Foams and a Spray on Salivary pH Changes after Exposure to Acidic Beverages in Young Adults
Authors: Polyakova Maria , Egiazaryan Anna , Doroshina Vladlena , Zaytsev Alexandr , Malashin Alexey , Babina Ksenia , Novozhilova Nina
Published: April 2024

Soft drinks may have a deleterious effect on dental health due to a high titratable acidity and a low pH that could be sufficient to induce tooth demineralization. The use of oral care products immediately after acidic challenge may diminish the erosive potential of soft drinks. We assessed the effect of oral care foams and a spray on salivary pH changes after exposure to Coca-Cola® in young adults. Thirty-three consenting eligible patients were recruited in this double-blind, randomized, crossover study performed in six visits. Baseline examination included unstimulated salivary flow rate, stimulated salivary buffer capacity, and the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) assessment. Salivary pH and time for pH recovery were registered after exposure to Coca-Cola® alone or that followed by the application of each of the studied products (an oral foam containing hydroxyapatite and probiotics, an oral foam containing amino fluoride, an alkaline oral spray, and tap water). Thirty-two patients completed the entire study protocol and were included in the final analysis. The mean minimum salivary pH and the mean oral clearance rate after rinsing with Coca-Cola® were 6.3 and 27 min, respectively. Further rinsing with any one of the tested solutions, including tap water, resulted in a significant improvement in these parameters. When the pH curves were plotted, the oral care products demonstrated a lower area under the curve that differed significantly from the area under the curve for Coca-Cola®; tap water did not differ significantly from Coca-Cola® and oral care products. Minimum salivary pH correlated positively with salivary buffer capacity and salivation rate, while salivary clearance correlated with OHI-S plaque scores. In conclusion, the effect of oral care foams and a spray on minimum salivary pH and salivary clearance after exposure to Coca-Cola® did not differ significantly among the tested products and tap water. Trial registration NCT06148662. Funding: none.
Mapping Maize Planting Densities Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Multispectral Remote Sensing, and Deep Learning Technology
Authors: Shen Jianing , Wang Qilei , Zhao Meng , Hu Jingyu , Wang Jian , Shu Meiyan , Liu Yang , Guo Wei , Qiao Hongbo , Niu Qinglin , Yue Jibo
Published: April 2024

Maize is a globally important cereal and fodder crop. Accurate monitoring of maize planting densities is vital for informed decision-making by agricultural managers. Compared to traditional manual methods for collecting crop trait parameters, approaches using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing can enhance the efficiency, minimize personnel costs and biases, and, more importantly, rapidly provide density maps of maize fields. This study involved the following steps: (1) Two UAV remote sensing-based methods were developed for monitoring maize planting densities. These methods are based on (a) ultrahigh-definition imagery combined with object detection (UHDI-OD) and (b) multispectral remote sensing combined with machine learning (Multi-ML) for the monitoring of maize planting densities. (2) The maize planting density measurements, UAV ultrahigh-definition imagery, and multispectral imagery collection were implemented at a maize breeding trial site. Experimental testing and validation were conducted using the proposed maize planting density monitoring methods. (3) An in-depth analysis of the applicability and limitations of both methods was conducted to explore the advantages and disadvantages of the two estimation models. The study revealed the following findings: (1) UHDI-OD can provide highly accurate estimation results for maize densities (R2 = 0.99, RMSE = 0.09 plants/m2). (2) Multi-ML provides accurate maize density estimation results by combining remote sensing vegetation indices (VIs) and gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) texture features (R2 = 0.76, RMSE = 0.67 plants/m2). (3) UHDI-OD exhibits a high sensitivity to image resolution, making it unsuitable for use with UAV remote sensing images with pixel sizes greater than 2 cm. In contrast, Multi-ML is insensitive to image resolution and the model accuracy gradually decreases as the resolution decreases.
Role Perceptions of Teachers Concerning Student Mental Health in Higher Education
Authors: Douwes Rynke , Metselaar Janneke , Korpershoek Hanke , Boonstra Nynke , Pijnenborg Gerdina Hendrika Maria
Published: April 2024

Student mental health is a relevant aspect of the current academic context due to concerns regarding escalating mental health issues and because of an increasingly holistic perspective on education, learning, and personal development. This research investigates the perceptions of teachers in higher education regarding their roles in promoting student mental health, explicitly focusing on teachers who hold a tutor position. After following a strict procedure, the Mentor-Q questionnaire was designed to measure respondents’ perceptions of their role. This questionnaire was administered online to all Dutch University of Applied Sciences teachers for the study; 180 teachers finished it. Results were discussed and validated using a member check (n = 10). Exploratory factor analysis identified four role perceptions: connector, awareness raiser, referrer, and guardian. While all teachers endorsed these roles, the three clusters that appeared in a latent class analysis varied in their agreement levels. No background variables were significantly related to the role perception profiles. It seems that supporting teachers in recognizing and maintaining boundaries in their role in student mental health is crucial. This study highlights the complexity of the teacher’s role in supporting the student’s mental health and has implications for aligning their responsibilities with higher education goals.
The Interplay between Metacognitive Knowledge, L2 Language Proficiency, and Question Formats in Predicting L2 Reading Test Scores
Authors: Liao Ray J. T. , Lee Kwangmin
Published: April 2024

In the context of L2 academic reading, teachers tend to use a variety of question formats to assess students’ reading comprehension. Studies have revealed that not only question formats but also L2 language proficiency might affect how students use metacognitive strategies. Moreover, studies have determined that students’ L2 reading comprehension is positively influenced by their metacognitive knowledge, though whether this positive influence is reflected in students’ test scores is still under debate. This study therefore adopted path analyses to investigate the relationship between metacognitive knowledge, L2 reading proficiency, L2 reading test scores, and question formats. A total of 108 ESL students took English reading tests in multiple-choice and short-answer question formats and completed a reading strategy survey to measure their metacognitive knowledge of three types of strategies: global, problem-solving, and supporting. In both question formats, path analyses indicated that (1) metacognitive knowledge contributed to L2 reading test scores and (2) students’ L2 reading proficiency mediated the impact of metacognitive knowledge on their test performance. Moreover, path analyses revealed that question formats might play an important role in altering the impact of metacognitive knowledge on L2 reading test scores. Implications for instruction and L2 reading assessment are discussed.