bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bisphosphonates as Radiopharmaceuticals: Spotlight on the Development and Clinical Use of DOTAZOL in Diagnostics and Palliative Radionuclide Therapy
Authors: Souche Céleste , Fouillet Juliette , Rubira Léa , Donzé Charlotte , Deshayes Emmanuel , Fersing Cyril
Published: December 2023

Bisphosphonates are therapeutic agents that have been used for almost five decades in the treatment of various bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, Paget disease and prevention of osseous complications in cancer patients. In nuclear medicine, simple bisphosphonates such as 99mTc-radiolabelled oxidronate and medronate remain first-line bone scintigraphic imaging agents for both oncology and non-oncology indications. In line with the growing interest in theranostic molecules, bifunctional bisphosphonates bearing a chelating moiety capable of complexing a variety of radiometals were designed. Among them, DOTA-conjugated zoledronate (DOTAZOL) emerged as an ideal derivative for both PET imaging (when radiolabeled with 68Ga) and management of bone metastases from various types of cancer (when radiolabeled with 177Lu). In this context, this report provides an overview of the main medicinal chemistry aspects concerning bisphosphonates, discussing their roles in molecular oncology imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy with a particular focus on bifunctional bisphosphonates. Particular attention is also paid to the development of DOTAZOL, with emphasis on the radiochemistry and quality control aspects of its preparation, before outlining the preclinical and clinical data obtained so far with this radiopharmaceutical candidate.
Prediabetes-Associated Changes in Skeletal Muscle Function and Their Possible Links with Diabetes: A Literature Review
Authors: Dlamini Mandlakazi , Khathi Andile
Published: December 2023

The skeletal muscle plays a critical role in regulating systemic blood glucose homeostasis. Impaired skeletal muscle glucose homeostasis associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been observed to significantly affect the whole-body glucose homeostasis, thereby resulting in other diabetic complications. T2DM does not only affect skeletal muscle glucose homeostasis, but it also affects skeletal muscle structure and functional capacity. Given that T2DM is a global health burden, there is an urgent need to develop therapeutic medical therapies that will aid in the management of T2DM. Prediabetes (PreDM) is a prominent risk factor of T2DM that usually goes unnoticed in many individuals as it is an asymptomatic condition. Hence, research on PreDM is essential because establishing diabetic biomarkers during the prediabetic state would aid in preventing the development of T2DM, as PreDM is a reversible condition if it is detected in the early stages. The literature predominantly documents the changes in skeletal muscle during T2DM, but the changes in skeletal muscle during prediabetes are not well elucidated. In this review, we seek to review the existing literature on PreDM- and T2DM-associated changes in skeletal muscle function.
Results Obtained from a Pivotal Validation Trial of a Microsatellite Analysis (MSA) Assay for Bladder Cancer Detection through a Statistical Approach Using a Four-Stage Pipeline of Modern Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Reynolds Thomas , Riddick Gregory , Meyers Gregory , Gordon Maxie , Flores Monar Gabriela Vanessa , Moon David , Moon Chulso
Published: December 2023

Several studies have shown that microsatellite changes can be profiled in urine for the detection of bladder cancer. The use of microsatellite analysis (MSA) for bladder cancer detection requires a comprehensive analysis of as many as 15 to 20 markers, based on the amplification and interpretations of many individual MSA markers, and it can be technically challenging. Here, to develop fast, more efficient, standardized, and less costly MSA for the detection of bladder cancer, we developed three multiplex-polymerase-chain-reaction-(PCR)-based MSA assays, all of which were analyzed via a genetic analyzer. First, we selected 16 MSA markers based on 9 selected publications. Based on samples from Johns Hopkins University (the JHU sample, the first set sample), we developed an MSA based on triplet, three-tube-based multiplex PCR (a Triplet MSA assay). The discovery, validation, and translation of biomarkers for the early detection of cancer are the primary focuses of the Early Detection Research Network (EDRN), an initiative of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). A prospective study sponsored by the EDRN was undertaken to determine the efficacy of a novel set of MSA markers for the early detection of bladder cancer. This work and data analysis were performed through a collaboration between academics and industry partners. In the current study, we undertook a re-analysis of the primary data from the Compass study to enhance the predictive power of the dataset in bladder cancer diagnosis. Using a four-stage pipeline of modern machine learning techniques, including outlier removal with a nonlinear model, correcting for majority/minority class imbalance, feature engineering, and the use of a model-derived variable importance measure to select predictors, we were able to increase the utility of the original dataset to predict the occurrence of bladder cancer. The results of this analysis showed an increase in accuracy (85%), sensitivity (82%), and specificity (83%) compared to the original analysis. The re-analysis of the EDRN study results using machine learning statistical analysis proved to achieve an appropriate level of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity to support the use of the MSA for bladder cancer detection and monitoring. This assay can be a significant addition to the tools urologists use to both detect primary bladder cancers and monitor recurrent bladder cancer.
Follicular Fluid Proteomic Analysis of Women Undergoing Assisted Reproduction Suggests That Apolipoprotein A1 Is a Potential Fertility Marker
Authors: Kurdi Csilla , Schmidt János , Horváth-Szalai Zoltán , Mauchart Péter , Gödöny Krisztina , Várnagy Ákos , Kovács Gábor L. , Kőszegi Tamás
Published: December 2023

Infertility affects millions worldwide, posing a significant global health challenge. The proteomic analysis of follicular fluid provides a comprehensive view of the complex molecular landscape within ovarian follicles, offering valuable information on the factors influencing oocyte development and on the overall reproductive health. The follicular fluid is derived from the plasma and contains various proteins that can have different roles in oocyte health and infertility, and this fluid is a critical microenvironment for the developing oocytes as well. Using the high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method, we investigated the protein composition of the follicular fluid, and after classification, we carried out relative quantification of the identified proteins in the pregnant (P) and non-pregnant (NP) groups. Based on the protein–protein interaction analysis, albumin and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) were found to be hub proteins, and the quantitative comparison of the P and NP groups resulted in a significantly lower concentration of ApoA1 and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the P group. As both molecules are involved in the cholesterol transport, we also investigated their role in the development of oocytes and in the prediction of fertility.
Oleuropein Stimulates Migration of Human Trophoblast Cells and Expression of Invasion-Associated Markers
Authors: Pirković Andrea , Jovanović Krivokuća Milica , Vilotić Aleksandra , Nacka-Aleksić Mirjana , Bojić-Trbojević Žanka , Dekanski Dragana
Published: December 2023

Successful pregnancy establishment requires highly synchronized cross talk between the invasive trophoblast cells and the receptive maternal endometrium. Any disturbances in this tightly regulated process may lead to pregnancy complications. Local factors such as nutrients, hormones, cytokines and reactive oxygen species modulate the invasion of extravillous trophoblasts through critical signaling cascades. Epidemiological studies strongly indicate that a Mediterranean diet can significantly impact molecular pathways during placentation. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to examine whether oleuropein (OLE), one of the main compounds of the Mediterranean diet, may influence trophoblast cell adhesion and migration, as well as the expression of invasion-associated molecular markers and inflammatory pathways fostering these processes. HTR-8/SVneo cells were incubated with OLE at selected concentrations of 10 and 100 µM for 24 h. Results showed that OLE did not affect trophoblast cell viability, proliferation and adhesion after 24 h in in vitro treatment. The mRNA expression of integrin subunits α1, α5 and β1, as well as matrix-degrading enzymes MMP-2 and -9, was significantly increased after treatment with 10 µM OLE. Furthermore, OLE at a concentration of 10 µM significantly increased the protein expression of integrin subunits α1 and β1. Also, OLE inhibited the activation of JNK and reduced the protein expression of COX-2. Finally, a lower concentration of OLE 10 µM significantly stimulated migration of HTR-8/SVneo cells. In conclusion, the obtained results demonstrate the effects of OLE on the function of trophoblast cells by promoting cell migration and stimulating the expression of invasion markers. As suggested from results, these effects may be mediated via inhibition of the JNK signaling pathway.
Paramagnetic Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: The Toolkit
Authors: Querci Leonardo , Fiorucci Letizia , Ravera Enrico , Piccioli Mario
Published: December 2023

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is the ideal tool to address the structure, reactivity and dynamics of both inorganic and biological substances. The knowledge of nuclear spin interaction and spin dynamics is increasingly consolidated, and this allows for tailoring pulse sequences. When dealing with paramagnetic systems, several decades of research have led to the development of rule-of-the-thumb criteria for optimizing the experiments, allowing for the detection of nuclei that are in very close proximity to the metal center. In turn, the observation of these systems, coupled with the development of robust and accessible quantum chemical methods, is promising to provide a link between the spectra and the structural features through the interpretation of the electronic structure. In this review, we list the challenges encountered and propose solutions for dealing with paramagnetic systems with the greatest satisfaction. In our intentions, this is a practical toolkit for optimizing acquisition and processing parameters for routine experiments aimed at detecting signals influenced by the hyperfine interaction. The implications of paramagnetic shift and line broadening are examined. With this endeavor, we wish to encourage non-expert users to consider the application of paramagnetic NMR to their systems.
Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasms and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Bonomi Alessandro Michele , Ferrario Luca , Frontali Alice , Danelli Piergiorgio , Colombo Francesco
Published: December 2023

There is no clear evidence on the prevalence and clinical presentation of appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (AMN) among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), so a systematic review was performed to investigate the diagnosis, management and treatment of AMN in these patients. PubMed, Medline, Scopus and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles published up to September 2023. Twenty-three studies reporting data about 34 AMN patients were included. UC patients had a median age of 52 years and a median length of disease of 10 years; CD patients had a median age of 40.5 years and a median length of disease of 5 years. A pre-operative diagnosis was achieved in 44% of patients. Most patients were symptomatic (82.6%) and showed moderate–severe disease activity (61%). Surgical procedures were performed: laparoscopic appendectomy, ileocecal resection, right hemicolectomy and colectomy/proctocolectomy. Of the patients, 73.5% were diagnosed with low-grade mucinous neoplasm (LAMN) and nine with adenocarcinoma. Synchronous colorectal dysplasia/carcinoma was present in 23.5% of patients. IBD patients with long-standing disease should be routinely screened, not only for colorectal cancer but also for AMN, during gastro-enterologic follow-up. Laparoscopic appendectomy of unruptured LAMN as well as right hemicolectomy of non-metastatic adenocarcinoma are safe procedures in IBD patients.
A Near-Fatal Encounter with Acute Suicidal Behavior in Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate Autoimmune Encephalitis
Authors: Lee Eunmi , Kim Minjee , Kyoung Kyu-Hyouck , Jun Jin Yong
Published: December 2023

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis (anti-NMDARE) is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome known for its diverse neurological manifestations, often involving psychiatric symptoms and seizures that elevate the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior. We present a case illustrating the potentially lethal nature of anti-NMDARE, wherein an unexpected suicide attempt occurred 10 days after the onset of seizures in a 21-year-old man. Upon arrival at the emergency room, immediate interventions addressed hypovolemic shock, followed by subsequent neurosurgical and orthopedic procedures. Six days after cessation of sedation, the patient exhibited atypical focal seizures, behavioral arrest, psychotic responses, and delusions. Despite normal brain magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis results, a high CSF immunoglobulin G index and posterior hypometabolism on brain F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography raised suspicion of autoimmune encephalitis. Steroids and intravenous immunoglobulins were administered. A comprehensive evaluation ruled out other conditions. Serum and CSF tests confirmed the presence of anti-NMDAR antibodies. This case highlights the potential lethality of the acute stage of anti-NMDARE, emphasizing the absence of apparent psychiatric symptoms before a suicide attempt. Further studies on suicidality associated with anti-NMDARE are crucial, underscoring the importance of vigilance in cases involving newly diagnosed seizures or psychoses.
Distance Estimation Approach for Maritime Traffic Surveillance Using Instance Segmentation
Authors: Petković Miro , Vujović Igor
Published: December 2023

Maritime traffic monitoring systems are particularly important in Mediterranean ports, as they provide more comprehensive data collection compared to traditional systems such as the Automatic Identification System (AIS), which is not mandatory for all vessels. This paper improves the existing real-time maritime traffic monitoring systems by introducing a distance estimation algorithm for monocular cameras, which aims to provide high quality maritime traffic metadata collection for traffic density analysis. Two distance estimation methods based on a pinhole camera model are presented: the Vessel-Focused Distance Estimation (VFDE) and the novel Vessel Object-Focused Distance Estimation (VOFDE). While VFDE uses the predefined height of a vessel for distance estimation, VOFDE uses standardized dimensions of objects on the vessel, detected with a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for instance segmentation to enhance estimation accuracy. Our evaluation covers distances up to 414 m, which is significantly beyond the scope of previous studies. When compared to the distances measured with a precise instrument, VOFDE achieves a Percentage Deviation Index (PDI) of 1.34% to 9.45%. This advance holds significant potential for improving maritime surveillance with monocular cameras and is also applicable in other areas, such as low-cost maritime vehicles equipped with single cameras.
Convenient Method for Large-Deformation Finite-Element Simulation of Submarine Landslides Considering Shear Softening and Rate Correlation Effects
Authors: Xie Qiuhong , Xu Qiang , Xiu Zongxiang , Liu Lejun , Du Xing , Yang Jianghui , Liu Hao
Published: December 2023

Submarine landslides pose a serious threat to the safety of underwater engineering facilities. To evaluate the safety of undersea structures, it is important to estimate and analyze the sliding processes of potential submarine landslides. In this study, a convenient model for simulating submarine landslide processes is established by using Abaqus Eulerian large deformation technology with an explicit finite element framework. The VUSDFLD Fortran subroutine is used to consider the strain-softening and rate-dependency characteristics of soil shear strength. The proposed method is validated by comparing its results with experimental data and those of mainstream numerical methods. Then, the results of a dynamic analysis of typical potential submarine landslides in the Shenhu sea area are analyzed using the proposed method. Case studies are carried out under different soil shear strength distributions, and the influence of initial stress is also analyzed. The shear strain-softening and rate-dependency effects are highly involved in the runout process. The simulated landslide’s failure mode is consistent with the geophysical interpretation of existing landslide characteristics.
Microbial Removal of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Environments Using Metal-Resistant Indigenous Strains
Authors: Firincă Cristina , Zamfir Lucian-Gabriel , Constantin Mariana , Răut Iuliana , Capră Luiza , Popa Diana , Jinga Maria-Lorena , Baroi Anda Maria , Fierăscu Radu Claudiu , Corneli Nicoleta Olguța , Postolache Carmen , Doni Mihaela , Gurban Ana-Maria , Jecu Luiza , Șesan Tatiana Eugenia
Published: December 2023

Contamination of soil with heavy metals has become a matter of global importance due to its impact on agriculture, environmental integrity, and therefore human health and safety. Several microbial strains isolated from soil contaminated by long-term chemical and petrochemical activities were found to manifest various levels of tolerance to Cr, Pb, and Zn, out of which Bacillus marisflavi and Trichoderma longibrachiatum exhibited above-moderate tolerance. The concentrations of target heavy metals before and after bioremediation were determined using electrochemical screen-printed electrodes (SPE) modified with different nanomaterials. The morpho-structural SEM/EDX analyses confirmed the presence of metal ions on the surface of the cell, with metal uptake being mediated by biosorption with hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amino groups as per FTIR observations. T. longibrachiatum was observed to pose a higher bioremediation potential compared to B. marisflavi, removing 87% of Cr and 67% of Zn, respectively. Conversely, B. marisflavi removed 86% of Pb from the solution, compared to 48% by T. longibrachiatum. Therefore, the fungal strain T. longibrachiatum could represent a viable option for Cr and Zn bioremediation strategies, whereas the bacterial strain B. marisflavi may be used in Pb bioremediation applications.
Automated Retinal Vessel Analysis Based on Fundus Photographs as a Predictor for Non-Ophthalmic Diseases—Evolution and Perspectives
Authors: Danielescu Ciprian , Dabija Marius Gabriel , Nedelcu Alin Horatiu , Lupu Vasile Valeriu , Lupu Ancuta , Ioniuc Ileana , Gîlcă-Blanariu Georgiana-Emmanuela , Donica Vlad-Constantin , Anton Maria-Luciana , Musat Ovidiu
Published: December 2023

The study of retinal vessels in relation to cardiovascular risk has a long history. The advent of a dedicated tool based on digital imaging, i.e., the retinal vessel analyzer, and also other software such as Integrative Vessel Analysis (IVAN), Singapore I Vessel Assessment (SIVA), and Vascular Assessment and Measurement Platform for Images of the Retina (VAMPIRE), has led to the accumulation of a formidable body of evidence regarding the prognostic value of retinal vessel analysis (RVA) for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (including arterial hypertension in children). There is also the potential to monitor the response of retinal vessels to therapies such as physical activity or bariatric surgery. The dynamic vessel analyzer (DVA) remains a unique way of studying neurovascular coupling, helping to understand the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative conditions and also being complementary to techniques that measure macrovascular dysfunction. Beyond cardiovascular disease, retinal vessel analysis has shown associations with and prognostic value for neurological conditions, inflammation, kidney function, and respiratory disease. Artificial intelligence (AI) (represented by algorithms such as QUantitative Analysis of Retinal vessel Topology and siZe (QUARTZ), SIVA-DLS (SIVA—deep learning system), and many others) seems efficient in extracting information from fundus photographs, providing prognoses of various general conditions with unprecedented predictive value. The future challenges will be integrating RVA and other qualitative and quantitative risk factors in a unique, comprehensive prediction tool, certainly powered by AI, while building the much-needed acceptance for such an approach inside the medical community and reducing the “black box” effect, possibly by means of saliency maps.
Preschool Children with Hearing Loss: Social Communication and Parenting Stress
Authors: Dall Magdalena , Weber Christoph , Holzinger Daniel , Binder Doris , Hofer Johannes , Horvarth Sonja , Müllegger Daiva , Rosenthaler Christoph , Zöhrer Ruth , Fellinger Johannes
Published: December 2023

Studies on parenting stress (PS) in parents of children with hearing loss (HL) have found relationships between child behavior, language skills and parenting stress. The role of early social communication skills has not been researched before. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between child behavior, social communication and PS. The study was performed in a subgroup of a total population sample from the AChild (Austrian Children with Hearing Impairment–Longitudinal Databank) study. Preschool children (n = 81) with all degrees of HL and average cognitive functioning and their families were included, and the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) was used. Through factor component analysis, compound scores for externalizing/internalizing problem behavior and hyperactivity were analyzed. Although mean PS was not elevated, the proportion of those with elevated scores was higher compared with the norm population. There was a strong correlation between child behavior problems and PS (strongest correlation: externalizing problem behavior r = 0.643; p < 0.001). All three problem behaviors accounted for 49.7% of the variance in PS. An indirect effect of social communication on PS was almost completely mediated by problem behavior (especially hyperactivity). The importance of social communication development with respect to problem behavior and PS is highlighted.
Cervical Artery Dissections—A Demographical Analysis of Risk Factors, Clinical Characteristics Treatment Procedures, and Outcomes—A Single Centre Study of 54 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Roman Filip Iulian , Morosanu Valentin , Spinu Doina , Motoc Claudiu , Bajko Zoltan , Sarmasan Emanuela , Roman Corina , Balasa Rodica
Published: December 2023

Cervical artery dissections (CAD) are a common cause of ischemic cerebrovascular events among the younger and middle-aged population. Altogether, CAD counts for up to 15% of all causes of stroke in patients aged 50 or younger. Among the known etiological causes, especially addressing the younger population with mechanical traumas and whiplash injuries are regarded as the main culprits. However, cases of spontaneous dissection are also widespread, with risk factors such as hypertension, migraine, and lifestyle factors increasing the risk of occurrence. Clinically, the symptoms associated with a cerebrovascular event caused by CADs are highly variable and can be classified as either compressive symptoms (such as Horner’s syndrome and cervical pain) or stroke syndromes attributable to cerebral ischemia. Therefore, establishing an early diagnosis might be particularly challenging as it requires particular attention and quick clinical reasoning when interviewing the patient. With these certain particularities, our main focus was to conduct a prospective study involving up to 54 patients who were diagnosed with CAD in our clinical facility between January 2015 and December 2022, with the focus of assessing certain individual parameters attributable to each patient and their influence and prognosis value for their short and long term evolution. An important emphasis was placed on parameters such as topographical localization, clinical presentation, severity of the questioned cerebrovascular event, outcomes, and causative factors. Statistical validity tools were applied when possible.
A Continuous Extraction Protocol for the Characterisation of a Sustainably Produced Natural Indigo Pigment
Authors: Frignani Elia , D’Eusanio Veronica , Grandi Mauro , Pigani Laura , Roncaglia Fabrizio
Published: December 2023

The sustainable industrial production of indigo necessitates a unique extraction process to separate the plant-derived compounds. Calcium compounds are added to encourage hydrolysis of these precursors and to facilitate the isolation of the final form, resulting in an organic–inorganic composite pigment with unspecified characteristics. In this study, we devised a continuous solvent extraction procedure to fractionate the organic indigoid phase within the composite pigment. Overcoming challenges posed by limited solubility in the common organic solvents, this method allows for the analysis of individual fractions, significantly enhancing resolution. Comprehensive characterisation using spectroscopic analysis, thermogravimetry, and UHPLC-MS/MS revealed the potential for quantifying primary components of the natural pigment and distinct differentiation from the synthetic dye. This approach also holds promise for establishing robust manufacturing practices in the industrial production of natural indigo.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using the Cell-Free Supernatant of Haematococcus pluvialis Culture
Authors: Savvidou Maria G. , Kontari Evgenia , Kalantzi Styliani , Mamma Diomi
Published: December 2023

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the cell-free supernatant of a Haematococcus pluvialis culture (CFS) was implemented in the current study, under illumination conditions. The reduction of Ag+ to AgNPs by the CFS could be described by a pseudo-first-order kinetic equation at the temperature range tested. A high reaction rate during synthesis and stable AgNPs were obtained at 45 °C, while an alkaline pH (pH = 11.0) and a AgNO3 aqueous solution to CFS ratio of 90:10 (v/v) proved to be the most effective conditions in AgNPs synthesis. A metal precursor (AgNO3) at the concentration range tested (1–5 mM) was the limited reactant in the synthesis process. The synthesis of AgNPs was accomplished under static and agitated conditions. Continuous stirring enhanced the rate of reaction but induced aggregation at prolonged incubation times. Zeta potential and polydispersity index measurements indicated stable AgNPs and the majority of AgNPs formation occurred in the monodisperse phase. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed the face-centered cubic structure of the formed AgNPs, while TEM analysis revealed that the AgNPs were of a quasi-spherical shape with a size from 30 to 50 nm. The long-term stability of the AgNPs could be achieved in darkness and at 4 °C. In addition, the synthesized nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli.
Fixed Point Results for Hybrid Rational Contractions under a New Compatible Condition with an Application
Authors: Liu Xiaolan , Zhou Mi , Hojat Ansari Arslan , Saleem Naeem , Jain Mukesh
Published: December 2023

In this scholarly discourse, we present proof of the existence of unique fixed points in b-metric spaces for hybrid rational contractions. Moreover, we establish a common fixed point theorem for four self-mappings, assuming S-compatibility for two pairs of self-mappings within the framework of b-metric spaces. As a practical demonstration of the aforementioned results, we apply them to a type of integral equation and derive a theorem that guarantees the existence of solutions.
Light “You Only Look Once”: An Improved Lightweight Vehicle-Detection Model for Intelligent Vehicles under Dark Conditions
Authors: Yin Tianrui , Chen Wei , Liu Bo , Li Changzhen , Du Luyao
Published: December 2023

Vehicle detection is crucial for traffic surveillance and assisted driving. To overcome the loss of efficiency, accuracy, and stability in low-light conditions, we propose a lightweight “You Only Look Once” (YOLO) detection model. A polarized self-attention-enhanced aggregation feature pyramid network is used to improve feature extraction and fusion in low-light scenarios, and enhanced “Swift” spatial pyramid pooling is used to reduce model parameters and enhance real-time nighttime detection. To address imbalanced low-light samples, we integrate an anchor mechanism with a focal loss to improve network stability and accuracy. Ablation experiments show the superior accuracy and real-time performance of our Light-YOLO model. Compared with EfficientNetv2-YOLOv5, Light-YOLO boosts mAP@0.5 and mAP@0.5:0.95 by 4.03 and 2.36%, respectively, cuts parameters by 44.37%, and increases recognition speed by 20.42%. Light-YOLO competes effectively with advanced lightweight networks and offers a solution for efficient nighttime vehicle-detection.
Chitotriose Enhanced Antitumor Activity of Doxorubicin through Egr1 Upregulation in MDA-MB-231 Cells
Authors: Li Heng , Ji Ke , Liu Peng , Geng Yan , Gong Jinsong , Zhang Chao , Ding Zhenzhong , Xu Zhenghong , Shi Jinsong
Published: December 2023

Dietary supplementation is proposed as a strategy to reduce the side effects of conventional chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Chitosan oligosaccharides (COS), a functional carbohydrate, have been identified to potentially inhibit cancer cell proliferation. However, a detailed investigation is required to fully understand its exact influence, particularly in terms of COS composition. The antitumor activities of COS oligomers and its monomer of glucosamine, when combined with doxorubicin separately, were evaluated in MDA-MB-231 cells. Chitotriose was identified to have the most significant synergistic effect. Preincubation with chitotriose was observed to promote the entry of doxorubicin into the cell nuclei and induce morphological changes in the cells. Mechanism analysis at the transcriptional level revealed that the early growth response 1 (Egr1) gene was a key regulator in enhancing the suppressive effect. This gene was found to modulate the activity of its downstream gene, growth arrest, and DNA damage-inducible alpha (Gadd45a). The role of Egr1 was confirmed through a small interfering RNA test and function assay. These findings provide insight into the effect and underlying mechanism of chitotriose supplementation for TNBC therapy.
New l-Rhamnose-Binding Lectin from the Bivalve Glycymeris yessoensis: Purification, Partial Structural Characterization and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Mizgina Tatyana O. , Chikalovets Irina V. , Bulanova Tatyana A. , Molchanova Valentina I. , Filshtein Alina P. , Ziganshin Rustam H. , Rogozhin Eugene A. , Shilova Nadezhda V. , Chernikov Oleg V.
Published: December 2023

In this study, a new l-rhamnose-binding lectin (GYL-R) from the hemolymph of bivalve Glycymeris yessoensis was purified using affinity and ion-exchange chromatography and functionally characterized. Lectin antimicrobial activity was examined in different ways. The lectin was inhibited by saccharides possessing the same configuration of hydroxyl groups at C-2 and C-4, such as l-rhamnose, d-galactose, lactose, l-arabinose and raffinose. Using the glycan microarray approach, natural carbohydrate ligands were established for GYL-R as l-Rha and glycans containing the α-Gal residue in the terminal position. The GYL-R molecular mass determined by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was 30,415 Da. The hemagglutination activity of the lectin was not affected by metal ions. The lectin was stable up to 75 °C and between pH 4.0 and 12.0. The amino acid sequence of the five GYL-R segments was obtained with nano-ESI MS/MS and contained both YGR and DPC-peptide motifs which are conserved in most of the l-rhamnose-binding lectin carbohydrate recognition domains. Circular dichroism confirmed that GYL is a α/β-protein with a predominance of the random coil. Furthermore, GYL-R was able to bind and suppress the growth of the Gram-negative bacteria E. coli by recognizing lipopolysaccharides. Together, these results suggest that GYL-R is a new member of the RBL family which participates in the self-defense mechanism against bacteria and pathogens with a distinct carbohydrate-binding specificity.
On the Potential Correlation between Dynamic Strain Aging and Liquid Metal Embrittlement in T91/LBE System
Authors: Fitriani Cholidah Akbar , Claeys Lisa , Gavrilov Serguei , Verbeken Kim
Published: December 2023

In the study of the liquid metal embrittlement (LME) of the T91/lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) system, it is observed that LME occurs in a temperature interval which is similar to the temperature range where dynamic strain aging (DSA) is observed. However, the potential correlation between DSA and LME has not yet been satisfactorily investigated. This investigation for the T91/LBE system is exactly the topic of this work. For the evaluation of DSA and LME, slow strain rate tensile tests are conducted in the temperature range between 200 °C and 450 °C with strain rates of 5×10−5 s−1 and 5×10−6 s−1 in reference and a molten oxygen-depleted LBE environment. The resulting tensile properties, as well as the fracture surfaces and lateral surfaces of the failed samples, suggest a correlation between DSA and LME in the T91/LBE system. The maximum mechanical degradation of T91 is observed in the case where the effects of both DSA and LME on material properties are found to be at maximum. However, the observation of DSA was not identified as a prerequisite for LME to take place. Therefore, these results may indicate that DSA partly contributes to the ductility minimum observed in the T91/LBE system. In addition, the results of this work show that changes in the fracture surface and lateral surface are more sensitive features to claim for the potential occurrence of LME than the changes in total elongation.
The Detection of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Using Volatile Metabolites in Fecal Headspace and Exhaled Breath
Authors: van Vorstenbosch Robert , van Munster Kim , Pachen Danielle , Mommers Alex , Stavropoulos Georgios , van Schooten Frederik-Jan , Ponsioen Cyriel , Smolinska Agnieszka
Published: December 2023

Up to 5% of inflammatory bowel disease patients may at some point develop primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). PSC is a rare liver disease that ultimately results in liver damage, cirrhosis and liver failure. It typically remains subclinical until irreversible damage has been inflicted. Hence, it is crucial to screen IBD patients for PSC, but its early detection is challenging, and the disease’s etiology is not well understood. This current study aimed at the early detection of PSC in an IBD population using Volatile Organic Compounds in fecal headspace and exhaled breath. To this aim, fecal material and exhaled breath were collected from 73 patients (n = 16 PSC/IBD; n = 8 PSC; n = 49 IBD), and their volatile profile were analyzed using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. Using the most discriminatory features, PSC detection resulted in areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) of 0.83 and 0.84 based on fecal headspace and exhaled breath, respectively. Upon data fusion, the predictive performance increased to AUC 0.92. The observed features in the fecal headspace relate to detrimental microbial dysbiosis and exogenous exposure. Future research should aim for the early detection of PSC in a prospective study design.
Prediction of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in the First Trimester of Pregnancy Based on Maternal Variables and Pregnancy Biomarkers
Authors: Tranidou Antigoni , Tsakiridis Ioannis , Apostolopoulou Aikaterini , Xenidis Theodoros , Pazaras Nikolaos , Mamopoulos Apostolos , Athanasiadis Apostolos , Chourdakis Michail , Dagklis Themistoklis
Published: December 2023

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a significant health concern with adverse outcomes for both pregnant women and their offspring. Recognizing the need for early intervention, this study aimed to develop an early prediction model for GDM risk assessment during the first trimester. Utilizing a prospective cohort of 4917 pregnant women from the Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, the study sought to combine maternal characteristics, obstetric and medical history, and early pregnancy-specific biomarker concentrations into a predictive tool. The primary objective was to create a series of predictive models that could accurately identify women at high risk for developing GDM, thereby facilitating early and targeted interventions. To this end, maternal age, body mass index (BMI), obstetric and medical history, and biomarker concentrations were analyzed and incorporated into five distinct prediction models. The study’s findings revealed that the models varied in effectiveness, with the most comprehensive model combining maternal characteristics, obstetric and medical history, and biomarkers showing the highest potential for early GDM prediction. The current research provides a foundation for future studies to refine and expand upon the predictive models, aiming for even earlier and more accurate detection methods.
NLR- and mlo-Based Resistance Mechanisms against Powdery Mildew in Cannabis sativa
Authors: Sirangelo Tiziana M.
Published: December 2023

Powdery mildew (PM) is one of the most common Cannabis sativa diseases. In spite of this, very few documented studies have characterized the resistance genes involved in PM defense mechanisms, or sources of natural genetic resistance in cannabis. The focus of the present work is on the two primary mechanisms for qualitative resistance against PM. The first is based on resistance (R) genes characterized by conserved nucleotide-binding site and/or leucine-rich repeat domains (NLRs). The second one involves susceptibility (S) genes, and particularly mildew resistance locus o (MLO) genes, whose loss-of-function mutations seem to be a reliable way to protect plants from PM infection. Cannabis defenses against PM are thus discussed, mainly detailing the strategies based on these two mechanisms. Emerging studies about this research topic are also reported and, based on the most significant results, a potential PM resistance model in cannabis plant–pathogen interactions is proposed. Finally, innovative approaches, based on the pyramiding of multiple R genes, as well as on genetic engineering and genome editing methods knocking out S genes, are discussed, to obtain durable PM-resistant cannabis cultivars with a broad-spectrum resistance range.
Effects of Si Content on the Growth of Oxide Layers in Carbon Steels during the Heating Process
Authors: Wang Qingxia , Chen Yongli , Wu Xin , Jiang Yueyue , Fan Peigeng
Published: December 2023

A prevalent metal surface defect is hot-rolled iron oxide; thus, it is critical to regulate the production and growth of oxidized iron during the hot-rolling process. To analyze the influence of Si content on the growth laws of the oxidized layer in carbon steel during heating, three types of carbon steel with significant differences in Si content were selected for research on the growth laws of the oxidized layer at different heating temperatures. The production law and micromorphology of the oxidized layer were analyzed using methods such as scanning electron microscopy and thermodynamic phase diagram calculation, and an oxidation dynamic model was obtained. The predicted control values of the model are highly consistent with the measured values. This study reveals that the heating temperature significantly impacts the thickness of the oxidized layer of carbon steel. At temperatures below 500 °C, the oxidation is not evident, and the layer is thin. Between 500 °C and 900 °C, the steel’s composition affects the thickness. Carbon steels with high Si content form a dense iron olivine layer, which slows down the oxidation rate. However, heating temperatures above 900 °C cause the protective oxidized film to reach the melting point of iron olivine, increasing the oxidation rate. At 1200 °C, the oxidized layers of the three types of carbon steel remain consistent. This paper’s research findings offer theoretical guidance for large-scale industrial production practices and serve as a reference for similar studies on steel oxidation behavior.
Regional Differences and Influencing Factors of Green Innovation Efficiency in China’s 285 Cities
Authors: Shang Yingshi , Niu Yanmin , Song Peng
Published: December 2023

Green innovation is an important concept of high-quality development to achieve resource conservation and ecological protection. To explore whether there is an imbalance in the development of green innovation in China and find the reasons for this phenomenon, it is of vital importance to investigate the regional differences of green innovation efficiency (GIE) and its influencing factors. Many scholars have studied the performance of green innovation from the efficiency perspective but concentrated on provincial-level analysis and lacked heterogeneity analysis of the influencing factors. To fill this gap, this study explores the regional differences of GIE of 285 prefecture-level and above cities in China during the period 2003–2019, and then employs the spatial error model (SEM) to explore the heterogeneity of influencing factors. The results show that: (1) The GIE in China and its three regions underwent an overall increasing process, revealing regional heterogeneity, with most efficient cities agglomerated in the Eastern region. (2) The spatial difference of GIE in China was narrowing, and the within-region Gini coefficient in the three regions presented a similar trend. Between-region difference contributed the largest to the regional differences, especially between the Central and Western regions. The kernel density estimation results showed that GIE presents significant spatial characteristic of polarization. (3) The SEM model analysis indicated that economic development, government motivation, industrial structure, financial support, and population scale affected GIE profoundly in China, and there was significant spatial heterogeneity in the impact of each influencing factor. Western cities were mainly driven by governmental support in green innovation, while Eastern and Central cities were driven by economic development and improved industrial structure.
Effective Quantum Field Theory Methods for Calculating Feynman Integrals
Authors: Kotikov Anatoly V.
Published: December 2023

A review of modern methods for effective calculations of Feynman integrals containing both massless propagators and propagators with masses is given. The effectiveness of these methods in various fields of their application is demonstrated by the examples under consideration.
Changes in Local and Systemic Adverse Effects following Primary and Booster Immunisation against COVID-19 in an Observational Cohort of Dutch Healthcare Workers Vaccinated with BNT162b2 (Comirnaty®)
Authors: Serbanescu-Kele Apor de Zalán Christiaan , Bouwman Maud , van Osch Frits , Damoiseaux Jan , Funnekotter-van der Snoek Mary-Anne , Verduyn Lunel Frans , Van Hunsel Florence , de Vries Janneke
Published: December 2023

In healthcare workers (HCWs) and in the general population, fear of adverse effects is among the main reasons behind COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. We present data on self-reported adverse effects from a large cohort of HCWs who underwent primary (N = 470) and booster (N = 990) mRNA vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. We described general patterns in, and predictors of self-reported adverse effect profiles. Adverse effects following immunisation (AEFI) were reported more often after the second dose of primary immunisation than after the first dose, but there was no further increase in adverse effects following the booster round. Self-reported severity of systemic adverse effects was less following booster immunisation. Prior infection with SARS-CoV-2 was found to be a significant predictor of AEFI following primary immunisation, but was no longer a predictor after booster vaccination. Compared to other studies reporting specifically on adverse effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in healthcare workers, we have a relatively large cohort size, and are the first to compare adverse effects between different rounds of vaccination. Compared to studies in the general population, we have a considerably homogenous population. Insights in AEFI following primary and booster vaccinations may help in addressing vaccine hesitancy, both in HCWs and in the general population.
Beckett y el fin de la literatura – genealogía de un mito
Authors: Clément Bruno , Ton Cristian
Published: December 2023

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Cascando / Mancando: de la autotraducción como método, a la teoría de la despalabra
Authors: Cotroneo Vanesa
Published: December 2023

Este trabajo analiza la autotraducción del poema de Samuel Beckett Cascando, en inglés, al poema Mancando, en alemán, realizada por el mismo autor durante el año 1936. Propone que dicha autotraducción es la primera entre muchas otras autotraducciones en la obra del autor y que opera como método práctico previo a la teoría de la despalabra, que el irlandés postuló en su Carta alemana de 1937, dirigida al librero Axel Kaun. Señala que ambos textos en alemán, Mancando, de 1936, y la Carta alemana de 1937, en cierta forma, rodean a los German Diaries de 1936 y 1937, de los cuales se anticipa una búsqueda bilingüe.
Como hipótesis fundamental, este texto propone que los mecanismos de autotraducción interlingüística de Cascando / Mancando, e intersemiótica, del poema Cascando a la versión radial homónima, evidencian los postulados teóricos de la German Letter de una poética de la despalabra, hacia el menos, hacia el fracaso y el despojamiento. Asimismo, el artículo coteja las traducciones al español de los poemas Cascando y Mancando para afirmar que se trata de dos poemas diferentes, dado que, en consonancia con la idea de la despalabra, el texto en inglés se enfoca en el tema del amor, mientras que el texto en alemán, aún con mayor cantidad de versos, enfatiza su ausencia. Finalmente, observa la importancia de la cracked voice en la versión radial de Cascando en lengua inglesa, de 1964, luego de la versión inicial de Cascando radial en francés, de 1961.