bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Pathogen-Microbiota Indicator Responses in Surface Karst Springs under Various Conditions in a Rocky Desertification Area: A Case Study of the Xiaojiang Watershed in Yunnan
Authors: Sun Weichao , Wang Xiuyan , Ning Zhuo , Sun Lin , Wang Shuaiwei
Published: February 2024

The Xiaojiang watershed in Luxi, Yunnan, is a typical rocky desertification area, in which karst groundwater pollution is severe and water resources are scarce. This article takes the watershed as an example and investigates the response mechanisms of surface karst spring water quality to agricultural pollution in rocky desertification areas. Specifically, the study was conducted as follows: (I) A total of 108 water samples from 54 sources were collected during the dry and wet seasons for analysis. (i) Principal component and correlation analyses identified the main pollution indicators in the soil surface karst zone of the area, including total bacterial count, total coliforms, COD, pH, and redox potential. (ii) It was also discovered that surface soil, impacted by agricultural activities, directly contributes to groundwater pollution in the soil surface karst zone. (II) Local soil was used to prepare soil columns under various conditions for simulation. The findings indicate: (i) Temperature significantly affects the surface karst springs, with higher temperatures leading to more pronounced water quality responses, increased enrichment of pathogen-microbiota indicators, and degraded water quality. (ii) Soil porosity substantially influences the water quality of surface karst springs. Increased porosity results in looser soil, more oxidizing conditions in the storage matrix, reduced pathogen-microbiota development, and consequently, less water pollution. This study offers theoretical and technical references for evaluating, monitoring, and issuing early warnings for pathogenic bacteria-microbiota pollution in groundwater in rocky desertification areas.
Mechanical Characteristics of Surrounding Rock for Neighborhood Tunnels Using the Schwarz Alternating Method Model: A Case Study
Authors: Wu Xiaodong , Gong Min , Wu Haojun
Published: February 2024

During the drilling and blasting excavation of neighborhood tunnels, blast-induced vibrations negatively affect the stability of the interlaid rock, particularly for the following tunnel. This paper presents a case study of neighborhood tunnels with small clearance in Shenzhen, China, where the minimum thickness of interlaid rock is only 0.5 m. Therefore, the tunnelling method of the following tunnel should be precisely designed to ensure the safety of surrounding rock. Initially, we investigated the damage mechanism of the interlaid rock under the blasting load from the following tunnel using LS-DYNA R11.1 software. To control the damage of the interlaid rock caused by the following tunnel blasting, the four-part excavation method with a reserved vibration-cushioning layer for the following tunnel is proposed. Subsequently, the analytical stress of the surrounding rock for neighborhood tunnels was obtained by the Schwarz alternating method (SAM). By analyzing the variation patterns with different thicknesses of the cushioning layer, the optimal thickness of the cushioning layer was determined to be 3.0 m. Consequently, a safety excavation partition scheme was implemented for the following tunnel. As a result of this case study, suggestions were identified for the safe excavation of neighborhood tunnels with small clearance.
Matting Algorithm with Improved Portrait Details for Images with Complex Backgrounds
Authors: Li Rui , Zhang Dan , Geng Sheng-Ling , Zhou Ming-Quan
Published: February 2024

With the continuous development of virtual reality, digital image applications, the required complex scene video proliferates. For this reason, portrait matting has become a popular topic. In this paper, a new matting algorithm with improved portrait details for images with complex backgrounds (MORLIPO) is proposed. This work combines the background restoration module (BRM) and the fine-grained matting module (FGMatting) to achieve high-detail matting for images with complex backgrounds. We recover the background by inputting a single image or video, which serves as a priori and aids in generating a more accurate alpha matte. The main framework uses the image matting model MODNet, the MobileNetV2 lightweight network, and the background restoration module, which can both preserve the background information of the current image and provide a more accurate prediction of the alpha matte of the current frame for the video image. It also provides the background prior of the previous frame to predict the alpha matte of the current frame more accurately. The fine-grained matting module is designed to extract fine-grained details of the foreground and retain the features, while combining with the semantic module to achieve more accurate matting. Our design allows training on a single NVIDIA 3090 GPU in an end-to-end manner and experiments on publicly available data sets. Experimental validation shows that our method performs well on both visual effects and objective evaluation metrics.
A Novel Spatial–Temporal Deep Learning Method for Metro Flow Prediction Considering External Factors and Periodicity
Authors: Shi Baixi , Wang Zihan , Yan Jianqiang , Yang Qi , Yang Nanxi
Published: February 2024

Predicting metro traffic flow is crucial for efficient urban planning and transit management. It enables cities to optimize resource allocation, reduce congestion, and enhance the overall commuter experience in rapidly urbanizing environments. Nevertheless, metro flow prediction is challenging due to the intricate spatial–temporal relationships inherent in the data and the varying influence of external factors. To model spatial–temporal correlations considering external factors, a novel spatial–temporal deep learning framework is proposed in this study. Firstly, mutual information is utilized to select the highly corrected stations of the examined station. Compared with the traditional correlation calculation methods, mutual information is particularly advantageous for analyzing nonlinear metro flow data. Secondly, metro flow data reflecting the historical trends from different time granularities are incorporated. Additionally, the external factor data that influence the metro flow are also considered. Finally, these multiple sources and dimensions of data are combined and fed into the deep neural network to capture the complex correlations of multi-dimensional data. Sufficient experiments are designed and conducted on the real dataset collected from Xi’an subway to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model. Experimental results are comprehensively analyzed according to the POI information around the subway station.
A Bilingual Basque–Spanish Dataset of Parliamentary Sessions for the Development and Evaluation of Speech Technology
Authors: Varona Amparo , Penagarikano Mikel , Bordel Germán , Rodriguez-Fuentes Luis Javier
Published: February 2024

The development of speech technology requires large amounts of data to estimate the underlying models. Even when relying on large multilingual pre-trained models, some amount of task-specific data on the target language is needed to fine-tune those models and obtain competitive performance. In this paper, we present a bilingual Basque–Spanish dataset extracted from parliamentary sessions. The dataset is designed to develop and evaluate automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems but can be easily repurposed for other speech-processing tasks (such as speaker or language recognition). The paper first compares the two target languages, emphasizing their similarities at the acoustic-phonetic level, which sets the basis for sharing data and compensating for the relatively small amount of spoken resources available for Basque. Then, Basque Parliament plenary sessions are characterized in terms of organization, topics, speaker turns and the use of the two languages. The paper continues with the description of the data collection procedure (involving both speech and text), the audio formats and conversions along with the creation and postprocessing of text transcriptions and session minutes. Then, it describes the semi-supervised iterative procedure used to cut, rank and select the training segments and the manual supervision process employed to produce the test set. Finally, ASR experiments are presented using state-of-the-art technology to validate the dataset and to set a reference for future works. The datasets, along with models and recipes to reproduce the experiments reported in the paper, are released through Hugging Face.
High-Dimensional Ensemble Learning Classification: An Ensemble Learning Classification Algorithm Based on High-Dimensional Feature Space Reconstruction
Authors: Zhao Miao , Ye Ning
Published: February 2024

When performing classification tasks on high-dimensional data, traditional machine learning algorithms often fail to filter out valid information in the features adequately, leading to low levels of classification accuracy. Therefore, this paper explores the high-dimensional data from both the data feature dimension and the model ensemble dimension. We propose a high-dimensional ensemble learning classification algorithm focusing on feature space reconstruction and classifier ensemble, called the HDELC algorithm. First, the algorithm considers feature space reconstruction and then generates a feature space reconstruction matrix. It effectively achieves feature selection and reconstruction for high-dimensional data. An optimal feature space is generated for the subsequent ensemble of the classifier, which enhances the representativeness of the feature space. Second, we recursively determine the number of classifiers and the number of feature subspaces in the ensemble model. Different classifiers in the ensemble system are assigned mutually exclusive non-intersecting feature subspaces for model training. The experimental results show that the HDELC algorithm has advantages compared with most high-dimensional datasets due to its more efficient feature space ensemble capability and relatively reliable ensemble operation performance. The HDELC algorithm makes it possible to solve the classification problem for high-dimensional data effectively and has vital research and application value.
Cross-Modality Interaction-Based Traffic Accident Classification
Authors: Oh Changhyeon , Ban Yuseok
Published: February 2024

Traffic accidents on the road lead to serious personal and material damage. Furthermore, preventing secondary accidents caused by traffic accidents is crucial. As various technologies for detecting traffic accidents in videos using deep learning are being researched, this paper proposes a method to classify accident videos based on a video highlight detection network. To utilize video highlight detection for traffic accident classification, we generate information using the existing traffic accident videos. Moreover, we introduce the Car Crash Highlights Dataset (CCHD). This dataset contains a variety of weather conditions, such as snow, rain, and clear skies, as well as multiple types of traffic accidents. We compare and analyze the performance of various video highlight detection networks in traffic accident detection, thereby presenting an efficient video feature extraction method according to the accident and the optimal video highlight detection network. For the first time, we have applied video highlight detection networks to the task of traffic accident classification. In the task, the most superior video highlight detection network achieves a classification performance of up to 79.26% when using video, audio, and text as inputs, compared to using video and text alone. Moreover, we elaborated the analysis of our approach in the aspects of cross-modality interaction, self-attention and cross-attention, feature extraction, and negative loss.
Spherical Linear Diophantine Fuzzy Graphs: Unleashing the Power of Fuzzy Logic for Uncertainty Modeling and Real-World Applications
Authors: Parimala Mani , Jafari Saeid
Published: February 2024

The theory of spherical linear Diophantine fuzzy sets (SLDFS) boasts several advantages over existing fuzzy set (FS) theories such as Picture fuzzy sets (PFS), spherical fuzzy sets (SFS), and T-spherical fuzzy sets (T-SFS). Notably, SLDFS offers a significantly larger portrayal space for acceptable triplets, enabling it to encompass a wider range of ambiguous and uncertain knowledge data sets. This paper delves into the regularity of spherical linear Diophantine fuzzy graphs (SLDFGs), establishing their fundamental concepts. We provide a geometrical interpretation of SLDFGs within a spherical context and define the operations of complement, union, and join, accompanied by illustrative examples. Additionally, we introduce the novel concept of a spherical linear Diophantine isomorphic fuzzy graph and showcase its application through a social network scenario. Furthermore, we explore how this amplified depiction space can be utilized for the study of various graph theoretical topics.
Subclasses of Analytic Functions Subordinated to the Four-Leaf Function
Authors: Gunasekar Saravanan , Sudharsanan Baskaran , Ibrahim Musthafa , Bulboacă Teodor
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this research is to unify and extend the study of the well-known concept of coefficient estimates for some subclasses of analytic functions. We define the new subclass A4r,s of analytic functions related to the four-leaf domain, to increase the adaptability of our investigation. The initial findings are the bound estimates for the coefficients |an|, n=2,3,4,5, among which the bound of |a2| is sharp. Also, we include the sharp-function illustration. Additionally, we obtain the upper-bound estimate for the second Hankel determinant for this subclass as well as those for the Fekete–Szegő functional. Finally, for these subclasses, we provide an estimation of the Krushkal inequality for the function class A4r,s.
N-Glycosylation as a Modulator of Protein Conformation and Assembly in Disease
Authors: Pasala Chiranjeevi , Sharma Sahil , Roychowdhury Tanaya , Moroni Elisabetta , Colombo Giorgio , Chiosis Gabriela
Published: February 2024

Glycosylation, a prevalent post-translational modification, plays a pivotal role in regulating intricate cellular processes by covalently attaching glycans to macromolecules. Dysregulated glycosylation is linked to a spectrum of diseases, encompassing cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, congenital disorders, infections, and inflammation. This review delves into the intricate interplay between glycosylation and protein conformation, with a specific focus on the profound impact of N-glycans on the selection of distinct protein conformations characterized by distinct interactomes—namely, protein assemblies—under normal and pathological conditions across various diseases. We begin by examining the spike protein of the SARS virus, illustrating how N-glycans regulate the infectivity of pathogenic agents. Subsequently, we utilize the prion protein and the chaperone glucose-regulated protein 94 as examples, exploring instances where N-glycosylation transforms physiological protein structures into disease-associated forms. Unraveling these connections provides valuable insights into potential therapeutic avenues and a deeper comprehension of the molecular intricacies that underlie disease conditions. This exploration of glycosylation’s influence on protein conformation effectively bridges the gap between the glycome and disease, offering a comprehensive perspective on the therapeutic implications of targeting conformational mutants and their pathologic assemblies in various diseases. The goal is to unravel the nuances of these post-translational modifications, shedding light on how they contribute to the intricate interplay between protein conformation, assembly, and disease.
Red Blood Cell Storage with Xenon: Safe or Disruption?
Authors: Sherstyukova Ekaterina , Sergunova Viktoria , Kandrashina Snezhanna , Chernysh Aleksandr , Inozemtsev Vladimir , Lomakina Galina , Kozlova Elena
Published: February 2024

Xenon, an inert gas commonly used in medicine, has been considered as a potential option for prolonged preservation of donor packed red blood cells (pRBCs) under hypoxic conditions. This study aimed to investigate how xenon affects erythrocyte parameters under prolonged storage. In vitro model experiments were performed using two methods to create hypoxic conditions. In the first method, xenon was introduced into bags of pRBCs which were then stored for 42 days, while in the second method, xenon was added to samples in glass tubes. The results of our experiment showed that the presence of xenon resulted in notable alterations in erythrocyte morphology, similar to those observed under standard storage conditions. For pRBC bags, hemolysis during storage with xenon exceeded the acceptable limit by a factor of six, whereas the closed-glass-tube experiment showed minimal hemolysis in samples exposed to xenon. Notably, the production of deoxyhemoglobin was specific to xenon exposure in both cell suspension and hemolysate. However, this study did not provide evidence for the purported protective properties of xenon.
Computer-Assisted Evaluation Confirms Spontaneous Healing of Donor Site One Year following Bone Block Harvesting from Mandibular Retromolar Region—A Cohort Study
Authors: Daoud Shadi , Zoabi Adeeb , Kasem Adi , Totry Amir , Oren Daniel , Redenski Idan , Srouji Samer , Kablan Fares
Published: February 2024

Bone augmentation prior to dental implant placement is a common scenario in the dental implantology field. Among the important intraoral harvesting sites to obtain bone blocks is the ramus/retromolar region that has a high success rate and long-lasting alveolar ridge augmentation. Preserving the bone volume and quality at the donor site is crucial for preventing further complications or to serve as a site for re-harvesting. Healing of the intraoral donor sites has been described in the maxillofacial field. This study aimed to evaluate the spontaneous healing of the mandibular retromolar donor site utilizing computer-assisted quantification 6 and 12 months after bone harvesting. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on patients who underwent an alveolar ridge augmentation using an intraoral retromolar bone graft. Three CBCT scans were performed—intraoperative, and at six months and one year after the surgical procedure. By using the Materialise Mimics Innovation Suite software 26.0 features segmentation by thresholding, Hounsfield unit averaging, and superimposition of the tomographies, we could precisely quantify the healing process utilizing spatial and characteristic measures. Results: In all cases, the computer-aided quantification showed that six months following surgery, the donor site had recovered up to 64.5% ± 4.24 of its initial volume, and this recovery increased to 89.2% ± 2.6 after one year. Moreover, the Hounsfield unit averaging confirmed dynamic bone quality healing, starting at 690.3 ± 81 HU for the bone block, decreasing to 102 ± 27.8 HU at six months postoperatively, and improving to 453.9 ± 91.4 HU at the donor site after a year. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that there is no need for additional replanting at the donor site following retromolar bone block harvesting, whether autogenous or allograft, since spontaneous healing occurs 12 months following the surgery.
Prevalence and Severity of Circumferential Alveolar Bone Loss Using CBCT Images: A Retrospective Study of 20,620 Surfaces of 5155 Teeth
Authors: Gul Sarhang Sarwat
Published: February 2024

Periodontal disease is a site-specific disease affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth. It is useful for the clinician to have information about the prevalence and severity of alveolar bone loss (ABL) according to the site, location, and position of the teeth for a better treatment plan and expected prognosis. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of ABL at mesial, distal, buccal and lingual sites of teeth in different locations, positions and sides of the dentition. The ABL of 20,620 sites of 5155 teeth in 212 patients was assessed using cone-beam computed tomography from the cemento-enamel junction to the crest of the alveolar bone. The prevalence of ABL was higher in the interproximal sites as well as anterior and mandibular teeth compared to their counterparts. Buccal sites and anterior teeth revealed higher ABL levels than the other tooth sites and posterior teeth, respectively. Furthermore, associations in the severity of ABL were observed between distal and mesial sites, buccal and lingual sites, maxillary and mandibular teeth, anterior and posterior teeth, and right and left sides. This study showed that the prevalence and severity of ABL differ from one tooth site to another and according to the tooth’s location in the dentition. Higher prevalences were found in the interproximal sites, anterior teeth and mandibular teeth; higher ABL was found in buccal and distal sites, with the strongest associations between distal and mesial sites, buccal and lingual sites, and right and left sides.
“Who’s the Student at Home?”: Parental Help-Giving Orientation in Learning at Home Predicted using a Parent’s Personal Characteristics
Authors: Harpaz Gal , Grinshtain Yael , Yaffe Yosi
Published: February 2024

The present study focuses on the involvement of a parent in their child’s learning processes, particularly, their help-giving orientation while learning at home. The main goal of the study was to identify the connection between the parent’s personal characteristics and the help-giving orientation the parent provides to their child: autonomous vs. dependent (parent as student) help-giving. The sample was collected using online participant recruitment surveys in Israel. In total, 306 parents aged 27–59, who had at least one child in elementary school, answered five questionnaires measuring the research variables: the short grit scale; the satisfaction with life scale; the advice/affect management–overparenting subscale; the parenting sense of competence scale; the parental help-giving orientations scale (PHGOs), and a background questionnaire. The findings identified negative associations between parental personal characteristics (grit, advice/affect management, well-being) and parent-as-student orientation and positive associations between the parent’s characteristics and parental autonomous help-giving orientation, with all of these effects at least partially mediated by parental self-efficacy (indirect effects). The results provide greater insight into the relationship between a parent’s personal characteristics and their choice of assistance to their child and contribute to the knowledge regarding parental involvement in learning at home and educational contexts in general.
Organizational Learning within the Context of the Functioning of Educational Teams: The Progressive Emergence of a Professional Metamorphosis
Authors: Pinheiro Generosa , Alves José Matias
Published: February 2024

Responding to contemporary global challenges will require quality education, which presupposes changes in schools’ organizational structures, new roles and mentalities for the players involved and a culture of learning at the different levels of organizations. In this regard, we strive to understand how changing certain organizational structures, more specifically the organization of teaching by educational teams operating as professional learning communities, can have an impact on individual, collective and organizational learning at schools. To this end, we have adopted a qualitative research paradigm, put into operation through a case study, based on a qualitative-quantitative approach. We combined a descriptive statistical approach consisting of two questionnaires, which have been decoded and interpreted both structurally and semantically, with a content analysis of interviews, focused discussion groups and field diary notes, to examine a number of unique contexts and the perspectives of individual players. We concluded that a change in organizational structures is an essential but insufficient condition. What is needed is a change in the players’ beliefs and collaboration that provides deep learning. As such, a substantial change in education at the level of educational organization requires joint action at the levels of structure, middle leadership, beliefs and professional cultures.
ABO Blood Groups, RhD Factor and Their Association with Subclinical Atherosclerosis Assessed by Carotid Ultrasonography
Authors: Mickelsson Malin , Ekblom Kim , Stefansson Kristina , Liv Per , Nyman Emma , Själander Anders , Näslund Ulf , Hultdin Johan
Published: February 2024

Background: The ABO blood group system has previously been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), where non-O blood group individuals have shown an increased risk. Studies assessing early atherosclerotic disease while also including RhD are few. We aimed to determine whether the ABO and RhD blood groups are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in a healthy population. Methods: We included 3532 participants from the VIPVIZA trial with available carotid ultrasonography results to assess subclinical disease. Information about blood groups was obtained from the SCANDAT-3 database, where 85% of VIPVIZA participants were registered. Results: RhD− individuals aged 40 years showed increased carotid intima–media thickness (B 1.09 CI 95% 1.03; 1.14) compared to RhD+ individuals. For ABO, there were no differences in ultrasonography results when assessing the whole study population. However, 60-year-old individuals with heredity for CVD and a non-O blood group had decreased odds for carotid plaques (OR 0.54 CI 95% 0.33; 0.88). Conclusions: RhD blood group is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in younger individuals, indicating a role as a mediator in the atherosclerotic process. In addition, a non-O blood group was associated with decreased subclinical atherosclerosis in individuals aged 60 and with heredity (corresponding to the group with the highest atherosclerotic burden).
Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab
Authors: Sang Yun Beom , Lee Chaeryoung , Kim Seul-Gi , Lee Boyoung , Kang Beodeul , Kim Chan , Chon Hong Jae
Published: February 2024

(1) Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has proven challenging to the management of patients with cancer, particularly those receiving systemic therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with atezolizumab/bevacizumab. (2) Methods: Patients with unresectable HCC who started atezolizumab/bevacizumab treatment between June 2020 and December 2021 at a tertiary cancer center in Korea were included (n = 241) and classified according to their COVID-19 status and severity. (3) Results: Thirty-five (14.5%) patients with unresectable HCC were diagnosed with COVID-19 during atezolizumab/bevacizumab treatment; 26 (74.2%) and nine (25.7%) in the low- and high-severity groups, respectively. The high-severity group showed higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Liver and kidney injuries were observed in 31.4% and 17.1% of total patients, respectively. Liver injury was more prominent in patients with pre-existing liver dysfunction at baseline, who were more prevalent in the high-severity group. Atezolizumab/bevacizumab treatment was delayed by a median of 0 (range, 0–21) day in the low-severity group and 12 (range, 0–35) days in the high-severity group. The high-severity group showed worse post-infection progression-free survival (1.1 vs. 4.8 months, p = 0.017) and overall survival (2.2 months vs. not reached, p = 0.004). (4) Conclusions: Patients with impaired liver function at baseline are more susceptible to high-severity COVID-19, which affects atezolizumab/bevacizumab treatment outcomes.
Psychosocial Functioning of Individuals at Risk of Developing Compulsive Buying Disorder
Authors: Rachubińska Kamila , Cybulska Anna Maria , Szylińska Aleksandra , Kupcewicz Ewa , Ćwiek Dorota , Walaszek Ireneusz , Grochans Elżbieta
Published: February 2024

(1) Background: This study aimed to establish the connection between depressiveness, workaholism, eating disorders, and personality traits, according to the five-point model called the Big Five, in women with a risk of compulsive buying disorder. (2) Methods: The study was conducted on 556 Polish women from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. The study employed the diagnostic survey method using a questionnaire technique including Personality Inventory NEO-FFI, the Buying Behaviour Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory I-II, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, and a self-questionnaire. (3) Results: The analysis revealed the risk of compulsive buying being accompanied by a higher median score for depressiveness, neuroticism, Cognitive Restraint of Eating, Uncontrolled Eating, and a risk of workaholism. A lower score in the respondents in the compulsive buying risk group was observed in an assessment of agreeableness and conscientiousness. Work addiction was exhibited by 26% of people with compulsive buying disorder vs. 12% of people without it. (4) Conclusion: This study found that a high risk of compulsive buying disorder is accompanied by a high risk of moderate depressiveness, neuroticism, Cognitive Restraint of Eating, Uncontrolled Eating, and workaholism. It also confirmed the view that compulsive buying is a behavioural addiction which is a consequence of ineffective coping and being dissatisfied with one’s social life.
Xenobiotics Triggering Acute Intermittent Porphyria and Their Effect on Mouse Brain Respiratory Complexes
Authors: Zuccoli Johanna Romina , Martínez María del Carmen , Vallecorsa Pablo , Buzaleh Ana María
Published: February 2024

Heme enzyme dysfunction causes a group of diseases called porphyrias. Particularly, a decrease in porphobilinogen deaminase, involved in the third step of heme biosynthesis, leads to acute intermittent porphyria (AIP). Considering our previous works demonstrating the multiplicity of brain metabolisms affected by porphyrinogenic agents, this study aimed to elucidate whether they cause any alteration on the mitochondrial respiratory chain. The activities of respiratory chain complexes (I to IV) were measured in encephalon mitochondria of CF1 male mice receiving volatile anesthetics: isoflurane (2 mL/kg) and sevoflurane (1.5 mL/kg), ethanol (30%), allylisopropylacetamide (AIA) (350 mg/kg), and barbital (167 mg/kg). Moreover, they were compared versus animals with pathological levels of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA, 40 mg/kg). Complex I–III activity was induced by isoflurane and decreased by AIA, ethanol, and ALA. Complex II–III activity was increased by sevoflurane and decreased by isoflurane and AIA. Complex II activity was increased by sevoflurane and barbital and decreased by AIA, ethanol, and ALA. Complex IV activity was increased by barbital and ALA and decreased by sevoflurane. The damage to the respiratory chain by ALA could be reflecting the pathophysiological condition of patients with AIP. Better understanding the broad effect of porphyrinogenic drugs and the mechanisms acting on the onset of AIP is vital in translational medicine.
From Satirical Poems and Invisible Poisons to Radical Surgery and Organized Cervical Cancer Screening—A Historical Outline of Cervical Carcinoma and Its Relation to HPV Infection
Authors: Jung Leonard , Klamminger Gilbert Georg , Bier Bert , Eltze Elke
Published: February 2024

Over the last century, the narrative of cervical cancer history has become intricately tied to virus research, particularly the human papillomavirus (HPV) since the 1970s. The unequivocal proof of HPV’s causal role in cervical cancer has placed its detection at the heart of early screening programs across numerous countries. From a historical perspective, sexually transmitted genital warts have been already documented in ancient Latin literature; the remarkable symptoms and clinical descriptions of progressed cervical cancer can be traced back to Hippocrates and classical Greece. However, in the new era of medicine, it was not until the diagnostic–pathological accomplishments of Aurel Babeş and George Nicolas Papanicolaou, as well as the surgical accomplishments of Ernst Wertheim and Joe Vincent Meigs, that the prognosis and prevention of cervical carcinoma were significantly improved. Future developments will likely include extended primary prevention efforts consisting of better global access to vaccination programs as well as adapted methods for screening for precursor lesions, like the use of self-sampling HPV-tests. Furthermore, they may also advantageously involve additional novel diagnostic methods that could allow for both an unbiased approach to tissue diagnostics and the use of artificial-intelligence-based tools to support decision making.
Comparative Analysis of Antithrombotic Therapy Outcomes in Mild Traumatic Brain-Injury Patients: A Focus on Bleeding Risk and Hospital-Stay Duration
Authors: Desai Antonio , Shiffer Dana , Giordano Mauro , Giotta Lucifero Alice , Generali Elena , Reggiani Francesco , Calatroni Marta , Savioli Gabriele , Luzzi Sabino , Voza Antonio
Published: February 2024

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the elderly is a noteworthy pathology due to the exponential increase in population age, and the effects of antiplatelet and anticoagulation on patients’ outcomes are still a matter of dispute. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of various antithrombotic agents on patients with mild TBI, focusing on the risk of intracranial bleeding (ICH) and length of hospitalization (LOS). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted, including patients with a diagnosis of TBI admitted to the Emergency Department between 2021 and 2022. Patients were classified according to the concurrent antithrombotic therapy as aspirin (ASA), antiplatelets, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). The primary outcome was the ICH occurrence, while the secondary outcome was the LOS. The statistical analysis was performed via logistic regression models in R and STATA 13.1 software. Fisher’s exact test was used for the statistical significance. Results: 267 patients with mild TBI were included; 148 were not on antithrombotic agents, 43 were on aspirin, 33 on DOACs, 5 on LMWH, 22 on antiplatelets, and 16 on VKA. Out of the total, 9 patients experienced ICH, none of which were on DOACs, LMWH, or VKA, but 4—out of 65—were on antiplatelets, and 5—out of 148—were not on antithrombotic therapies. Patients not on antithrombotic therapy had the shortest LOS at 0.46 days, while those on VKA had the longest LOS at 1.19 days; similar trends were observed for patients on DOAC and LMWH. Conclusions: The results reveal that TBI patients on anticoagulants/antiplatelets had longer hospital stays compared with those on aspirin alone. Notably, VKA was the strongest predictor for an extended LOS. Regarding ICH, patients taking only aspirin were twice as likely to experience bleeding compared with those on anticoagulants/antiplatelets. However, to achieve statistically significant evidence, further research with a larger cohort of patients is needed.
Recent Advances towards the Understanding of Secondary Acute Myeloid Leukemia Progression
Authors: Auerbach Scott , Puka Beana , Golla Upendarrao , Chachoua Ilyas
Published: February 2024

Secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML) is a heterogeneous malignant hematopoietic disease that arises either from an antecedent hematologic disorder (AHD) including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), aplastic anemia (AA), or as a result of exposure to genotoxic chemotherapeutic agents or radiotherapy (therapy related AML, tAML). sAML is diagnosed when the number of blasts is ≥20% in the bone marrow or peripheral blood, and it is characterized by poor prognosis, resistance to therapy and low overall survival rate. With the recent advances in next generation sequencing technologies, our understanding of the molecular events associated with sAML evolution has significantly increased and opened new perspectives for the development of novel therapies. The genetic aberrations that are associated with sAML affect genes involved in processes such as splicing, chromatin modification and genome integrity. Moreover, non-coding RNAs’ emerged as an important contributing factor to leukemogenesis. For decades, the standard treatment for secondary AML has been the 7 + 3 regimen of cytarabine and daunorubicin which prolongs survival for several months, but modifications in either dosage or delivery has significantly extended that time. Apart from traditional chemotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, CAR-T cell therapy and small molecule inhibitors have also emerged to treat sAML.
Influence of Alcohol on Intracerebral Hemorrhage: From Oxidative Stress to Glial Cell Activation
Authors: Thangameeran Shaik Ismail Mohammed , Wang Po-Kai , Liew Hock-Kean , Pang Cheng-Yoong
Published: February 2024

The intricate relationship between alcohol consumption and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) presents a nuanced field of study, especially concerning the dose-dependent impact on secondary brain injury (SBI). Recognizing the established risks associated with heavy drinking, this review delves deeper into the less understood territories of low to moderate alcohol consumption. By systematically analyzing recent studies, we uncover critical insights into how varying alcohol intake levels modulate ICH risk through mechanisms such as microglial activation, oxidative stress, and the protective potential of polyphenols. This analysis extends beyond the hypertensive effects of heavy alcohol use to explore the complex molecular pathophysiology involved in alcohol-related ICH. Our findings indicate that while heavy alcohol use unequivocally exacerbates ICH risk, moderate consumption and its associated polyphenols may offer neuroprotective effects against SBI, albeit within a finely balanced threshold. This review highlights the significant gaps in current understanding and underscores the urgent need for targeted research to elucidate these complex interactions. Through this comprehensive examination, we aim to inform more nuanced public health policies and intervention strategies, taking into account the diverse effects of alcohol consumption on ICH risk.
Advanced EIS-Based Sensor for Online Corrosion and Scaling Monitoring in Pipelines of Geothermal Power Plants
Authors: Freire Lorena , Ezpeleta Ignacio , Sánchez Julio , Castro Rubén
Published: February 2024

Corrosion and scaling in metal pipelines are the major issues in the exploitation of geothermal sources. Geothermal fluids are complex mixtures consisting of dissolved gases and high-salinity solutions. This creates very aggressive environments primarily due to the high concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), chlorides, and other chemical species. Besides, the high temperature of the brines also increases corrosion rates, which can lead to failures related to stress and fatigue corrosion. On the other hand, reinjection of cooled brine exiting the heat exchanger favors the onset of scaling, since the chemicals dissolved in geothermal waters may tend to precipitate promoting inorganic depositions on the casing. Corrosion and scaling phenomena are difficult to detect visually or monitor continuously. Standard techniques based on pH, temperature pressure, electrical resistance measurements, chemistry composition, and physical properties are habitually applied as indirect methods for corrosion rate control. These methods, however, lack enough robustness for accurate and reliable measuring of the corrosion behavior of materials. To address this issue, a novel system has been proposed for the continuous monitoring of corrosion degradation caused by the effect of the geothermal brines. The present work aims to design, develop, and validate a dedicated electrochemical-based test system for online and onsite monitoring of the corrosion rate and scaling growth occurring on different materials exposed to real operating conditions. This system uses non-standard methods based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to obtain quantitative data related to the material quality. It can be used to track the condition of the pipeline, reducing the operation and maintenance (O&M) costs and shutdown times. By providing early corrosion rate data, this system allows the prediction of failures in critical units of the plant.
Understanding Barriers to Human Papillomavirus Vaccination among Parents of 9–10-Year-Old Adolescents: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Agana-Norman Denny Fe G. , Martinez Martinez Monica , Shanmugasundaram Manjushree , Berenson Abbey B.
Published: February 2024

HPV vaccination rates remain low among US adolescents, with only 54% completing the series in 2019. The vaccine is recommended at age 11–12 but can be given as early as age 9. Although it has been found that offering the vaccine earlier improves completion rates by age 13, parents remain reluctant to allow their younger children to initiate this vaccine. The purpose of this study was to better understand parental beliefs regarding receipt of the HPV vaccine among their children at ages 9–10. A 40 min phone interview was completed with 21 participants who were asked about their vaccine viewpoints. Even after receiving one-on-one education from a patient navigator, many caretakers expressed inadequate knowledge of the HPV vaccine and limited exposure to both positive and negative influences. The biggest concern was vaccine side effects, often resulting from a lack of medical understanding. Most parents were reluctant to vaccinate their children at a school-based clinic or pharmacy and believed that the government should not mandate HPV vaccination for public school attendance. Our study provides insight into parental beliefs and attitudes about HPV vaccination at age 9–10 years and barriers that need to be addressed.
Hybrid Immunity Improves the Immune Response after the Fourth COVID-19 Vaccine Dose in Individuals with Medical Conditions Predisposing to Severe COVID-19
Authors: Ekström Nina , Leino Tuija M. , Juutinen Aapo , Lehtonen Toni , Haveri Anu , Liedes Oona , Vara Saimi , Salo Heini , Palmu Arto A. , Nohynek Hanna , Martelius Timi , Melin Merit
Published: February 2024

Data on immune responses following COVID-19 booster vaccinations and subsequent infections in the immunocompromised are limited. We studied antibody responses after the fourth dose and subsequent infections to define patient groups benefiting most from boosters. Fourth vaccine (booster) doses were, in Finland, first recommended for severely immunocompromised individuals, whom we invited to participate in our study in 2022. We assessed spike protein-specific IgG and neutralizing antibodies (NAb) against the ancestral and Omicron BA.1 strains one month after the fourth dose from 488 adult participants and compared them to the levels of 35 healthy controls after three doses. We used Bayesian generalized linear modeling to assess factors explaining antibody levels and assessed vaccine-induced and hybrid immunity six months after the last vaccine dose. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and immunosuppressive therapy (IT) were identified as factors explaining sub-optimal antibody responses. The proportion of participants with a normal antibody response and NAbs was significantly lower regarding CKD patients compared to the controls. By the 6-month sampling point, one-third of the participants became infected (documented by serology and/or molecular tests), which notably enhanced antibody levels in most immunocompromised participants. Impaired antibody responses, especially NAbs against the Omicron lineage, suggest limited protection in individuals with CKD and highlight the need for alternative pharmaceutical preventive strategies. Vaccination strategies should take into account the development of robust hybrid immunity responses also among the immunocompromised.
Can the Heald anal stent help to reduce anastomotic or rectal stump leak in elective and emergency colorectal surgery? A single-center experience
Authors: Jones Michael , Moran Brendan , Heald Richard John , Bunni John
Published: February 2024

Anastomotic and rectal stump leaks are feared complications of colorectal surgery. Diverting stomas are commonly used to protect low rectal anastomoses but can have adverse effects. Studies have reported favorable outcomes for transanal drainage devices instead of diverting stomas. We describe our use of the Heald anal stent and its potential impact in reducing anastomotic or rectal stump leak after elective or emergency colorectal surgery. We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of patients in whom a Heald anal stent had been used to “protect” a colorectal anastomosis or a rectal stump, in an elective or emergency context, for benign and malignant pathology. Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were reviewed using clinical and radiological records. The Heald anal stent was used in 93 patients over 4 years. Forty-six cases (49%) had a colorectal anastomosis, and 47 (51%) had an end stoma with a rectal stump. No anastomotic or rectal stump leaks were recorded. We recommend the Heald anal stent as a simple and affordable adjunct that may decrease anastomotic and rectal stump leak by reducing intraluminal pressure through drainage of fluid and gas.
Comunicado Claustro Docente
Authors: López Leal Camilo Andrés
Published: February 2024

Comunicado del Claustro de Profesores del Programa de Filosofía - Universidad del Quindío

Llamado al diálogo, cuidado de la vida y solidaridad por las víctimas de las protestas sociales iniciadas el 28 de abril de 2021 en Colombia

 

La protesta social expresa los deseos de un pueblo por salir de las situaciones políticas y económicas desfavorables, es una expresión de esperanza. Precisamente, las distintas acciones ciudadanas en la mayoría de los municipios quindianos, y en general, en el territorio colombiano, son la muestra de un profundo deseo por aportar a la construcción de un país donde la vida en todas sus manifestaciones sea respetada y valorada.
Escrituras anfibias, parte I
Authors: Betancur Gómez Juan Camilo
Published: February 2024

El artículo busca caracterizar la noción y práctica de la filosofía de un grupo de profesores colombianos del siglo XX. Se parte de la revisión historiográfica del relato “normalizador” en la historia de la filosofía local. El análisis cualitativo de textos escritos entre 1940 y 1960 propone una lectura ambivalente sobre algunas características del oficio de la filosofía, al exponer las tensiones entre una vocación filosófica y las modestas condiciones del oficio. Otras tensiones mostrarán los dos ejes desde donde aquellos profesores pretendieron hacer filosofía: el técnico y el cultural. En 1950, el relato del proceso normalizador de la filosofía fue reforzado por Francisco Romero desde unos referentes ejemplarizantes, “adánicos”, e incluso épicos. Luego, el relato sobre las décadas comprendidas entre 1940 y 1960 se cristalizó bajo el lente retrospectivo de 1980, pero desde una mirada unilateral de la categoría de “normalización”, enfocada solo en aspectos técnicos y disciplinares de la filosofía. Para recuperar el eje cultural, se perfila la figura del “intelectual” de mediados de siglo XX a partir de lo que Renán Silva ha caracterizado como el “pastor de almas”, como aquel que podía interpretar la cultura popular y dictarle un derrotero. Una segunda entrega, ocupada del análisis de distintos registros textuales de la escritura filosófica de mitad de siglo XX, más centrados en el eje de la interpretación y orientación cultural.