bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-aging mechanism of different age donor-matched adipose-derived stem cells
Authors: Wang Tao , Li Yingyu , Zhu Yu , Liu Zebiao , Huang Li , Zhao Hongxia , Zhou Zuping , Wu Qiong
Published: August 2023

Background

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have anti-aging and anti-obesity effects in aged animals, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown.

Methods

In the present study, we evaluated the in vivo transplantation effects of different age donor-matched ASCs on natural aging and leptin knockout mice (ob−/ob− mice). The multi-omics expression profiles of young and aged mouse donor-derived ASCs were also analyzed.

Results

The results revealed that ASCs from young donors induced weight and abdominal fat loss for older recipients but not for young or ob−/ob−mice. The young and aged mouse donor ASCs displayed significant phenotypic differences, contributing to the distinguished weight loss and anti-aging effects in aged mice.

Conclusions

Our data suggest an underlying molecular mechanism by which young-donor ASCs reduce immune cells and inflammation in aged mice via secreted immune factors. These findings point to a general anti-aging mechanism of stem cells, which may provide new insights into age-related disturbances of stem cell plasticity in healthy aging and age-related diseases.
Human Alzheimer’s disease reactive astrocytes exhibit a loss of homeostastic gene expression
Authors: Dai David L. , Li Mingyao , Lee Edward B.
Published: August 2023

Astrocytes are one of the brain’s major cell types and are responsible for maintaining neuronal homeostasis via regulating the extracellular environment, providing metabolic support, and modulating synaptic activity. In neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, astrocytes can take on a hypertrophic appearance. These reactive astrocytes are canonically associated with increases in cytoskeletal proteins, such as glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin. However, the molecular alterations that characterize astrocytes in human disease tissues have not been extensively studied with single cell resolution. Using single nucleus RNA sequencing data from normal, pathologic aging, and Alzheimer’s disease brains, we identified the transcriptomic changes associated with reactive astrocytes. Deep learning-based clustering algorithms denoised expression data for 17,012 genes and clustered 15,529 astrocyte nuclei, identifying protoplasmic, gray matter and fibrous, white matter astrocyte clusters. RNA trajectory analyses revealed a spectrum of reactivity within protoplasmic astrocytes characterized by a modest increase of reactive genes and a marked decrease in homeostatic genes. Amyloid but not tau pathology correlated with astrocyte reactivity. To identify reactivity-associated genes, linear regressions of gene expression versus reactivity were used to identify the top 52 upregulated and 144 downregulated genes. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that upregulated genes were associated with cellular growth, responses to metal ions, inflammation, and proteostasis. Downregulated genes were involved in cellular interactions, neuronal development, ERBB signaling, and synapse regulation. Transcription factors were significantly enriched among the downregulated genes. Using co-immunofluorescence staining of Alzheimer’s disease brain tissues, we confirmed pathologic downregulation of ERBB4 and transcription factor NFIA in reactive astrocytes. Our findings reveal that protoplasmic, gray matter astrocytes in Alzheimer’s disease exist within a spectrum of reactivity that is marked by a strong loss of normal function.
Meeting report of the sixth annual tri-service microbiome consortium symposium
Authors: Pantoja-Feliciano De Goodfellow Ida G. , Agans Richard , Barbato Robyn , Colston Sophie , Goodson Michael S. , Hammamieh Rasha , Hentchel Kristy , Jones Robert , Karl J. Philip , Kokoska Robert , Leary Dagmar H. , Mauzy Camilla , Racicot Kenneth , Stamps Blake W. , Varaljay Vanessa , Soares Jason W.
Published: August 2023

The Tri-Service Microbiome Consortium (TSMC) was founded to enhance collaboration, coordination, and communication of microbiome research among DoD organizations and to facilitate resource, material and information sharing amongst consortium members, which includes collaborators in academia and industry. The 6th Annual TSMC Symposium was a hybrid meeting held in Fairlee, Vermont on 27–28 September 2022 with presentations and discussions centered on microbiome-related topics within seven broad thematic areas: (1) Human Microbiomes: Stress Response; (2) Microbiome Analysis & Surveillance; (3) Human Microbiomes Enablers & Engineering; (4) Human Microbiomes: Countermeasures; (5) Human Microbiomes Discovery - Earth & Space; (6) Environmental Micro & Myco-biome; and (7) Environmental Microbiome Analysis & Engineering. Collectively, the symposium provided an update on the scope of current DoD microbiome research efforts, highlighted innovative research being done in academia and industry that can be leveraged by the DoD, and fostered collaborative opportunities. This report summarizes the activities and outcomes from the 6th annual TSMC symposium.
Decarbonization of the electricity generation sector and its effects on sustainability goals
Authors: Michaelides Efstathios E.
Published: August 2023

The substitution of fossil fuels, especially coal, with renewable energy is a crucial step for the CO2emissions reduction and the avoidance of Global Climate Change. The electric power generation industry is the first economic sector that will have to transition to renewable energy. However, wind and solar energy, the two most abundant renewable energy forms, are not dispatchable. The high penetration of these renewables in the energy market will create a demand–supply mismatch, which can only be alleviated with large-scale energy storage. This paper uses the case of Texas—a state that generates and consumes more electricity than several large, industrialized nations—to quantitatively examine the required infrastructure for the decarbonization of the electricity generation industry, while satisfying the current electric power demand in the State. Among the parameters that are examined are: the additional solar and wind capacity; the necessary energy storage infrastructure; the energy dissipation in the storage/regeneration process; and the effect of decarbonization on the cost of electricity and the welfare of the citizens. The computations show that the technology is available for the transition to a decarbonized electric power sector but requires significant investment in new wind and photovoltaic units as well as substantial energy storage. This would increase the electricity prices by a factor between 2.9 and 3.7 and, would have a disproportionate impact on the citizens in the lower income brackets.
Successful neurolytic thoracic sympathetic ganglion block using C-arm fluoroscopic cone-beam computed tomography in patients with postmastectomy pain syndrome: a report of 3 cases
Authors: Hagihara Shintaro , Abe Yoichiro , Godai Kohei , Enohata Kyo , Matsunaga Akira
Published: August 2023

Background

Postmastectomy pain syndrome involves persistent neuropathic and sympathetically maintained neuropathic pain that can be improved using a thoracic sympathetic ganglion block. However, conventional fluoroscopic procedures pose technical difficulties and are associated with potential severe complications. We report the use of C-arm fluoroscopic cone-beam computed tomography to enhance procedural success and treatment safety.

Case presentation

Three women diagnosed with postmastectomy pain syndrome and experiencing persistent pain underwent C-arm fluoroscopic cone-beam computed tomography-assisted ethanol neurolytic thoracic sympathetic ganglion block. Pain severity decreased substantially after the procedure. The therapeutic effects were sustained for 12 months in cases 1 and 2 and for 5 months in case 3. All patients experienced a remarkable decrease in allodynia and hyperalgesia intensities.

Conclusion

C-arm fluoroscopic cone-beam computed tomography-assisted neurolytic thoracic sympathetic ganglion block offers a valuable alternative for managing otherwise intractable postmastectomy pain syndrome before considering more invasive techniques.
The influence of gender, media, and internet usage on adolescents' fast food perception and fluid intake
Authors: Al-Haifi Ahmad R. , Bumaryoum Nayef Y. , Al-Awadhi Balqees A. , Alammar Fahad A. , Ashkanani Rasha H. , Al-Hazzaa Hazzaa M.
Published: August 2023

Background

Understanding the factors that influence adolescent’s perception of fast food and their fluid consumption is crucial for designing effective nutrition education programs tailored to this population. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of sex and the use of media and the internet with adolescents' perception of fast foods and the amount of fluid consumption.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on school adolescents between the ages of 15 and 18 years in Kuwait, using a multistage stratified random sampling method (N = 706 adolescents; 343 boys and 363 girls). A pre-tested and specifically designed self-report questionnaire covering several measures such as: (a) types of foods that are considered fast foods; and (b) participant’s fluid consumption. Body weight and height were measured using calibrated medical scales. Body mass index (BMI) was computed. The adolescents were stratified by sex into two groups: boys and girls, for the purpose of analysis.

Results

Seven out of 14 food choices showed significant sex differences (p values ranged from 0.016 to < 0.001) in the adolescents’ responses to whether they perceived such food choice as fast food or not. Although differences were found between sexes, the majority of the listed fast foods were correctly recognized as fast foods by the adolescents. In addition, there were significant differences between males and females in the amount of daily drinks (ml/week) consumed from full fat milk (males = l197.1 ± 27,652.1 and females = 1662.8 ± 2221, p = 0.013), sugar-sweetened beverage (males = 2350.8 ± 3324.3 and females = 3088.9 ± 3701.1, p = 0.004), and energy drinks (males = 429.5 ± 1117.2 and females = 267.6 ± 733.8, p = 0.037). Compared to adolescents who seldom or do not watch TV or use the internet, those who engage in these sedentary activities are less likely to classify pizza (aOR (95% CI) = 0.660 (0.440–0.990), p = 0.045), grilled meat (aOR (95% CI) = 0.674 (0.477–0.954), p = 0.026), fried egg sandwiches (aOR (95% CI) = 0.617 (0.425–0.894–0.189), p = 0.011), and rice (aOR (95% CI) = 0.598(0.409–0.875), p = 0.008) as fast foods.

Conclusion

The influence of TV and internet use on adolescent’s ability to accurately identify fast foods has been observed. Findings indicate the need for increased fast food nutrition education programs that are tailored towards adolescents. The study recommends further research to enhance consumer awareness of foods and drinks among adolescents in the State of Kuwait.
Strengthening coordination and collaboration of one health approach for zoonotic diseases in Africa
Authors: Alimi Yewande , Wabacha James
Published: August 2023

Despite the One Health progress made in some African countries in addressing zoonotic disease outbreaks, many still lack formal and funded One Health programs. Countries lack diagnostic capacity for zoonotic diseases, coordinated surveillance mechanisms, multisectoral response strategies and skilled workforce. With the devasting impacts of zoonotic disease outbreaks, recent epidemics have caused a loss of lives and negatively impacted the economy. Strengthening One Health approach across African Union (AU) Member States will improve the continent’s ability and capacity to efficiently prevent, detect, and respond to emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases. The policy and practice changes needed to address zoonotic diseases require strong political commitment, financial investments, and institutionalised national One Health programs. The African Union endorses a One Health approach in which multiple sectors work jointly to raise awareness, gather credible data, implement programs, and promote evidence-based policy and practice in improve human, animal, and environmental health. The African Union working through its technical agencies set up an interagency multidisciplinary group “the One Health Coordinating Group on Zoonotic Diseases” to strengthen coordinated surveillance, prevention and control of zoonotic diseases on the continent. There is an urgent need to strengthen the coordination of One Health activities across the African continent. The African Union will leverage its unique political position on the continent to raise awareness, secure commitments, and influence policy at the head of state level. This manuscript highlights the opportunity to improve and strengthen One Health coordination and harmonisation of efforts through a continental strategy for zoonotic disease control.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury: correlation with MRI morphometry
Authors: Maheshwari Sagar Ganeshprasad , Kuber Rajesh , Lamghare Purnachandra , Thomas Joel , Arkar Rahul , Avhad Madhuri , Tharmalingam T. , Bhamare D. S. , Katuri Sanjana , Nagraj Harish , Redla Shridhar , Elsayad M. , Vrizidou Sofia
Published: August 2023

Background

This study aims to investigate the association between bony morphological features and ACL injury and to identify potential risk factors for the identification and prevention of ACL injuries. The study used knee MRIs to examine the distal femoral and proximal tibia morphology of 500 patients aged 19–50, including 250 cases with an injured ACL and 250 controls with a non-injured ACL. Previous literature has shown that ACL injuries are a common occurrence in sports and can have serious long-term consequences. Several risk factors have been identified, including anatomical variations in the bony structures of the knee. However, the relationship between bony morphology and ACL injury is not well understood, and there is a need to investigate the potential role of these factors in the identification and prevention of ACL injuries. This study was necessary because of the high incidence of ACL injuries and the potential long-term consequences, such as osteoarthritis, associated with this injury. By identifying potential risk factors, such as bony morphological features, it may be possible to develop targeted prevention strategies to reduce the incidence of ACL injuries. The study also adds to the existing literature by providing new insights into the relationship between bony morphology and ACL injury, and by identifying specific parameters that can be used to predict ACL injury.

Results

There was a significant difference in bony morphology between ACL-injured and non-injured patients. The most convincing parameters of femur and tibia were notch width index (NWI), medial tibial plateau depth (MTPD), and lateral tibial plateau slope (LTPS). A significantly smaller intercondylar notch was seen in the injured patients (mean 17.25 mm) than in controls (mean 18.41 mm) (p < 0.001, unpaired t test). The findings indicate that among all the features assessed, the medial tibial plateau depth (MTPD) stands out as the most statistically significant with an odds ratio of 2.4, and it demonstrates a substantial association.

Conclusions

ACL-injured patients have a narrower NWI, shallower MTPD, and steeper LTPS, which appear to be associated with ACL injury. Identifying the cut-off values for these parameters can help predict ACL injury.
Are microtubules electron-based topological insulators?
Authors: Subramanyan Varsha , Kirkpatrick Kay L. , Vishveshwara Saraswathi , Vishveshwara Smitha
Published: August 2023

A microtubule is a cylindrical biological polymer that plays key roles in cellular structure, transport, and signalling. In this work, based on studies of electronic properties of polyacetelene and mechanical properties of microtubules themselves (Spakowitz A. J.,Phys. Rev. Lett.,103(2009) 248101), we explore the possibility that microtubules could act as topological insulators that are gapped to electronic excitations in the bulk but possess robust electronic bounds states at the tube ends. Through analyses of structural and electronic properties, we model the microtubule as a cylindrical stack of Su-Schrieffer-Heeger chains (originally proposed in the context of polyacetylene) describing electron hopping between the underlying dimerized tubulin lattice sites. We postulate that the microtubule is mostly uniform, dominated purely by GDP-bound dimers, and is capped by a disordered regime due to the presence of GTP-bound dimers as well. In the uniform region, we identify the electron hopping parameter regime in which the microtubule is a topological insulator. We then show the manner in which these topological features remain robust when the hopping parameters are disordered. We briefly mention possible biological implications for these microtubules to possess topologically robust electronic bound states.
Ovine CRH Stimulation and 8 mg Dexamethasone Suppression Tests in 323 Patients With ACTH-Dependent Cushing's Syndrome
Authors: Elenius Henrik , McGlotten Raven , Nieman Lynnette K
Published: August 2023

Context

Determining the etiology of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-dependent Cushing's syndrome (CS) is often difficult. The gold standard test, inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS), is expensive and not widely available.

Objective

Evaluate the performance of the corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test (CRH-ST) and the 8 mg high-dose dexamethasone suppression test (HDDST) in distinguishing Cushing's disease (CD) from ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS).

Methods

Retrospective review in a tertiary referral center. A total of 323 patients with CD or EAS (n = 78) confirmed by pathology or biochemical cure (n = 15) in 96% underwent CRH-ST and HDDST performed between 1986 and 2019. We calculated test sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy (DA) for the diagnosis of CD, and determined optimal response criteria for each test, alone and in combination.

Results

The CRH-ST performed better than the HDDST (DA 91%, 95% CI 87-94% vs 75%, 95% CI 69-79%). Optimal response criteria were a ≥40% increase of ACTH and/or cortisol during the CRH test and a ≥69% suppression of cortisol during the HDDST. A ≥40% cortisol increase during the CRH test was the most specific measure, PPV 99%. Seventy-four percent of subjects had concordant positive CRH test and HDDST results, yielding Se 93%, Sp 98%, DA 95%, and PPV 99%, with a pretest likelihood of 85%. A proposed algorithm diagnosed 64% of patients with CD with near perfect accuracy (99%), obviating the need for IPSS.

Conclusion

CRH is a valuable tool to correctly diagnose the etiology of ACTH-dependent CS. Its current worldwide unavailability impedes optimal management of these patients.
A Protein Needle Facilitates Encapsulation of Target Proteins via
In-Cell Protein Crystallization
Authors: Pham Thuc Toan , Abe Satoshi , Hirata Kunio , Katayama Kazuhiko , Ueno Takafumi
Published: August 2023

We have established a new method for encapsulating superfold green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) into polyhedra crystal (PhC) with high efficiency using a protein needle (PN). H1-sfGFP-PN, in which PN is fused to the C-terminus of H1-sfGFP, exhibits a 55-fold increase in encapsulation of sfGFP relative to H1-sfGFP with the improvement provided by the synergistic effects of the H1-helix, PN, and the His-tag at the C-terminus of PN. This method is expected to provide useful materials based on encapsulation of various functional proteins.
Η έννοια και η φορολογία της μόνιμης εγκατάστασης της αλλοδαπής επιχείρησης στη φορολογία εισοδήματος των επιχειρήσεων
Authors: Βρεττάς Ελευθέριος
Published: August 2023

Η παρούσα μονογραφία πραγματεύεται τη φορολογική αντιμετώπιση του εισοδήματος της αλλοδαπής επιχείρησης, όταν ασκεί την επιχειρηματική δραστηριότητά της στο κράτος της πηγής μέσω μόνιμης εγκατάστασης. Αρχικά, αναδεικνύονται οι πτυχές της έννοιας της μόνιμης εγκατάστασης και στη συνέχεια αναλύονται οι αρχές που διέπουν τη φορολογία της μόνιμης εγκατάστασης της αλλοδαπής επιχείρησης, τόσο κατά τις συστάσεις του ΟΟΣΑ όσο και κατά την ελληνική και τη γερμανική νομοθεσία φορολογίας εισοδήματος. Τελικός σκοπός είναι να εξαχθούν συμπεράσματα ως προς τις ομοιότητες και τις διαφορές ανάμεσα στις υπό κρίση ρυθμίσεις, να εντοπιστούν οι αδυναμίες τους και να προταθούν πιθανές λύσεις.
Ανάπτυξη χωρικού συστήματος υποστήριξης αποφάσεων χωροταξικού σχεδιασμού για τις ορεινές περιοχές
Authors: Τολίδης Κωνσταντίνος
Published: August 2023

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή εκπονήθηκε στο τομέα Τοπογραφίας, υπό τη γνωστική περιοχή του Κτηματολογίου και εστιάζει στον επιστημονικό κλάδο των πολυ-κριτήριων χωρικών συστημάτων υποστήριξης αποφάσεων (Μulti-criteria Spatial Decision Support Systems/ MC-SDSS). Τα Χωρικά Συστήματα Υποστήριξης Αποφάσεων (Spatial Decision Support Systems-SDSS) αποτελούν τομέα του ευρύτερου κλάδου των Συστημάτων Υποστήριξης Αποφάσεων (DSS-Decision Support Systems) συνδυάζοντας σε ενιαίο περιβάλλον, υποσυστήματα τεχνικών πολυ-κριτήριας ανάλυσης (MCA) και GIS (MCA-GIS). Απώτερος κεντρικός ερευνητικός στόχος υπήρξε ο λειτουργικός σχεδιασμός και πρακτική εφαρμογή/δοκιμή ενός αντίστοιχου συστήματος (μοντέλου) υποστήριξης αποφάσεων «χαλαρής σύζευξης» σχετικών με προβλήματα χωροταξικού/αναπτυξιακού σχεδιασμού των ορεινών περιοχών.
Τεχνικές ψηφιακής επεξεργασίας εικόνας για την ανάλυση μικροσκοπικής απεικόνισης ιστοπαθολογίας
Authors: Μπανταλούκας-Αρτζμάντ Αλέξανδρος
Published: August 2023

Η βιοψία είναι η εξέταση η οποία δίδει την πλήρη εικόνα της παθολογικής κατάστασης των ιστών του ασθενούς και αποτελεί βασικό παράγοντα για τον καθορισμό της επακόλουθης θεραπείας της νόσου. Αυτό έχει οδηγήσει στη ανάδειξη ενός σχετικά νέου τομέα έρευνας, με σημαντική ανάπτυξη τα τελευταία χρόνια, με επίκεντρο την αξιολόγηση των ιστολογικών ευρημάτων με βάση τους ψηφιακούς μικροσκοπικούς σαρωτές. Κύριος στόχος του είναι η επεξεργασία εικόνων από δείγματα βιοψίας για την ακριβή ποσοτική τους ανάλυση και τη δυνατότητα λήψης έγκυρων διαγνωστικών αποφάσεων. Κατά συνέπεια, οι ιατροί αποφαίνονται αν η πάθηση είναι φαρμακευτικά ιάσιμη ή εάν κάποιο όργανο πρέπει να αφαιρεθεί ή να αντικατασταθεί με μόσχευμα. Στόχος του διδακτορικού είναι η εφαρμογή σύγχρονων τεχνικών ανάλυσης εικόνας για την ακριβή ποσοτική αξιολόγηση της εξάπλωσης ασθενικών ευρημάτων σε μικροσκοπικά δείγματα βιοψίας ήπατος, παγκρέατος και νεφρών και η μείωση των διαγνωστικών σφαλμάτων που προκύπτουν από τις ημιποσοτικές οπτικές αξιολογήσεις των κλινικών ιατρών. Η συγκεκριμένη κατεύθυνση οδήγησε στην υλοποίηση καινοτόμων μεθοδολογιών υπολογιστικής όρασης για την ποσοτική αξιολόγηση της συσσώρευσης λίπους σε ψηφιοποιημένα ιστολογικά δείγματα βιοψίας από ασθενείς με μη-αλκοολική λιπώδη ηπατική νόσο και μη-αλκοολική λιπώδη παγκρεατική νόσο. Τα ευρήματα των αυτοματοποιημένων εργαλείων δείχνουν μικρή διαγνωστική απόκλιση από τις ημιποσοτικές εκτιμήσεις ειδικών ιστοπαθολόγων, τονίζοντας την αξιοπιστία τους και την αναγκαιότητα υιοθέτησής τους στην σύγχρονη κλινική πρακτική. Και οι δύο παραπάνω παθήσεις, μπορούν να οδηγήσουν σε μη-αναστρέψιμες επιπλοκές και να αυξήσουν τον κίνδυνο ανάπτυξης καρκίνου και μετάστασης σε άλλα όργανα. Χαρακτηριστικό παράδειγμα κακοήθους διήθησης είναι το διαυγοκυτταρικό νεφρικό καρκίνωμα (ccRCC), ο πιο διαδεδομένος καρκίνος του ουροποιητικού συστήματος. Στο πλαίσιο της διδακτορικής έρευνας, αναπτύχθηκε μια μεθοδολογία για τον εντοπισμό κυτταρικών ανωμαλιών σε εικόνες βιοψίας νεφρού που συμβάλουν στην εξέλιξη του ccRCC σύμφωνα με το σύστημα βαθμολόγησης Fuhrman. Με βάση αυτή την έρευνα, σε μια επόμενη μεταδιδακτορική φάση, το διαγνωστικό σύστημα θα χρησιμοποιηθεί περαιτέρω για την εκτέλεση βαθμολόγησης των ανιχνευόμενων δομών για τη σταδιοποίηση κατά Fuhrman του ccRCC.
Ανάπτυξη και επικύρωση μεθόδων για τη χαρτογράφηση του μεταβολικού περιεχομένου τροφίμων με σύγχρονες αναλυτικές τεχνικές
Authors: Λιούπη Άρτεμις
Published: August 2023

Κύριος στόχος της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι η ανάπτυξη και η επικύρωση αναλυτικών μεθόδων αιχμής για τη χαρτογράφηση του μεταβολικού περιεχομένου ελληνικών τροφίμων. Για την επίτευξη αυτού του σκοπού, εφαρμόστηκαν σύγχρονες αναλυτικές τεχνικές όπως είναι η αέρια και υγρή χρωματογραφία συζευγμένη με φασματομετρία μάζας (GC-MS, UPLC-MS/MS, UHPLC-HRMS) και κατάλληλα λογισμικά και στατιστικά μοντέλα για την επεξεργασία των αποτελεσμάτων και την ανάδειξη των δεικτών που διαφοροποιούν τα δείγματα π.χ. δεικτών αυθεντικότητας. Η προκατεργασία των δειγμάτων τροφίμων πριν από την ανάλυση διαδραματίζει καθοριστικό ρόλο σε κάθε προτεινόμενη αναλυτική μέθοδο και αποτέλεσε επίσης αντικείμενο της παρούσας μελέτης. Ένας ακόμη στόχος της διατριβής είναι η εφαρμογή των νέων μεθόδων στην υποστήριξη της έρευνας στην ανάπτυξη νέων προϊόντων διατροφής προστιθέμενης αξίας. Τέλος έγινε αξιολόγηση καινοτόμων υλικών στηλών υγρής χρωματογραφίας για εφαρμογή σε μεταβολομικές μελέτες. Προκειμένου να επιτευχθεί ο σκοπός της διατριβής, αναπτύχθηκαν δύο μέθοδοι αέριας χρωματογραφίας συζευγμένης με φασματομετρία μαζών για την υποστήριξη της αυθεντικότητας (διάκριση γεωγραφικής προέλευσης, ποικιλίας και έτους συγκομιδής) και της ποιότητας (συσχέτιση με οργανοληπτική αξιολόγηση, μελέτη πορεία ζύμωσης) Ελληνικών προϊόντων όπως το ελαιόλαδο και η επιτραπέζια ελιά. Στον τομέα της ασφάλειας τροφίμων, δίνονται τα παραδείγματα ανάπτυξης και επικύρωσης γρήγορων και απλών στοχευμένων μεθόδων UPLC-MS/MS για τον προσδιορισμό κουμαρίνης σε προϊόντα αρτοποιίας και τεσσάρων βιογενών αμινών σε δείγματα τόνου. Επίσης, περιγράφεται το παράδειγμα ανάπτυξης μεθόδου UPLC-HRMS για τη λιπιδομική ανάλυση κρόκων αυγών έπειτα από παρέμβαση στη διατροφή των ορνίθων με χορήγηση του ενζύμου ξυλανάση. Τέλος, αναπτύχθηκε για πρώτη φορά μια μη στοχευμένη μέθοδος λιπιδομικής UHPLC-TOF/MS με στήλη μειωμένων διαστάσεων για την ανάλυση δειγμάτων ελαιόλαδου από διαφορετικές χώρες (Ελλάδα, Ισραήλ, Ισπανία, Κύπρος, Παλαιστίνη) και αναδείχθηκαν στατιστικώς σημαντικά λιπίδια/δείκτες γεωγραφικής προέλευσης. Τα δείγματα ελέγχου (QCs) των διαφορετικών χωρών αναλύθηκαν στη συνέχεια με τη σύγχρονη τεχνική της κυκλικής ιοντικής ευκινησίας και κατέστη δυνατός ο διαχωρισμός ισομερών λιπιδίων. Όλες οι επιμέρους μελέτες, επιβεβαίωσαν τη δυναμική των ομικών τεχνολογιών και αποτελούν σημαντικά εργαλεία στους τομείς της Αναλυτικής Χημείας και των Τροφίμων. Αναμένεται ότι η χρήση της φασματομετρίας μάζας θα αυξηθεί ραγδαία τα επόμενα χρόνια και οι νέες εξελίξεις στις αναλυτικές τεχνικές (σμίκρυνση, αυτοματοποίηση) και στην προκατεργασία του δείγματος θα μας φέρουν πιο κοντά στην ανάπτυξη γρήγορων, οικονομικά αποδοτικών και απλών μεθόδων που θα συμβάλουν στην ανίχνευση ακόμα μεγαλύτερου αριθμού ενώσεων με μία και μόνο ανάλυση.
Engineering optimal culture conditions to maintain tenogenic phenotype of tenocyte
Authors: Ραμπίν Αντρέα
Published: August 2023

Οι τένοντες είναι θεμελιώδη στοιχεία στη μετάδοση της δύναμης από τους μύες στα οστά. Το φτωχό αναγεννητικό τους δυναμικό σε συνδυασμό με τη γήρανση του ανθρώπινου πληθυσμού τους καθιστά σημαντικούς στόχους για τη βελτίωση της ποιότητας ζωής, ιδιαίτερα στους ηλικιωμένους. Οι τρέχουσες χειρουργικές στρατηγικές συνδέονται με νοσηρότητα και ελλιπή λειτουργική αποκατάσταση. Τα τενοκύτταρα θεωρούνται η καλύτερη επιλογή ως κυτταρικός τύπος για τη μηχανική ιστού τενόντων. Επομένως, οι βέλτιστες συνθήκες καλλιέργειας, η πηγή ιστού και τα χαρακτηριστικά του δότη βρίσκονται επί του παρόντος υπό εξέταση. Υπάρχουν σωρευτικά στοιχεία που υποδηλώνουν ότι η γήρανση, τόσο in vivo, όπως καθορίζεται από την ηλικία του δότη όσο και in vitro ως συνέπεια της διέλευσης υποκαλλιέργειας, έχει επιβλαβή επίδραση στα βιολογικά χαρακτηριστικά των τενοκυττάρων, εμποδίζοντας την εφαρμογή τους στην κατασκευή ενός ισοδύναμου ζωντανού τένοντα. Επιπλέον, η απουσία φυσικής εξωκυτταρικής μήτρας και η χρήση ξενογενών ορών συχνά συνδέονται με γρήγορες απώλειες της λειτουργίας των τενοκυττάρων κατά την in vitro καλλιέργεια. Εδώ, στο πρώτο μέρος της εργασίας μας, αξιολογήσαμε την επίδραση διαφορετικών ορών (ορός ιπποειδών και ορός εμβρύου βοοειδών) στη μορφολογία των τενοκυττάρων αλόγου, τη βιωσιμότητα, τη μεταβολική δραστηριότητα, τον πολλαπλασιασμό και τη σύνθεση πρωτεϊνών ως συνάρτηση της ειδικής για τον ιστό εναπόθεσης εξωκυττάριας θεμέλιας ουσίας (που προκαλείται μέσω μακρομοριακής καλλιέργειας, 7 ημέρες, 6, γήρανση, 9 ημέρες, 6 ημέρες ). Σε σύγκριση με τα κύτταρα στο πέρασμα 3, την ημέρα 3, στον εμβρυϊκό βόειο ορό και χωρίς μακρομοριακό συνωστισμό, ο υψηλότερος αριθμός σημαντικά μειωμένων αναγνώσεων παρατηρήθηκε για τα κύτταρα στον εμβρυϊκό βόειο ορό, στο πέρασμα 3, την ημέρα 5 και την ημέρα 7 και χωρίς μακρομοριακό συνωστισμό, ενώ ο υψηλότερος αριθμός σημαντικά αυξημένων κυττάρων σε εμβρυϊκό βόειο ορό παρατηρήθηκε και με μακρομοριακό συνωστισμό. Τα δεδομένα που παρουσιάζονται εδώ υποστηρίζουν τη χρήση αλλογενούς εξωκυτταρικής μήτρας ειδικού ορού και ιστού για αποτελεσματική επέκταση των τενοκυττάρων αλόγου. Με βάση αυτές τις παρατηρήσεις, προχωρήσαμε στη σύγκριση της επίδρασης του αλλογενούς έναντι του ξενογενούς ορού σε καλλιεργημένα ανθρώπινα τενοκύτταρα. Στο δεύτερο μέρος αυτής της εργασίας πράγματι αξιολογήσαμε εάν και πώς ο κυτταρικός πολλαπλασιασμός, η μεταβολική δραστηριότητα και η βιωσιμότητα επηρεάστηκαν από την απομόνωση και την καλλιέργεια κυττάρων σε τέτοιες συνθήκες, και στη συνέχεια χαρακτηρίσαμε τη σύνθεση.
Overview of Stingless Bees in Brazil (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)
Authors: Nogueira David Silva
Published: August 2023

Species richness of stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) was organized and updated from previously published data. From this research, we found 28 genera with 259 valid species and 62 undescribed species, in addition, brief comments on the classification used and geographical occurrences were included.
Comunicación pública y conflictos armados: el papel de la cognición y el algoritmo en los entornos de la defensa y la seguridad nacional
Authors: Ibañez Ángel
Published: August 2023

Editorial: Volumen 16, Número 2 (Julio-Diciembre, 2023)
Mejoramiento integral del hábitat con enfoque interseccional
Authors: Franco Calderón Angela María , Ramírez Torres Danny María
Published: August 2023

Como resultado de una exploración investigativa que integra el enfoque interseccional con los estudios urbanos, este libro amplía el debate sobre la noción de interseccionalidad, originada en las teorías feministas, al ser abordada desde el ámbito territorial de los asentamientos de origen espontáneo. A partir de un estudio de caso en Cali (Colombia), este libro analiza las categorías interseccionales que indagan no únicamente sobre los individuos, sino también sobre las comunidades y su relación con el lugar que habitan, como base para formular e implementar procesos de mejoramiento integral del hábitat, acordes con las realidades locales, con énfasis en la construcción de paz territorial urbana. Este proceso se fundamenta en un marco metodológico que combina métodos cuantitativos y cualitativos que se ponen a prueba mediante un proceso amplio de participación comunitaria. La construcción de memoria, el mapeo interseccional, la recolección de datos comunitarios mediante el uso de dispositivos móviles, la participación de niños y jóvenes a través del juego y el diseño participativo son algunos de los instrumentos y que se exploran en este trabajo enfocado en promover el derecho a la ciudad.
The Clinical and Molecular Cytogenetic Analyses of Six Patients with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease From Four Families
Authors: AKKUŞ Nejmiye , ÖZYAVUZ ÇUBUK Pelin
Published: August 2023

Objective: Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease is a rare X-linked recessive leukodystrophy caused by a mutation in the proteolipid protein (PLP) gene on chromosome Xq22. PMD is an early-onset neurological disorder characterized by nystagmus, spastic quadriplegia, ataxia, and developmental delay. Genetic analysis has identified Xq22 microduplications (60-70%), point mutations (10–25%), and deletions (5-10%) within the coding region of the PLP genes in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease. This study evaluated six patients with PLP1 deletion and duplication in four Turkish families.

Material and Methods: To detect the duplication and deletion of PLP1, chromosomal microarray analysis, and multiplex ligation-related probe amplification assays were performed.

Results: In these four families, two brothers had a hemizygous deletion in the PLP1 gene, their carrier mother had a deletion in the PLP1 gene, and another two unrelated boys and one girl had duplication of the PLP1. Also, we identified the rare case of two brother patients who were found to have a hemizygous deletion in the PLP1 gene. Their carrier mother had unexplained dementia.

Conclusion: Genotype-phenotype correlations of the PLP1 mutation in these families were identified in this study while trying to elucidate the genetic etiology of six individuals from four different families.
Airlander 10 Set to Go All-Electric
Authors: Knight Helen
Published: August 2023

UK project to power giant
Engineers to Use VR Tech
Authors: Knight Helen
Published: August 2023

Virtual reality courses successfully piloted
Holographic Development
Authors: Nathan Stuart
Published: August 2023

‘Maths is the key’ to creating 3D projection
Component Production Cycle Could Speed Up
Authors: Knight Helen
Published: August 2023

Delay between production and a component's measurement checks could be reduced, boosting efficiency
Continuous Improvement
Authors: Excell Mike
Published: August 2023

Engineering subcontractors continue to exploit advances in automation and process improvement from production equipment suppliers.
Thinking Outside the Box with a Game-Changing Innovation
Authors: Nathan Stuart
Published: August 2023

The Manufacturing Technology Centre's state-of-the-art Factory in a Box initiative promises to revolutionise manufacturing.
Incidence and risk factors of recurrence in limb osteomyelitis patients after antibiotic‐loaded cement spacer for definitive bone defect treatment
Authors: Wu Hongri , Sun Dong , Wang Shulin , Jia Chao , Shen Jie , Wang Xiaohua , Hou Chunli , Xie Zhao , Luo Fei
Published: August 2023

Aims

This study was designed to characterize the recurrence incidence and risk factors of antibiotic-loaded cement spacer (ALCS) for definitive bone defect treatment in limb osteomyelitis.

Methods

We included adult patients with limb osteomyelitis who received debridement and ALCS insertion into the bone defect as definitive management between 2013 and 2020 in our clinical centre. The follow-up time was at least two years. Data on patients’ demographics, clinical characteristics, and infection recurrence were retrospectively collected and analyzed.

Results

In total, 314 patients with a mean age of 52.1 years (SD 12.1) were enrolled. After a mean of 50 months’ (24 to 96) follow-up, 53 (16.9%) patients had infection recurrence including 32 tibiae, ten femora, ten calcanea, and one humerus. Of all patients with recurrence, 30 (9.6%) occurred within one year and 39 (12.4%) within two years. Among them, 41 patients needed reoperation, five received antibiotics treatment only, and seven ultimately required amputations. Following multivariable analysis, we found that patients infected with Gram-negative bacilli were more likely to have a recurrence (odds ratio (OR) 2.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20 to 6.94; p = 0.046) compared to Staphylococcus aureus; segmental bone defects (OR 5.25, 95% CI 1.80 to 15.26; p = 0.002) and smoking (OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.39 to 6.50; p = 0.005) were also independent risk factors for recurrence after treatment.

Conclusion

Permanent ALCS might be an alternative strategy for definitive bone defect management in selected osteomyelitis cases. However, the overall high recurrence found suggests that it should be cautiously treated. Additionally, segmental defects, Gram-negative infections, and smoking were associated with an increased risk of infection recurrence.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(8):467–475.
The Role of the Child in a War Zone: 10-year-old Students' Responses to a Cognitively Challenging Picturebook on War – An Interview Study
Authors: Ommundsen Åse Marie , Stavem Gro Marie , Øgreid Anne Kristine
Published: August 2023

Abstract: This article explores how a shared reading of a challenging picturebook about war, Når kaniner blir redde [When Rabbits Get Scared] (Svingen and Slocinska), may foster students' critical and emotional literacy. The research question is: How may a shared reading of this challenging picturebook about war promote critical and emotional literacy in 10-year-old students? According to Martha Nussbaum, developing students' narrative imaginations through stories is a prerequisite for educating responsible citizens (Nussbaum Cultivating Humanity ; Nussbaum Not for Profit ). Picturebooks can be a tool for such education. The data were collected in an intervention project and the authors present the findings from student group interviews by identifying characteristics of critical and emotional literacy. The analysis demonstrates that a shared picturebook reading of this book may foster the students as responsible actors by promoting their ability to see the world from other people's perspectives and ignite critical, independent voices in them.
Poetry, Art and Historical Memory: Fostering Dialogue about War
Authors: Martínez-Carratalá Francisco Antonio , Miras Sebastián
Published: August 2023

Abstract: Art, in its different manifestations, is one of the many ways in which human beings express themselves and reflect on how they construct meanings, not only about themselves but also about their historical, social, and cultural context. In the case of literature, these stories bring readers closer to realities and topics that are different from their own, which allows them to broaden their experience. The present study analyzes two poetic works that interpret, from different perspectives, the effects and consequences of some of the most terrible episodes of the twentieth century; namely, World War II and the dictatorships in Latin America. The conclusions highlight the relevance of this type of work for the development of critical thinking through art to keep track of and repair the wounds of historical memory.
The Use of Images to Explore the Indigenous Experience of Conflict in Australian Children's Picturebooks
Authors: Baguley Margaret , Kerby Martin
Published: August 2023

Abstract: Australian children's picturebook authors and illustrators who choose armed conflict as their subject matter inevitably grapple with the paradox that, while war is a central component of national identity, the experience of Indigenous peoples remains, at best, underrepresented. This article uses the ideational, interpersonal, and textual meta-functions developed by Clare Painter et al. to compare how the Indigenous experience of conflict is represented in the Australian children's picturebooks Alfred's War (Bin Salleh and Fry) and Multuggerah and the Sacred Mountain (Uhr and O'Halloran).
Palaeoecology of Small Round Holes in Mississippian Crinoids: Salthill Quarry, Clitheroe, UK
Authors: Donovan Stephen
Published: August 2023

The ichnogenus Oichnus Bromley (= small round holes) is uncommon between the Carboniferous and Triassic. Fossil crinoids from Salthill Quarry, Lancashire, England (Mississippian, Chadian) were uncommonly infested by pits assigned to Oichnus paraboloides Bromley. These may be solitary in the disparid Synbathocrinus conicus Phillips or gregarious in the monobathrid Amphoracrinus gilbertsoni (Miller) and certain pluricolumnals. The infesting organisms were not predatory; the pits were certainly protective domiciles and harvesting of plankton may be considered parasitic on the host’s food source. The two contrasting habits of O. paraboloides suggests that these identical pits were produced by two different species with contrasting habits. The organisms that produced solitary O. paraboloides were likely reproducing by shedding their gametes into the water column. In contrast, gregariousness may have been necessary of an organism that reproduced by copulation, a habit similar to extant balanid barnacles.
How to Read—and Be Read by— Konjiki yasha : Reception, Performance, and the Turn-of-the-Century Japanese Novel
Authors: Ito Ken K.
Published: August 2023

Abstract: In 1902, a literary journal carried the account of a group of men and women who had gathered to discuss Ozaki Kōyō's Konjiki yasha (The golden demon, 1897–1902). The account—which belongs to a genre known as gappyō , or "joint review"—provides insights into a distinct Meiji mode of reading. Bringing the joint review into conversation with Western reader-response theory, this article uncovers a view of reading as a transaction between a text and its readers that produces multiple interpretations through the performance of social positionalities.
Ultra-compact integrated photonic switch using miniature phase change material inserted in a slot waveguide
Authors: Shi Hao , Zhang Lei , Wang Lin , Li Zhenjiang , Gao Yang , Wu Yanqing , Tai Renzhong
Published: August 2023

Utilization of phase change material in integrated photonic switches has gained significant attention due to its benefits of a broader bandwidth, higher switching contrast, smaller footprint, lower energy consumption, and better structural stability. In this paper, we propose an ultra-compact integrated photonic switch that utilizes a Ge2Sb2Se4Te1 (GSST) nanodisk with a diameter of 440 nm inserted into a slot waveguide on a standard silicon on insulator, with a footprint of only 2.8×0.66µm2. A meta-structure mode conversion element is also proposed to be used in series with the slot GSST switch. Simulations of the photonic switch show that the insertion loss of the device during the “ON” state is below 0.564 dB, and the extinction ratio is above 12.846 dB over a large wavelength of 1210 to 1410 nm (covering the entire O band), with a peak value of 16.694 dB. The proposed photonic switch will find potential in various applications in optical communication systems and optical networks.
High-efficiency broadband achromatic metalenses for visible full-stokes polarization imaging
Authors: Shen Siyuan , Li Suning , Yuan Yuan , Tan Heping
Published: August 2023

Polarization-imaging technology has important applications in target detection, communication, biomedicine, and other fields. A polarization imaging system based on metalenses, which provides new possibilities for the realization of highly integrated full-Stokes polarization imaging systems, can solve the problems of traditional polarization imaging systems, such as complex structures, large volumes, and the inability to simultaneously obtain linear and circular polarization states. However, currently designed metalens arrays that can achieve real-time full-Stokes polarization imaging can generally only be used for monochromatic detection, which significantly limits the amount of measured information of the object. Broad-spectrum polarization color imaging allows more image degrees of freedom, enabling more accurate characterization of polarization for multi-target object scenes in complex environments. To achieve broad-spectrum polarization imaging, we propose and design a metalens array that can achieve full-Stokes polarization imaging in the broadband visible range, in which the design process of metalenses for splitting and focusing broadband orthogonal circularly polarized light is emphasized. To design metalenses that can achieve polarization splitting and efficient focusing, we simulate and optimize the height and period of the nano-units and show that smaller periods and larger heights do not always result in higher-performance devices when designing multifunctional metalenses. The designed metalens array can split and diffraction-limited focus the orthogonal polarized incident light to the designated position with average focusing efficiencies of 59.2% under 460–680 nm TM linearly polarized light, 53.1% under TE linearly polarized light, 58.8% under left-handed circularly polarized light, and 52.7% under right-handed circularly polarized light. The designed metalenses can be applied to imaging systems, such as polarization imaging and polarization light-field imaging systems.
Frequency modes filtering of spectral peaks in optical frequency combs through molecular gas absorption and nonlinear polarization rotation
Authors: Jung Kwangyun , Kitajima Shotaro , Nishizawa Norihiko
Published: August 2023

Spectral peak generation is a recently reported phenomenon that narrow spectral dips of the optical spectrum turn into sharp peaks as they propagate through nonlinear optical fibers. We demonstrated the nonlinear polarization rotation-based spectral peak mode filtering to increase the signal-to-background ratio (SBR). The spectral peaks with almost constant frequency separation were generated from the femtosecond pulses absorbed by the CH4 gas through the highly nonlinear fiber. The generated spectral peaks were filtered through the polarizing beam splitter by the nonlinear polarization rotation, and the SBR was improved from 9 dB to ∼20 dB. The spectral peak generation phenomenon and the mode filtering were numerically confirmed by solving the coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations. The demonstrated method can generate strong comb modes with wide frequency spacing which are useful for highly sensitive environmental gas sensing spectroscopy. The wavelengths of the spectral peaks are fixed by the absorption spectra of the used gas cells. Therefore, this method can generate high quality spectral peaks of any wavelengths with wide spectral ranges through proper combinations of gas cells.
Hybrid photonic deep convolutional residual spiking neural networks for text classification
Authors: Zhang Yahui , Xiang Shuiying , Jiang Shuqing , Han Yanan , Guo Xingxing , Zheng Ling , Shi Yuechun , Hao Yue
Published: August 2023

Spiking neural networks (SNNs) offer powerful computation capability due to its event-driven nature and temporal processing. However, it is still limited to shallow structure and simple tasks due to the training difficulty. In this work, we propose a deep convolutional residual spiking neural network (DCRSNN) for text classification tasks. In the DCRSNN, the feature extraction is achieved via a convolution SNN with residual connection, using the surrogate gradient direct training technique. Classification is performed by a fully-connected network. We also suggest a hybrid photonic DCRSNN, in which photonic SNNs are used for classification with a converted training method. The accuracy of hard and soft reset methods, as well as three different surrogate functions, were evaluated and compared across four different datasets. Results indicated a maximum accuracy of 76.36% for MR, 91.03% for AG News, 88.06% for IMDB and 93.99% for Yelp review polarity. Soft reset methods used in the deep convolutional SNN yielded slightly better accuracy than their hard reset counterparts. We also considered the effects of different pooling methods and observation time windows and found that the convergence accuracy achieved by convolutional SNNs was comparable to that of convolutional neural networks under the same conditions. Moreover, the hybrid photonic DCRSNN also shows comparable testing accuracy. This work provides new insights into extending the SNN applications in the field of text classification and natural language processing, which is interesting for the resources-restrained scenarios.