bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Potential of Edible and Medicinal Resource Polysaccharides for Prevention and Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Gan Qingxia , Ding Yugang , Peng Maoyao , Chen Linlin , Dong Jijing , Hu Jiaxi , Ma Yuntong
Published: May 2023

As natural medicines in complementary and alternative medicine, edible and medicinal resources are being gradually recognized throughout the world. According to statistics from the World Health Organization, about 80% of the worldwide population has used edible and medicinal resource products to prevent and treat diseases. Polysaccharides, one of the main effective components in edible and medicinal resources, are considered ideal regulators of various biological responses due to their high effectiveness and low toxicity, and they have a wide range of possible applications for the development of functional foods for the regulation of common, frequently occurring, chronic and severe diseases. Such applications include the development of polysaccharide products for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases that are difficult to control by a single treatment, which is of great value to the aging population. Therefore, we evaluated the potential of polysaccharides to prevent neurodegeneration by their regulation of behavioral and major pathologies, including abnormal protein aggregation and neuronal damage caused by neuronal apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative damage, neuroinflammation, unbalanced neurotransmitters, and poor synaptic plasticity. This includes multi-target and multi-pathway regulation involving the mitochondrial pathway, MAPK pathway, NF-κB pathway, Nrf2 pathway, mTOR pathway, PI3K/AKT pathway, P53/P21 pathway, and BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway. In this paper, research into edible and medicinal resource polysaccharides for neurodegenerative diseases was reviewed in order to provide a basis for the development and application of polysaccharide health products and promote the recognition of functional products of edible and medicinal resources.
Flexible Passive Sensor Patch with Contactless Readout for Measurement of Human Body Temperature
Authors: Zini Marco , Baù Marco , Nastro Alessandro , Ferrari Marco , Ferrari Vittorio
Published: May 2023

A passive flexible patch for human skin temperature measurement based on contact sensing and contactless interrogation is presented. The patch acts as an RLC resonant circuit embedding an inductive copper coil for magnetic coupling, a ceramic capacitor as the temperature-sensing element and an additional series inductor. The temperature affects the capacitance of the sensor and consequently the resonant frequency of the RLC circuit. Thanks to the additional inductor, the dependency of the resonant frequency from the bending of the patch has been reduced. Considering a curvature radius of the patch of up to 73 mm, the maximum relative variation in the resonant frequency has been reduced from 812 ppm to 7.5 ppm. The sensor has been contactlessly interrogated by a time-gated technique through an external readout coil electromagnetically coupled to the patch coil. The proposed system has been experimentally tested within the range of 32–46 °C, giving a sensitivity of −619.8 Hz/°C and a resolution of 0.06 °C.
Construction Cost Decomposition of Residential Building Energy Retrofit
Authors: Zhao Dong , Mo Yunjeong
Published: May 2023

Buildings are responsible for significant energy consumption and carbon emissions. Green buildings, which incorporate advanced building technologies, offer a solution to reducing energy use. However, high costs associated with green building development present a barrier to widespread adoption. Retrofit projects, involving remodeling, renovation, and redevelopment of existing buildings, offer a viable solution. While prior studies have examined the cost analysis of green and non-green buildings, there is a lack of evidence comparing new and retrofit projects. This study aims to address this gap by providing empirical evidence for the cost decomposition and benefits of new and retrofit projects. Data on energy use, building technology, and costs from 235 certified green homes in the United States were collected, and cost benefits were evaluated. Results show that retrofit projects cost, on average, $1270.5/m2 ($118.0/ft2), which is 30% less than new projects. Land acquisition and development account for 35% of retrofit costs, six times greater than new projects. Excluding land costs, retrofit projects cost, on average, $733.88/m2 ($68.2/ft2), 49% less than new projects. Retrofit projects use similar building technologies as new projects and produce larger energy savings. The cost-benefit values generated by retrofit projects are 86% greater than new projects when considering land costs and 142% greater without considering land costs. These findings contribute to cost management for complex building projects and energy policy for sustainable development. Retrofitting offers great potential to promote the green building movement and suggests effective subsidy programs as a public policy implication.
Synthesis of a Series of Methyl Benzoates through Esterification with a Zr/Ti Solid Acid Catalyst
Authors: Yu Xiaofeng , Shi Chunjie , Cheng Yueling , Zhu Yejing , Song Renyuan , Hu Shengfei
Published: May 2023

Methyl benzoate (MB) compounds are prepared by reacting various benzoic acids with methanol using an acidic catalyst. In this study, the solid acids of zirconium metal solids fixed with various substances were studied. We determined that zirconium metal catalysts with fixed Ti had the best activity. The catalytic synthesis of a series of MB compounds using titanium zirconium solid acids was studied. The direct condensation of benzoic acid and methanol using a metallic Lewis acid without other auxiliary Bronsted acids is reported for the first time.
Engineering the Biosynthesis of prFMN Promotes the Conversion between Styrene/CO2 and Cinnamic Acid Catalyzed by the Ferulic Acid Decarboxylase Fdc1
Authors: Zhu Xiaoni , Li Hongfei , Ren Jiangang , Feng Yanbin , Xue Song
Published: May 2023

Enzymatic decarboxylation and carboxylation are emerging as prospective processes to produce high-value compounds under mild conditions. Ferulic acid decarboxylase Fdc1 catalyzes broad substrate tolerance against α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acids, and provides green routes for carbon dioxide fixation with the reversible carboxylation, while the activity of the enzyme is limited by the indispensable cofactor prenylated flavin (prFMN), which is unstable and is rarely detected in nature. In this study, a prFMN efficient synthesis route was built using six exogenous enzymes introduced into E. coli cells, leading to the construction of a powerful cell catalyst named SC-6. Based on the metabolic analysis, the results indicated that the reduction of FMN to FMNH2 was the bottleneck in prFMN synthesis pathway, and introducing FMN reductase increased the production of prFMN 3.8-fold compared with the common flavin prenyltransferase UbiX overexpression strain. Using SC-6 cell catalyst, the decarboxylation activity of Fdc1 increased more than 20 times with cinnamic acid and 4-acetoxycinnamic acid as substrates. Furthermore, the reversible carboxylation reaction was carried out, and the cell catalyst presented 20 times carbon dioxide fixation activity using styrene to produce cinnamic acid. Finally, the maximum yield of cinnamic acid catalyzed by SC-6 achieved 833.68 ± 34.51 mM·mg−1 in two hours. The constructed prFMN pathway in vivo provides fundamentals for efficient decarboxylation and carbon fixation reactions catalyzed by prFMN-dependent enzymes.
Comprehensive Overview of Homogeneous Gold-Catalyzed Transformations of π-Systems for Application Scientists
Authors: Stylianakis Ioannis , Kolocouris Antonios
Published: May 2023

We present an overview of fundamental catalytic reactions of nucleophiles with π-systems in relation to gold chemistry. We present examples of reactions with gold-activated π-systems, alkynyl or allenyl moieties, and the regulation of their reactivity due to the presence of an electron-donating or -withdrawing group. The reactions describe furnished hard-to-reach heterocyclic building blocks for medicinal chemistry purposes. Important gold(I) or gold(III) complexes that are used as catalysts are presented. We examine the activation of such π-systems using gold(I) or gold(III) catalysts and the corresponding divergent catalytic transformations. We provide examples of divergent catalysis using gold(I) catalyst and other metal catalysts (Pt, Ag, Pd, Rh, Sc, Cu) or by changing the ligands in gold(I) catalyst complexes. We also discuss the role of the solvent, counterions and additives in gold(I)-catalyzed reactions. We mention, in a few cases, characteristic experimental or computational studies of these gold-catalyzed reactions of nucleophiles with π-systems.
Prelimbic Cortical Stimulation Induces Antidepressant-like Responses through Dopaminergic-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms
Authors: Khairuddin Sharafuddin , Lim Wei Ling , Aquili Luca , Tsui Ka Chun , Tse Anna Chung-Kwan , Jayalath Shehani , Varma Ruhani , Sharp Trevor , Benazzouz Abdelhamid , Steinbusch Harry , Blokland Arjan , Temel Yasin , Lim Lee Wei
Published: May 2023

High-frequency stimulation (HFS) is a promising therapy for patients with depression. However, the mechanisms underlying the HFS-induced antidepressant-like effects on susceptibility and resilience to depressive-like behaviors remain obscure. Given that dopaminergic neurotransmission has been found to be disrupted in depression, we investigated the dopamine(DA)-dependent mechanism of the antidepressant-like effects of HFS of the prelimbic cortex (HFS PrL). We performed HFS PrL in a rat model of mild chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) together with 6-hydroxydopamine lesioning in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Animals were assessed for anxiety, anhedonia, and behavioral despair. We also examined levels of corticosterone, hippocampal neurotransmitters, neuroplasticity-related proteins, and morphological changes in dopaminergic neurons. We found 54.3% of CUS animals exhibited decreased sucrose consumption and were designated as CUS-susceptible, while the others were designated CUS-resilient. HFS PrL in both the CUS-susceptible and CUS-resilient animals significantly increased hedonia, reduced anxiety, decreased forced swim immobility, enhanced hippocampal DA and serotonin levels, and reduced corticosterone levels when compared with the respective sham groups. The hedonic-like effects were abolished in both DRN- and VTA-lesioned groups, suggesting the effects of HFS PrL are DA-dependent. Interestingly, VTA-lesioned sham animals had increased anxiety and forced swim immobility, which was reversed by HFS PrL. The VTA-lesioned HFS PrL animals also had elevated DA levels, and reduced p-p38 MAPK and NF-κB levels when compared to VTA-lesioned sham animals. These findings suggest that HFS PrL in stressed animals leads to profound antidepressant-like responses possibly through both DA-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
A Hybrid Technique for Diabetic Retinopathy Detection Based on Ensemble-Optimized CNN and Texture Features
Authors: Ishtiaq Uzair , Abdullah Erma Rahayu Mohd Faizal , Ishtiaque Zubair
Published: May 2023

One of the most prevalent chronic conditions that can result in permanent vision loss is diabetic retinopathy (DR). Diabetic retinopathy occurs in five stages: no DR, and mild, moderate, severe, and proliferative DR. The early detection of DR is essential for preventing vision loss in diabetic patients. In this paper, we propose a method for the detection and classification of DR stages to determine whether patients are in any of the non-proliferative stages or in the proliferative stage. The hybrid approach based on image preprocessing and ensemble features is the foundation of the proposed classification method. We created a convolutional neural network (CNN) model from scratch for this study. Combining Local Binary Patterns (LBP) and deep learning features resulted in the creation of the ensemble features vector, which was then optimized using the Binary Dragonfly Algorithm (BDA) and the Sine Cosine Algorithm (SCA). Moreover, this optimized feature vector was fed to the machine learning classifiers. The SVM classifier achieved the highest classification accuracy of 98.85% on a publicly available dataset, i.e., Kaggle EyePACS. Rigorous testing and comparisons with state-of-the-art approaches in the literature indicate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Clinical Use of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Retinal Diseases
Authors: Batıoğlu Figen , Yanık Özge , Demirel Sibel , Özmert Emin
Published: May 2023

The advent of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is one of the cornerstones of fundus imaging. Essentially, its mechanism depends on the visualization of blood vessels by using the flow of erythrocytes as an intrinsic contrast agent. Although it has only recently come into clinical use, OCTA has become a non-invasive diagnostic tool for the diagnosis and follow-up of many retinal diseases, and the integration of OCTA in multimodal imaging has provided a better understanding of many retinal disorders. Here, we provide a detailed overview of the current applications of OCTA technology in the diagnosis and follow-up of various retinal disorders.
Clinical and Dermoscopic Characteristics of Cutaneous Sarcomas: A Literature Review
Authors: Apalla Zoe , Liopyris Konstantinos , Kyrmanidou Eirini , Fotiadou Christina , Sgouros Dimitrios , Patsatsi Aikaterini , Trakatelli Myrto-Georgia , Kalloniati Evangelia , Lallas Aimilios , Lazaridou Elizabeth
Published: May 2023

Under the umbrella of cutaneous sarcomas (CS) we include a heterogeneous group of rare, malignant, mesenchymal neoplasia, such as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, atypical fibroxanthoma, cutaneous undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, cutaneous angiosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma. Clinical presentation and histopathological examination are the cornerstone of CS diagnosis and classification. There are scarce data in the literature in regards to the clinical and dermatoscopic characteristics of CS and the role of dermatoscopy in their early identification. We performed a literature review, aiming to summarize current data on the clinical and dermatoscopic presentation of the most common types of cutaneous sarcomas that may facilitate early diagnosis and prompt management. Based on the available published data, CS are characterized by mostly unspecific dermatoscopic patterns. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and in a lesser degree, cutaneous angiosarcoma, may display distinct dermatoscopic features, facilitating their early clinical recognition. In conclusion, dermatoscopy, in conjunction with the overall clinical context, may aid towards suspicion of CS.
Justification of Indication for Cranial CT Imaging after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury According to the Current National Guidelines
Authors: Sakkas Andreas , Weiß Christel , Wilde Frank , Ebeling Marcel , Scheurer Mario , Thiele Oliver Christian , Mischkowski Robert Andreas , Pietzka Sebastian
Published: May 2023

The primary aim was to evaluate the compliance of cranial CT indication with the national guideline-based decision rules in patients after mTBI. The secondary aim was to determine the incidence of CT pathologies among justified and unjustified CT scans and to investigate the diagnostic value of these decision rules. This is a retrospective, single-center study on 1837 patients (mean age = 70.7 years) referred to a clinic of oral and maxillofacial surgery following mTBI over a five-year period. The current national clinical decision rules and recommendations for mTBI were retrospectively applied to calculate the incidence of unjustified CT imaging. The intracranial pathologies among the justified and unjustified CT scans were presented using descriptive statistical analysis. The performance of the decision rules was ascertained by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. A total of 123 intracerebral lesions were radiologically detected in 102 (5.5%) of the study patients. Most (62.1%) of the CT scans strictly complied with the guideline recommendations, and 37.8% were not justified and likely avoidable. A significantly higher incidence of intracranial pathology was observed in patients with justified CT scans compared with patients with unjustified CT scans (7.9% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.0001). Patients with loss of consciousness, amnesia, seizures, cephalgia, somnolence, dizziness, nausea, and clinical signs of cranial fractures presented pathologic CT findings more frequently (p < 0.05). The decision rules identified CT pathologies with 92.28% sensitivity and 39.08% specificity. To conclude, compliance with the national decision rules for mTBI was low, and more than a third of the CT scans performed were identified as “likely avoidable”. A higher incidence of pathologic CT findings was detected in patients with justified cranial CT imaging. The investigated decision rules showed a high sensitivity but low specificity for predicting CT pathologies.
Curriculum and Instruction for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students: Evidence from the Past—Considerations for the Future
Authors: Hartman Maria C. , Smolen Elaine R. , Powell Brynne
Published: May 2023

Improving educational outcomes for d/Deaf and hard of hearing (d/Dhh) students has long been a focus of d/Dhh education. This article reviews historical efforts to improve outcomes through specialized curriculum and instruction and explores the instructional needs of current d/Dhh students in light of the field’s evolving landscape. Evidence for historical and current curricula developed specifically for d/Dhh students, particularly in the areas of language and literacy, is systematically reviewed. While many of these curricula were developed for use in specialized classrooms and schools for the deaf, most d/Dhh learners are now educated in mainstream settings using the spoken language(s) of their local communities. The instructional needs of this growing population of d/Dhh students, including the need for systematic, evidence-based instruction in reading, are discussed. Finally, the current and future roles of teachers of the deaf in facilitating effective instruction for d/Dhh learners are explored.
Black-Box Evasion Attack Method Based on Confidence Score of Benign Samples
Authors: Wu Shaohan , Xue Jingfeng , Wang Yong , Kong Zixiao
Published: May 2023

Recently, malware detection models based on deep learning have gradually replaced manual analysis as the first line of defense for anti-malware systems. However, it has been shown that these models are vulnerable to a specific class of inputs called adversarial examples. It is possible to evade the detection model by adding some carefully crafted tiny perturbations to the malicious samples without changing the sample functions. Most of the adversarial example generation methods ignore the information contained in the detection results of benign samples from detection models. Our method extracts sequence fragments called benign payload from benign samples based on detection results and uses an RNN generative model to learn benign features embedded in these sequences. Then, we use the end of the original malicious sample as input to generate an adversarial perturbation that reduces the malicious probability of the sample and append it to the end of the sample to generate an adversarial sample. According to different adversarial scenarios, we propose two different generation strategies, which are the one-time generation method and the iterative generation method. Under different query times and append scale constraints, the maximum evasion success rate can reach 90.8%.
Investigation of Incident Angle Dependence of Single Event Transient Model in MOSFET
Authors: Zhang Fan , Wang Yibo , Liu Yi , Wu Minghu , Zhou Zilong
Published: May 2023

As the manufacturing process level of semiconductor devices continues to improve, the device size gradually decreases, and the devices are affected by the single event effect more and more severely. In this paper, the physical process of single particle incident N-channel Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (NMOSFET) is simulated. By changing the particle incidence position, incidence angle, LET value, and temperature, the transient current variation with time is obtained, and the susceptibility of the device to single event effect under the action of four factors is analyzed, which provides the basis for the next research of the device against single event effect and ideas for the radiation hardening of semiconductor devices. In addition, in these experiments, there were bimodal-shaped current pulses that were different from single peak transient current pulses. Therefore, a new model describing the bimodal single event transient (SET) current waveform was proposed, which can be used as a current source model in circuit simulation and help to predict the ability of the circuit to resist the single event effect.
Comparison of Methods for Suppressing Circulating Current in Metal Sheath of Cables Connected in Parallel
Authors: Wu Rui , Zou Weilin , Yuan Jie , Bao Hua , Wang Shuaijie , Liu Yufeng , Yang Wentao
Published: May 2023

The number of high-voltage parallel cables is rapidly increasing. The alternating magnetic field generated by the working current of power cable cores induces voltage in the adjacent metal sheath; if the sheath and earth form a circuit, the metal sheath will create a circulating current, resulting in a reduction in the load capacity of power cable and the life of cable insulation. This paper uses MATLAB to construct a model for calculating the circulating current of cables connected in parallel in the same phase, and the effects of cable arrangement, phase sequence, and loop distance of cables connected in parallel on the sheath circulating current are investigated. The induced voltage in power cable sheaths is decomposed into two components, i.e., the component resulting from the core current and the component resulting from the metal sheath. Two new sheath connection methods are proposed to suppress the sheath circulating current. Compared with traditional cross-connection grounding, the proposed methods can reduce the coupling degree between loops, thus decreasing the induced voltage and circulating current. The different grounding methods of the sheath are modeled in the environment of an electromagnetic transient program (EMTP), and the sheath circulating current is simulated and compared with the conventional cross-connection grounding method. In the asymmetric arrangement, the proposed series connection method can reduce the sheath circulating current by at least 50%; however, its increases the sheath circulating current in the symmetric arrangement.
Detrital Zircon Geochronology of the Volyn-Orsha Sedimentary Basin in Western Ukraine: Implications for the Meso-Neoproterozoic History of Baltica and Possible Link to Amazonia and the Grenvillian—Sveconorwegian—Sunsas Orogenic Belts
Authors: Shumlyanskyy Leonid , Bekker Andrey , Tarasko Iryna , Francovschi Ion , Wilde Simon A. , Melnychuk Viktor
Published: May 2023

We used LA-ICP-MS U-Pb data for detrital zircon to constrain the Maximum Depositional Age (MDA) and provenance of clastic sedimentary rocks of the Volyn-Orsha sedimentary basin, which filled an elongated (~625 × 250 km) depression in SW Baltica and attained ~900 m in thickness. Eighty-six zircons out of one hundred and three yielded concordant dates, with most of them (86%) falling in the time interval between 1655 ± 3 and 1044 ± 16 Ma and clustering in two peaks at ca. 1630 and 1230 Ma. The remaining zircons yielded dates older than 1800 Ma. The MDA is defined by a tight group of three zircons with a weighted mean age of 1079 ± 8 Ma. This age corresponds to the time of a ~90° clockwise rotation of Baltica and the formation of the Grenvillian—Sveconorwegian—Sunsas orogenic belts. Subsidence was facilitated by the presence of eclogites derived from subducted oceanic crust. The sediments of the Orsha sub-basin in the northeastern part of the basin were derived from the local crystalline basement, whereas the sediments in the Volyn sub-basin, extending to the margin of Baltica, were transported from the orogen between Laurentia, Baltica and Amazonia.
Backstress Influence on the Formation Stress Field in Hydraulic Fracturing Experiments
Authors: Novikova Elena V. , Trimonova Mariia A. , Turuntaev Sergey B. , Zenchenko Evgeny V. , Zenchenko Petr E.
Published: May 2023

This work presents an analysis of data obtained through unique laboratory experiments on hydraulic fracturing. In the experiments, sufficiently large artificial samples were used to model a reservoir. Thus, it was possible to simulate several wells simultaneously, given that hydraulic fracture was initiated in one of them. In addition, the setup construction provided a true triaxial stress–strain state. The setup allowed us to investigate parameters that are difficult to access in real conditions. The data processing based on six laboratory experiments on hydraulic fracturing showed discrepancies between the values of the minimum stresses calculated from the fracture closure pressure and the actual values known based on the experimental conditions. There was also a discrepancy between the theoretical values of the fracture breakdown pressure and those obtained through the experiments. This paper examines phenomena such as backstress as the main reasons for this discrepancy. Backstress is stress acting on the walls of a fracture or well and is caused by the filtered hydraulic fracturing fluid. The authors demonstrated that by taking into account this phenomenon, one can significantly reduce the differences between calculated and experimental values. Therefore, the authors call for the careful use of the standard theory when determining the stress state in real fields.
Healing with the Nonhuman Actor: A Study of the Recuperation from Loneliness and Isolation Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic through the Cinematic Text Lars and the Real Girl
Authors: Tholia Shipra
Published: May 2023

Loneliness and isolation were two factors introduced as “effective measures” during the COVID-19 crisis. The lockdown exacerbated loneliness among those already suffering from acute illnesses. In this context, a rereading of the film Lars and the Real Girl by Craig Gillespie is particularly relevant as it offers novel perspectives on loneliness. The interplay between Lars’s desire to be in a compassionate relationship and the fear of meeting and socializing is comparable to what was witnessed across the coronavirus-afflicted world. This paper explores the potential for understanding delusion caused by traumatic experiences as a form of communication rather than a mental disorder. The film explains how a silicone sex doll functions as a medium between the lonesome Lars and society in resolving the trauma. The paper focuses on the infantile nature of humans and uses infantilism in a conducive manner to understand anthropomorphism for bridging the gap between a lonely/delusional person and society while drawing examples from the film. The introduction of a nonhuman actor—an anatomically correct doll—becomes an opportunity for a traumatized person such as Lars to know himself well and gradually open up to socializing. As he moves from external to threshold en-rolling, followed by internal en-rolling, it indicates his opening up to communication as he moves from language to lalangue and creates his world with the doll. This film presents a therapeutic approach to treating schizoid personality disorder with the assistance of a nonhuman actor.
Prenatal Diagnosis of an Intrathoracic Left Kidney Associated with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Case Report and Systematic Review
Authors: Orlandi Giuliana , Toscano Paolo , Gabrielli Olimpia , Di Lella Enrica , Lettieri Antonia , Manzo Luigi , Mazzarelli Laura Letizia , Sica Carmine , Di Meglio Letizia , Di Meglio Lavinia , Gulino Ferdinando Antonio , Incognito Giosuè Giordano , Tuscano Attilio , Cianci Stefano , Di Meglio Aniello
Published: May 2023

Introduction: A congenital intrathoracic kidney (ITK) is a rare anomaly that is recognized to have four causes: renal ectopia with an intact diaphragm, diaphragmatic eventration, diaphragmatic hernia, and traumatic diaphragmatic rupture. We report a case of a prenatal-diagnosed ITK related to a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and conducted a systematic review of all cases of the prenatal diagnosis of this association. Case presentation: A fetal ultrasound scan at 22 gestational weeks showed left CDH and ITK, hyperechoic left lung parenchyma, and mediastinal shift. The fetal echocardiography and karyotype were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging at 30 gestational weeks confirmed the ultrasound suspicion of left CDH in association with bowel and left kidney herniation. The fetal growth, amniotic fluid, and Doppler indices remained within the normal range over time. The woman delivered the newborn via an at-term spontaneous vaginal delivery. The newborn was stabilized and underwent non-urgent surgical correction; the postoperative course was uneventful. Conclusions: CDH is the rarest cause of ITK; we found only eleven cases describing this association. The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 29 ± 4 weeks and 4 days. There were seven cases of right and four cases of left CDH. There were associated anomalies in only three fetuses. All women delivered live babies, the herniated kidneys showed no functional damage after their surgical correction, and the prognosis was favorable after surgical repair. The prenatal diagnosis and counseling of this condition are important in planning adequate prenatal and postnatal management in order to improve neonatal outcomes.
Individualized Prediction of Drug Resistance in People with Post-Stroke Epilepsy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Lattanzi Simona , Meletti Stefano , Trinka Eugen , Brigo Francesco , Turcato Gianni , Rinaldi Claudia , Cagnetti Claudia , Foschi Nicoletta , Broggi Serena , Norata Davide , Silvestrini Mauro
Published: May 2023

Background: The study aimed to develop a model and build a nomogram to predict the probability of drug resistance in people with post-stroke epilepsy (PSE). Methods: Subjects with epilepsy secondary to ischemic stroke or spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage were included. The study outcome was the occurrence of drug-resistant epilepsy defined according to International League Against Epilepsy criteria. Results: One hundred and sixty-four subjects with PSE were included and 32 (19.5%) were found to be drug-resistant. Five variables were identified as independent predictors of drug resistance and were included in the nomogram: age at stroke onset (odds ratio (OR): 0.941, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.907–0.977), intracerebral hemorrhage (OR: 6.292, 95% CI 1.957–20.233), severe stroke (OR: 4.727, 95% CI 1.573–14.203), latency of PSE (>12 months, reference; 7–12 months, OR: 4.509, 95% CI 1.335–15.228; 0–6 months, OR: 99.099, 95% CI 14.873–660.272), and status epilepticus at epilepsy onset (OR: 14.127, 95% CI 2.540–78.564). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the nomogram was 0.893 (95% CI: 0.832–0.956). Conclusions: Great variability exists in the risk of drug resistance in people with PSE. A nomogram based on a set of readily available clinical variables may represent a practical tool for an individualized prediction of drug-resistant PSE.
Submacular Hemorrhages Show No Significant Seasonal Variations in a European Cohort
Authors: Storp Jens Julian , Diener Raphael , Eter Nicole , Bormann Eike , Treder Maximilian
Published: May 2023

The aim of the article is to investigate the seasonality of acute submacular hemorrhages (SMHs) in a European population and analyze the influence of the seasons, arterial hypertension, and intake of anticoagulatory/antiplatelet (AC/AP) medication on hemorrhage size. This retrospective, monocentric study included 164 eyes of 164 patients treated for acute SMH at the University Hospital Münster, Germany, between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2021. Data on the day of occurrence, hemorrhage size, and general patient characteristics were recorded. “Test for cyclic trends in incidence data” and the Chi-Square Test were applied to investigate seasonal variations in SMH incidence. Fisher’s exact test was used to investigate the influence of the seasons, arterial hypertension, and intake of AC/AP medication on hemorrhage size. A statistical analysis did not reveal significant seasonal variations in the occurrence of SMHs (p = 0.81). While the seasons and the presence of systemic arterial hypertension did not exert a significant influence, the intake of AC/AP medication significantly affected the size of SMH (p = 0.03). In this European cohort, no significant seasonal variations of SMHs were observed. However, in patients with risk factors, such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), the chance of an increase in hemorrhage size should be considered when initiating AC/AP therapy.
Tongue Reconstruction with Buccinator Myomucosal Island Flaps: Technical Considerations, Oncologic Safety, Functional Outcomes and QoL Assessment—A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Massarelli Olindo , Vaira Luigi Angelo , Crimi Salvatore , Salzano Giovanni , Latini Linda , Bianchi Alberto , Gennaro Paolo , De Riu Giacomo
Published: May 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of buccinator myomucosal island flaps for tongue reconstruction following malignant tumor resections. A retrospective study was performed on 52 patients who underwent tongue reconstructions with buccinator myomucosal island flaps between 2012 and 2020. We reviewed the flap type and size, harvesting time, recipient- and donor-site complications, postoperative oncologic outcomes, functional recovery and QoL assessment. All of the flaps were transposed successfully without any total flap loss. Neither in the primary site nor in the neck were cancer relapses observed. An evaluation of the sensitivity revealed that 96.1% of patients experienced a recovery of touch, two-point and pain sensations. There were significant differences between the flap and the native mucosa in terms of the tactile (p < 0.001), pain (p < 0.001) and two-point (p < 0.001) thresholds. The average swallowing score recorded was 6.1 out of 7, with only minor complaints. The quality of life assessments demonstrated high scores across physical (24.5 out of 28), social (25.8 out of 28), emotional (20.3 out of 24) and functional (25 out of 28) aspects. The present study showed how buccinator myomucosal island flaps represent an effective and functional tongue reconstructive option, requiring a short operative time with a low rate of donor site morbidity, and with evidence of long-term oncologic safety and high quality of life.
Spatio-Temporal Assessment of Landscape Ecological Risk and Associated Drivers: A Case Study of the Yellow River Basin in Inner Mongolia
Authors: Zhang Hengrui , Zhang Jianing , Lv Zhuozhuo , Yao Linjie , Zhang Ning , Zhang Qing
Published: May 2023

The Yellow River Basin in Inner Mongolia (YRBIM) has witnessed major changes in land use/land cover (LULC), which have had an impact on the basin’s ecosystem, in the context of fast economic development and urbanization. This study set out to investigate the ecological risk and key driving forces in the basin as LULC evolves. In order to evaluate the ecological risk of the basin and use a geographic detector model to understand the causes of its spatial heterogeneity, we built a landscape ecological risk index (ERI) model based on changes in LULC from 1990 to 2020. The findings indicate that between 1990 and 2020, LULC modifications led to the transfer of several land types to a small number of land types, all of which have since changed into other land types. With high risk areas primarily located in the Hobq Desert, the Hetao irrigation area, and some portions of the Mu Us Sandy Land, the ecological risk level in the basin is gradually decreasing. Human activities are the main cause of the regional variation of ecological risk in the basin, with topography and climate coming in second and third. The Yellow River Basin’s ecological danger and environmental quality have only received a limited amount of analysis to date. This study is a crucial resource for the development of civilization and ecological restoration in the region.
The Use of GIS and Multicriteria Techniques for the Socio-Spatial Analysis of Urban Areas in Medium-Sized Spanish Cities
Authors: Cebrián Abellán Francisco , Andrés López Gonzalo , Bellet Sanfeliu Carme
Published: May 2023

In recent decades, particularly intense changes have occurred in Spanish urban areas. This is the result of demographic and urbanizing transformations that have led to a change in the city model. The predominance of compact forms has been replaced by the growing prominence of urban sprawl. Structures are now more extensive, characterized, in turn, by fragmentation and the notable consumption of land in the peripheries. In medium-sized cities, the municipalities bordering the central cities have concentrated the processes of suburbanization and periurbanization. This paper addresses the processes of change for 34 cities and their urban areas located in inland Spain. A proposal is made for the delimitation and characterization of urban areas, taking the municipality as the unit of analysis. At the methodological level, six variables are used, analyzed by means of multicriteria statistical techniques combined with the use of GIS tools. An Urban Transformation Index (ITU) has been developed that synthesizes urbanizing, demographic and socioeconomic dynamics (six variables related to population, housing and socio-productive structure are used). In the territorial area, the 20-min isochrone is used as a reference. In the temporal domain, the period of analysis addresses the events of the first two decades of the twenty-first century.
Social Isolation: A Narrative Review on the Dangerous Liaison between the Autonomic Nervous System and Inflammation
Authors: Scatà Costanza , Carandina Angelica , Della Torre Alice , Arosio Beatrice , Bellocchi Chiara , Dias Rodrigues Gabriel , Furlan Ludovico , Tobaldini Eleonora , Montano Nicola
Published: May 2023

Social isolation and feelings of loneliness are related to higher mortality and morbidity. Evidence from studies conducted during space missions, in space analogs, and during the COVID-19 pandemic underline the possible role of the autonomic nervous system in mediating this relation. Indeed, the activation of the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system enhances the cardiovascular response and activates the transcription of pro-inflammatory genes, which leads to a stimulation of inflammatory activation. This response is adaptive in the short term, in that it allows one to cope with a situation perceived as a threat, but in the long term it has detrimental effects on mental and physical health, leading to mood deflection and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as imbalances in immune system activation. The aim of this narrative review is to present the contributions from space studies and insights from the lockdown period on the relationship between social isolation and autonomic nervous system activation, focusing on cardiovascular impairment and immune imbalance. Knowing the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this relationship is important as it enables us to structure effective countermeasures for the new challenges that lie ahead: the lengthening of space missions and Mars exploration, the specter of future pandemics, and the aging of the population.
A Strategy for Minimizing Circulatory Arrest Duration in Complex Aortic Arch Procedures
Authors: Balan Robert , Soso Petar , Massoudy Parwis , Proschek Till , Kurre Wiebke , Mogilansky Christian
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives: Aortic arch pathologies represent a surgical challenge. The challenge is partly due to the necessity of complex cerebral, visceral, and myocardial protection measures. Aortic arch surgery generally requires a significant duration of circulatory arrest, which includes deep hypothermia levels with the associated sequelae. This retrospective observational study shows the feasibility of a strategy that reduces circulatory arrest duration and eliminates the need for deep hypothermia during the procedure. Materials and Methods: Between January 2022 and January 2023, 15 patients (n = 15) with type A aortic dissection underwent total arch replacement with a frozen elephant trunk. Cardiopulmonary bypass and organ perfusion were established via arterial lines in the right axillary artery and one of the femoral arteries. In the latter vessels, a y-branched arterial cannula was used (ThruPortTM), allowing for endo-clamping of the stent part of the frozen elephant trunk with a balloon and subsequent perfusion of the lower body. Results: Applying this modified perfusion technique, circulatory arrest time could be reduced to a mean of 8.1 ± 4.2 min, and surgery was performed at a mean lowest body temperature of 28.9 ± 2.3 °C. The mean ICU and hospital stays were 18.3 ± 13.7 days and 23.8 ± 11.7 days, respectively. The rate for 30-day survival was 100%. Conclusions: By applying our modified perfusion technique, the circulatory arrest duration was below ten minutes. As a consequence, deep hypothermia could be avoided, and surgery could be performed at moderate hypothermia. Future studies will have to show whether these changes may be translated into a clinical benefit for our patients.
ReS2 Nanoflowers-Assisted Confined Growth of Gold Nanoparticles for Ultrasensitive and Reliable SERS Sensing
Authors: Li Yongping , Liao Haohui , Wu Shaobing , Weng Xiaoyu , Wang Yiping , Liu Liwei , Qu Junle , Song Jun , Ye Shuai , Yu Xiantong , Chen Yu
Published: May 2023

ReS2, as a new member of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), has emerged as a promising substrate for semiconductor surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) due to its unique optoelectronic properties. Nevertheless, the sensitivity of the ReS2 SERS substrate poses a significant challenge to its widespread application in trace detection. In this work, we present a reliable approach for constructing a novel ReS2/AuNPs SERS composite substrate, enabling ultrasensitive detection of trace amounts of organic pesticides. We demonstrate that the porous structures of ReS2 nanoflowers can effectively confine the growth of AuNPs. By precisely controlling the size and distribution of AuNPs, numerous efficient and densely packed “hot spots” were created on the surface of ReS2 nanoflowers. As a result of the synergistic enhancement of the chemical and electromagnetic mechanisms, the ReS2/AuNPs SERS substrate demonstrates high sensitivity, good reproducibility, and superior stability in detecting typical organic dyes such as rhodamine 6G and crystalline violet. The ReS2/AuNPs SERS substrate shows an ultralow detection limit of 10−10 M and a linear detection of organic pesticide molecules within 10−6–10−10 M, which is significantly lower than the EU Environmental Protection Agency regulation standards. The strategy of constructing ReS2/AuNPs composites would contribute to the development of highly sensitive and reliable SERS sensing platforms for food safety monitoring.
Insights into the Genetic Diversity of Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis in Panama, Inferred via Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST)
Authors: Mendieta Daniel , Vásquez Vanessa , Jaén Luis , Pineda Vanessa , Saldaña Azael , Calzada José Eduardo , Samudio Franklyn
Published: May 2023

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania and transmitted by sand fly vectors. Tegumentary leishmaniasis is the most prevalent clinical outcome in Latin America, afflicting people from 18 countries. In Panama, the annual incidence rate of leishmaniasis is as high as 3000 cases, representing a major public health problem. In endemic regions, L. panamensis is responsible for almost eighty percent of human cases that present different clinical outcomes. These differences in disease outcomes could be the result of the local interplay between L. panamensis variants and human hosts with different genetic backgrounds. The genetic diversity of L. panamensis in Panama has only been partially explored, and the variability reported for this species is based on few studies restricted to small populations and/or with poor resolutive markers at low taxonomic levels. Accordingly, in this study, we explored the genetic diversity of sixty-nine L. panamensis isolates from different endemic regions of Panama, using an MLST approach based on four housekeeping genes (Aconitase, ALAT, GPI and HSP70). Two to seven haplotypes per locus were identified, and regional differences in the genetic diversity of L. panamensis were observed. A genotype analysis evidenced the circulation of thirteen L. panamensis genotypes, a fact that might have important implications for the local control of the disease.
Epigenetic Modifications Related to Potato Skin Russeting
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Kaplan Yulia , Endelman Jeffrey B. , Ginzberg Idit
Published: May 2023

Potato tuber skin is a protective corky tissue consisting of suberized phellem cells. Smooth-skinned varieties are characterized by a clean, shiny appearance compared to the darker hue of russeted potatoes. The rough skin of russeted cultivars is a desired, genetically inherited characteristic; however, unwanted russeting of smooth-skinned cultivars often occurs under suboptimal growth conditions. The involvement of epigenetic modifiers in regulating the smooth skin russeting disorder was tested. We used smooth-skin commercial cultivars with and without the russeting disorder and three lines from a breeding population segregating for russeting. Anatomically, the russet skin showed similar characteristics, whether the cause was environmentally triggered or genetically determined. The old outer layers of the corky phellem remain attached to the newly formed phellem layers instead of being sloughed off. Global DNA methylation analysis indicated a significant reduction in the percentage of 5-methylcytosine in mature vs. immature skin and russet vs. smooth skin. This was true for both the smooth-skin commercial cultivars and the russeted lines. The expression level of selected DNA methyltransferases was reduced in accordance. DNA demethylase expression did not change between the skin types and age. Hence, the reduced DNA methylation in mature and russet skin is more likely to be achieved through passive DNA demethylation and loss of methyltransferase activity.