bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bayesian Reanalysis of the Overall and Sex-Disaggregated Results of the Neonatal Oxygenation Prospective Meta-Analysis (NeOProM)
Authors: Huizing Maurice Jacob , Hundscheid Tamara Maria , Bartoš František , Villamor Eduardo
Published: April 2024

Data from the Neonatal Oxygenation Prospective Meta-analysis (NeOProM) indicate that targeting a higher (91–95%) versus lower (85–89%) pulse oximeter saturation (SpO2) range may reduce mortality and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and increase retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Aiming to re-evaluate the strength of this evidence, we conducted a Bayesian reanalysis of the NeOProM data. We used Bayes factors (BFs) to evaluate the likelihood of the data under the combination of models assuming the presence vs. absence of effect, heterogeneity, and moderation by sex. The Bayesian reanalysis showed moderate evidence in favor of no differences between SpO2 targets (BF10 = 0.30) in death or major disability, but moderate evidence (BF10 = 3.60) in favor of a lower mortality in the higher SpO2 group. Evidence in favor of differences was observed for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (BF10 = 14.44, lower rate with lower SpO2), severe NEC (BF10 = 9.94), and treated ROP (BF10 = 3.36). The only outcome with moderate evidence in favor of sex differences was BPD. This reanalysis of the NeOProM trials confirmed that exposure to a lower versus higher SpO2 range is associated with a higher mortality and risk of NEC, but a lower risk of ROP and BPD. The Bayesian approach can help in assessing the strength of evidence supporting clinical decisions.
Differences in Airway Remodeling and Emphysematous Lesions between Rats Exposed to Smoke from New-Type and Conventional Tobacco Varieties
Authors: Wei Keqiang , Li Yuanyuan , Du Bin , Wu Juan
Published: April 2024

Genes from Perilla frutescens and Ocimum basilicum were introduced into N. tabacum L. var. HHY via distant hybridization, and the new-type tobacco varieties “Zisu” and “Luole” were developed, with noticeable differences in chemical composition. Smoking is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and its pathogenesis is complex. In the present study, 48 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups, namely, the control, “HHY”, “Zisu” and “Luole”, and then exposed to fresh air/cigarette smoke (CS) for 30 days and 60 days. The COPD model was constructed, and their health hazards were compared and evaluated. CS from different tobacco varieties influenced rats in varying degrees at the tissue, cell and molecular levels. The rats in the “HHY” group showed obvious symptoms, such as cough and dyspnea, which were less severe in the “Zisu” and “Luole” groups. Pathological and morphological analyses, including scores, MLI, MAN, WAt/Pbm and WAm/Pbm, showed that “Zisu” and “Luole” caused less damage to the airways and lung parenchyma than “HHY”. Significant increases in the numbers of total leukocytes and neutrophils in the BALF were found in “HHY” compared to those in “Zisu” and “Luole”. Moreover, they caused less oxidative stress and apoptosis in lung tissues, as reflected by indicators such as ROS, MDA, T-AOC, GSH, the apoptotic index and the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax. “Zisu” and “Luole” even altered the ratios of MMP-9/TIMP-1 and IFN-γ/IL-4 in lung tissues to a lesser degree. These differences between CS-exposed rats may be closely related to the altered expression of Nrf2, p38 MAPK and p-p38 MAPK. Changes in chemical composition via introducing genes from some medicinal plants may be an attractive strategy for tobacco harm reduction.
Novel Microscopic Approach to Particle Size Evaluation in Colloidal Systems
Authors: Calandra Pietro , Abe Abraham A. , Scavo Antonio , Bruno Leonardo , Rossi Cesare Oliviero , Caputo Paolino
Published: April 2024

Colloidal systems are peculiar mixtures formed by the uniform dispersion of sub-micro sized particles of one substance through another substance. In this framework, a particular colloidal system, known as sol, is a colloid in which the dispersed particles are solid, and the dispersing medium is fluid. Sols have extensive applications in industries ranging from material science to food to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The size and size distribution of colloidal particles within these systems play a pivotal role in determining their stability, rheological properties, and overall functionality (which in turn directly influence material quality, performance, and shelf life). As a result, this study is aimed at devising a new method to analyze the dimensions of the colloidal particles (dispersed phase) of a colloidal system (sol), like bitumen, by (i) a cheap and common technique, optical microscopy, and (ii) the more complex confocal laser scanning microscopy. To do so, a validation by comparison with a standard technique—in this case, atomic force microscopy is presented. Both optical and confocal microscopies turned out to be suitable, valid, and effective for particle size determination. Both techniques effectively revealed, upon bitumen aging, a shift of the size distribution to slightly larger sizes. Large particles, whose abundance did not increase significantly, appeared to be more inert than small ones. A huge advantage of optical microscopy is its popularity and cost-effectiveness as it is commonly featured in laboratories independently of the research topic. On the other hand, confocal microscopy can observe more particles, thus providing better statistics. It also appears to be more efficient for particles smaller than 1 µm2. These microscopy techniques were used to evaluate the dimensions of the asphaltenes present in a complex colloidal system; bitumen; the model colloidal system for this study, which was examined before and after an aging process which is expected to change the size distribution.
Vehicle-to-Cyclist Collision Prediction Models by Applying Machine Learning Techniques to Virtual Reality Bicycle Simulator Data
Authors: Losada Ángel , Páez Francisco Javier , Luque Francisco , Piovano Luca , Sánchez Nuria , Hidalgo Miguel
Published: April 2024

The study of vulnerable road users (VRUs) behavior is key to designing and optimizing driving assistance systems, such as the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system. These kinds of devices could help lower the VRU accident rate, which is of particular interest to cyclists, who are the subject of this research. To better understand cyclists’ reaction patterns in frequently occurring collision scenarios in urban environments, this paper focuses on developing a virtual reality (VR) simulator for cyclists (VRBikeSim) that incorporates eye-tracking functionality. The braking and steering systems were calibrated by means of on-track tests with a sensorized bicycle in order to improve the accuracy of the bicycle virtual model. From the data obtained in the virtual tests, a battery of predictive models was built using supervised machine learning classifiers. All of them exhibited an accuracy higher than 85%, especially the K-Nearest Neighbors model. This model allowed us to obtain the best balance between the prediction of avoidance and collision cases, as well as enabling computationally lower times to be incorporated into the decision-making algorithm of an AEB system.
A Comparison of Dental Arch Width and Length on 3D Digital and Plaster Models
Authors: Petrović Valentina , Šlaj Martina , Buljan Mia , Morelato Luka , Zulijani Ana , Perić Berislav
Published: April 2024

The aim of the study was to determine potential deviation in measurements of commonly used orthodontic variables, including intermolar width (IMW), intercanine width (ICW), and arch perimeter (AP), when measured on three-dimensional images compared to measurements performed on plaster models obtained from alginate impressions using a hand-held digital vernier caliper. A total of 120 sets of models were divided into four groups: plaster models made from an alginate impression, digitized plaster models made from an alginate and silicone impression, and digital models obtained via intraoral scan. The repeated measurements analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Sidak post-hoc test was applied to test differences in measurements between the four methods. The results show better agreement for intermolar and intercanine width (r = 0.468–0.967) and smaller measurement error (ME = 0.53–1.07) compared to arch length (r = 0.422–0.477; ME = 2.04–2.89). Better agreement levels were more frequently observed between plaster models with intraoral scans than between digitized plaster models. The deviations in intermolar and intercanine width measurements between the hand-held digital vernier caliper and digital analyses were found to be clinically insignificant. The observed difference in arch perimeter suggests that curved measurements may not be clinically acceptable.
Angle-Resolved Fluorescence of a Dye Coupled to a Plasmonic Nanohole Array
Authors: Floris Francesco , Angelini Margherita , Manobianco Eliana , Pellacani Paola , Tolardo Valentina , Marabelli Franco
Published: April 2024

Gold nanohole arrays are periodic metasurfaces that are gathering huge interest in biosensing applications. The bi-dimensional grating-like structure defines their plasmonic response, together with the corresponding mode of angular dispersion. These properties can be used to investigate the interaction processes with the fluorescence features of a properly chosen emitting molecule. By employing a custom gold nanohole array alongside a commercial organic dye, we conducted an accurate angle-resolved optical characterization resorting to fluorescence, reflectance, and transmittance spectra. The coupling between the plasmonic modes and the fluorescence features was then identified as a modification of the dye fluorescence signal in terms of both spectral redistribution and enhancement. By carefully analyzing the results, different measurement efficiencies can be identified, depending on the set-up configuration, to be properly engineered for sensitivity maximization in plasmon-enhanced fluorescence-based applications.
Alternative Method for Predicting Thermal Response in Two-Layer Systems
Authors: Garcia Torres Edgar , DenHartog Emiel
Published: April 2024

Thermal balance is paramount to human comfort and safety. To better understand the effects of the material and environment, a modified sweating-hot-plate test was used to incorporate environmental parameters such as the ventilation and microclimate thickness. It was found that at wind speeds ≤ 0.5 m/s, the environment has the most significant effect on the insulation. However, at an increased wind speed (1.3 m/s), the construction of the material has a large influence on the insulation of the system. At a low metabolic rate, the heat storage can be compensated for through dry heat loss; but, at a higher metabolic rate, substantial differences in the sweating rates are required based on the material and environment. The various aspects of the environment wind speed, microclimate thickness, and ventilation are crucial, but, in certain combinations, the material can have a significant impact as well.
Participatory Exhibition-Viewing Using Augmented Reality and Analysis of Visitor Behavior
Authors: Lee Chun-I , Pan Yen-Hsi , Chen Brian
Published: April 2024

Augmented reality (AR) is rapidly becoming a popular technology for exhibitions. The extended content provided through virtual elements offers a higher level of interactivity and can increase the appeal of the exhibition for younger viewers, in particular. However, AR technology in exhibition settings is typically utilized to extend the effects of exhibits, focusing solely on individual experiences and lacking in shared social interactions. In order to address this limitation, in this study, we used AR technology to construct a participatory exhibition-viewing system in the form of an AR mobile application (app), “Wander Into Our Sea”. This system was developed as a component of the 2022 Greater Taipei Biennial of Contemporary Art exhibition titled “Log Into Our Sea”. The app features two modes: exhibition-viewing mode and message mode. The first embodies passive exhibition-viewing while the second offers channels for active participation. The app has three functions: (1) in exhibition mode, visitors passively view the exhibition content through the AR lens, (2) in message mode, visitors can use the AR lens to leave messages in the 3D space of the exhibition to become part of the exhibit, and (3) during the use of either mode, the app collects data on visitor behavior and uploads it to a cloud to create a research database. The third function allowed us to compare the behaviors of exhibition visitors while they used the two modes. Results revealed that without restricting the ways and sequences in which AR content was viewed, there were no significant differences in the duration of viewing, or the distance covered by visitors between the two modes. However, the paths they took were more concentrated in the exhibition-viewing mode, which indicates that this mode encouraged visitors to view the exhibit in accordance with the AR content. In contrast, in message mode, visitors were encouraged to leave text messages and read those left by others, which created disorganized unpredictable paths. Our study demonstrates an innovative application of AR positioning within an interactive exhibition-viewing system, showcasing a novel way to engage visitors and enrich their experience.
Lignocellulosic-Based/High Density Polyethylene Composites: A Comprehensive Study on Fiber Characteristics and Performance Evaluation
Authors: Patsiaoura Dimitra , Tarani Evangelia , Bikiaris Dimitrios N. , Pavlidou Eleni , Chrissafis Konstantinos
Published: April 2024

Lignocellulosic-based polymer composites have gained significant interest due to their ‘’green’’ character as a response to environmental concerns. A diverse array of lignocellulosic fibers is utilized, depending on fiber dimensions, chemical composition, moisture content, and the fiber–matrix interface. The aim of this study is to establish an alternative standardized methodology, aimed at comparatively estimating the performance of polymer composites through the examination of individual plant fibers. The fibers studied are ramie, hemp, flax, and kenaf, and HDPE-based corresponding composites were analyzed for their performance across various fiber-content levels (10, 20, and 30 wt.%). It was found that kenaf showcases the largest average fiber diameter, succeeded by hemp, ramie, and flax. Additionally, ramie and kenaf exhibit elevated levels of crystallinity, suggesting increased cellulose content, with kenaf having the lowest crystallinity index among the fibers compared. Based on Thermogravimetric analysis, ramie displays the lowest moisture content among the examined fibers, followed by hemp, flax, and ultimately kenaf, which is recorded to have the highest moisture content, while, similarly, ramie exhibits the lowest mass loss at the processing temperature of the corresponding composites. Composites containing fibers with smaller diameters and higher crystallinity indexes and lower moisture absorptions, such as ramie and hemp, demonstrate superior thermal stability and exhibit increased Young’s modulus values in their respective composites. However, poor interfacial adhesion affects mechanical performance across all composites. Understanding fiber morphology, inner structure, and thermal stability is important for developing new composite materials and optimizing their selection for various applications.
Dynamics of Coalesced Droplet Jumping on Superhydrophobic Surface with Asymmetrically Wettable Ridge
Authors: Yun Sungchan
Published: April 2024

Spontaneous detachment from superhydrophobic surfaces can be induced by the coalescence of two or more adjacent droplets. The phenomena have provided implications for the self-removal of droplets in the fields of self-cleaning, anti-icing, and heat transfer. However, many studies focus mainly on the theoretical jumping direction perpendicular to the substrate, although the velocity in the horizontal direction must be involved in practical applications due to various scenarios. This study analyzes numerically the effect of the distribution in ridge structure’s wettability on the performance of coalesced droplet jumping. The jumping dynamics are discussed for varying contact angle ratios and the aspect ratios of the ridge, which are the initial values for the current model. We obtain the height of the jumping and the offset distance in the horizontal direction under the several initial values. In addition, the characteristics of the asymmetric behavior are discussed based on the temporal evolution of the average velocities of the jumping droplets for each direction. Numerical results show that the horizontal offset distance is significantly pronounced at both the high asymmetry in wettability and the high aspect ratio of the ridge geometry. The phenomenon occurs when the droplet detaches from the ridge surface in the retraction process. We determine the role of the distribution within the ridge structure on its wettability, as well as the role of the aspect ratios of the ridge in facilitating the efficient transport of droplets.
Sports Biomechanics Applied to Performance Optimization
Authors: Pérez-Castilla Alejandro , García-Pinillos Felipe
Published: April 2024

The field of sports biomechanics has seen significant growth in recent years thanks to technological advancements [...]
A Robust Methodology for Dynamic Proximity Sensing of Vehicles Overtaking Micromobility Devices in a Noisy Environment
Authors: Yap Wuihee , Paudel Milan , Yap Fook Fah , Vahdati Nader , Shiryayev Oleg
Published: April 2024

The safety of cyclists, e-scooters, and micromobility devices in urban environments remains a critical concern in sustainable urban planning. A primary factor affecting this safety is the lateral passing distance (LPD) or dynamic proximity of motor vehicles overtaking micromobility riders. Minimum passing distance laws, where motorists are required to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 m when passing a cyclist, are difficult to enforce due to the difficulty in determining the exact distance between a moving vehicle and a cyclist. Existing systems reported in the literature are invariably used for research and require manual intervention to record passing vehicles. Further, due to the dynamic and noisy environment on the road, the collected data also need to be manually post-processed to remove errors and false positives, thus making such systems impractical for use by cyclists. This study aims to address these two concerns by providing an automated and robust framework, integrating a low-cost, small single-board computer with a range sensor and a camera, to measure and analyze vehicle–cyclist passing distance and speed. Preliminary deployments in Singapore have demonstrated the system’s efficacy in capturing high-resolution data under varied traffic conditions. Our setup, using a Raspberry Pi 4, LiDAR distance sensor, a small camera, and an automated data clustering technique, had a high success rate for correctly identifying the number of close vehicle passes for distances between 1 and 1.5 m. The insights garnered from this integrated setup promise not only a deeper understanding of interactions between motor vehicles and micromobility devices, but also a roadmap for data-driven urban safety interventions.
The Effect of Carob Extract on Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Sensory Properties of Bread
Authors: Zahorec Jana , Šoronja-Simović Dragana , Petrović Jovana , Šereš Zita , Pavlić Branimir , Sterniša Meta , Smole Možina Sonja , Ačkar Đurđica , Šubarić Drago , Jozinović Antun
Published: April 2024

To improve the nutritional value of bread, as well as to satisfy consumers whose awareness of the importance of nutrition to preserve health is growing significantly, it is desirable to enrich bread and bakery products with functional components. Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is an evergreen tree that is widely distributed in the Mediterranean region and belongs to the legumes group. As carob pulp contains a unique combination of polyphenolic compounds and dietary fibre, it can be a useful raw material for the production of enriched bakery products. In this work, the possibility of applying carob extract as a potential natural preservative and functional additive in the production of bread was investigated. With this aim, 0.5, 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5% of powdered carob extract (CP) were added to bread dough and the quality characteristics of the bread were examined. The microbiological quality of bread was significantly better in samples with the addition of CP, which was confirmed by the lower values of the total number of bacteria and the absence of the Bacillus cereus. The addition of up to 3.5% carob extract had no negative effect on the sensory quality of the bread. The brightness of the bread samples decreased (L*), while the proportion of the red tone (a*) increased, and the intensity of the yellow tone (b*) decreased with an increase in the proportion of CP. The amount of total phenols (0.27 mg GAE/g) for the sample with 3.5% CP in bread was significantly higher compared to the control sample (0.12 mg GAE/g). The total antioxidant activity also increased significantly with the increase in the proportion of CP. Therefore, the present study proves that powdered carob extract can be successfully included in the production of a healthy functional food.
Observation and Simulation of CO2 Fluxes in Rice Paddy Ecosystems Based on the Eddy Covariance Technique
Authors: Wang Jinghan , Wang Jiayan , Zhao Hui , Zheng Youfei
Published: April 2024

As constituents of one of the vital agricultural ecosystems, paddy fields exert significant influence on the global carbon cycle. Therefore, conducting observations and simulations of CO2 flux in rice paddy is of significant importance for gaining deeper insights into the functionality of agricultural ecosystems. This study utilized an eddy covariance system to observe and analyze the CO2 flux in a rice paddy field in Eastern China and also introduced and parameterized the Jarvis multiplicative model to predict the CO2 flux. Results indicate that throughout the observation period, the range of CO2 flux in the paddy field was −0.1 to −38.4 μmol/(m2·s), with a mean of −12.9 μmol/(m2·s). The highest CO2 flux occurred during the rice flowering period with peak photosynthetic activity and maximum CO2 absorption. Diurnal variation in CO2 flux exhibited a “U”-shaped curve, with flux reaching its peak absorption at 11:30. The CO2 flux was notably higher in the morning than in the afternoon. The nocturnal CO2 flux remained relatively stable, primarily originating from respiratory CO2 emissions. The rice canopy CO2 flux model was revised using boundary line analysis, elucidating that photosynthetically active radiation, temperature, vapor pressure deficit, phenological stage, time, and concentration are pivotal factors influencing CO2 flux. The simulation of CO2 flux using the parameterized model, compared with measured values, reveals the efficacy of the established parameter model in simulating rice CO2 flux. This study holds significant importance in comprehending the carbon cycling process within paddy ecosystems, furnishing scientific grounds for future climate change and environmental management endeavors.
Effects of Speleotherapy on Aerobiota: A Case Study from the Sežana Hospital Cave, Slovenia
Authors: Tomazin Rok , Kukec Andreja , Švigelj Viktor , Mulec Janez , Matos Tadeja
Published: April 2024

Speleotherapy is one of the non-pharmacological methods for the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with chronic respiratory diseases, especially those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. On the one hand, one of the alleged main advantages of speleotherapeutic caves is the low microbial load in the air and the absence of other aeroallergens, but on the other hand, due to the lack of comprehensive air monitoring, there is little information on the pristine and human-influenced aerobiota in such environments. The aim of this study was to assess the anthropogenic effects of speleotherapy on the air microbiota and to investigate its potential impact on human health in Sežana Hospital Cave (Slovenia). From May 2020 to January 2023, air samples were collected in the cave before and after speleotherapeutic activities using two different volumetric air sampling methods—impaction and impingement—to isolate airborne microbiota. Along with sampling, environmental data were measured (CO2, humidity, wind, and temperature) to explore the anthropogenic effects on the aerobiota. While the presence of patients increased microbial concentrations by at least 83.3%, other parameters exhibited a lower impact or were attributed to seasonal changes. The structure and dynamics of the airborne microbiota are similar to those in show caves, indicating anthropization of the cave. Locally, concentrations of culturable microorganisms above 1000 CFU/m3 were detected, which could have negative or unpredictable effects on the autochthonous microbiota and possibly on human health. A mixture of bacteria and fungi typically associated with human microbiota was found in the air and identified by MALDI-TOF MS with a 90.9% identification success rate. Micrococcus luteus, Kocuria rosea, Staphylococcus hominis, and Staphylococcus capitis were identified as reliable indicators of cave anthropization.
Go/No-Go Ratios Modulate Inhibition-Related Brain Activity: An Event-Related Potential Study
Authors: Zhang Nan , An Weichao , Yu Yinghua , Wu Jinglong , Yang Jiajia
Published: April 2024

(1) Background: Response inhibition refers to the conscious ability to suppress behavioral responses, which is crucial for effective cognitive control. Currently, research on response inhibition remains controversial, and the neurobiological mechanisms associated with response inhibition are still being explored. The Go/No-Go task is a widely used paradigm that can be used to effectively assess response inhibition capability. While many studies have utilized equal numbers of Go and No-Go trials, how different ratios affect response inhibition remains unknown; (2) Methods: This study investigated the impact of different ratios of Go and No-Go conditions on response inhibition using the Go/No-Go task combined with event-related potential (ERP) techniques; (3) Results: The results showed that as the proportion of Go trials decreased, behavioral performance in Go trials significantly improved in terms of response time, while error rates in No-Go trials gradually decreased. Additionally, the NoGo-P3 component at the central average electrodes (Cz, C1, C2, FCz, FC1, FC2, PCz, PC1, and PC2) exhibited reduced amplitude and latency; (4) Conclusions: These findings indicate that different ratios in Go/No-Go tasks influence response inhibition, with the brain adjusting processing capabilities and rates for response inhibition. This effect may be related to the brain’s predictive mechanism model.
Experimental Study of Dimensional Effects on Tensile Strength of GFRP Bars
Authors: Liu Hongbo , Ka Thierno Aliou , Su Nianjiu , Zhu Yaoyu , Guan Shuai , Long Jinxi , Tafsirojjaman T.
Published: April 2024

This study explores the mechanical properties of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP), a high-performance composite material, focusing on how varying diameters affect its tensile strength, modulus, and elongation. Experimental data obtained from three sets of tensile tests on 10, 12, and 25 mm bars helped establish a stress–strain relationship for GFRP reinforcements, considering diameter changes, and a formula for calculating the ultimate tensile strength based on diameter. Utilizing the weakest chain theory and the Weibull distribution, the research found that GFRP’s tensile strength diminished with increased diameter, while the elastic modulus behaves oppositely. The analysis, grounded in the weakest chain theory, identifies the specimen’s effective volume as a critical factor in the size effect of GFRP bars. Moreover, the study proves a significant size effect on GFRP’s tensile properties, validating the theory’s application in predicting the strength of GFRP bars of varying sizes and recommending a specimen length range of 30–40 times its diameter for standardization purposes.
Emotional Distress, Cognitive Complaints, and Care Needs among Advanced Cancer Survivors Treated with Immune Checkpoint Blockade: A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Vanlaer Nathalie , Dirven Iris , Neyns Bart , Rogiers Anne
Published: April 2024

Background: There is a need for a better understanding of survivorship-related issues in advanced cancer survivors treated with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). The purpose of this study was to identify survivorship-related issues, with a focus on psychological distress, cognitive complaints, physical sequelae, impact on family dynamics, and care needs in unresectable, advanced cancer survivors treated with ICB. Methods: Semi-structured interviews and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were conducted in survivors followed up at the University Hospital Brussels. We performed content analysis on the semi-structured interviews and analyzed the PROMs descriptively. Results: 70 cancer survivors (71.4%) consented to participate between July 2022 and November 2023. Clinical fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) was present in 54.3% of the cancer survivors, and 18.6% had elevated cognitive complaints. We identified triggers related to clinically important psychological distress, such as immune-related adverse events, the progression/recurrence of disease, difficulties in adjusting to life after treatment, and co-existing life stressors, alongside persistent physical issues and unmet psychological and nutritional care needs. Conclusion: Our results indicate the existence of persistent psychological, physical, and cognitive issues, and support the need for routine screening for FCR. The identified triggers related to severe psychological distress can aid clinicians in timely referring the patient, thereby enhancing survivorship care.
Differentiation and Regulation of Bovine Th2 Cells In Vitro
Authors: Kandel Anmol , Li Lei , Wang Yan , Tuo Wenbin , Xiao Zhengguo
Published: April 2024

Bovine Th2 cells have usually been characterized by IL4 mRNA expression, but it is unclear whether their IL4 protein expression corresponds to transcription. We found that grass-fed healthy beef cattle, which had been regularly exposed to parasites on the grass, had a low frequency of IL4+ Th2 cells during flow cytometry, similar to animals grown in feedlots. To assess the distribution of IL4+ CD4+ T cells across tissues, samples from the blood, spleen, abomasal (draining), and inguinal lymph nodes were examined, which revealed limited IL4 protein detection in the CD4+ T cells across the examined tissues. To determine if bovine CD4+ T cells may develop into Th2 cells, naïve cells were stimulated with anti-bovine CD3 under a Th2 differentiation kit in vitro. The cells produced primarily IFNγ proteins, with only a small fraction (<10%) co-expressing IL4 proteins. Quantitative PCR confirmed elevated IFNγ transcription but no significant change in IL4 transcription. Surprisingly, GATA3, the master regulator of IL4, was highest in naïve CD4+ T cells but was considerably reduced following differentiation. To determine if the differentiated cells were true Th2 cells, an unbiased proteomic assay was carried out. The assay identified 4212 proteins, 422 of which were differently expressed compared to those in naïve cells. Based on these differential proteins, Th2-related upstream components were predicted, including CD3, CD28, IL4, and IL33, demonstrating typical Th2 differentiation. To boost IL4 expression, T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation strength was reduced by lowering anti-CD3 concentrations. Consequently, weak TCR stimulation essentially abolished Th2 expansion and survival. In addition, extra recombinant bovine IL4 (rbIL4) was added during Th2 differentiation, but, despite enhanced expansion, the IL4 level remained unaltered. These findings suggest that, while bovine CD4+ T cells can respond to Th2 differentiation stimuli, the bovine IL4 pathway is not regulated in the same way as in mice and humans. Furthermore, Ostertagia ostertagi (OO) extract, a gastrointestinal nematode in cattle, inhibited signaling via CD3, CD28, IL4, and TLRs/MYD88, indicating that external pathogens can influence bovine Th2 differentiation. In conclusion, though bovine CD4+ T cells can respond to IL4-driven differentiation, IL4 expression is not a defining feature of differentiated bovine Th2 cells.
Emerging Role of ABC Transporters in Glia Cells in Health and Diseases of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Villa Maria , Wu Jingyun , Hansen Stefanie , Pahnke Jens
Published: April 2024

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters play a crucial role for the efflux of a wide range of substrates across different cellular membranes. In the central nervous system (CNS), ABC transporters have recently gathered significant attention due to their pivotal involvement in brain physiology and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Glial cells are fundamental for normal CNS function and engage with several ABC transporters in different ways. Here, we specifically highlight ABC transporters involved in the maintenance of brain homeostasis and their implications in its metabolic regulation. We also show new aspects related to ABC transporter function found in less recognized diseases, such as Huntington’s disease (HD) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), as a model for multiple sclerosis (MS). Understanding both their impact on the physiological regulation of the CNS and their roles in brain diseases holds promise for uncovering new therapeutic options. Further investigations and preclinical studies are warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between glial ABC transporters and physiological brain functions, potentially leading to effective therapeutic interventions also for rare CNS disorders.
Meat-Borne-Parasite: A Nanopore-Based Meta-Barcoding Work-Flow for Parasitic Microbiodiversity Assessment in the Wild Fauna of French Guiana
Authors: Matoute Adria , Maestri Simone , Saout Mona , Laghoe Laure , Simon Stéphane , Blanquart Hélène , Hernandez Martinez Miguel Angel , Pierre Demar Magalie
Published: April 2024

French Guiana, located in the Guiana Shield, is a natural reservoir for many zoonotic pathogens that are of considerable medical or veterinary importance. Until now, there has been limited data available on the description of parasites circulating in this area, especially on protozoan belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa; conversely, the neighbouring countries describe a high parasitic prevalence in animals and humans. Epidemiological surveillance is necessary, as new potentially virulent strains may emerge from these forest ecosystems, such as Amazonian toxoplasmosis. However, there is no standard tool for detecting protozoa in wildlife. In this study, we developed Meat-Borne-Parasite, a high-throughput meta-barcoding workflow for detecting Apicomplexa based on the Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing platform using the 18S gene of 14 Apicomplexa positive samples collected in French Guiana. Sequencing reads were then analysed with MetONTIIME pipeline. Thanks to a scoring rule, we were able to classify 10 samples out of 14 as Apicomplexa positive and reveal the presence of co-carriages. The same samples were also sequenced with the Illumina platform for validation purposes. For samples identified as Apicomplexa positive by both platforms, a strong positive correlation at up to the genus level was reported. Overall, the presented workflow represents a reliable method for Apicomplexa detection, which may pave the way for more comprehensive biomonitoring of zoonotic pathogens.
Oral Habits in Childhood and Occlusal Pathologies: A Cohort Study
Authors: Santos Barrera Mario , Ribas-Perez David , Caleza Jimenez Carolina , Cortes Lillo Olga , Mendoza-Mendoza Asunción
Published: April 2024

Purpose: To analyse the relationship between the different habits that occur in childhood and the different malocclusions in the three planes of space. Material and methods: A clinical examination of 106 children between 5 and 12 years of age was carried out and a survey validated by professors of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Seville was made for the parents in order to identify the habits and relate them to the possible malocclusions detected in the child’s mouth. Results: 72.64% of the sample presented a malocclusion in at least one of the three planes of space, with a similar distribution. When correlating the variables, statistically significant relationships were observed in the vertical plane with atypical swallowing (p = 0 < 0.05; V > 0.3) and lip sucking (p = 0 < 0.05; V > 0.3) and in the horizontal plane with oral breathing (p = 0 < 0.05; V > 0.3), atypical swallowing (p = 0 < 0.05; V < 0.3) and digital sucking (p = 0 < 0.05; V < 0.3). Conclusions: It has been observed that the prevalence and prolongation of habits in childhood is increasing, so it is essential to detect pernicious habits at an early age to prevent the establishment of malocclusions and to favour the correct craniofacial growth of the child.
Direct Jet Co-Electrospinning of Spinal Cord-Mimicking Phantom for Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Li Qi , Xu Longji , Hu Chunyan , Zhang Ziwei , Yang Daxiang , Chen Weibo , Williams Gareth , Parker Geoff J. M. , Gao Fei , Zhou Feng-Lei
Published: April 2024

(1) Background: Spinal cord injuries and diseases necessitate sophisticated tools for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. However, the lack of reliable phantoms mimicking the complex structure of the spinal cord hinders the development and validation of advanced imaging techniques. This study aims to address this critical unmet need by exploring the application of electrospinning to create polymeric fibers resembling the human spinal cord; (2) Methods: Direct jet coaxial electrospinning (DJ-co-ES) is a specialized electrospinning process characterized by the presence of solely the straight segment of a fluid jet. The research firstly investigates the effects of various solution properties and process parameters on the formation and characteristics of core/shell fibers with polycaprolactone (PCL) as the shell and polyethylene oxide (PEO) as the core. Furthermore, the study explores the potential of these DJ-co-ES fibers as phantoms by measuring various diffusion MRI parameters; (3) Results: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the successful production of hollow PCL microfibers (2–12 μm diameter) with smooth, cylindrical morphology and high orientation. The DJ-co-ES process demonstrated optimal stability when utilizing 10 w/v% PCL in DCM/DMF for the shell and 4 w/v% PEO in deionized water for the core. Additionally, the high miscibility between core and shell solvents in other core and shell solutions cases facilitated the production of fibers with smaller diameters. The findings demonstrate that the measured values fall within the range observed in both healthy and diseased spinal cord tissues; (4) Conclusions: This research paves the way for utilizing DJ-co-ES technology to develop reliable phantoms for spinal cord applications, ultimately fostering advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and research related to spinal cord conditions.
Exploring Sustainable Coating Solutions for Applications in Highly Corrosive Environments
Authors: Suárez-Vega Ana , Berriozabal Gemma , Urbegain Aiala , Minudri Daniela , Somers Anthony , Forsyth Maria , Caracena Raúl , Marinova Nevena
Published: April 2024

To protect carbon steel from degradation via corrosion, it is usually coated using a multilayer system of paints composed of petroleum-based polymers. The chemical industry is currently moving towards more sustainable chemistry, in which one of the main objectives is to reduce fossil fuel use and the derived raw materials. However, the replacement of petroleum-based raw materials with those that are bio-based is not straightforward since the properties of these new materials are often inferior to the traditional ones. One of the most used resins in primer paints is Diglycidyl ether bisphenol A (DGEBA). This is an epoxy resin synthesized from bisphenol A (BPA), a toxic and carcinogenic petroleum-based compound. This study investigates the substitution of the primer coating in a three-layer coating system with two different types of primer coating formulations, one which is partially bio-based and another that is BPA-free. The corrosion protection effectiveness of these sustainable coatings is assessed not only at the laboratory scale but also in real offshore conditions. Moreover, the adhesion of the different coating systems is evaluated before and after each ageing test. The results reveal that these novel coatings exhibit comparable performance to conventional paints while providing a more sustainable corrosion protection alternative.
Coating on Steel Discs with a Photocatalytic System CuO/SiO2 for the Degradation of the Ubiquitous Contaminants Methylene Blue and Amoxicillin
Authors: Hernández-Reyes Alberto , Lijanova Irina V. , Garrido-Hernández Aristeo , Morales-Ramirez Ángel de J. , Hernández-Fuentes Carlos , Calvillo-Muñoz Evelyn Y. , Likhanova Natalya V. , Olivares-Xometl Octavio
Published: April 2024

The present research work describes the synthesis and characterization of CuO/SiO2 for coating-perforated 304 stainless steel (SS) substrates to degrade methylene blue and amoxicillin under visible light irradiation. The foregoing photocatalytic system was achieved through the coprecipitation method by adding pure CuO to a SiO2 sol at 1:5, 1:10, and 1:15 molar ratios. The conditions for carrying out the depositions on the SS substrates (three per substrate) involved an immersion rate of 90 mm/min with a drying time of 20 min at 120 °C. The XRD technique confirmed the presence of the SiO2 amorphous phases and CuO monoclinic systems in the coatings, with a particle size distribution ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 μm (with an average of 1.26 ± 0.06 μm). As for SEM, it revealed a homogeneous coating surface without cracks. The produced photoactive CuO/SiO2 coatings were capable of degrading methylene blue (98%) at 1500 min and amoxicillin (55%) at 450 min.
Anticorrosion Method Combining Impressed Current Cathodic Protection and Coatings in Marine Atmospheric Environment
Authors: Deng Peichang , Shangguan Juyu , Hu Jiezhen , Huang Huan , Zhou Lingbo
Published: April 2024

In this study, a new anticorrosion method combining impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) with coatings that can be applied to marine atmospheric environments is proposed. As the corrosion medium fills the cracks and pores of the coating, an electrolyte film layer is inevitably formed on the metal surface. Therefore, a graphene conductive coating with excellent chemical inertness and shielding performance is selected as the intermediate coating to form an electrolytic cell system with a metal substrate serving as the cathode and a graphene coating serving as the auxiliary anode. By studying the surface corrosion morphologies and electrochemical signals of the coating samples at different protection potentials and coating thicknesses, the optimal potential is determined to be 0.6 V, and the optimal coating thickness is determined to be 20 μm. The samples protected by the joint method have lower corrosion rates and better anticorrosion performance than those protected by the coatings alone.
Case of Prenatal Diagnosis of a Fetal Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation at Term
Authors: Tchatcheva Kristina , Marinov Rumen
Published: April 2024

In our case, the malformation was diagnosed prenatally at 40 weeks of gestation, and at the age of 14 days, the malformation was removed combined with a segmentectomy of the sixth segment of the left lung. Preoperative diagnostics focus on 3D-CT reconstruction and detailing of the anatomical variations of all arterial and venous vessels, as evident from our case. Treatment includes surgical removal or a minimally invasive interventional approach through the embolization of the vessel afferent to the malformation. After the operation, the child was discharged on the 30th day after birth in good condition and is developing normally. Early operative intervention is of great importance for the favorable outcome of the condition. In our case, this was hypoxemia with a saturation of 70-75%. The rare and often missed prenatal diagnosis of fetal AV malformation is significant for the adequate postnatal treatment and development of affected children.
Feasibility of Reduced Iodine Loads for Vascular Assessment Prior to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) Using Spectral Detector CT
Authors: Schuppert Christopher , Salatzki Janek , André Florian , Riffel Johannes , Mangold David L. , Melzig Claudius , Hagar Muhammad Taha , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Weber Tim F. , Rengier Fabian , Do Thuy D.
Published: April 2024

Reduced iodine loads for computed tomography (CT)-based vascular assessment prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) may be feasible in conjunction with a spectral detector CT scanner. This prospective single-center study considered 100 consecutive patients clinically referred for pre-TAVI CT. They were examined on a dual-layer detector CT scanner to obtain an ECG-gated cardiac scan and a non-ECG-gated aortoiliofemoral scan. Either a standard contrast media (SCM) protocol using 80 mL Iohexol 350 mgI/mL (iodine load: 28 gI) or a body-mass-index adjusted reduced contrast media (RCM) protocol using 40–70 mL Iohexol 350 mgI/mL (iodine load: 14–24.5 gI) were employed. Conventional images and virtual monoenergetic images at 40–80 keV were reconstructed. A threshold of 250 HU was set for sufficient attenuation along the arterial access pathway. A qualitative assessment used a five-point Likert scale. Sufficient attenuation in the thoracic aorta was observed for all patients in both groups using conventional images. In the abdominal, iliac, and femoral segments, sufficient attenuation was observed for the majority of patients when using virtual monoenergetic images (SCM: 96–100% of patients, RCM: 88–94%) without statistical difference between both groups. Segments with attenuation measurements below the threshold remained qualitatively assessable as well. Likert scores were ‘excellent’ for virtual monoenergetic images 50 keV and 55 keV in both groups (RCM: 1.2–1.4, SCM: 1.2–1.3). With diagnostic image quality maintained, it can be concluded that reduced iodine loads of 14–24.5 gI are feasible for pre-TAVI vascular assessment on a spectral detector CT scanner.