bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Methodology to Introduce Sustainable Development Goals in Engineering Degrees by Means of Multidisciplinary Projects
Authors: Calvo Isidro , Carrascal Edorta , González José Manuel , Armentia Aintzane , Gil-García José Miguel , Barambones Oscar , Basogain Xabier , Tazo-Herran Inmaculada , Apiñaniz Estibaliz
Published: May 2024

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) reflect the relevance that sustainability is gaining in our societies. Including sustainability-related topics in university curricula requires the revision of the contents, teaching/learning strategies and assessment techniques. Although engineering degrees are starting to introduce them, it may become complex to design significant educational experiences. This partly comes from the fact that sustainability is a highly multidisciplinary issue but, currently, the knowledge is compartmentalised into subjects. In this challenging scenario, concrete activities are required for students to better internalise sustainability issues. This work aims to present a methodology that guides academic staff to materialise the design of sustainability-related multidisciplinary activities. Since the designers of new activities may benefit from knowledge of similar experiences, this article describes one implementation throughout eight subjects within the Bachelor’s degree on Industrial Electronics and Automation Engineering at UPV/EHU. The analysis and optimisation of the thermal comfort and energy consumption in the Faculty building became the common thread to design an educational itinerary that covers several subjects along all academic years of the degree, making use of active methodologies. The problem is analysed for every subject from different perspectives. Two questionnaires, carried out before and after the activities, were used for analysing the perception of the students after the activities. Results proved that the multidisciplinary project raised awareness about the SDGs and allowed students to visualise how to apply the acquired skills in problems close to their experience. As a result, more students considered sustainability as a possible future professional activity.
A Robust CoS-PVNet Pose Estimation Network in Complex Scenarios
Authors: Yong Jiu , Lei Xiaomei , Dang Jianwu , Wang Yangping
Published: May 2024

Object 6D pose estimation, as a key technology in applications such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), robotics, and autonomous driving, requires the prediction of the 3D position and 3D pose of objects robustly from complex scene images. However, complex environmental factors such as occlusion, noise, weak texture, and lighting changes may affect the accuracy and robustness of object 6D pose estimation. We propose a robust CoS-PVNet (complex scenarios pixel-wise voting network) pose estimation network for complex scenes. By adding a pixel-weight layer based on the PVNet network, more accurate pixel point vectors are selected, and dilated convolution and adaptive weighting strategies are used to capture local and global contextual information of the input feature map. At the same time, the perspective-n-point localization algorithm is used to accurately locate 2D key points to solve the pose of 6D objects, and then, the transformation relationship matrix of 6D pose projection is solved. The research results indicate that on the LineMod and Occlusion LineMod datasets, CoS-PVNet has high accuracy and can achieve stable and robust 6D pose estimation even in complex scenes.
IPCB: Intelligent Pseudolite Constellation Based on High-Altitude Balloons
Authors: Qu Yi , Wang Sheng , Pan Tianshi , Feng Hui
Published: May 2024

IPCBs (Intelligent Pseudolite Constellations based on high-altitude balloons) are a novel type of air-based pseudolite application with many advantages. Compared with ground-based pseudolites and traditional air-based pseudolites, IPCBs have a wider coverage and a lower energy requirement. Compared with LEO satellite constellations, IPCBs have a stronger signal, a lower cost, and a shorter deployment period. These merits give promising potential to IPCBs. In IPCB applications, one of the key factors is geometry configuration, which is deeply influenced by the balloon’s unique features. The basic idea of this paper is to pursue a strategy to improve IPCB geometry performance by using diverse winds at different altitudes and balloons’ capability of altering flight altitude intelligently. Starting with a brief introduction to IPCBs, this paper defines an indicator to assess IPCB geometry performance, an approach to adjust IPCB geometry configuration and an IPCB geometry configuration planning algorithm. Next, a series of simulations are implemented with an IPCB composed of six pseudolites in winds with/without a quasi-zero wind layer. Some IPCB geometry configurations are analyzed, and their geometry performances are compared. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and the influence of the quasi-zero wind layer on IPCB performance.
WolfFuzz: A Dynamic, Adaptive, and Directed Greybox Fuzzer
Authors: Zeng Qingyao , Xiong Dapeng , Wu Zhongwang , Qian Kechang , Wang Yu , Su Yinghao
Published: May 2024

As the directed greybox fuzzing (DGF) technique advances, it is being extensively utilized in various fields such as defect reproduction, patch testing, and vulnerability identification. Nevertheless, current DGFs waste a significant amount of resources due to their simplistic distance definitions and overly straightforward energy distribution for the seeds. To address these issues, a dynamic distance-weighting-based distance estimation strategy is proposed first, which facilitates strategies for seed distribution that take energy into consideration. Second, to overcome the limitations of current seed energy distribution strategies, the gray wolf optimizer (GWO) is improved by integrating four strategies, leading to the development of the improved gray wolf optimizer (IGWO). Lastly, an adaptive search algorithm is proposed, and the WolfFuzz prototype tool is implemented. In vulnerability recurrence scenarios, WolfFuzz is 3.2× faster on average compared with the baseline and reproduces 76.4% of existing bugs faster. WolfFuzz also discovers nine different types of bugs in seven real-world programs.
Interspectral Error Tracking and Compensation of DSDT in Satellite Internet of Things
Authors: Wang Chen , Zheng Lin , Wang Gang , Liu Zhiwei , Yang Chao
Published: May 2024

With the rapid growth of satellite Internet of Things (SIoT) services, existing frequency band resources are insufficient to meet future business demands. To effectively address this issue, it is necessary to enhance the utilization of existing frequency resources. However, idle frequency resources are typically scattered across multiple bands and vary in bandwidth size. Direct Spectrum Division Transmission (DSDT), dividing a complete signal into sub-spectrum signals for transmission in idle frequency bands, can take the use of fragmented spectrum resources for satellite communication. Nevertheless, the performance of DSDT depends heavily on accurate synchronization toward multiple sub-spectrums. In this paper, an algorithm for error synchronization tracking and compensation is proposed by utilizing the focusing nature of constellation. All sub-spectrums are weighed by the minimum Euclidean distance of the constellation to compensate for amplitude–frequency–phase errors simultaneously. Simulations and experimental verification demonstrate synchronization performance and feasibility of proposed method in a multi-radio frequency channels environment.
Response of Rhododendron simsii and Rhododendron delavayi Superoxide Dismutase Family Genes to High-Temperature Stress
Authors: Geng Xingmin , Hua Li , Gong Jiyi , Yi Yin , Tang Ming , Ceng Fanyu
Published: May 2024

Superoxide dismutases (SODs) are the first line of defense in the antioxidant defense system, and they play an essential role in various adversity stress adaptations in Rhododendron. In this study, 9 Rhododendron simsii SODs (RsSODs) and 11 Rhododendron delavayi SODs (RdSODs) genes were identified in the genomes of R. simsii and R. delavayi. Phylogenetic relationship analysis classified SOD proteins from two Rhododendron species and other related species into three subfamilies. The results of gene structure and conserved motif analysis show that SOD proteins are strongly evolutionarily conserved, and SODs of the same subfamily have similar motif distributions, positions, and lengths. Twenty-two light-responsive elements, eight phytohormone regulatory elements, five adversity stress-related elements, and three growth and development regulatory elements were detected in the RsSOD and RdSOD promoters. Quantitative real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that among the 20 candidate genes, except for RdCSD5, the other SODs were expressed in at least one of four tissues, and all of these gene family members had high expression levels in the leaves. We then investigated the response of the RsSOD and RdSOD gene families to high-temperature stress in combination with the following specific stressors: abscisic acid, ethephon, and hydrogen peroxide treatments, followed by high-temperature stress. Different degrees of upregulated expression of the detected SOD gene family members were found for exogenous reagent treatments and different times of high-temperature stress. Thus, we provide a basis for the further functional characterization of SOD genes in R. simsii and R. delavayi in the future.
Flavor Improvement of Maillard Reaction Intermediates Derived from Enzymatic Hydrolysates of Oudemansiella raphanipes Mushroom
Authors: Hou Furong , Song Shasha , Cui Wenjia , Yu Zipeng , Gong Zhiqing , Wang Yansheng , Wang Wenliang
Published: May 2024

Maillard reaction intermediate (MRI) was prepared by the enzymatic hydrolysate (EH) of Oudemansiella raphanipes and fructose. The optimal preparation condition of MRIs was obtained when the Maillard reaction parameters were as follows: fructose addition of 5%, reaction time of 60 min, and temperature of 60 °C. E-Tongue results indicated that the umami and saltiness of MRIs were greater than those of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) and EH, and the taste-enhancing ability of MRIs was even more prominent than that of MRPs. E-Nose could obviously distinguish EH, MRIs, and MRPs, and there was an obvious difference between MRPs and MRIs regarding volatile aroma compounds. A total of 35 volatile flavor substances were identified among the three samples, including 6 alcohols, 13 aldehydes, 9 ketones, 2 esters, and 5 other compounds. Overall, MRIs could avoid the production of complete reaction products with an inferior flavor, and further enhance the umami taste.
Development and Evaluation of Calcium-Fortified Multi-Millet Biscuits: A Nutritious Alternative to Refined Wheat Flour
Authors: Manchanda Mili , Rawat Divya , Chandra Abhishek , Saini Ramesh Kumar
Published: May 2024

Millet products have garnered global recognition for their exceptional nutritional profile, appealing to various age demographics, and, therefore, fortifying such products with minerals can ensure nutritional security. This research explores the feasibility of utilizing millet as a substitute for refined wheat flour in biscuit production. Three distinct millet varieties were investigated: finger, pearl, and buckwheat. Employing response surface methodology (RSM), the optimal ratio of these flours was determined, resulting in a blend of 1.5:1:1, respectively. The optimized multi-millet biscuits were further enhanced with calcium fortification and subjected to comprehensive physico-chemical analysis. Proximate composition analysis revealed favorable levels of protein (5.472 ± 0.31%), ash (2.80 ± 0.57 g/100 g), and energy density (5.8015 ± 0.004 kcal/g), indicating a significantly higher protein content, enriched mineral profile, and high energy density as compared to refined wheat flour products. Sensory evaluation encompassing attributes such as color and texture and organoleptic assessment using a nine-point hedonic scale demonstrated favorable acceptance. Additionally, the overall acceptability of the biscuits remained consistently high throughout storage, ranging from 8.263 ± 0.65 (day 0) to 8.053 ± 0.85 (day 14). This study underscores the potential of multi-millet biscuits as a nutritious and palatable alternative to traditional wheat-based snacks, offering an avenue for diversifying dietary options and promoting healthier food choices.
Phase II Trial of Romidepsin as Consolidation Therapy after Gemcitabine, Dexamethasone, and Cisplatin in Elderly Transplant-Ineligible Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Yamasaki Satoshi , Iida Hiroatsu , Saito Akio , Matsumoto Morio , Kuroda Yoshiaki , Izumi Tohru , Saito Akiko , Miyoshi Hiroaki , Ohshima Koichi , Nagai Hirokazu , Iwasaki Hiromi
Published: May 2024

Romidepsin is an important therapeutic option for patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). However, the timing of romidepsin administration remains controversial. The objective of this study was to characterize the safety and efficacy of romidepsin as consolidation therapy after gemcitabine, dexamethasone, and cisplatin (GDP) therapy (GDPR). This study of patients treated between March 2019 and March 2021 was registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (registration number: jRCT0000000519). If complete response, partial response, or stable disease was confirmed after 2–4 GDP cycles, romidepsin was administered every 4 weeks for 1 year. Seven patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) PTCL (T-follicular helper phenotype [n = 1] and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma [n = 6]) were included in this prospective study (PTCL-GDPR). After a median follow-up of 34 months of patients in PTCL-GDPR, the 2-year overall survival rate was 71%, and the overall response rate after treatment was 57%. Common adverse events in patients with PTCL-GDPR included hematological toxicities such as neutropenia, which improved with supportive treatment. There were no treatment-related mortalities. GDPR might be safe and effective in elderly transplant-ineligible patients with R/R PTCL; however, further investigation is required.
Detecting Road Intersections from Crowdsourced Trajectory Data Based on Improved YOLOv5 Model
Authors: Zhang Yunfei , Tang Gengbiao , Sun Naisi
Published: May 2024

In recent years, the rapid development of autonomous driving and intelligent driver assistance has brought about urgent demands on high-precision road maps. However, traditional road map production methods mainly rely on professional survey technologies, such as remote sensing and mobile mapping, which suffer from high costs, object occlusions, and long updating cycles. In the era of ubiquitous mapping, crowdsourced trajectory data offer a new and low-cost data resource for the production and updating of high-precision road maps. Meanwhile, as key nodes in the transportation network, maintaining the currency and integrity of road intersection data is the primary task in enhancing map updates. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for detecting road intersections based on crowdsourced trajectory data by introducing an attention mechanism and modifying the loss function in the YOLOv5 model. The proposed method encompasses two key steps of training data preparation and improved YOLOv5s model construction. Multi-scale training processing is first adopted to prepare a rich and diverse sample dataset, including various kinds and different sizes of road intersections. Particularly to enhance the model’s detection performance, we inserted convolutional attention mechanism modules into the original YOLOv5 and integrated other alternative confidence loss functions and localization loss functions. The experimental results demonstrate that the improved YOLOv5 model achieves detection accuracy, precision, and recall rates as high as 97.46%, 99.57%, and 97.87%, respectively, outperforming other object detection models.
Congenital LMNA-Related Muscular Dystrophy in Paediatrics: Cardiac Management in Monozygotic Twins
Authors: Martínez Olorón Patricia , Alegría Iosune , Cesar Sergi , del Olmo Bernat , Martínez-Barrios Estefanía , Carrera-García Laura , Natera-de Benito Daniel , Nascimento Andrés , Campuzano Oscar , Sarquella-Brugada Georgia
Published: May 2024

Pathogenic variants in LMNA have been associated with a wide spectrum of muscular conditions: the laminopathies. LMNA-related congenital muscular dystrophy is a laminopathy characterised by the early onset of symptoms and often leads to a fatal outcome at young ages. Children face a heightened risk of malignant arrhythmias. No established paediatric protocols for managing this condition are available. We review published cases and provide insights into disease progression in two twin sisters with LMNA-related muscular dystrophy. Our objective is to propose a cardiac surveillance and management plan tailored specifically for paediatric patients. We present a family of five members, including two twin sisters with LMNA-related muscular dystrophy. A comprehensive neuromuscular and cardiac work-up was performed in all family members. Genetic analysis using massive sequencing technology was performed in both twins. Clinical assessment showed that only the twins showed diagnoses of LMNA-related muscular dystrophy. Follow-up showed an early onset of symptoms and life-threatening arrhythmias, with differing disease progressions despite both twins passing away. Genetic analysis identified a de novo rare missense deleterious variant in the LMNA gene. Other additional rare variants were identified in genes associated with myasthenic syndrome. Early-onset neuromuscular symptoms could be related to a prognosis of worse life-threatening arrhythmias in LMNA related muscular dystrophy. Being a carrier of other rare variants may be a modifying factor in the progression of the phenotype, although further studies are needed. There is a pressing need for specific cardiac recommendations tailored to the paediatric population to mitigate the risk of malignant arrhythmias.
Circadian Synchronization of Feeding Attenuates Rats’ Food Restriction-Induced Anxiety and Amygdalar Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone Downregulation
Authors: Soberanes-Chávez Paulina , Trujillo-Barrera Jariz , de Gortari Patricia
Published: May 2024

Anxiety is a common comorbidity of obesity, resulting from prescribing long-term caloric restriction diets (CRDs); patients with a reduced food intake lose weight but present anxious behaviors, poor treatment adherence, and weight regain in the subsequent 5 years. Intermittent fasting (IF) restricts feeding time to 8 h during the activity phase, reducing patients’ weight even with no caloric restriction; it is unknown whether an IF regime with ad libitum feeding avoids stress and anxiety development. We compared the corticosterone blood concentration between male Wistar rats fed ad libitum or calorie-restricted with all-day or IF food access after 4 weeks, along with their anxiety parameters when performing the elevated plus maze (EPM). As the amygdalar thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is believed to have anxiolytic properties, we evaluated its expression changes in association with anxiety levels. The groups formed were the following: a control which was offered food ad libitum (C-adlib) or 30% of C-adlib’s energy requirements (C-CRD) all day, and IF groups provided food ad libitum (IF-adlib) or 30% of C-adlib’s requirements (IF-CRD) with access from 9:00 to 17:00 h. On day 28, the rats performed the EPM and, after 30 min, were decapitated to analyze their amygdalar TRH mRNA expression by in situ hybridization and corticosterone serum levels. Interestingly, circadian feeding synchronization reduced the body weight, food intake, and animal anxiety levels in both IF groups, with ad libitum (IF-adlib) or restricted (IF-CRD) food access. The anxiety levels of the experimental groups resulted to be negatively associated with TRH expression, which supported its anxiolytic role. Therefore, the low anxiety levels induced by synchronizing feeding with the activity phase would help patients who are dieting to improve their diet therapy adherence.
Protein–Protein Interfaces: A Graph Neural Network Approach
Authors: Pancino Niccolò , Gallegati Caterina , Romagnoli Fiamma , Bongini Pietro , Bianchini Monica
Published: May 2024

Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) are fundamental processes governing cellular functions, crucial for understanding biological systems at the molecular level. Compared to experimental methods for PPI prediction and site identification, computational deep learning approaches represent an affordable and efficient solution to tackle these problems. Since protein structure can be summarized as a graph, graph neural networks (GNNs) represent the ideal deep learning architecture for the task. In this work, PPI prediction is modeled as a node-focused binary classification task using a GNN to determine whether a generic residue is part of the interface. Biological data were obtained from the Protein Data Bank in Europe (PDBe), leveraging the Protein Interfaces, Surfaces, and Assemblies (PISA) service. To gain a deeper understanding of how proteins interact, the data obtained from PISA were assembled into three datasets: Whole, Interface, and Chain, consisting of data on the whole protein, couples of interacting chains, and single chains, respectively. These three datasets correspond to three different nuances of the problem: identifying interfaces between protein complexes, between chains of the same protein, and interface regions in general. The results indicate that GNNs are capable of solving each of the three tasks with very good performance levels.
Evidence Supporting a Role of Alternative Splicing Participates in Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Fruit Ripening
Authors: Wang Wenjiao , Wei Yuping , Xu Zhaoying , Shen Chengcheng , Li Ang , Guan Dailu , Zhang Xuejun , Liu Bin
Published: May 2024

One key post-transcriptional modification mechanism that dynamically controls a number of physiological processes in plants is alternative splicing (AS). However, the functional impacts of AS on fruit ripening remain unclear. In this research, we used RNA-seq data from climacteric (VED, Harukei 3) and non-climacteric (PI, PS) melon cultivars to explore alternative splicing (AS) in immature and mature fruit. The results revealed dramatic changes in differential AS genes (DAG) between the young and mature fruit stages, particularly in genes involved in fruit development/ripening, carotenoid and capsaicinoid biosynthesis, and starch and sucrose metabolism. Serine/arginine-rich (SR) family proteins are known as important splicing factors in AS events. From the melon genome, a total of 17 SR members were discovered in this study. These genes could be classified into eight distinct subfamilies based on gene structure and conserved motifs. Promoter analysis detected various cis-acting regulatory elements involved in hormone pathways and fruit development. Interestingly, these SR genes exhibited specific expression patterns in reproductive organs such as flowers and ovaries. Additionally, concurrent with the increase in AS levels in ripening fruit, the transcripts of these SR genes were activated during fruit maturation in both climacteric and non-climacteric melon varieties. We also found that most SR genes were under selection during domestication. These results represent a novel finding of increased AS levels and SR gene expression during fruit ripening, indicating that alternative splicing may play a role in fruit maturation.
Determinants of Humanities and Social Sciences Students’ Intentions to Use Artificial Intelligence Applications for Academic Purposes
Authors: Lavidas Konstantinos , Voulgari Iro , Papadakis Stamatios , Athanassopoulos Stavros , Anastasiou Antigoni , Filippidi Andromachi , Komis Vassilis , Karacapilidis Nikos
Published: May 2024

Recent research emphasizes the importance of Artificial Intelligence applications as supporting tools for students in higher education. Simultaneously, an intensive exchange of views has started in the public debate in the international educational community. However, for a more proper use of these applications, it is necessary to investigate the factors that explain their intention and actual use in the future. With the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) model, this work analyses the factors influencing students’ use and intention to use Artificial Intelligence technology. For this purpose, a sample of 197 Greek students at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences from the University of Patras participated in a survey. The findings highlight that expected performance, habit, and enjoyment of these Artificial Intelligence applications are key determinants influencing teachers’ intentions to use them. Moreover, behavioural intention, habit, and facilitating conditions explain the usage of these Artificial Intelligence applications. This study did not reveal any moderating effects. The limitations, practical implications, and proposed directions for future research based on these results are discussed.
A Combinatorial Single-Molecule Real-Time and Illumina Sequencing Analysis of Postembryonic Gene Expression in the Asian Citrus Psyllid Diaphorina citri
Authors: Zhang Qin , Zhang Can , Zhong Hong , He Qing , Xia Zhao-Ying , Hu Yu , Liao Yu-Xin , Yi Long , Lu Zhan-Jun , Yu Hai-Zhong
Published: May 2024

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a systemic plant disease caused by ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas)’ and transmitted by Diaphorina citri. D. citri acquires the CLas bacteria in the nymph stage and transmits it in the adult stage, indicating that molting from the nymph to adult stages is crucial for HLB transmission. However, the available D. citri reference genomes are incomplete, and gene function studies have been limited to date. In the current research, PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) and Illumina sequencing were performed to investigate the transcriptome of D. citri nymphs and adults. In total, 10,641 full-length, non-redundant transcripts (FLNRTs), 594 alternative splicing (AS) events, 4522 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), 1086 long-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), 281 transcription factors (TFs), and 4459 APA sites were identified. Furthermore, 3746 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between nymphs and adults were identified, among which 30 DEGs involved in the Hippo signaling pathway were found. Reverse transcription–quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) further validated the expression levels of 12 DEGs and showed a positive correlation with transcriptome data. Finally, the spatiotemporal expression pattern of genes involved in the Hippo signaling pathway exhibited high expression in the D. citri testis, ovary, and egg. Silencing of the D. citri transcriptional co-activator (DcYki) gene significantly increased D. citri mortality and decreased the cumulative molting. Our results provide useful information and a reliable data resource for gene function research of D. citri.
Can Laparoscopic Surgery Reduce Fatigue in Women with Endometriosis?—A Pilot Study
Authors: Reischer Theresa , Sklenar Catherine , Perricos-Hess Alexandra , Husslein Heinrich , Kuessel Lorenz , Wenzl René , Bekos Christine
Published: May 2024

Background: Fatigue is mentioned as one of the most significant symptoms of endometriosis. The impact of laparoscopic endometriosis surgeries on fatigue remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the effect of laparoscopic surgery in endometriosis patients, with the complete removal of endometriotic lesions, on the severity of fatigue. Methods: This is a single-center prospective pilot study including 58 participants. Participants were recruited at the Tertiary Endometriosis Referral Center of the Medical University of Vienna between February 2020 and November 2021. Thirty patients with histologically proven endometriosis were compared to a control group of 28 patients who underwent a laparoscopy for benign gynecologic conditions other than endometriosis. All participants were interviewed using the Fatigue Severity Scale before their surgery and 6 months afterward. Relationships between variables were established using regression analysis and associations were quantified as odds ratios. Results: Fatigue was significantly more severe preoperatively in patients with endometriosis when compared to controls ((odds ratio (OR): 1.82; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24–2.67, p < 0.01). Six months postoperatively, the fatigue severity score of endometriosis patients decreased significantly (p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, fatigue was significantly associated with endometriosis (OR: 4.50, CI: 1.14–17.8, p < 0.05), when adjusted for abdominal pain and menstrual bleeding. Fatigue in patients with endometriosis was not associated with disease stage or the presence of deep endometriosis. Conclusions: Fatigue is a frequent and bothersome symptom in patients with endometriosis. Within our study, we demonstrated for the first time that fatigue responds to surgical treatment. The management of fatigue is crucial to improving patients’ quality of life.
Posterior Tibial Artery Blood Flow Velocity Is Increased in Patients with Plantar Heel Pain
Authors: Kaneko Fumiya , Katayama Sho , Kudo Shintarou
Published: May 2024

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between posterior tibial artery blood flow velocity and plantar heel pain (PHP). Methods: The PHP group comprised patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis with plantar heel pain during gait, and the control group comprised healthy participants without plantar heel pain. The peak systolic velocity of the posterior tibial artery was measured using ultrasonography; it was measured three times on each side, and the mean value was calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to calculate the peak systolic velocity cutoff value for plantar heel pain. Results: 23 patients (age 58.0 ± 16.5 years; 13 males and 10 females) and 23 healthy participants (age 51.3 ± 17.3 years; 10 males and 13 females) formed the PHP and control groups, respectively. Peak systolic velocity on the affected side was significantly greater in the PHP group (44.1 ± 13.1 cm/s) than in the control group (32.7 ± 5.9 cm/s). No significant difference was observed between the left and right sides in the PHP (7.1 ± 9.8 cm/s) and control (3.7 ± 3.0 cm/s) groups. A cutoff value of 38.2 cm/s was observed on the affected side. Conclusions: We quantified the increase in posterior tibial artery blood flow velocity in patients with plantar heel pain. Peak systolic velocity measurements can aid in quantitatively evaluating these patients. This study was registered as a clinical trial (UMIN000046875) on 1 October 2021.
Addressing Diagnosis, Management, and Complication Challenges in Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorder: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Abousifein Marfy , Shishkina Anna , Leyland Nicholas
Published: May 2024

Introduction: In light of increased cesarean section rates, the incidence of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder is increasing. Despite the establishment of clinical practice guidelines offering recommendations for early and effective PAS diagnosis and treatment, antepartum diagnosis of PAS remains a challenge. This ultimately risks poor mental health and poor physical maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Case Descriptions: This case series details the experience of two high-risk patients who remained undiagnosed for PAS until they presented with antenatal hemorrhage, leading ultimately to necessary, complex surgical interventions, which can only be optimally provide in a tertiary care center. Patient 1 is a 37-year-old woman with a history of three cesarean sections, which elevates her risk for PAS. She had placenta previa detected at 19 weeks, and placenta percreta diagnosed upon hemorrhage. During a hysterectomy, invasive placenta was found in the patient’s bladder, leading to a cystotomy and right ureteric reimplantation. After discharge, she was diagnosed with a vesicovaginal fistula, and is currently awaiting surgical repair. Patient 2 is a 34-year-old woman with two previous cesarean sections. The patient had complete placenta previa detected at 19- and 32-week gestation scans. She presented with antepartum hemorrhage at 35 weeks and 2 days. An ultrasound showed thin myometrium at the scar site with significant vascularity. A hysterectomy was performed due to placental attachment issues, with significant blood loss. Both patients were at high risk for PAS based on past medical history, risk factors, and pathognomonic imaging findings. Discussion: We highlight the importance of the implementation of clinical guidelines at non-tertiary healthcare centers. We offer clinical-guideline-informed recommendations for radiologists and antenatal care providers to promote early PAS diagnosis and, ultimately, better patient and neonatal outcomes through increased access to adequate care.
Challenges in Total Hip Arthroplasty with Prior Spinal Arthrodesis: A Comprehensive Review of Biomechanics, Complications, and Surgical Strategies
Authors: Giai Via Riccardo , Onorato Francesco , Reboli Michele , Artiaco Stefano , Giachino Matteo , Bosco Francesco , Massè Alessandro
Published: May 2024

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has revolutionized patients’ lives with hip osteoarthritis. However, the increasing prevalence of THA in individuals with prior lumbar arthrodesis (LA) poses unique challenges. This review delves into the biomechanical alterations, complications, and surgical strategies specific to this patient subset, highlighting the need for tailored preoperative assessments and planning. Due to altered pelvic and spinal biomechanics, patients with LA undergoing THA face a higher risk of dislocation and revision. The complex interplay between spinal and hip biomechanics underscores the need for meticulous preoperative planning. Comprehensive clinical examination and radiographic evaluation are vital for understanding patient-specific challenges. Various radiographic techniques, including computed tomography (CT)/X-ray matching and standing/seated studies, provide insights into postural changes affecting pelvic and spinal alignment. Complications following THA in patients with LA highlight the necessity for personalized surgical strategies. Careful consideration of implant selection, the surgical approach, and component positioning are essential to prevent complications. In summary, THA in patients with prior LA demands individualized preoperative assessments and planning. This approach is crucial to optimize outcomes and mitigate the heightened risks of complications, underlining the importance of tailored surgical strategies.
Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices in Patients with High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Ellauzi Rama , Erdem Saliha , Salam Mohammad Fahad , Kumar Ashish , Aggarwal Vikas , Koenig Gerald , Aronow Herbert D. , Basir Mir Babar
Published: May 2024

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common acute cardiovascular condition. Within this review, we discuss the incidence, pathophysiology, and treatment options for patients with high-risk and massive pulmonary embolisms. In particular, we focus on the role of mechanical circulatory support devices and their possible therapeutic benefits in patients who are unresponsive to standard therapeutic options. Moreover, attention is given to device selection criteria, weaning protocols, and complication mitigation strategies. Finally, we underscore the necessity for more comprehensive studies to corroborate the benefits and safety of MCS devices in PE management.
Troponin T Assessment Allows for Identification of Mutation Carriers among Young Relatives of Patients with LMNA-Related Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chmielewski Przemysław , Kowalik Ilona , Truszkowska Grażyna , Michalak Ewa , Ponińska Joanna , Sadowska Agnieszka , Kalin Katarzyna , Jaworski Krzysztof , Minota Ilona , Krzysztoń-Russjan Jolanta , Zieliński Tomasz , Płoski Rafał , Bilińska Zofia Teresa
Published: May 2024

Background: LMNA-related dilated cardiomyopathy (LMNA-DCM) caused by mutations in the lamin A/C gene (LMNA) is one of the most common forms of hereditary DCM. Due to the high risk of mutation transmission to offspring and the high incidence of ventricular arrhythmia and sudden death even before the onset of heart failure symptoms, it is very important to identify LMNA-mutation carriers. However, many relatives of LMNA-DCM patients do not report to specialized centers for clinical or genetic screening. Therefore, an easily available tool to identify at-risk subjects is needed. Methods: We compared two cohorts of young, asymptomatic relatives of DCM patients who reported for screening: 29 LMNA mutation carriers and 43 individuals from the control group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for potential indicators of mutation carriership status were analyzed. Results: PR interval, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hscTnT) serum levels were higher in the LMNA mutation carrier cohort. Neither group differed significantly with regard to creatinine concentration or left ventricular ejection fraction. The best mutation carriership discriminator was hscTnT level with an optimal cut-off value at 5.5 ng/L, for which sensitivity and specificity were 86% and 93%, respectively. The median hscTnT level was 11.0 ng/L in LMNA mutation carriers vs. <3.0 ng/L in the control group, p < 0.001. Conclusions: Wherever access to genetic testing is limited, LMNA mutation carriership status can be assessed reliably using the hscTnT assay. Among young symptomless relatives of LMNA-DCM patients, a hscTnT level >5.5 ng/L strongly suggests mutation carriers.
Arrhythmias in Cardiac Sarcoidosis: Management and Prognostic Implications
Authors: Arunachalam Karikalan Suganya , Yusuf Ali , El Masry Hicham
Published: May 2024

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is characterized by various arrhythmic manifestations ranging from catastrophic sudden cardiac death secondary to ventricular arrhythmia, severe conduction disease, sinus node dysfunction, and atrial fibrillation. The management of CS is complex and includes not only addressing the arrhythmia but also controlling the myocardial inflammation resultant from the autoimmune reaction. Arrhythmic manifestations of CS carry significant prognostic implications and invariably affect long-term survival in these patients. In this review, we focus on management of arrhythmic manifestation of cardiac sarcoidosis as well as risk stratification for sudden cardiac death in these patients.
Visceral Artery Aneurysms in the Presence of Upstream Stenoses
Authors: Hofmann Amun , Schuch Philipp , Berger Franz , Taher Fadi , Assadian Afshin
Published: May 2024

Background: Sutton–Kadir syndrome describes a rare pathology that commonly includes an aneurysm of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery in combination with a celiac trunk stenosis or occlusion, often caused by median arcuate ligament compression. Several therapeutic approaches exist including open surgical, endovascular, and hybrid treatments. Other combinations of visceral artery aneurysms and upstream stenoses exist but the cumulative body of evidence on these combinations is weak due to their rarity. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patient data from a single center was carried out. Electronic patient records were filtered for keywords including “visceral aneurysm”, “Sutton–Kadir”, and “median arcuate ligament”. Imaging studies were re-examined by two blinded vascular surgeons with a third vascular surgeon as a referee in case of diverging results. Results: Sixteen patients had a visceral artery aneurysm with an upstream stenosis. All cases had a celiac trunk obstruction while one patient also had a concomitant superior mesenteric artery stenosis. Both median arcuate ligament compression and atherosclerotic lesions were identified. The location of the aneurysms varied even though the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery was most frequently affected. A classification system based on the different combinations of stenoses and aneurysms is presented and introduced as a new pathologic entity: visceral artery aneurysm in the presence of upstream stenosis (VAPUS). Conclusions: The concomitant presence of visceral artery aneurysms, especially in the pancreaticoduodenal arteries, and blood flow impairment of the celiac axis or superior mesenteric artery is a rare pathology. The proposed VAPUS classification system offers an accessible and transparent route to the precise localization of the affected vessels.
Understanding the Role of Female Genital Tract Microbiome in Recurrent Implantation Failure
Authors: Lafioniatis Anastasios , Samara Athina A. , Makaritsis Peter K. , Dafopoulos Stefanos , Sotiriou Sotirios , Dafopoulos Konstantinos
Published: May 2024

The realization of the role of the microbiome of the female reproductive tract in health and disease has opened numerous possibilities for the scientific examination of the intertwining role between the human host and its microbiota. The imbalance in the composition of the microbial communities of the vagina and uterus is now recognized as a risk factor for many complications in pregnancy and according to the data from numerous studies, it is possible for this imbalance to play a crucial role in creating a hostile endometrial environment, and therefore, contributing to the etiology of recurrent implantation failure. Nevertheless, our current understanding of these complicated biological phenomena is far from complete, and in the future, there needs to be a systematic and thorough investigation of the diagnosis and therapy of this condition. This will enable scientists who engage in the field of assisted reproduction technologies to accurately identify and cure women in whom dysbiosis hinders the achievement of a healthy pregnancy.
Analysis of Gingival Fibroblasts Behaviour in the Presence of 3D-Printed versus Milled Methacrylate-Based Dental Resins—Do We Have a Winner?
Authors: Saramet Veaceslav , Stan Miruna S. , Ripszky Totan Alexandra , Țâncu Ana Maria Cristina , Voicu-Balasea Bianca , Enasescu Dan Sebastian , Rus-Hrincu Florentina , Imre Marina
Published: May 2024

Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques are based on either subtractive (milling prefabricated blocks) or additive (3D printing) methods, and both are used for obtaining dentistry materials. Our in vitro study aimed to investigate the behavior of human gingival fibroblasts exposed to methacrylate (MA)-based CAD/CAM milled samples in comparison with that of MA-based 3D-printed samples to better elucidate the mechanisms of cell adaptability and survival. The proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts was measured after 2 and 24 h of incubation in the presence of these samples using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and the membrane integrity was assessed through the lactate dehydrogenase release. The level of reactive oxygen species, expression of autophagy-related protein LC3B-I, and detection of GSH and caspase 3/7 were evaluated by fluorescence staining. The MMP-2 levels were measured using a Milliplex MAP kit. The incubation with MA-based 3D-printed samples significantly reduced the viability, by 16% and 28% from control after 2 and 24 h, respectively. There was a 25% and 55% decrease in the GSH level from control after 24 h of incubation with the CAD/CAM milled and 3D-printed samples, respectively. In addition, higher levels of LC3B-I and MMP-2 were obtained after 24 h of incubation with the MA-based 3D samples compared to the CAD/CAM milled ones. Therefore, our results outline that the MA-CAD/CAM milled samples displayed good biocompatibility during 24-h exposure, while MA-3D resins are proper for short-term utilization (less than 24 h).
A Simple, Robust, and Versatile MATLAB Formulation of the Dynamic Memdiode Model for Bipolar-Type Resistive Random Access Memory Devices
Authors: Salvador Emili , Rodriguez Rosana , Miranda Enrique
Published: May 2024

Modeling in an emerging technology like RRAM devices is one of the pivotal concerns for its development. In the current bibliography, most of the models face difficulties in implementing or simulating unconventional scenarios, particularly when dealing with complex input signals. In addition, circuit simulators like Spice require long running times for high-resolution results because of their internal mathematical implementation. In this work, a fast, simple, robust, and versatile model for RRAM devices built in MATLAB is presented. The proposed model is a recursive and discretized version of the dynamic memdiode model (DMM) for bipolar-type resistive switching devices originally implemented in LTspice. The DMM model basically consists of two coupled equations: one for the current (non-linear current generator) and a second one for the memory state of the device (time-dependent differential equation). This work presents an easy-to-use tool for researchers to reproduce the experimental behavior of their devices and predict the outcome from non-trivial experiments. Three study cases are reported, aimed at capturing different phenomenologies: a frequency effect study, a cycle-to-cycle variability fit, and a stochastic resonance impact analysis.
Modeling Excitable Cells with Memristors
Authors: Sah Maheshwar , Ascoli Alon , Tetzlaff Ronald , Rajamani Vetriveeran , Budhathoki Ram Kaji
Published: May 2024

This paper presents an in-depth analysis of an excitable membrane of a biological system by proposing a novel approach that the cells of the excitable membrane can be modeled as the networks of memristors. We provide compelling evidence from the Chay neuron model that the state-independent mixed ion channel is a nonlinear resistor, while the state-dependent voltage-sensitive potassium ion channel and calcium-sensitive potassium ion channel function as generic memristors from the perspective of electrical circuit theory. The mechanisms that give rise to periodic oscillation, aperiodic (chaotic) oscillation, spikes, and bursting in an excitable cell are also analyzed via a small-signal model, a pole-zero diagram of admittance functions, local activity, the edge of chaos, and the Hopf bifurcation theorem. It is also proved that the zeros of the admittance functions are equivalent to the eigen values of the Jacobian matrix, and the presence of the positive real parts of the eigen values between the two bifurcation points lead to the generation of complicated electrical signals in an excitable membrane. The innovative concepts outlined in this paper pave the way for a deeper understanding of the dynamic behavior of excitable cells, offering potent tools for simulating and exploring the fundamental characteristics of biological neurons.