bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examination of Lower Limb Microcirculation in Diabetic Patients With and Without Intermittent Claudication
Authors: Biró Katalin , Sándor Barbara , Tótsimon Kinga , Koltai Katalin , Fendrik Krisztina , Endrei Dóra , Vekasi Judit , Toth Kalman , Késmárky Gábor
Published: June 2023

Background: Intermittent claudication is a frequent complaint in lower extremity artery disease, but approximately two thirds of patients are asymptomatic, mostly in diabetic population. Non-invasive angiological and microrheological tests among diabetic patients with and without intermittent claudication were studied.
Methods: 98 diabetic patients were included and divided into two groups: 20 patients (63.5±8.8 yrs, 55% men, 45% women) had intermittent claudication, 78 patients (65.5±9.3 yrs, 61.5% men, 38.5% women) were asymptomatic. Hand-held Doppler, transcutaneous tissue partial oxygen pressure (tcpO2) measurement, tuning fork test and 6-minute walk test were performed and erythrocyte aggregation was investigated.
Results: Ankle/brachial index (p<0.02), and tcpO2 measured during provocational tests (p<0.003), 6-minute walk test (p<0.0001) were significantly deteriorated in the symptomatic group. Higher erythrocyte aggregation index and faster aggregate formation could be observed among claudicant patients (p<0.02). In spite of the statistically better results of the asymptomatic group, 13% of these patients had severe limb ischemia based on the result of tcpO2 measurement.
Conclusion: Claudication could be associated with worse hemodynamical and hemorheological status in diabetics; nevertheless, severe ischemia can develop even in asymptomatic subjects which can be revealed by noninvasive vascular tests, which highlights the importance of the early instrumental screening of the lower limbs.
Opportunity to Use New Ways of Working : Do Sectors and Organizational Characteristics Shape Employee Perceptions?
Authors: Giauque David , Cornu Frédéric , Renard Karine , Emery Yves
Published: June 2023

The diffusion of New Ways of Working (NWW) is an important trend in contemporary organi-zations. Many related empirical studies have been produced, but none have focused on differences in employees’ perceptions of the opportunity to use NWW according to organization sector (pri-vate, semi-public, public). This study, based on neoinstituionalism and HR attributions theory, investigated these differences via a survey (n=2693) of employees at private (n=358), semi-public (n=204), and public (n=2131) organizations. The results show that public employees reported less opportunity to use NWW than their private and semi-public counterparts. Furthermore, private sector employees were more likely to attribute well-being and productivity benefits to NWW than their public sector and semi-public counterparts. We also show that institutional and organiza-tional variables specific to the characteristics of organizations in the three sectors partially ex-plain the degree of perceptions with respect to the opportunity to use NWW.
Three Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines: A Retrospective Study Evaluating the Safety and the Immune Response in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Maniscalco Giorgia Teresa , Di Giulio Cesare Daniele , Liguori Valerio , Manzo Valentino , Prestipino Elio , Salvatore Simona , Di Battista Maria Elena , Moreggia Ornella , Ziello Antonio Rosario , Andreone Vincenzo , Scavone Cristina , Capuano Annalisa
Published: June 2023

Since the beginning of the mass immunization with COVID-19 vaccines of patients with multiple sclerosis, many data on the efficacy and safety of these vaccines have been produced. Considering that MS is an autoimmune disease whose pathology can be explained by an altered immune system and that some DMTs seem to be able to decrease the antibody response against COVID-19 vaccines, we carried out this retrospective study with the aim to evaluate the safety in terms of AEFIs occurrence and the antibody response after the third dose of COVID-19 vaccines in people with MS.
Third doses were administered from October 2021 to January 2022.
Two hundred and ten patients (64.8% female; mean age: 46 years) received the third dose of the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine and were included in the study. The majority of patients (n=193) were diagnosed with RRMS and EDSS values were ≤3.0 in 72.4% of them. DMTs most commonly used by included patients were interferon Beta 1-a, dimethyl fumarate, natalizumab and fingolimod. Overall, 160 patients (68.8% female) experienced 294 AEFIs, of which about 90% were classified as short-term, while 9.2% were classified as long-term. The most commonly reported following the booster dose were pain at the injection site, flu-like symptoms, headache, fever and fatigue. Regarding the immune response, consistently with literature data, we found that patients receiving ocrelizumab and fingolimod had lower IgG titer than patients receiving other DMTs.
Assessment of Trans Fatty Acid Levels in Popular Edible Oils and Fried Foods: Implications for Public Health in Tanzania
Authors: Mashili Fredirick , Rusobya Hassan Juma , Masaulwa Juliana Sylvester , Shonyella Cleopatra Justine , Ramaiya Kaushik , Willett Walter C
Published: June 2023

Trans fatty acids (TFA) are a concern for public health due to their negative impact on cardiovascular health. This study aimed to assess the levels of TFA and other fatty acids in popular edible oils and fried foods commonly consumed in Tanzania. A total of 57 samples from 38 brands of edible oils and 20 samples of fried street foods and fast foods were collected in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Capillary gas chromatography was used to determine TFA levels, while nutritional labeling and other fatty acid classes were also evaluated. Among the analyzed edible oils, 21% exceeded the recommended TFA levels, primarily found in popular brands of margarine, industrially refined sunflower oils, animal butter, and peanut butter. Only two food items surpassed the 2% TFA limit, but a majority of the foods had high levels of saturated fatty acids and a fatty acid profile similar to palm oil. Additionally, only 22% of the edible oils provided TFA content information. These findings indicate the persistence of TFA levels beyond recommended limits and inadequate TFA nutritional labeling in Tanzanian food products. Urgent interventions are necessary to reduce TFA levels and improve nutritional labeling practices to safeguard public health.
Structural Assessment Based on Vibration Measurement Test Combined With an Artificial Neural Network for the Steel Truss Bridge
Authors: Tran Minh Quang , Sousa Hélder S , Ngo Thuc V , Nguyen Binh Duc , Nguyễn Quyền , Nguyen Huan X , Baron Edward , Matos José , DANG Son Ngoc
Published: June 2023

Damage assessment is one of the most crucial issues for bridge engineers, especially for existing steel bridges. Among several methodologies, the vibration measurement test is a typical approach in which the natural frequency variation of the structure is monitored to detect the existence of damage. However, locating and quantifying the damage is still a big challenge. In this regard, the artificial intelligence (AI)-based approach seems a potential way to accomplish those obstacles. This study deploys a comprehensive campaign to determine all dynamic parameters of a pre-damage steel truss bridge structure. Based on the results of mode shape, natural frequency, and damping ratio, a finite element model (FEM) is created and keeps updating. The artificial intelligence network's input data will be analyzed and evaluation from damage cases. The trained artificial neural network model will be curated and evaluated to confirm the approach's feasibility. During the actual operational stage of the steel truss bridge, this damage assessment system is showing good performance in terms of monitoring the structural behavior of the bridge under some unexpected accidents.
Discontinuous PWM Strategy with Frequency Modulation for Vibration Reduction in Asynchronous Machines
Authors: Ruiz-Gonzalez Antonio , Heredia-Larrubia Juan-Ramon , Perez-Hidalgo Francisco M. , Meco-Gutierrez Mario Jesus
Published: June 2023

The objective of this research is to mitigate vibrations in induction motors. To achieve this goal, a discontinuous pulse width modulation (PWM) control strategy based on carrier wave modulation is proposed for multilevel inverters. This study provides justification for the reduction of machine vibrations compared to existing control techniques documented in the technical literature. Additionally, the proposed technique offers the advantage of attenuating the Total Harmonic Distortion of the multilevel inverter's output voltage while simultaneously achieving a higher RMS value for the same DC level. By modifying a parameter of the carrier wave, the control strategy allows for variations in the electrical spectrum while avoiding natural mechanical resonance frequencies, thereby reducing motor vibrations. Laboratory results demonstrating the application of different modulation strategies in a multilevel inverter for an induction motor and a comparison with the presented strategy are provided.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Habitat Quality Analysis in the Temperate Desert Sub-region of Ordos Plateau, China
Authors: Pei Min , Wang Jingjie , Liu Xiaohuang , Liu Jiufeng , Zhao Xiaofeng , Li Hongyu , Wang Ran , Luo Xinping , Xing Liyuan , Wang Chao , Zhao Honghui
Published: June 2023

Habitat quality has great significance for regional ecological conservation and human welfare. In this study, we evaluated the spatial and temporal characteristics of land use and habitat quality in the temperate desert sub-region of Ordos Plateau using patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) and integrated valuation of ecosystem services and trade-offs (InVEST) models. From 2000 to 2020, the areas of grassland, cropland, and unused land in the study area increased significantly; the areas of water bodies and woodland increased slightly; and the area of wasteland decreased significantly. Moreover, the habitat quality in the temperate desert subzone of the Ordos Plateau showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing from 2000 to 2020. The areas of lower and low habitat quality first decreased and then increased, and the overall area decreased over time. Conversely, the areas of high and higher habitat quality initially increased and then decreased, and the overall area increased over time. The area of medium habitat quality first decreased and then increased, although the overall change was minimal. Based on the PLUS model, the habitat quality of the study area in 2025 predicted under the natural development scenario was compared with that predicted under the ecological conservation scenario, showing higher habitat quality and lower habitat degradation under the ecological conservation development scenario. These results can be used to provide a scientific basis and decision reference for the sustainable use of land resources and high-quality socio-economic development in the temperate desert sub-region of the Ordos Plateau.
Adoption, Acceptability, and Effectiveness of Community Software LINE Official Account for Oncological Case Management of Patients with Oral Cancer
Authors: Chang Ying-Ying , Hsieh Ming-Hsin , Wu Hsing-Ling Carol , Chou Yu-Shu , Chang Chia-Hui
Published: June 2023

Background: Cancer patients require cross-professional care during the diagnosis and treatment periods. Therefore, methods for effectively carrying out case management are essential to tumor care.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of using the community software LINE Official Ac-count on oral cancer case management.

Methods: An experimental design was used; 100 patients were randomly divided into two groups by using a computer-generated random number table. The experimental group used LINE Official Account, which gave them self-care information, timely messages, and one-on-one health-care consultations. The control group followed standard healthcare practices.

Results: The experimental group was satisfied with the self-care information provided by LINE Official Account (86.9%), patients regularly checked the self-care information (89.4%) and would check the information when receiving a push notification (54.3%). Ten patients used the one-on-one consultation(20.0%). LINE Official Account had a significant effect on the rate of participation in support groups. Generalized estimating equations indicated a significant difference between the two groups regarding the overall quality of life over 7 days (P = 0.023).

Conclusion: Community software applications used in oncological case management can improve self-management and empower, also enable tracking of long-term follow-up effectiveness and reinforce the case manager’s role as a family therapist. Therefore, this study recommends that case manager systems be incorporated into mobile applications to increase the sustainable management, accessibility, effectiveness, and satisfaction of oncological management systems. This study also provides the value of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with Good Health and Well-being, and decreased social withdrawal among patients with oral cancer.
Revisiting Two Decades of Research Focused on Targeting APE1 for Cancer Therapy: The Pros and Cons
Authors: Malfatti Matilde Clarissa , Bellina Alessia , Antoniali Giulia , Tell Gianluca
Published: June 2023

APE1 is an essential endodeoxyribonuclease of the base excision repair pathway that maintains genome stability. It was identified as a pivotal factor favoring tumor progression and chemo-resistance through the control of gene expression by a redox-based mechanism. APE1 is overex-pressed and serum-secreted in different cancers, representing a prognostic and predictive factor, and a promising non-invasive biomarker. Strategies directly targeting APE1 funtions led to the identification of inhibitors showing a potential therapeutic value, which some of them are cur-rently in clinical trials. Interestingly, evidence indicates novel roles of APE1 in RNA metabolism still not fully understood, including its activity in processing damaged RNA in chemoresistant phenotypes, regulating oncomiRs maturation, and oxidized-RNA decay. Recent data point out a control role of APE1 in the expression and sorting of oncomiRs, within secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs). This review is focused on giving a portrait of the pros and cons of the last two decades of research aiming at the identification of inhibitors of the redox or the DNA-repair functions of APE1 for the definition of novel targeted therapies for cancer. We will discuss the new perspectives in cancer therapy coming from the unexpected finding of the APE1 role in miRNA processing for personalized therapy.
Principles of Artificial Neural Networks and Machine Learning for Bioinformatics Applications
Authors: Krampis Konstantinos , Ross Eric , Ogunwobi Olorunseun , Ma Grace , Mazumder Raja , Wultsch Claudia
Published: June 2023

With the exponential growth of machine learning and development of Artificial Neural Network (ANNs) in recent years, there is great opportunity to leverage this approach and accelarate bio-logical discoveries through applications on the analysis of bioinformatics data. Various types of datasets including for example protein or gene interaction networks, molecular structures and cellular signalling pathways, have already been used for machine learning by training ANNs for inference and pattern classification. However, unlike regular data structures that are commonly used in the computer science and engineering fields, bioinformatics datasets present challenges that require unique algorithmic approaches. The recent development of the geometric and deep learning approach within the machine learning field, is very promising towards accelerating analysis complex bioinformatics datasets. The principles of ANNs and their importance for bio-informatics machine learning is demonstrated herein, through presentation of the undelying mathematical and statistical foundations from group theory, symmetry, linear algebra. Further-more, the structure and functions of ANN algorithms that form the core principles of artificial intelligence are explained, in relation to the bioinformatics data domain. Overall, the manuscript provides guidance for researchers to understand the principles required for practicing machine learning and artificial intelligence, with the special considerations towards bioinformatics applications.
The Future of Newborn Genomic Screening
Authors: LANTOS JOHN David
Published: June 2023

GS provides exciting opportunities to rapidly identify a diagnosis in critically ill newborns and children with rare genetic conditions. But there are good reasons to remain cautious about the broad implementation of these strategies in babies and children. At best, rapid GS leads to diagnoses in many infants in highly selected populations. It sometimes leads to beneficial and changes in management. Parents and physicians both often find these results useful.

We don’t know how useful such testing will be in the general population. It is almost inevitable that genetic counseling will be more challenging in a more general population. We don’t know how often GS helps improve outcome and survival or reduce symptoms in babies who receive a molecular diagnosis. We don’t know the relative cost-effectiveness of whole genome, whole exome, or targeted panels in different populations. We don’t know the relative contribution of a molecular diagnosis to the decision to withdraw life support.

Each of these concerns will require careful study of both the technology and the ethical issues to allow us to harness the potential of these new technologies while avoiding foreseeable problems.

Studies are underway to see how the tests are used in general populations. These studies should generate important information to guide clinicians and policymakers. In the meantime, parents should know that genetic results sometimes confirm an already suspected dismal prognosis and sometimes yield only ambiguous findings. Anticipatory discussions should try to give parents a realistic understanding of the likely impact of a genetic diagnosis. Both doctors and parents should recognize that the clinical usefulness of diagnostic genomic testing in newborns is a work in progress. We are only a decade into the age of true genomic medicine. We still have much to learn.
Rethinking the Term "Energy Deficiency": A Critique of Oversimplification in Nutrition and Metabolism
Authors: Manninen Anssi H
Published: June 2023

This brief commentary challenges the use of the term "energy deficiency" in nutrition and metabolism, providing a critical examination of its scientific and philosophical aspects. It emphasizes the need to consider rare diseases associated with actual energy deficiency, which extend beyond the scope of everyday tiredness or fatigue. By analyzing energy balance and its complexities, this critique underscores the oversimplification associated with the term and its potential for misleading implications. It highlights the dynamic nature of energy metabolism and the intricate mechanisms involved in maintaining energy equilibrium, including the impact of rare genetic and physiological abnormalities. In addition to the discussion on energy balance, this commentary explores the manifestation of rare diseases that disrupt energy production, utilization, or hormonal regulation. Conditions such as mitochondrial diseases, glycogen storage diseases, adrenal insufficiency, and Prader-Willi syndrome are examined, shedding light on their profound impact on individuals' energy levels and overall health. The distinct time courses, underlying mechanisms, and clinical implications of protein deficiency, energy deficiency, and vitamin C deficiency are also compared, further emphasizing the complexity of energy metabolism and its relationship with various nutrient deficiencies. To foster a more comprehensive understanding of energy metabolism and enhance clarity in communication within the field, the commentary proposes the adoption of alternative terminology, such as "energy flux," to capture the multifaceted nature of energy balance more accurately. By reevaluating the terminology employed, researchers and healthcare professionals can better convey the intricate dynamics of energy metabolism and address the unique challenges faced by individuals with rare diseases causing actual energy deficiency. In conclusion, this commentary serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the concept of energy deficiency in nutrition and metabolism. It highlights the limitations of the term in capturing the complexities of energy balance, particularly in the context of rare diseases. By broadening the discussion to include these rare conditions, it encourages a more comprehensive understanding of energy metabolism and calls for precise and nuanced terminology to facilitate effective communication and advancements in the field.
Usage and Microbial Safety of Shared and Unshared Excreta Disposal Facilities in Developing Countries: The case of a Ghanaian Rural District
Authors: Obeng Peter Appiah , Awere Eric , Obeng Panin Asirifua , Oteng-Peprah Michael , Mwinsuubo Albert Kaabieredomo , Bonoli Alessandra , Quaye Sharon Amanda
Published: June 2023

Sharing facilities with other households offers the most realistic opportunity for access to sanitation to many households in low-income settings. However, questions remain about the safety of shared toilets, including those shared at the household level. This study sought to compare the usage and microbial safety of household-level shared and unshared toilets in a Ghanaian rural district to investigate any association between their microbial safety and sharing status. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the user characteristics of the sampled toilets, while common contact surfaces (door handles and toilet seats) were assessed for faecal contamination following standard swab sampling and analytical protocols. The results of the study indicate that sharing toilets affords about 90% more household-level access to sanitation as compared to single-household toilets. Toilet sharing mostly occurred between two households, with a maximum user population of 14 per toilet. Generally, there was a high prevalence of faecal contamination of the door handles and seats of both shared and unshared toilets, but this had no association with the sharing status of the toilets. The median concentration of E. coli on door handles and seats of shared toilets were 34.3 x 105 and 103.2 x 105 CFU/ml respectively as compared to 54.7 x 105 and 125.0 x 105 CFU/ml respectively on unshared toilets. In conclusion, the sharing of toilets at the household level nearly doubles access to sanitation at home without necessarily exposing the users to a higher risk of faecal-oral disease transmission.
Changes in the Human Gut Microbiome during Dietary Supplementation with Modified Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Compound
Authors: Schupfer Emily , Ooi Soo Liang , Jeffries Thomas , Wang Shaoyu , Micalos Peter , Pak Sok Cheon
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the effects of modified rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC) as a dietary supplement on the gut microbiota of healthy adults. Ten volunteers supplemented their diet with 1g of RBAC for six weeks and 3g of RBAC for another six weeks, with a three-week washout period. Faecal samples were collected every 3 weeks over 21 weeks. Microbiota from faecal samples were profiled using 16S rRNA sequencing. Assessment of alpha and beta microbiota diversity was performed using the QIIME2 platform. The results revealed that alpha and beta diversity were not associated with the experimental phase, interventional period, RBAC dosage, or time. However, statistical significance of participant was detected in alpha (p<0.002) and beta (weighted unifrac, p=0.001) diversity. Explanatory factors including age and diet were significantly associated with alpha (p<0.05) and beta (p<0.01) diversity. The individual beta diversity of six participants significantly changed (p<0.05) during the interventional period. Seven participants showed statistically significant taxonomic changes (ANCOM W≥5). These results classified four participants as responders to RBAC supplementation, with a further two participants likely responders. In conclusion, the gut microbiome is highly individualised and modulated by RBAC as a dietary supplement, dependent on lifestyle and dietary intake
Current Development of Bio-inspired Nanoparticles in Cancer Theragnostics
Authors: Tripathi Divya , Hajra Kasturee , Maity Dipak
Published: June 2023

The introduction of cancer therapeutics and nanotechnology has resulted in a paradigm shift from conventional therapy to precision medicine. Nanotechnology, an interdisciplinary field with a focus on biomedical applications, holds immense promise in bringing about novel approaches for cancer detection, diagnosis, and therapy. The past decade has witnessed significant research and material applications related to nanoparticles (NPs). NPs differ from small-molecule drugs as they possess unique physicochemical characteristics, such as a large surface-to-volume ratio, enabling them to penetrate live cells efficiently. Traditional cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, have limitations, such as cytotoxicity, lack of specificity, and multiple drug resistance, which pose significant challenges for effective cancer treatment. However, nanomaterials have unique properties that enable new therapeutic modalities beyond conventional drug delivery in the fight against cancer. Moreover, nanoparticles (1-100 nm) have numerous benefits, such as biocompatibility, reduced toxicity, excellent stability, enhanced permeability and retention effect, and precise targeting, making them ideal for cancer treatment. The purpose of this article is to provide consolidated information on various bio-inspired nanoparticles that aid in cancer theragnostics.
On-line Supplement: Presentation Slides

A New Model of Learning: Environmental Health in a Global World
Authors: Rom William N , Rao Aishwarya , Dickey Chris , Hoepner Lori
Published: June 2023

Introduction. Environmental Health in a Global World at New York University was re-designed as a class participatory effort, challenging undergraduate students to understand environmental hazards and the resultant adverse health outcomes by embracing the inherent complexity of environmental risks and proposing solutions.
Methods. Following introductory lectures, students are placed into teams and assigned a specific perspective, or avatar, which includes learning to see the challenge from the perspective of a technical expert such as a biologist, an engineer, or an anthropologist. The teams then design specific systems maps to visualize the complex interactions that lead to adverse health outcomes after a given environmental exposure. The maps highlight potential leverage points, where relatively minor interventions can provide a disproportionate benefit in health outcomes. The teams then explore potential interventions and identify the potential unintended consequences of those actions, develop and advocate for innovative new strategies to mitigate risk and improve outcomes.
Results and Discussion. Over the past 5 years we have taught this methodology to over 680 students with strong, student-oriented results. The teams created and presented more than 100 strategies, addressing a diverse set of environmental challenges that include water contamination, gun violence, air pollution, environmental justice, health security, and climate change. Developing the strategies helped the students understand environmental threats in a more holistic way, provided them with some agency in finding solutions, and offered an opportunity for them to improve their presentation skills. The responses in course evaluations have been enthusiastic, with many students reporting a deep impact on their college experience.
Touching a Mechanical Body: The Role of Anthropomorphic Framing in Physiological Arousal When Touching a Robot
Authors: Maj Konrad , Grzybowicz Paulina , Drela Wiktoria Laura , Olszanowski Michał
Published: June 2023

The growing prevalence of social robots in various fields necessitates a deeper understanding of touch in Human-Robot Interaction (HRI). This study investigates how human-initiated touch influences physiological responses during interactions with robots, considering factors such as anthropomorphic framing of robot body parts and attributed gender. Two types of anthropomorphic framings are applied: the use of anatomical body part names and assignment of male or female gender to the robot. Higher physiological arousal is observed when touching less accessible body parts than when touching more accessible body parts in both conditions. Results also indicate that using anatomical names intensifies arousal compared to the control condition. Additionally, touching the male robot resulted in higher arousal in all participants, especially when anatomical body part names were used. This study contributes to the understanding of how anthropomorphic framing and gender impact physiological arousal in touch interactions with social robots, offering valuable insights for social robotics development.
Intelligent Biological Networks: Improving anti-microbial resistance resilience through nutritional interventions to understand protozoal gut infections
Authors: Karpe Avinash V. , Beale David J. , Tran Cuong D
Published: June 2023

Enteric protozoan pathogenic infections significantly contribute to the global burden of gastrointestinal illnesses. Their occurrence is considerable within remote and indigenous communities and regions due to reduced access to clean water and adequate sanitation. The robustness of these pathogens means requirement of harsh treatment methods such as medicinal drugs or antibiotics. However, such treatments impact the gut microbiome, and create dysbiosis, often leading to opportunistic pathogens, anti-microbial resistance, or functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Recent studies have shown that these impacts do not remain confined to gut, and are reflected across the gut-brain, gut-liver, and gut-lung axes, among others. Therefore, apart from the medicinal treatment, nutritional supplementation is also a key aspect of providing the recovery from this dysbiosis. Future proteins, prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and food formulations offer a good solution to remedy this dysbiosis. Furthermore, the nutritional supplementation also helps to build a resilience against the opportunistic pathogens and potential future infections and disorders that may arise due to the dysbiosis. Systems biology techniques have shown to be highly effective tools to understand the biochemistry of these processes. Systems biology techniques characterises the fundamental host-pathogen interaction biochemical pathways, at various infection and recovery stages. This same mechanism also allows to track the impact of abovementioned treatment methods of gut microbiome remediation. This manuscript is organised in sections delving into system biology approaches and upcoming developments to understand (1) Infection mechanism and current global status; (2) Cross-organ impacts of dysbiosis, particularly within gut-liver and gut-lung axes; (3) Nutritional interventions. It highlights the impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and Multi-drug resistance (MDR) from a perspective of protozoal infections. It also highlights the role of nutritional interventions to add resilience against the chronic problems caused by these phenomena.
Clinical and Pathological Features of Osteosarcomas of the Jaws. A Retrospective Study
Authors: Rodriguez-Molinero Jesus , Pozo-Kreilinger Jose Juan , Ruiz-Roca Juan-Antonio , López-Sánchez Antonio Francisco , Cebrian-Carretero Jose Luis
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Osteosarcomas of the jaw (OSJ) are rare tumors with a different behavior from osteosarcomas of other bones. This study aims to analyze the clinical, pathological, and therapeutic characteristics of this type of sarcoma.
Methods: a retrospective observational study of cases diagnosed with OSJ registered at the “La Paz” University Hospital (Madrid).
Results: Eight cases with a diagnosis of OSJ were obtained in a study period of 22 years (2000-2022). The mean age was 41 years. The distribution was 1:1 between the maxilla and mandible. Painful inflammation was the most frequent clinical manifestation. Conventional osteoblastic osteosarcoma was the most common. Survival at 5 years was 50%, while at 10 years, it decreased to 25%.
Conclusions: OSJ differs from conventional osteosarcomas of long tubular bones. Surgery continues to be the mainstay of treatment; more studies are needed in which more standardized protocols can be proposed for adjuvant therapeutic management.
10-Port MIMO Inverted-F Antenna for LTE Bands 42/43/48/49 Bands Smartphone Applications
Authors: Zahid Muhammad , Khalid Aliya , Moazzam Hira , Sadaqat Hajra , Shoaib Sultan , Amin Yasar
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a design and performance analysis of a 10-element 5G massive MIMO antenna array for sub-6GHz mobile handsets, specifically for LTE bands 42/43/48/49 applications. The proposed antenna array consists of 10 closely spaced linearly polarized inverted-F antennas with a compact size of 20 × 9 mm2 of a single element. The proposed antenna array provides high gain, high efficiency, and low correlation between the antenna elements, which results in improved channel capacity, increased data rate, and enhanced signal quality. The performance of the antenna array is evaluated in terms of the radiation pattern, gain, efficiency, and correlation coefficient. The simulation and measured results show that the proposed antenna array achieves an approximate peak gain of 3.1 dBi at the resonance frequency, a total efficiency of 65 %, and a low correlation coefficient of 0.06 between the antenna elements. Therefore, the proposed 5G massive MIMO antenna array is a promising candidate for sub-6 GHz mobile handsets, particularly for LTE bands 42/43/48/49 applications
Triple Negative Breast Cancer Treatment Options and Limitations: Future Outlook
Authors: Obidiro Onyinyechi , Battogtokh Gantumur , Akala Emmanuel O.
Published: June 2023

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a negative expression of estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), or human epidermal growth factor receptors (HER2). The survival rate for TNBC is generally worse than other breast cancer subtypes. TNBC treatment has made significant advances, but certain limitations remain. Treatment for TNBC can be challenging since the disease has various subtypes. Individualized therapy is recommended rather than generalized therapy, given the genetic variations among these TNBC subtypes. A precise and effective treatment for TNBC requires identifying prognostic markers. Depending on the type and stage of TNBC, patients are treated with various therapeutic interventions. A variety of treatment options are available, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Chemotherapy is the most common of these options. TNBC is generally treated with systemic chemotherapy using drugs such as anthracyclines and taxanes in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant settings. Developing resistance to anticancer drugs and off target toxicity are the primary hindrances to chemotherapeutic solutions for cancer. It is imperative that researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical companies work together to develop effective treatment options for TNBC. Several studies have suggested nanotechnology as a potential solution to the problem of suboptimal TNBC treatment.
Post-operative Greater Tuberosity Resorption or Malreduction is Associated with Poor Prognostic Outcomes in Patients with Proximal Humeral Fractures Treated Operatively
Authors: Lu Kuan-Yu , Tai Ting-Han , Liu Yu-Hsin , Chiang Chang-Jung , Wong Chin-Chean , Wu Jeffrey Jun-Ying
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: Proximal humerus fractures can be a debilitating condition if not properly treated. These fracture patterns are varied and differ in every patient. Functional outcomes may be determined by the integrity of the shoulder girdle involving the rotator cuff insertion. The post-operative resorption or malreduction of the greater tuberosity is an important factor contributing to the poor functional outcome of a patient. (2) Methods: A single-center retrospective comparative study was performed to evaluate the functional outcomes of patients undergoing operative fixation for this injury. A total of 387 consecutive cases treated operatively from 2019-2021 were included for analysis. (3) Results: 94 cases fulfilled our criteria for analysis. A matched-group comparison of 19 patients each was performed to compare demographics, post-operative fracture characteristics and functional outcomes. (4) Conclusions: The resorption or malreduction of the greater tuberosity contributes greatly to the prognostic outcome in patients treated with ORIF surgery. In our demographic study, obesity is another contributing factor affecting the parameters of post-operative reduction in proximal humerus fractures. Appropriate surgical planning and post-operative multidisciplinary care must be taken into consideration to attain a satisfactory prognostic outcome.
Moonlighting agricultural practices of Ugandan rural teachers and teacher retention
Authors: Arinaitwe Gilbert , Michael Corbett
Published: June 2023

This paper explores a little understood aspect of education labour markets, the tendency for teachers to simultaneously engage in both white-collar side-hustle and blue-collar or land-based entrepreneurial activities. The papers argues that teacher’s engagement in multiple activities such as moonlighting and agriculture in rural community enhances their income and this helps to compensate for wage differentials with their urban counterparts. This practice is also associated with teacher retention and community integration of teachers which is a common challenge relating to rural school staffing. We suggest that the phenomenon of non-education related teacher side-hustles, which are typically understood to be problematic, is a more complex issue and a practice which may have potential benefits for hard-to-staff schools.
Prioritization of Research Engaged with Rare Disease Stakeholders: A Systematic Review and Thematic Analysis
Authors: Yoon Soho , Cho Soojin , Lee Minjee , Jung Hoi-In , Khan M. Mahmud , Kim So-Yoon , Kim Hannah
Published: June 2023

Background: Although rare diseases (RD) become a significant agenda of healthcare activities all around the world, prioritizing RD research policies with limited evidence has been a challenge in public setting. Since rare conditions require involvement of a wider array of stakeholders to create awareness and political support, it is critically important to identify trends of a various research targeting rare disease stakeholders, including specific topics or issues to be included in RD stakeholder surveys. This systematic review and thematic analysis describes the literature on RD surveys, including the stakeholders involved, and proposes research priorities for policy-making related to RD.
Methods: Articles were downloaded from five electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, and CINHAL) and 115 studies were included.
Results: Among 115 studies, the main research participants were patients and/or caregivers (n=77, 67.0%), health professionals (n=18, 15.7%), and the public (n=7, 6.1%). The studies discussed RDs in general (n=46, 40.0%) and endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (n=20, 17.4 %) and other RDs. According to the topic areas, experience with RD was examined by more than half of the selected studies (n=74, 64.3%) followed by the opinions of stakeholders (n=24, 20.9%). Most of the studies used a survey method (n=114, 99.1%). The majority of the studies were conducted in high-income countries (n=92, 80.0%) and rarely in middle and low-income countries (n=12, 13.8%).
Conclusion: Stakeholder research on RD reveals presence of significant unmet needs and challenges faced by the medical system in dealing with RDs. Public support is critical for ensuring political feasibility of increasing national-level investments for RDs and development of medical products and treatment.
Pragmatic Skills in People With Williams Syndrome: the Perception of Families
Authors: Moraleda-Sepúlveda Esther , López-Resa Patricia
Published: June 2023

Background
One of the most challenging linguistic areas in people with Williams Syndrome throughout their evolutionary stage is the development of pragmatic skills. The research conducted so far highlights specific problems concerning adaptation to the linguistic context and interlocutors, language comprehension, as well as other aspects interfering with verbal communication. However, until now, most scientific evidence has been based on personal assessments of this group. In a complementary manner, the goal of this study was to discover the level of pragmatic skills of people with Williams Syndrome from the point of view of the families. The sample consisted of 34 families belonging to the Williams Syndrome Association of Spain. The assessment instrument was the Pragmatic Awareness Questionnaire, which includes 26 items related to different aspects that are part of the pragmatic area on a Likert-type scale.
Results
The results indicate that generally speaking, families consider there to be a regular to low level in all the areas assessed. The strong points seem to lie in the paralinguistic aspects, while the weakest factors are those related to the understanding of figurative language.
Conclusions
Therefore, it is necessary to continue insisting on the importance of language intervention in this group throughout its development in order to improve its level of linguistic competence.
Laparoscopic Gonadectomy in Children with Disorders of Sex Development
Authors: Erginel Basak , Karli Gokce , Mustafayeva Naile , Poyrazoglu Sukran , Keskin Erbug , Soysal Feryal Gun
Published: June 2023

Background
Gonadectomy is necessary due to the risk of malignancy in children with disorders of sex development (DSD) carrying Y chromosome. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of laparoscopic gonadal surgery in DSD patients.
Methods
Fourteen female phenotype patients carrying Y chromosomes with DSD who underwent laparoscopic gonadal surgery between February 2015 and December 2022 are retrospectively evaluated.
Results
The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 11.71 ± 6.4 years (1–18 years). The underlying disease was androgen insensitivity syndrome in four, 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis in three patients, lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in two, Leydig cell hypoplasia in two, 45,X/46,XY mixed gonadal dysgenesis in one, ovotesticular DSD in one, 46X, dic(Y) gonadal dysgenesis in one patient. The average operation time was 33 ± 2 (25–64) minutes. None of the cases were converted to open surgery. All patients were discharged on the first day. No postoperative complication is reported. The histological evaluation of the patients with lipoid CAH, Leydig cell hypoplasia, and androgen insensitivity syndrome revealed immature testis, ovotesticular DSD patients revealed ovotestis, 45XO/46XY mixed gonadal dysgenesis patients' and 46 X,dic(Y) mixed gonadal dysgenesis patients revealed ovarian tissue, 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis' patients revelead gonadoblastoma, immature testis on the right side and ovary on the left side and bilateral mesonephric remnants.
Conclusions
In Y chromosome carrying DSD patients, laparoscopic gonadectomy should be the preferred treatment method as an efficient, safe, and well-tolerated procedure, for gonads that are planned to be removed due to the risk of malignancy or non-compliance with the determined gender.
Primary tumor location is a risk factor for postoperative development of sarcopenia related to poor outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: abe shinya , Nozawa Hiroaki , Sasaki Kazuhito , Murono Koji , Emoto Shigenobu , Yokoyama Yuichiro , Matsuzaki Hiroyuki , Nagai Yuzo , Shinagawa Takahide , Sonoda Hirofumi , Ishihara Soichiro
Published: June 2023

Background
The present study aimed to investigate the loss of skeletal muscle mass after surgery and how it affects long-term outcomes.
Methods
This retrospective analysis included clinical stage I- IV colorectal cancer patients who underwent curative resection between April 2012 and March 2014 at the University of Tokyo Hospital. We excluded patients with recurrence within 12 months of colorectal resection. The psoas muscle area at the third lumbar vertebra level was evaluated by computed tomography and was divided by the square of height to obtain the psoas muscle mass index (PMI). Sarcopenia was defined using the generally accepted PMI cut-off values for Asian adults of 6.36 cm2/m2 for males and 3.92 cm2/m2 for females.
Results
Among 511 enrolled patients, 359 were analyzed and 169 had preoperative sarcopenia. One year after colorectal resection, 24 patients (12.6%) had newly diagnosed sarcopenia, while 46 (27.2%) had recovered from sarcopenia. Rectal cancer was identified as an independent risk factor for the postoperative development of sarcopenia (OR 5.05; 95%CI 0.08–0.48; p = 0.0003). The median follow-up period was 7.0 years, and 5-year OS and DFS rates were 94.3 and 80.4%, respectively. Postoperative sarcopenia was an independent risk factor for shorter DFS in a multivariate analysis (HR 1.62; 95%CI 1.06–2.49; p = 0.0267).
Conclusion
Postoperative sarcopenia one year after surgery was associated with poor DFS, and, thus, the prevention of skeletal muscle loss needs to be considered during postoperative surveillance, particularly in rectal cancer patients without sarcopenia before surgery.
Waste Cooking Oil Classification through Raman Spectroscopy and Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Mannu Alberto , Karabagias Ioannis Konstantinos , Petretto Giacomo Luigi , Garroni Sebastiano , Poddighe Matteo , Malfatti Luca
Published: June 2023

Five benches of used vegetable oils were prepared by deep frying of commercial edible vegetable oil. Raman analyses of original and waste samples revealed few and small differences between samples. Nevertheless, statistical multivariate analysis, in particular unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) followed by supervised partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), conducted on the raw Raman fid allowed to determine a chemical fingerprint charac-teristic of each sample. The technique in principle can be used for quality assessment of waste vegetable oils, and for detection of waste’s adulteration with edible oils.
Yeast lipid droplet dynamics are coupled to sphingolipid biosynthesis via Tsc3p
Authors: Hertel Manuel , Mastrototaro Lucia , Martínez-Montañés Fernando , Ejsing Christer S. , Beller Mathias , Markgraf Daniel F. , Roden Michael
Published: June 2023

Regulation of lipid metabolism is pivotal for living cells to maintain the balance between energy production and membrane component assembly. Fatty acids can be stored as triacylglycerols in lipid droplets (LD) or accumulate in various subcellular compartments as diacylglycerols or sphingolipids, which may exert deleterious effects and associate with metabolic diseases. At present, the mechanisms maintaining the balance of neutral lipid synthesis and consumption remain largely unknown. Thus, this study aimed to identify regulators of LD dynamics in yeast. Based on flow cytometry we assess LD consumption in candidates involved in first steps of sphingolipid synthesis. We found that the Tsc3p deletion strain (tsc3Δ) displayed a decrease in LD consumption, which was reversed by adding phytosphingosine. Assessment of lipidomic profiles revealed decreased ceramide level intsc3Δcells. In addition, we determined the subcellular localization of Tsc3p and analogous human small subunits of the serine palmitoyltransferase to the endoplasmic reticulum and that ssSPTb rescues the LD consumption defect intsc3Δcells. In conclusion, our data show thattsc3Δimpairs LD breakdown accompanied by low cellular sphingolipid level which lead to suggestion that Tsc3p is required for efficient sphingolipid biosynthesis for maintaining cellular lipid homeostasis.