bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the effects of resistant starch types on glycemic response in individuals with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pugh Jennifer E. , Cai Mingzhu , Altieri Nunzia , Frost Gary
Published: March 2023

Background

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) diagnoses are predicted to reach 643 million by 2030, increasing incidences of cardiovascular disease and other comorbidities. Rapidly digestible starch elevates postprandial glycemia and impinges glycemic homeostasis, elevating the risk of developing T2D. Starch can escape digestion by endogenous enzymes in the small intestine when protected by intact plant cell walls (resistant starch type 1), when there is a high concentration of amylose (resistant starch type 2) and when the molecule undergoes retrogradation (resistant starch type 3) or chemical modification (resistant starch type 4). Dietary interventions using resistant starch may improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. However, few studies have explored the differential effects of resistant starch type. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the effects of the resistant starch from intact plant cell structures (resistant starch type 1) and resistant starch from modified starch molecules (resistant starch types 2–5) on fasting and postprandial glycemia in subjects with T2D and prediabetes.

Methods

Databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Web of Science) were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials. Standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined using random-effects models. Sub-group analyses were conducted between subjects with T2D versus prediabetes and types of resistant starch.

Results

The search identified 36 randomized controlled trials (n = 982), 31 of which could be included in the meta-analysis. Resistant starch type 1 and type 2 lowered acute postprandial blood glucose [SMD (95% CI) = -0.54 (–1.0, –0.07)] and [–0.96 (–1.61, –0.31)]. Resistant starch type 2 improved acute postprandial insulin response [–0.71 (–1.31, –0.11)]. In chronic studies, resistant starch type 1 and 2 lowered postprandial glucose [–0.38 (–0.73, –0.02), –0.29 (–0.53, –0.04), respectively] and resistant starch type 2 intake improved fasting glucose [–0.39 (–0.66, –0.13)] and insulin [–0.40 (–0.60, –0.21)].

Conclusion

Resistant starch types 1 and 2 may influence glucose homeostasis via discrete mechanisms, as they appear to influence glycemia differently. Further research into resistant starch types 3, 4, and 5 is required to elucidate their effect on glucose metabolism. The addition of resistant starch as a dietary intervention for those with T2D or prediabetes may prevent further deterioration of glycemic control.
Improvement of muscle quality in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with dietary faba bean (Vicia faba L.)
Authors: Li Qingqing , Huang Yao , Zhang Xingqian , Zou Cuiyun , Lin Li
Published: March 2023

Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a freshwater fish which is farmed worldwide. Improving the muscle quality of fish has become a major goal while maintaining a sustainable aquaculture system. This research attempts to assess the effect of 0% (FB0), 40%(FB40), 50%(FB50), 60%(FB60) and 70% (FB70) faba bean on the texture parameter, histological analysis, proximate, amino acids, and fatty acids composition in tilapia fed 90 days. The results showed that hardness, chewiness, and shear force of tilapia muscle fed FB60, and FB70 were considerably more in comparison to fish fed FB0 at 90 days (p < 0.05). Tilapia fed faba beans had higher muscle fiber density, wider spaces between muscle fibers and smaller fiber diameter, with the greatest difference in tilapia fed FB60. The total protein content in tilapia fed FB40 was considerably more in comparison to in fish fed FB70 (p < 0.05), where the total protein content in muscle first increased and then reduced with increasing dietary faba bean level. The muscle ∑TAA, ∑EAA, valine, tyrosine, cysteine, aspartic acid, methionine, isoleucine, glutamic acid, leucine, arginine, and serine, contents in tilapia fed FB60 were much more in contrast to in fish fed FB0 (p < 0.05), which initially increased and then reduced with increasing dietary faba bean level. The muscle ∑PUFA content in tilapia fed dietary faba beans was greater compared with fish fed FB0, whereas the ∑SFA contents in tilapia fed FB50 and FB60 were lower in contrast to in fish fed FB0. In summary, dietary faba beans can improve muscle texture, muscle fibers, amino acids content and fatty acids content in tilapia. The research’s results make a contribution to the improved knowledge of the association among muscle quality in tilapia and dietary faba beans.
Interpreting flow cytometry with caution: A case report of follicular lymphoma in leukemic phase misdiagnosed as chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Ren Yuan , Jia Congwei , Chen Miao , Wang Wei , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2023

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a subtype of mature B-cell proliferative neoplasms characterized by abnormally increasing lymphocytes in circulation. The diagnosis of CLL is usually established on peripheral blood analysis and typical flow cytometric immunophenotype rather than biopsy. In particular, the high RMH (Royal Marsden Hospital Scoring System for CLL) score of immunophenotype has a highly sensitive weight for diagnostic value. However, immunophenotyping by flow cytometry may also be misleading in specific clinical situations. Here, we report a case on admission with lymphadenopathy and lymphocytosis, misdiagnosed as chronic lymphocytic leukemia by flow cytometry initially but finally confirmed as follicular lymphoma (FL) in the leukemic phase via lymph node biopsy. Since FL in the leukemic phase is uncommon at the time of diagnosis and indicates a poorer prognosis of FL, such misdiagnosis is worthy of attention. It is also thought-provoking that there had been conflicts between immunophenotype of bone marrow and immunohistochemistry of lymph node. Our case report aims to remind clinicians’ awareness that the immunophenotyping by flow cytometric analysis needs to be interpreted with caution especially when the results cannot account for all of clinical features, and it is significant to make the right decision about when to conduct further examination including lymph node biopsy for avoiding misdiagnosis.
Mitigation mechanism of zinc oxide nanoparticles on cadmium toxicity in tomato
Authors: Sun Liangliang , Wang Ruting , Ju Qiong , Xing Menglu , Li Ruishan , Li Weimin , Li Wen , Wang Wenying , Deng Yanfang , Xu Jin
Published: March 2023

Cadmium (Cd) pollution seriously reduces the yield and quality of vegetables. Reducing Cd accumulation in vegetables is of great significance for improving food safety and sustainable agricultural development. Here, using tomato as the material, we analyzed the effect of foliar spraying with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on Cd accumulation and tolerance in tomato seedlings. Foliar spraying with ZnO NPs improved Cd tolerance by increasing photosynthesis efficiency and antioxidative capacity, while it reduced Cd accumulation by 40.2% in roots and 34.5% in leaves but increased Zn content by 33.9% in roots and 78.6% in leaves. Foliar spraying with ZnO NPs also increased the contents of copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) in the leaves of Cd-treated tomato seedlings. Subsequent metabonomic analysis showed that ZnO NPs exposure alleviated the fluctuation of metabolic profiling in response to Cd toxicity, and it had a more prominent effect in leaves than in roots. Correlation analysis revealed that several differentially accumulated metabolites were positively or negatively correlated with the growth parameters and physiol-biochemical indexes. We also found that flavonoids and alkaloid metabolites may play an important role in ZnO NP-alleviated Cd toxicity in tomato seedlings. Taken together, the results of this study indicated that foliar spraying with ZnO NPs effectively reduced Cd accumulation in tomato seedlings; moreover, it also reduced oxidative damage, improved the absorption of trace elements, and reduced the metabolic fluctuation caused by Cd toxicity, thus alleviating Cd-induced growth inhibition in tomato seedlings. This study will enable us to better understand how ZnO NPs regulate plant growth and development and provide new insights into the use of ZnO NPs for improving growth and reducing Cd accumulation in vegetables.
Health-related quality of life-based definition of remission from depression among primary care patients
Authors: Riihimäki Kirsi , Sintonen Harri , Vuorilehto Maria , Isometsä Erkki
Published: March 2023

Background

Depression undermines health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Remission is the central aim of all treatments for depression, but the degree of remission necessary for depressive patients’ HRQoL to correspond to the normal range of the general population remains unknown.

Methods

The Vantaa Primary Care Depression Study prospectively followed-up a screening-based cohort of depressive primary care patients for 5 years. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) was used to diagnose major depressive disorder. HRQoL was measured by the generic 15D instrument at baseline and at 5 years (N = 106, 77% of baseline patients), and compared with the 15D results of an age-standardized general population sample from the Finnish Health 2011 Survey (N = 4,157). Receiver operating characteristic analyses determined the optimal Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) cut-offs for remission, using the 15D score as the construct validator. Remission was defined as the score at which HRQoL reached the general population range (minimum mean − 1 SD). As age may influence HRQoL, patients older and younger than the median 52 years were investigated separately.

Results

For HAMD, the optimal cut-off point score was 8.5, for BDI 10.5, and for BAI 11.5. The differences between the findings of the younger and older patients were small.

Limitations

Cross-sectional analysis, small number of patients in the cohort.

Conclusion

Depressive primary care patients’ HRQoL reaches the normal variation range of the general population when their depression and anxiety scores reach the conventional clinical cut-offs for remission.
Whole Health coaching to rural Veterans through telehealth: Advantages, gaps, and opportunities
Authors: LeBeau Kelsea , Varma Deepthi S. , Kreider Consuelo M. , Castañeda Gail , Knecht Cheri , Cowper Ripley Diane , Jia Huanguang , Hale-Gallardo J.
Published: March 2023

Background

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is one of the largest providers of telehealth in the United States and continues to lead the way in transforming healthcare services. VHA has been implementing its Whole Health (WH) initiative since 2018, a proactive practice empowering patients to take charge of their health and well-being. A key facilitator of the WH initiative is the WH coach who partners with Veterans to achieve their health-related goals. A gap exists in the literature regarding the understanding of WH coaches’ use of telehealth to engage rural-residing Veterans. COVID-19 unexpectedly interrupted in-person VHA delivery of care, including WH coaching which primarily relied on in-person delivery and focused less on telehealth. During the pandemic, WH coaches had to adapt and integrate different modalities to engage their Veteran patients. We examined WH coaches’ approaches to extending coaching to rural Veterans via technology, emphasizing the advantages of telehealth, existing gaps in telehealth delivery, and opportunities for telehealth as a coaching modality.

Methods

This project was implemented as part of a larger mixed methods evaluation regarding WH coaching for rural Veterans; this manuscript presents the findings from the qualitative data from the larger study. The qualitative dataset is comprised of data collected using three different qualitative methods: four focus groups (n = 11; 3–4 participants per group), in-depth individual interviews (n = 9), and open-ended responses from a national web-based survey (n = 140). Focus group, in-depth interview, and open-ended survey data were collected sequentially and separately analyzed following each wave of data collection. Findings from the three analyses were then collaboratively merged, compared, reorganized, and refined by the evaluation team to create final themes.

Results

Three final themes that emerged from the merged data were: (1) Advantages of Telehealth; (2) Telehealth Gaps for Rural Veterans, and (3) Strategies for Bridging Telehealth Gaps. Themes explicate telehealth advantages, gaps, and opportunities for rural Veteran WH coaching.

Conclusion

Findings highlight that video telehealth alone is not sufficient for meeting the needs of rural Veterans. Digital technologies hold promise for equalizing health access gaps; however, both human factors and broadband infrastructure constraints continue to require WH coaches to use a mix of modalities in working with rural Veterans. To overcome challenges and bridge gaps, WH coaches should be ready to adopt a blended approach that integrates virtual, in-person, and lower-tech options.
Quality of life assessment and its spatial correlation in impoverished districts and counties: A case study of Guizhou Province
Authors: Yang Junyue , Du Jia , Yang Heng , Cheng Canhui , Chen Tingting
Published: March 2023

China’s rapid urbanization has greatly boosted the quality of life of its traditionally impoverished regions. Research into the spatial distribution characteristics, evolution and spatial correlation of the quality of life in impoverished regions can help illuminate the experience of successful development and construct a knowledge base for authorities to devise development strategies. This study focuses its attention on the historically impoverished districts and counties (which are designated as parallel administrative units in China) of Guizhou Province in southwestern China. Extensively citing official statistics on districts and counties released by China’s National Bureau of Statistics and local governments, it assesses the quality of life of those places in the 3 years of 2000, 2010, and 2020 from the four dimensions of economy, society, culture, and environment. The aim is to illustrate the distribution characteristics and the evolution of quality of life in Guizhou’s historically impoverished districts and counties. In order to understand the characteristics of spatial clustering as well as the patterns of evolution of the quality of life of Guizhou’s impoverished districts and counties, the study incorporates spatial autocorrelation analysis into a spatio-temporal analysis of local quality of life. It could presumably help enrich the knowledge base that local authorities draw on to formulate development strategies that are scientific and adapted to local conditions. The study found that while the overall quality of life in all the impoverished districts and counties of Guizhou Province has improved, large gaps in quality of life between eastern and western regions of the province persisted. In addition, the driving force behind the evolution in the overall quality of life of those places changed with time, as did the characteristics of the spatial aggregation in quality of life.
Risk factors associated with the prevalence of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli in manured soils on certified organic farms in four regions of the USA
Authors: Pires Alda F. A. , Ramos Thais De Melo , Baron Jerome N. , Millner Patricia D. , Pagliari Paulo H. , Hutchinson Mark , Haghani Viktoria , Aminabadi Peiman , Kenney Annette , Hashem Fawzy , Martínez-López Beatriz , Bihn Elizabeth A. , Clements Donna P. , Shade Jessica B. , Sciligo Amber R. , Jay-Russell Michele T.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAO), including untreated amendments are often used to improve soil fertility and are particularly important in organic agriculture. However, application of untreated manure on cropland can potentially introduce foodborne pathogens into the soil and onto produce. Certified organic farms follow the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards that stipulate a 90- or 120-day interval between application of untreated manure and crop harvest, depending on whether the edible portion of the crop directly contacts the soil. This time-interval metric is based on environmental factors and does not consider a multitude of factors that might affect the survival of the main pathogens of concern. The objective of this study was to assess predictors for the prevalence of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (non-O157 STEC) in soils amended with untreated manure on USDA-NOP certified farms.

Methods

A longitudinal, multi-regional study was conducted on 19 farms in four USA regions for two growing seasons (2017–2018). Untreated manure (cattle, horse, and poultry), soil, and irrigation water samples were collected and enrichment cultured for non-O157 STEC. Mixed effects logistic regression models were used to analyze the predictors of non-O157 STEC in the soil up to 180 days post-manure application.

Results and discussion

Results show that farm management practices (previous use with livestock, presence of animal feces on the field, season of manure application) and soil characteristics (presence of generic E. coli in the soil, soil moisture, sodium) increased the odds of STEC-positive soil samples. Manure application method and snowfall decreased the odds of detecting STEC in the soil. Time-variant predictors (year and sampling day) affected the presence of STEC. This study shows that a single metric, such as the time interval between application of untreated manure and crop harvest, may not be sufficient to reduce the food safety risks from untreated manure, and additional environmental and farm-management practices should also be considered. These findings are of particular importance because they provide multi-regional baseline data relating to current NOP wait-time standards. They can therefore contribute to the development of strategies to reduce pathogen persistence that may contribute to contamination of fresh produce typically eaten raw from NOP-certified farms using untreated manure.
Potential impact of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio on prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Ganlin , Hu Xuhua , Gao Tianyi , Zhou Huixian , Li Baokun , Zhou Chaoxi , Yu Bin , Wang Guiying
Published: March 2023

Background

Numerous studies have confirmed that inflammation promotes the occurrence, development and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Objective

This study focuses on the potentially prognostic value of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in CRC patients.

Data Sources

This study was registered at PROSPERO (ID: CRD42020219215). Relative studies were searched on PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and clinical trial databases by two back-to-back reviewers. Study Selection and Intervention: Studies were screened according to the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, comparing prognosis differences between low PLR levels and high PLR levels for CRC patients. Main Outcome Measures: Studies were integrated and compared to analyze the value of PLR in predicting overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), disease-free survival (DFS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of CRC. Results: Outcomes were compared using Review Manager (version 5.4) software from Cochrane Collaboration. A total of 27 literary works, including 13,330 patients, were incorporated into our study. The final results showed that higher PLR levels had worse OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.21–1.62, P < 0.00001), DFS (HR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.09–1.90, P = 0.01) and RFS (HR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.13–1.94, P = 0.005) than lower PLR levels, respectively. However, there was no evidence of significance for PFS (HR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.84–1.54, P = 0.40) and CSS (HR = 1.16, 95% CI = 0.88–1.53, P = 0.28) in the final meta-analysis.

Limitations

Our study has the following limitations. First of all, we only included literature published in English, which means that some publication bias may be inevitable. In addition, our study used aggregate data, not individual data; furthermore, we did not define the exact cut-off value representing the PLR level.

Conclusion

An elevated PLR seems to be an adverse prognostic factor affecting survival outcomes in patients with CRC. Meanwhile, more prospective studies are required to confirm our conclusion.

PROSPERO ID: CRD42020219215.
Minimally invasive surgery for ovarian endometriosis as a mean of improving fertility: Cystectomy vs. CO2 fiber laser ablation what do we know so far?
Authors: Candiani Massimo , Ottolina Jessica , Salmeri Noemi , D’Alessandro Sara , Tandoi Iacopo , Bartiromo Ludovica , Schimberni Matteo , Ferrari Stefano , Villanacci Roberta
Published: March 2023

Minimally invasive surgery emerged in the 1980s as a safe and effective technique which requires smaller incisions and, usually, a shorter hospital stay compared to traditional surgery. Since then, minimally invasive surgery has expanded in many surgical specialties. One of its newest application in gynecology stands in the infertility management of young women with unexplained infertility or suspected endometriosis. In these cases, laparoscopy allows to diagnose and treat the disease aiming to increase at best the chances of spontaneous pregnancy or trough assisted reproductive technology. Nowadays, minimally invasive surgical approach of ovarian endometriosis consists of either laparoscopic cystectomy or ablative techniques such as laparoscopic CO2 fiber laser vaporization. Although cystectomy represents the gold standard according to the latest Cochrane review, some endometriosis experts are worried about its detrimental effect on healthy ovarian parenchyma and suggest preferring a less aggressive approach such as CO2 fiber laser vaporization. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the available evidences about the impact of the two surgical procedures on ovarian reserve markers and pregnancy outcome.
Multiplicative Vector Fusion Model for Detecting Deepfake News in Social Media
Authors: Salini Yalamanchili , Harikiran Jonnadula
Published: March 2023

In the digital age, social media platforms are becoming vital tools for generating and detecting deepfake news due to the rapid dissemination of information. Unfortunately, today, fake news is being developed at an accelerating rate that can cause substantial problems, such as early detection of fake news, a lack of labelled data available for training, and identifying fake news instances that still need to be discovered. Identifying false news requires an in-depth understanding of authors, entities, and the connections between words in a long text. Unfortunately, many deep learning (DL) techniques have proven ineffective with lengthy texts to address these issues. This paper proposes a TL-MVF model based on transfer learning for detecting and generating deepfake news in social media. To generate the sentences, the T5, or Text-to-Text Transfer Transformer model, was employed for data cleaning and feature extraction. In the next step, we designed an optimal hyperparameter RoBERTa model for effectively detecting fake and real news. Finally, we propose a multiplicative vector fusion model for classifying fake news from real news efficiently. A real-time and benchmarked dataset was used to test and validate the proposed TL-MVF model. For the TL-MVF model, F-score, accuracy, precision, recall, and AUC were performance evaluation measures. As a result, the proposed TL-MVF performed better than existing benchmarks.
Experimental Interpretation of the Provisions of EN 13796-3 for Fatigue Testing of Cableway Gondolas
Authors: Bednarz Arkadiusz , Bieniek Krzysztof , Kołodziejczyk Radosław , Szczerba Zygmunt , Krauz Piotr , Lubas Monika , Szczerba Kamil
Published: March 2023

This article presents an experimental approach to fatigue testing of cableway gondolas, carried out in accordance with the EN 13796-3 standard. Due to the limitations of the aforementioned regulations and the lack of clarity in their content, when designing and conducting fatigue tests of gondolas, there is a need to find solutions that meet the normative requirements, while ensuring the cost-effectiveness of the tests. The work presents the method of loading, receiving the degrees of freedom, the methodology of gondola strength verification and additional suggestions allowing for the satisfactory preparation of a plan of fatigue tests and their implementation. The paper shows problems and ways to solve it, what may occur during cableway gondolas fatigue test design. In addition, the work contains an extensive description and methodology for conducting research verifying the elastic and permanent deformation of the structure, using digital image correlation (DIC). The results obtained by using this method make it possible to unambiguously determine the degree of structure deformation while maintaining high accuracy and repeatability of measurements at many points of the structure. Following the presented tests, it was possible to correctly carry out fatigue tests of the nacelle in a satisfactory time (about 8 weeks), perform 5 million load cycles and verify the integrity of the structure. The presented results show the effectiveness of the adopted design assumptions and indicate the process that guarantees the correctness of the conducted fatigue tests. The prepared study may be the basis for further full-scale fatigue tests. The research object is a 6-seater gondola designed by TRANSSYSTEM S.A.
Long-Term Population Trends of House Sparrow and Eurasian Tree Sparrow in Spain
Authors: Ramos-Elvira Elena , Banda Eva , Arizaga Juan , Martín David , Aguirre José I.
Published: March 2023

Urban areas are constantly increasing, which can cause an effect in bird populations since human activities lead to nature alterations. Populations of House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) and Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) have been decreasing in Spain according to the latest national censuses in Spain. In this study, we tried to assess the population trend over more than two decades using ringing data from Spanish constant effort sites, as well as to determine the population and breeding success proxy in relation to habitat composition at landscape level. We analysed the data and confirmed the decreasing trend in the two species. However, Eurasian Tree Sparrow showed signs of increasing presence in urban areas. Furthermore, the productivity remained stable over sampling sites and years, meaning that the causes of the decreasing populations are affecting both adult and juvenile individuals.
Transcriptomics Reveals the Molecular Basis for Methyl Jasmonate to Promote the Synthesis of Monoterpenoids in Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq.
Authors: Shi Jianling , Cui Yingjing , Zhang Jimeng , Sun Liqiong , Tang Xiaoqing
Published: March 2023

Background: Methyl jasmonate has an important effect on the synthesis of plant secondary metabolites. Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq. has a wide range of pharmacological effects and the secondary metabolites are dominated by monoterpenes (pulegone, menthone). Objective: It is essential to determine the changes in secondary metabolites in S. tenuifolia under methyl jasmonate treatment and to probe the molecular mechanism. This can improve the accumulation of secondary metabolites in the medicinal plant S. tenuifolia and enrich the information gene expression at different MeJA levels, which can help to elucidate the molecular mechanism of monoterpenoid synthesis in S. tenuifolia. Methods: In this study, we determined the changes in the content of monoterpenoids in S. tenuifolia under methyl jasmonate treatment. Meanwhile, we established a transcriptome database of S. tenuifolia under methyl jasmonate level using high-throughput sequencing. Results: A certain concentration of MeJA promoted the accumulation of monoterpenoids in S. tenuifolia. The transcriptome database of S. tenuifolia leaves under 0, 50, 100 and 250 μM MeJA treatment was established. We generated 88,373 unigenes with an N50 length of 2678 bp, of which 50,843 (57.53%) can be annotated in at least one database. Compared with the CK (0 μM) group, 12,557 (50 μM), 15,409 (100 μM) and 13,286 (250 μM) differentially expressed genes were identified. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that JA signal transduction and monoterpenoid synthesis were the two most significant enrichment pathways. The expression levels of related DEGs involved in JA signaling and monoterpenoid synthesis were significantly up-regulated by MeJA. In addition, our phenotypic and differentially expressed gene association analysis revealed that monoterpenoid biosynthesis in S. tenuifolia was more associated with genes involved in plant trichome branching, phytohormone signaling and transcriptional regulation. Conclusions: This study confirmed that methyl jasmonate significantly promoted monoterpenoid biosynthesis in S. tenuifolia. A large number of genes responding to methyl jasmonate were associated with JA signaling and monoterpenoid biosynthesis.
Megalin Expression in Primary Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Is Associated with the Presence of Lymph Node Metastases, Vascular Invasion, and Lower Overall Survival
Authors: Zulijani Ana , Milardović Ana , Kovač Zoran , Perić Berislav , Jakovac Hrvoje
Published: March 2023

Megalin (LRP2) is a rapidly recycling multiligand endocytic receptor primarily expressed in polarized epithelial cells. Although megalin might be involved in tumor growth and invasiveness through several mechanisms, its role has been understudied in the field of molecular oncology so far. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of megalin expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) on disease progression. Megalin expression was evaluated immunohistochemically in 63 OSCC specimens. Data obtained were retrospectively compared with patient clinicopathological features and their survival. The proportion of megalin-expressing cells in the primary OSCC tissue was significantly associated with metastatic spreading to lymph nodes, vascular invasion and lower overall survival rate. Results obtained by the study suggest that megalin can be considered as a novel molecule involved in OSCC pathogenesis, but also useful as a potential biomarker for cancer progression.
Correlations of PTEN and ERG Immunoexpression in Prostate Carcinoma and Lesions Related to Its Natural History: Clinical Perspectives
Authors: Voulgari Olga , Goutas Dimitrios , Pergaris Alexandros , Belogiannis Konstantinos , Thymara Eirini , Kavantzas Nikolaos , Lazaris Andreas C.
Published: March 2023

Purpose: The aim of our study was to observe the associations between the ETS-related gene (ERG) and the phosphatase and tensin homolog gene (PTEN) immunoexpression in prostate cancer and related lesions and highlight the clinical significance of these findings. Methods: We evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of ERG and PTEN in a series of 151 invasive prostate adenocarcinomas, including low-grade (Gleason grade pattern 3) and high-grade (Gleason grade patterns 4, 5) morphological patterns which corresponded to 45.5% and 54.4% of the cases, respectively. Additionally, we evaluated the immunoexpression of the two markers both in foci of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), as a precursor lesion of cancer, and in foci of intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDCP). Finally, to ensure the malignant nature of the prostate glands examined, we employed p63 and alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) expression. Results: We found that PTEN loss was observed in 50.7%, and ERG positivity was detected in 41.8% of our cancerous samples. In HGPIN, PTEN loss appeared to be linked with a high-grade adjacent invasive carcinoma component which also displayed PTEN loss. As far as IDCP is concerned, ERG immunonegativity was correlated with adjacent high-grade invasive cancer, which was also ERG immunonegative. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the clonal expansion of invasive cancer appears to be associated with distinct immunophenotypic cellular alterations of both early and late cancer-related histological lesions. Patients with PTEN loss in HGPIN in prostate biopsies should be closely monitored due to the increased likelihood of having an associated invasive high-grade carcinoma that may have not been sampled. Given the clinical significance that derives from PTEN expression in HGPIN lesions, we suggest the routine use of PTEN immunohistochemistry in prostate cancer biopsies in which HGPIN is the only finding.
Post-Fire Mechanical Properties of Concrete Incorporating Waste EPS (Styrofoam) as Aggregate Replacement
Authors: Mohammed Ilham I. , Nariman Nazim Abdul , Shakor Pshtiwan , Ismail Osama , Rizgar Kozhin
Published: March 2023

Reusing waste is one of the most recent topics and one of the main contributors to sustainability. It is known that concrete is one of the most common materials to produce different types of construction members around the world. That is due to mainly its low cost, availability, long period of durability, and ability to withstand harsh environments. On the other hand, due to the rapid changes that have happened in the last few decades in the production of decorative materials, some material types of cladding are used for decoration purposes, such as Styrofoam (EPS) (trade name “Astropol”), which is developed from disposal materials. Discovering and implementing a method of reusing these wastes in concrete is beneficial for the environment to reduce waste around the globe. In the current study, Styrofoam (Astropol) waste was used as a replacement for fine aggregate since concrete structures contain this material in their composition. It is important to test these materials for fire resistance and expose them to an elevated temperature in order to discover the post-fire mechanical properties of the composite material. The experimental result showed that the post-fire compressive strength of concrete containing different ratios of EPS (Astropol) increases compared to conventional concrete. The compressive strengths were 19.94 MPa, 19.295 MPa, 16.806 MPa, and 17.66 MPa for 0%, 15%, 25%, and 50%, respectively, while the post-fire indirect tensile strength for all specimens containing EPS reduced as the fire duration and temperature increased.
Immunotherapy in Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Current Evidence and Perspectives
Authors: Lazzari Chiara , Spagnolo Calogera Claudia , Ciappina Giuliana , Di Pietro Martina , Squeri Andrea , Passalacqua Maria Ilenia , Marchesi Silvia , Gregorc Vanesa , Santarpia Mariacarmela
Published: March 2023

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. Surgery is the most potentially curative therapeutic option for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The five-year survival for these patients remains poor and variable, depending on the stage of disease at diagnosis, and the risk of recurrence following tumor resection is high. During the last 20 years, there has been a modest improvement in the therapeutic strategies for resectable NSCLC. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), alone or in combination with chemotherapy, have become the cornerstone for the treatment of metastatic NSCLC patients. Recently, their clinical development has been shifted in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings where they have demonstrated remarkable efficacy, leading to improved clinical outcomes. Based on the positive results from phase III trials, ICIs have become a therapeutic option in neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings. On October 2021 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved atezolizumab as an adjuvant treatment following surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy for patients with NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 ≥ 1%. In March 2022, nivolumab in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy was approved for adult patients with resectable NSCLC in the neoadjuvant setting. The current review provides an updated overview of the clinical trials exploring the role of immunotherapy in patients with early-stage NSCLC, focusing on the biological rationale for their use in the perioperative setting. We will also discuss the role of potential predictive biomarkers to personalize therapy and optimize the incorporation of immunotherapy into the multimodality management of stage I-III NSCLC.
Injectable Synthetic Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate/Calcium Sulfate (GeneX) for the Management of Contained Defects Following Curettage of Benign Bone Tumours
Authors: Razii Nima , Docherty Laura M. , Halai Mansur , Mahendra Ashish , Gupta Sanjay
Published: March 2023

Benign and low-grade malignant bone tumours are often treated with curettage and filling of the resultant defect using any of a number of materials, including autologous bone grafts, allografts, or synthetic materials. The objective of this study was to report our experience using a synthetic bone graft substitute in these patients. Ten consecutive cases (four males, six females; mean age, 36 years) of benign bone tumours were treated surgically at a tertiary musculoskeletal oncology centre, between 2019 and 2021. Following curettage, the contained defects were managed with injectable beta-tricalcium phosphate/calcium sulfate (GeneX; Biocomposites Ltd., Keele, UK). The desired outcomes were early restoration of function and radiographic evidence of healing. No other graft materials were used in any of the patients. The mean follow-up was 24 months (range, 20–30 months). All patients in this series (100%) demonstrated radiographic evidence of healing and resumed their daily living activities. There were no tumour recurrences and no complications were encountered with the use of GeneX. In patients with contained defects following curettage of benign bone tumours, we found GeneX to be a safe and effective filling agent. These findings contrast with some existing studies that have reported local complications with the use of injectable beta-tricalcium phosphate/calcium sulfate.
Graph Autoencoder with Preserving Node Attribute Similarity
Authors: Lin Mugang , Wen Kunhui , Zhu Xuanying , Zhao Huihuang , Sun Xianfang
Published: March 2023

The graph autoencoder (GAE) is a powerful graph representation learning tool in an unsupervised learning manner for graph data. However, most existing GAE-based methods typically focus on preserving the graph topological structure by reconstructing the adjacency matrix while ignoring the preservation of the attribute information of nodes. Thus, the node attributes cannot be fully learned and the ability of the GAE to learn higher-quality representations is weakened. To address the issue, this paper proposes a novel GAE model that preserves node attribute similarity. The structural graph and the attribute neighbor graph, which is constructed based on the attribute similarity between nodes, are integrated as the encoder input using an effective fusion strategy. In the encoder, the attributes of the nodes can be aggregated both in their structural neighborhood and by their attribute similarity in their attribute neighborhood. This allows performing the fusion of the structural and node attribute information in the node representation by sharing the same encoder. In the decoder module, the adjacency matrix and the attribute similarity matrix of the nodes are reconstructed using dual decoders. The cross-entropy loss of the reconstructed adjacency matrix and the mean-squared error loss of the reconstructed node attribute similarity matrix are used to update the model parameters and ensure that the node representation preserves the original structural and node attribute similarity information. Extensive experiments on three citation networks show that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art algorithms in link prediction and node clustering tasks.
Towards Data-Driven Decision-Making in the Korean Film Industry: An XAI Model for Box Office Analysis Using Dimension Reduction, Clustering, and Classification
Authors: Leem Subeen , Oh Jisong , So Dayeong , Moon Jihoon
Published: March 2023

The Korean film market has been rapidly growing, and the importance of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) in the film industry is also increasing. In this highly competitive market, where producing a movie incurs substantial costs, it is crucial for film industry professionals to make informed decisions. To assist these professionals, we propose DRECE (short for Dimension REduction, Clustering, and classification for Explainable artificial intelligence), an XAI-powered box office classification and trend analysis model that provides valuable insights and data-driven decision-making opportunities for the Korean film industry. The DRECE framework starts with transforming multi-dimensional data into two dimensions through dimensionality reduction techniques, grouping similar data points through K-means clustering, and classifying movie clusters through machine-learning models. The XAI techniques used in the model make the decision-making process transparent, providing valuable insights for film industry professionals to improve the box office performance and maximize profits. With DRECE, the Korean film market can be understood in new and exciting ways, and decision-makers can make informed decisions to achieve success.
The Chip Formation Process When Cutting High-Speed Steels and Ti3SiC2 Ceramics
Authors: Savkovic Borislav , Kovac Pavel , Sidjanin Leposava , Rajnovic Dragan
Published: March 2023

The paper presents the microstructural characterization of the chip roots in high-speed steels and ceramic Ti3SiC2. The process of chip formation and the obtaining of adequate samples were carried out using the quick-stop method. The tests were carried out during the milling process; the “quick stop” method was carried out in order to obtain samples of the chip roots. This method was developed in-house by the authors. The chip roots were microscopically studied by means of a light microscope (LM) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Before the actual analysis, preparation was performed based on the standard metallographic technique. The analysis of the high-speed steels samples showed that, for the used cutting conditions, a discontinuous chip with a built-up edge (BUE) was formed. During the processing of the Ti3SiC2 ceramic, a significant difference was manifested in the chip formation process and a powder-like chip was produced. After utilizing a careful cutting process, a chip pattern was observed, from which it is evident that chip breakage during ceramic processing occurs without prior plastic deformation. In addition, the cutting force Fc was also measured during the milling process of the high-speed steels and the ceramic, and it was correlated with the cutting speed, feed per tooth and depth of cut.
The Use of Machine Learning in Real Estate Research
Authors: Choy Lennon H. T. , Ho Winky K. O.
Published: March 2023

This research seeks to demonstrate how machine learning, a branch of artificial intelligence, is able to deliver more accurate pricing predictions, using the real estate market as an example. Utilizing 24,936 housing transaction records, this paper employs Extra Trees (ET), k–Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Random Forest (RF) to predict property prices and then compares their results with those of a hedonic price model. In particular, this paper uses a feature (property age x square footage) instead of property age in order to isolate the effect of land depreciation on property prices. Our results suggest that these three algorithms markedly outperform the traditional statistical techniques in terms of explanatory power and error minimization. Machine learning is expected to play an increasing role in shaping our future. However, it may raise questions about the privacy, fairness, and job displacement issues. It is therefore important to pay close attention to the ethical implications of machine learning and ensure that the technology is used responsibly and ethically. Researchers, legislators, and industry players must work together to create appropriate standards and legislation to govern the use of machine learning.
Different Designs of Deep Marginal Elevation and Its Influence on Fracture Resistance of Teeth with Monolith Zirconia Full-Contour Crowns
Authors: Robaian Ali , Alqahtani Abdullah , Alanazi Khalid , Alanazi Abdulrhman , Almalki Meshal , Aljarad Anas , Albaijan Refal , Maawadh Ahmed , Sufyan Aref , Mirza Mubashir Baig
Published: March 2023

Background and objectives: Even with the demand for high esthetics, the strength of the material for esthetic applications continues to be important. In this study, monolith zirconia (MZi) crowns fabricated using CAD/CAM were tested for fracture resistance (FR) in teeth with class II cavity designs with varying proximal depths, restored through a deep marginal elevation technique (DME). Materials and Methods: Forty premolars were randomly divided into four groups of ten teeth. In Group A, tooth preparation was conducted and MZi crowns were fabricated. In Group B, mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities were prepared and restored with microhybrid composites before tooth preparation and the fabrication of MZi crowns. In Groups C and D, MOD cavities were prepared, differentiated by the depth of the gingival seat, 2 mm and 4 mm below the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ). Microhybrid composite resin was used for DME on the CEJ and for the restoration of the MOD cavities; beforehand, tooth preparations were conducted and MZi crowns were and cemented using resin cement. The maximum load to fracture (in newtons (N)) and FR (in megapascals (MPa)) were measured using the universal testing machine. Results: The average scores indicate a gradual decrease in the load required to fracture the samples from Groups A to D, with mean values of 3415.61 N, 2494.11 N, 2108.25 N and 1891.95 N, respectively. ANOVA revealed highly significant differences between the groups. Multiple group comparisons using the Tukey HSD post hoc test revealed that Group D had greater DME depths and showed significant differences compared with Group B. Conclusions: FR in teeth decreased when more tooth structure was involved, even with MZi crowns. However, DME up to 2 mm below the CEJ did not negatively influence the FR. Strengthening the DME-treated teeth with MZi crowns could be a reasonable clinical option, as the force required to fracture the samples far exceeded the maximum recorded biting force for posterior teeth.