bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The diagnostic performance of 18F-DCFPyL PET in patients with suspected prostate cancer: A systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pang Wenyang , Cheng Shulin , Du Zhongbo , Du Shuang
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Our meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of 18F-DCFPyL prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET in patients with suspected prostate cancer.

Methods

We searched for articles that evaluate the diagnostic value of 18F-DCFPyL PSMA PET in patients with suspected prostate cancer in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science until 1 August 2022. Using the QUADAS-2 instrument, two researchers independently assessed the effectiveness of the studies that were included. The four-grid table data were analyzed by Meta-disc1.4 and Stata 16.0 software. The heterogeneity of each study was tested.

Results

A total of five studies with 258 patients were included, and the pooled sensitivity and specificity of 18F-DCFPyL PSMA PET for primary prostate cancer were 0.92 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85–0.96) and 0.59 (95% CI: 0.08–0.96), respectively. 18F-DCFPyL PSMA PET was successful in detecting primary prostate cancer, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.89–0.94).

Conclusions

18F-DCFPyL PSMA PET has a strong predictive value for primary prostate cancer and is an effective method for the non-invasive diagnosis of prostate cancer. More prospective articles were needed.
Effects of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate injection on inflammatory factors and vascular endothelial function in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Kan Zunqi , Yan Wenli , Yang Mengqi , Gao Huanyu , Meng Dan , Wang Ning , Fang Yuqing , Wu Lingyu , Song Yongmei
Published: March 2023

Background: Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) therapy may experience further damage to the vascular endothelium, leading to increased inflammatory response and in-stent thrombosis. In many clinical studies, sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate injection (STS) has been found to reduce inflammatory factors and enhance vascular endothelial function in patients with ACS while improving the prognosis of PCI. However, to date, there has been no systematic review assessing the effectiveness and safety of STS on inflammatory factors and vascular endothelial function.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to systematically review the effects of STS on inflammatory factors and endothelial function in patients with ACS treated with PCI.

Methods: Until October 2022, eight literature databases and two clinical trial registries were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating STS treatment for ACS patients undergoing PCI. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk Assessment Tool 2.0. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.

Results: Seventeen trials met the eligibility criteria, including 1,802 ACS patients undergoing PCI. The meta-analysis showed that STS significantly reduced high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels (mean difference [MD = −2.35, 95% CI (−3.84, −0.86), p = 0.002], tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels (standard mean difference [SMD = −3.29, 95%CI (−5.15, −1.42), p = 0,006], matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels [MD = −16.24, 95%CI (−17.24, −15.24), p < 0.00001], and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels [MD = −2.32, 95%CI (−2.70, −1.93), p < 0.00001], and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels [SMD = 1.46, 95%CI (0.43, 2.49), p = 0,006] in patients with ACS. In addition, STS significantly decreased the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (relative risk = 0.54, 95%CI [0.44, 0.66], p < 0.00001). The quality of evidence for the outcomes was assessed to be very low to medium.

Conclusion: STS can safely and effectively reduce the levels of hs-CRP, TNF-α, MMP-9, and LPO and increase the level of SOD in patients with ACS treated with PCI. It can also reduce the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events. However, these findings require careful consideration due to the small number of included studies, high risk of bias, and low to moderate evidence. In the future, more large-scale and high-quality RCTs will be needed as evidence in clinical practice.
Rapid isolation of respiring skeletal muscle mitochondria using nitrogen cavitation
Authors: Younis Awais Z. , Lavery Gareth G. , Christian Mark , Doig Craig L.
Published: March 2023

Methods of isolating mitochondria commonly utilise mechanical force and shear stress to homogenize tissue followed by purification by multiple rounds of ultracentrifugation. Existing protocols can be time-consuming with some physically impairing integrity of the sensitive mitochondrial double membrane. Here, we describe a method for the recovery of intact, respiring mitochondria from murine skeletal muscle tissue and cell lines using nitrogen cavitation. This protocol results in high-yield, pure and respiring mitochondria without the need for purification gradients or ultracentrifugation. The protocol takes under an hour and requires limited specialised equipment. Our methodology is successful in extracting mitochondria of both cell extracts and skeletal muscle tissue. This represents an improved yield in comparison to many of the existing methods. Western blotting and electron microscopy demonstrate the enrichment of mitochondria with their ultrastructure well-preserved and an absence of contamination from cytoplasmic or nuclear fractions. Using respirometry analysis we show that mitochondria extracted from murine skeletal muscle cell lines (C2C12) and tibialis anterior tissue have an appropriate respiratory control ratio. These measures are indicative of healthy coupled mitochondria. Our method successfully demonstrates the rapid isolation of functional mitochondria and will benefit researchers studying mitochondrial bioenergetics as well as providing greater throughput and application for time-sensitive assays.
Insights into the mechanisms of triptolide nephrotoxicity through network pharmacology-based analysis and RNA-seq
Authors: Luo Yue-Ming , Yang Shu-Dong , Wen Miao-Yu , Wang Bing , Liu Jia-Hui , Li Si-Ting , Li Yu-Yan , Cheng Hong , Zhao Li-Li , Li Shun-Min , Jiang Jian-Jun
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Triptolide (TPL) is a promising plant-derived compound for clinical therapy of multiple human diseases; however, its application was limited considering its toxicity.

Methods

To explore the underlying molecular mechanism of TPL nephrotoxicity, a network pharmacology based approach was utilized to predict candidate targets related with TPL toxicity, followed by deep RNA-seq analysis to characterize the features of three transcriptional elements include protein coding genes (PCGs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) as well as their associations with nephrotoxicity in rats with TPL treatment.

Results & Discussion

Although the deeper mechanisms of TPL nephrotoxcity remain further exploration, our results suggested that c-Jun is a potential target of TPL and Per1 related circadian rhythm signaling is involved in TPL induced renal toxicity.
Dimensional models of personality disorders: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Monaghan Conal , Bizumic Boris
Published: March 2023

Categorical models of personality disorders have been beneficial throughout psychiatric history, providing a mechanism for organizing and communicating research and treatment. However, the view that individuals with personality disorders are qualitatively distinct from the general population is no longer tenable. This perspective has amassed steady criticism, ranging from inconsequential to irreconcilable. In response, stronger evidence has been accumulated in support of a dimensional perspective that unifies normal and pathological personality on underlying trait continua. Contemporary nosology has largely shifted toward this dimensional perspective, yet broader adoption within public lexicon and routine clinical practice appears slow. This review focuses on challenges and the related opportunities of moving toward dimensional models in personality disorder research and practice. First, we highlight the need for ongoing development of a broader array of measurement methods, ideally facilitating multimethod assessments that reduce biases associated with any single methodology. These efforts should also include measurement across both poles of each trait, intensive longitudinal studies, and more deeply considering social desirability. Second, wider communication and training in dimensional approaches is needed for individuals working in mental health. This will require clear demonstrations of incremental treatment efficacy and structured public health rebates. Third, we should embrace cultural and geographic diversity, and investigate how unifying humanity may reduce the stigma and shame currently generated by arbitrarily labeling an individual's personality as normal or abnormal. This review aims to organize ongoing research efforts toward broader and routine usage of dimensional perspectives within research and clinical spaces.
Adverse selection and health insurance decisions of young migrant workers: An empirical study in China
Authors: Wang Hongbo , Gong Xi
Published: March 2023

Using data from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS) in 2017, this study assessed adverse selection and the impact of mobility factors on adverse selection by analyzing two samples of young migrant workers. The results of the sample analysis showed that young migrant workers with higher health risks were more inclined to enroll in health insurance, indicating the presence of adverse selection. Mobility distance and settle intention have a heterogeneous effect on adverse selection, with young workers who migrate inter-provincially and intend to settle down being more susceptible. The analysis of the insured samples showed that the phenomenon of adverse selection was also evident in the choice of health insurance, with individuals with higher risks preferring Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI), which has better financial coverage and benefits compared to Rural Residents' Basic Medical Insurance (URRBMI). The heterogeneity test confirmed that mobility distance plays a role in determining the likelihood of adverse selection, with inter-city and inter-province young migrant workers being more likely to show adverse selection.
Identification factors to adjust early combination regimens in adult primary immune thrombocytopenia: An 8-year data analysis
Authors: Iam-arunthai Kunapa , Chamnanchanunt Supat , Thungthong Pravinwan , Nakhahes Chajchawan , Suwanban Tawatchai , Rojnuckarin Ponlapat
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Recent studies suggested that adding other agents to corticosteroids as a first-line treatment for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) could improve outcomes. However, combination regimens may increase side effects and costs. To determine clinical factors associated with responses to the first-line steroid at 1 month.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with ITP aged ≥ 18 years, who were treated at Rajavithi Hospital between 2012 and 2020. Clinical data, laboratory results, treatment regimens, and responses to therapy were analyzed.

Results

Of the 226 patients, 76.6% were female. The mean age was 46.5 ± 18.1 years, and the median follow-up duration was 40 months. The proportion of chronic ITP was 97.3%. The complete response and response rates to first-line therapy were 65.5% and 88.9%, respectively. The age over 26 years, presentation clinically non-significant bleeding and a difference in platelet count of >50 x 109/L between days 1 and 7 after initial treatment were associated with the response to first-line treatment (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 5.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.50-17.28, p = 0.009); OR 5.87, 95%CI 1.19-28.91, p = 0.029, and OR 3.60, 95%CI 1.10-11.73, p = 0.034, respectively. Younger patients and a difference in platelet count between day 1 and 7 ≤ 50 x 109/L were more likely to require second-line treatments. There were significant increases in the median platelet counts after prescribing azathioprine (baseline vs. 3 months, p = 0.001), cyclophosphamide (baseline vs. 6 months, p = 0.021), or danazol (baseline vs. 12 months, p = 0.039).

Conclusion

Adult, severity of bleeding at presentation, and rapid platelet increases within 1 week were related to excellent corticosteroid responses in ITP patients. These patients may not need combination regimens.
Fables of scarcity in IP
Authors: Said Zahr K.
Published: March 2023

In this chapter, I use methods drawn from literary analysis to bear on artificial scarcity and explore how literary and legal storytelling engages in scarcity mongering. I find three particular narrative strategies calculated to compel a conclusion in favor of propertization: the spectacle of need, the diversionary tactic, and the rallying cry. First, I unpack the spectacle of need and its diversionary aspects through several literary accounts of scarcity and starvation. I juxtapose Franz Kafka's “A Hunger Artist,” a story explicitly centered on a wasting body, with J.M. Coetzee's The Life and Times of Michael K. Second, to explore how scarcity fables offer diversionary tactics that redirect attention away from actual scarcity, I consider NFTs, or non-fungible tokens. NFTs reflect the arbitrary value scarcity can produce, especially when artificially generated. Yet NFTs offer a spectacle of need that distracts from actual scarcity, riding a wave of expansionist property logic that suggests that more ownership is the answer. Third, to consider the scarcity fable's propertarian rallying cry, I offer an extended close reading of a copyright dispute, Leonard v. Stemtech, involving a pair of microscopic stem cell photographs deemed so scarce they were valued at 100 times their past licensing history. Leonard illustrates how a scarcity fable may look in the context of intellectual property (“IP”). The nature of this chapter is necessarily conceptual and speculative, designed to raise questions rather than attempting conclusively to answer them. Through juxtaposition of literary accounts and one legal case study, fables of scarcity emerge as a genre whose very appearance in certain contexts ought to give scholars and policymakers pause. In copyright litigation, in which expansionist property narratives may be especially harmful to the public domain and subsequent creators, scarcity fables may be made to provide apparent support for potentially dangerous changes. Identifying scarcity fables as such when they appear in copyright cases could trigger review of the asserted scarcity and a more searching inquiry into whether the proposed solution could worsen actual scarcity.
Can Farmers Earn Money by Farming in Or Near Cities?
Authors: Wiese Claudia , Pölling Bernd , Lorleberg Wolf
Published: March 2023

As you probably know, most farms are found in rural areas, far away from big cities. However, when food is grown near cities, it can make cities more sustainable and prepared for the future. Moreover, it even offers business options for farmers in the outskirts of the cities as well as for newcomers and start-ups producing food in the city centers. Short food-supply chains and well-known origin are only some of the benefits. New technologies like aquaponics can go hand in hand with traditional farms. Both complement each other and enhance local food production. Nevertheless, local food production needs to be economically viable to be sustainable and prosper in the end. This raises the questions: Is it possible to run a successful and sustainable farm near—or even within—a city?
Case report: Leptospirosis with multi-organ failure complicated by massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a non-epidemic setting with successful management
Authors: Thalji Mariam , Qunibi Hanan , Muhtasib Loai , Hroob Hasan , Al-Zughayyar Ashraf , Salhab Rafiq , Abu Asbeh Yousef
Published: March 2023

Leptospirosis is a common zoonotic disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations, specifically in tropical regions. Weil's disease is considered a severe form of leptospirosis seen in a minority of leptospirosis cases with considerable mortality. These patients typically developed the triad of acute renal injury, jaundice, and hemorrhages. Herein, we reported a case of a 28-year-old male transferred to our intensive care unit due to severe leptospirosis with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, cholestatic jaundice, acute respiratory distress, and renal injury. The patient was successfully managed with appropriate antimicrobial treatment and other supportive management, including mechanical ventilation, vasopressor, and corticosteroid therapy. Ten days after admission, the patient unexpectedly developed uncontrollable massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding, requiring immediate surgical interventions. Splenectomy, partial gastrectomy, along with gastro-esophageal anastomosis were performed. Following a prolonged hospitalization, the patient fully recovered and was discharged home with excellent clinical outcomes. This fulminant leptospirosis case described here should assist in informing medical professionals of the clinical significance of this serious, occasionally fatal illness. Moreover, leptospirosis should be considered in any location wherever risk factors are present, not just in epidemic and tropical areas. In this case, we pointed out that serious complications of leptospirosis, such as hemorrhage, may happen despite their rarity. In such cases, adopting an integrated multidisciplinary team approach is essential to prevent complications and reduce mortality.
Induced membrane technique using bone cement with or without cefazolin in chicken segmental radius defect
Authors: Campeiro Junior Luiz D. , Rahal Sheila Canevese , Souza Marcos A. , Osowski Alini , Silva Júnior José I. S.
Published: March 2023

The utilization of antibiotic-loaded cement spacer in the induced membrane development has been a debate topic in human medicine. To the best of the author's knowledge, these combinations have not yet been evaluated in birds. Therefore, this study assessed induced membrane formation using radiography and histology, in a segmental defect of a chicken radius, with or without the addition of cefazolin. Thirty 18-month-old healthy chickens were divided into two equal groups: G1—bone defect filled with bone cement; G2—bone defect filled with cefazolin powder-loaded bone cement. Radiographic examinations of the left forearm were taken immediately after surgery and at 7, 15, and 21 postoperative days. For the collection of the induced membranes, five chickens in each group were euthanized at 7, 15, and 21 days after surgery. Radiographically, the bone cement was identified as a radiopaque structure occupying the bone defect in both groups. Mild new bone formation in at least one of the fractured extremities of the bone defect was seen only 21 days after surgery in most chickens. Histologically, there was no difference in the mean thickness of the induced membrane between groups at all time points. Multifocal multinucleated cells differed between groups at 7 (G1 > G2) and 21 (G2 > G1) days after surgery. Mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate differed between groups only on day 21 (G1 > G2). Fibrous tissue proliferation did not differ between groups at all evaluation times. Blood vessel density differed only at 21 days postoperatively (G2 < G1). Multifocal areas of cartilage differed between groups at all time points (G1 > G2). In conclusion, cefazolin mixed with bone cement did not affect thickness of the induced membrane, but did result in a negative effect on some histological aspects, such as fewer vessels, less multifocal areas of cartilage, and persistence of inflammation.
Najnowsze dzieje języka polskiego (1918–2018)
Authors: Dubisz Stanisław
Published: March 2023

The latest history of the Polish language (1918–2018) consists of four phases (1918–1939, 1939–1945, 1945–1990, after 1990). In the area of extra-linguistic phenomena and sociolinguistic trends, the Polish language has evolved from the status of an elite language to a democratised code and from the double division of communication varieties (common language : dialects) to the triple division (common language : folk dialects : mixed codes). In the area of intra-linguistic phenomena, the trends of economisation and completion of linguistic devices dominated throughout the history, while preserving the uniform dynamics of other trends (unification, repartition, nobilitation). These processes and specific language changes have affected all structural layers of the Polish language system in a proportional manner, which proves the effectiveness of optimisation processes.
Keywords: language history – latest history of the Polish language – Polish language evolution – language system – extra-linguistic factors – intra-linguistic factors – sociolinguistic trends – language system development trends.
Formy gramatyczne autosemantycznych części mowy w językach polskim
i ukraińskim
Authors: Łesiuk Mykoła
Published: March 2023

The author of this article analyses the common and differentiating grammatical forms of autosemantic parts of speech in the related Polish and Ukrainian languages, while examining the causes of differences between them. Relying on many years’ of his lecturing experience gained at a higher education institution, he focuses primarily on the issues that are the most complicated for Ukrainian students when studying Polish. One of the major differences is the presence of masculine personal forms of each part of speech in Polish. Hence, the forms are discussed in the inflection/conjugation systems of nouns, adjectives, pronouns, numerals, and verbs. Historical reasons for the selected grammatical phenomena play an important role in the article.
Effects of Combined Pollution of Tetracycline and Sulfamethazine on Tomato Growth and Antibiotic Absorption
Authors: Xu Qiutong , Zhang Mingkui
Published: March 2023

Antibiotics are widely used in livestock and poultry farming for disease prevention and animal growth promotion. Due to the low absorption rate of antibiotics by animals, antibiotics can remain in livestock and poultry manure as parent or metabolites and enter the farm environment with the application of livestock and poultry manure, which has potential effects on crop growth. This study assessed the effects of single and combined contamination of antibiotics in soil on tomato plants. The accumulation of antibiotics in tomato plants and the impacts on crop growth were investigated. A pot experiment with sandy soil was conducted in a greenhouse, and a 100-day tomato growth experiment was conducted by adding different doses of tetracycline and sulfadiazine (0, 25, and 50 mg/kg). The antibiotic contents in various tissues and organs of the tomato were examined, and the changes in photosynthetic intensity and biomass of the tomato were observed to simulate the effects of exogenous antibiotic addition on the growth and quality of the tomato. The results indicated that tomato plants simultaneously absorbed tetracycline and sulfamethazine from soil. Antibiotics were primarily absorbed by tomato roots and were further delivered to plant leaves, stems, and fruits. Antibiotics exhibited the highest concentration in roots, followed by leaves, stems, and fruits. The contents of tetracycline and sulfamethazine in plant tissues elevated with the increase in soil antibiotics, which were higher in the vegetative growth stage than those in the late growth stage. At concentrations of 25 and 50 mg/kg, tetracycline and sulfamethazine combined pollution significantly reduced leaf photosynthetic rates and plant biomass. Notably, high levels of antibiotics led to decreases in tomato yield and quality. Additionally, high concentrations of antibiotic contamination elevated leaf nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but reduced the leaf carbon/nitrogen ratio, as well as reduced the vitamin C content in the fruits. Overall, since antibiotics can accumulate in vegetables and enter the food chain, the findings are crucial for evaluating the impacts of soil antibiotic contamination on the production and food safety of tomato products, and will also add to our knowledge of antibiotic migration into the food chain.
Consistency of Water Vapour Pressure and Specific Heat Capacity Values for Modelling Clay-Based Engineered Barriers
Authors: Asensio Laura , Urraca Gema , Navarro Vicente
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study is to assess the consistency in the modelling of thermo-hydraulic problems in clay-based engineered barriers. This study focuses on two aspects: the modelling of vapour pressure as a function of temperature, and the specific heat capacities of liquid water and water vapour in relation to the enthalpy of vaporisation and the internal energy of liquid water and water vapour. Regarding the first aspect, several formulations of the saturated vapour pressure have been inspected, evaluating their accuracy and information provided in the temperature range from 0 to 150 °C. Regarding the second aspect, the enthalpy of vaporisation and the internal energy of water were used to assess the consistency of pairs of specific heat capacity values in the same temperature range. Values from the literature were also inspected. An accurate and simple enough expression for the saturated water vapour pressure with temperature has been identified as the optimal option for modelling. Recommendations on specific heat capacity constant values for liquid water and vapour are suggested to maximise consistency in the studied temperature range. However, the loss of accuracy in the enthalpy or internal energy of vaporisation associated with the inspected specific heat capacity pairs is limited.
External Beam IBA Measurements for Cultural Heritage
Authors: Chiari Massimo
Published: March 2023

Ion beam analysis (IBA) methods refer to a set of analytical techniques based on the interactions of energetic ions, produced by a particle accelerator, with matter. The result of such interactions is the emission of characteristic radiation, X and gamma rays, and charged particles, which, upon detection, provide valuable information on the absolute concentration and depth distribution of the elements in the bombarded material. Moreover, IBA techniques can be performed while maintaining the object to be investigated at atmospheric pressure, without placing it in vacuum, in an analysis chamber, with the impinging ion beam extracted from the in-vacuum beamline of the accelerator, avoiding the need of invasive sampling and greatly easing the object positioning, thus allowing precious and big or large artefacts to be studied. This feature has opened the way for applications of IBA techniques for compositional analysis in cultural heritage studies, providing detailed and complete information about elemental compositions and depth distributions of analysed materials that are otherwise difficult or impossible for other analytical techniques. In this paper, the basic principles of the main IBA techniques applied to cultural heritage, namely, particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE), particle induced Gamma-ray emission (PIGE), and Rutherford or elastic backscattering spectrometry (RBS/EBS), will be recalled, and specific and practical details on how these techniques can be used for analysing cultural heritage objects with external beam set-ups will be provided.
Combining Statistical, Displacement and Damage Analyses to Study Slow-Moving Landslides Interacting with Roads: Two Case Studies in Southern Italy
Authors: Pecoraro Gaetano , Nicodemo Gianfranco , Menichini Rosa , Luongo Davide , Peduto Dario , Calvello Michele
Published: March 2023

Slow-moving landslides are widespread natural hazards that can affect social and economic activities, causing damage to structures and infrastructures. This paper aims at proposing a procedure to analyze road damage induced by slow-moving landslides based on the joint use of landslide susceptibility maps, a road-damage database developed using Google Street View images and ground-displacement measurements derived from the interferometric processing of satellite SAR images. The procedure is applied to the municipalities of Vaglio Basilicata and Trivigno in the Basilicata region (southern Italy) following a matrix-based approach. First, a susceptibility analysis is carried out at the municipal scale, using data from landslide inventories and thematic information available over the entire municipalities. Then, the susceptibility index, the class of movement and the level of damage are calculated for the territorial units corresponding to the road corridors under investigation. Finally, the road networks are divided into stretches, each one characterized by a specific level of risk (or attention required) following the aggregation of the information provided by the performed analyses. The results highlight the importance of integrating all of these different approaches and data for obtaining quantitative information on the spatial and temporal behavior of slow-moving landslides affecting road networks.
Capillary Rise in Layered Soils
Authors: Zhao Zhenhua , Luo Zhenjiang , Sun Hongjie , Li Haitao , Liu Qiang , Liu Haiyan
Published: March 2023

Capillary rise tests were conducted on soil columns containing of three layers of sandy soils with coarser over finer over coarser sandy soil to investigate the effect of the relatively finer soil interlayer. The capillary rise height, rate, and water distribution were observed in laboratory tests of four layered soil columns, with two homogeneous (without the interlayer) soil columns serving as the controls. The final maximum height of the capillary rise in the soil column with the interlayer was larger than that of the column without the interlayer when the interlayer was laid around the water entry value of the underlying soil. The water content was not continuous in the entire soil profile with the interlayer, and a small matric suction gap was observed in the relatively fine soil between the soil column with and without the interlayer.
Human-Centric Aggregation via Ordered Weighted Aggregation for Ranked Recommendation in Recommender Systems
Authors: Sohail Shahab Saquib , Aziz Asfia , Ali Rashid , Hasan Syed Hamid , Madsen Dag Øivind , Alam M. Afshar
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we propose an approach to recommender systems that incorporates human-centric aggregation via Ordered Weighted Aggregation (OWA) to prioritize the suggestions of expert rankers over the usual recommendations. We advocate for ranked recommendations where rankers are assigned weights based on their ranking position. Our approach recommends books to university students using linguistic data summaries and the OWA technique. We assign higher weights to the highest-ranked university to improve recommendation quality. Our approach is evaluated on eight parameters and outperforms traditional recommender systems. We claim that our approach saves storage space and solves the cold start problem by not requiring prior user preferences. Our proposed scheme can be applied to decision-making problems, especially in the context of recommender systems, and offers a new direction for human-specific task aggregation in recommendation research.
Deep Learning-Based Reconstruction for Cardiac MRI: A Review
Authors: Oscanoa Julio A. , Middione Matthew J. , Alkan Cagan , Yurt Mahmut , Loecher Michael , Vasanawala Shreyas S. , Ennis Daniel B.
Published: March 2023

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is an essential clinical tool for the assessment of cardiovascular disease. Deep learning (DL) has recently revolutionized the field through image reconstruction techniques that allow unprecedented data undersampling rates. These fast acquisitions have the potential to considerably impact the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of DL-based reconstruction methods for CMR. We place special emphasis on state-of-the-art unrolled networks, which are heavily based on a conventional image reconstruction framework. We review the main DL-based methods and connect them to the relevant conventional reconstruction theory. Next, we review several methods developed to tackle specific challenges that arise from the characteristics of CMR data. Then, we focus on DL-based methods developed for specific CMR applications, including flow imaging, late gadolinium enhancement, and quantitative tissue characterization. Finally, we discuss the pitfalls and future outlook of DL-based reconstructions in CMR, focusing on the robustness, interpretability, clinical deployment, and potential for new methods.
Comparative Mitogenome Analyses Uncover Mitogenome Features and Phylogenetic Implications of the Parrotfishes (Perciformes: Scaridae)
Authors: Gao Jiaxin , Li Chunhou , Yu Dan , Wang Teng , Lin Lin , Xiao Yayuan , Wu Peng , Liu Yong
Published: March 2023

In order to investigate the molecular evolution of mitogenomes among the family Scaridae, the complete mitogenome sequences of twelve parrotfish species were determined and compared with those of seven other parrotfish species. The comparative analysis revealed that the general features and organization of the mitogenome were similar among the 19 parrotfish species. The base composition was similar among the parrotfishes, with the exception of the genus Calotomus, which exhibited an unusual negative AT skew in the whole mitogenome. The PCGs showed similar codon usage, and all of them underwent a strong purifying selection. The gene rearrangement typical of the parrotfishes was detected, with the tRNAMet inserted between the tRNAIle and tRNAGln, and the tRNAGln was followed by a putative tRNAMet pseudogene. The parrotfish mitogenomes displayed conserved gene overlaps and secondary structure in most tRNA genes, while the non-coding intergenic spacers varied among species. Phylogenetic analysis based on the thirteen PCGs and two rRNAs strongly supported the hypothesis that the parrotfishes could be subdivided into two clades with distinct ecological adaptations. The early divergence of the sea grass and coral reef clades occurred in the late Oligocene, probably related to the expansion of sea grass habitat. Later diversification within the coral reef clade could be dated back to the Miocene, likely associated with the geomorphology alternation since the closing of the Tethys Ocean. This work provided fundamental molecular data that will be useful for species identification, conservation, and further studies on the evolution of parrotfishes.
Maternal Immune Activation Induces Adolescent Cognitive Deficits Preceded by Developmental Perturbations in Cortical Reelin Signalling
Authors: Woods Rebecca M. , Lorusso Jarred M. , Harris Isabella , Kowash Hager M. , Murgatroyd Christopher , Neill Joanna C. , Glazier Jocelyn D. , Harte Michael , Hager Reinmar
Published: March 2023

Exposure to maternal immune activation (MIA) in utero significantly elevates the risk of developing schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental disorders. To understand the biological mechanisms underlying the link between MIA and increased risk, preclinical animal models have focussed on specific signalling pathways in the brain that mediate symptoms associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as cognitive dysfunction. Reelin signalling in multiple brain regions is involved in neuronal migration, synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation, and has been implicated in cognitive deficits. However, how regulation of Reelin expression is affected by MIA across cortical development and associated cognitive functions remains largely unclear. Using a MIA rat model, here we demonstrate cognitive deficits in adolescent object-location memory in MIA offspring and reductions in Reln expression prenatally and in the adult prefrontal cortex. Further, developmental disturbances in gene/protein expression and DNA methylation of downstream signalling components occurred subsequent to MIA-induced Reelin dysregulation and prior to cognitive deficits. We propose that MIA-induced dysregulation of Reelin signalling contributes to the emergence of prefrontal cortex-mediated cognitive deficits through altered NMDA receptor function, resulting in inefficient long-term potentiation. Our data suggest a developmental window during which attenuation of Reelin signalling may provide a possible therapeutic target.
Deep-Learning-Based Automated Identification and Visualization of Oral Cancer in Optical Coherence Tomography Images
Authors: Yang Zihan , Pan Hongming , Shang Jianwei , Zhang Jun , Liang Yanmei
Published: March 2023

Early detection and diagnosis of oral cancer are critical for a better prognosis, but accurate and automatic identification is difficult using the available technologies. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be used as diagnostic aid due to the advantages of high resolution and non-invasion. We aim to evaluate deep-learning-based algorithms for OCT images to assist clinicians in oral cancer screening and diagnosis. An OCT data set was first established, including normal mucosa, precancerous lesion, and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Then, three kinds of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were trained and evaluated by using four metrics (accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and specificity). Moreover, the CNN-based methods were compared against machine learning approaches through the same dataset. The results show the performance of CNNs, with a classification accuracy of up to 96.76%, is better than the machine-learning-based method with an accuracy of 92.52%. Moreover, visualization of lesions in OCT images was performed and the rationality and interpretability of the model for distinguishing different oral tissues were evaluated. It is proved that the automatic identification algorithm of OCT images based on deep learning has the potential to provide decision support for the effective screening and diagnosis of oral cancer.
Endothelial, Vascular and Sympathetic Alterations as Therapeutic Targets in Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Quarti-Trevano Fosca , Dell’Oro Raffaella , Cuspidi Cesare , Ambrosino Pasquale , Grassi Guido
Published: March 2023

Vascular and sympathetic abnormalities characterize chronic heart failure (CHF). Alterations include (1) a reduction in arterial distensibility, (2) endothelial dysfunction, (3) a decrease in arterial compliance and a parallel increase in arterial stiffness, and (4) sympathetic cardiovascular activation. Altogether, these alterations represent important targets in therapeutic interventions, because they display an independent negative impact on the disease prognosis, favouring disease progression and the development of cardiovascular complications with direct and indirect mechanisms. The present review will examine the effects of the different therapeutic interventions targeting the vascular/sympathetic alterations detected in CHF. Non-pharmacological, pharmacological and device-based treatments will be discussed in detail, highlighting the possible mechanisms responsible for the vascular/sympathetic effects of each intervention. Finally, the unmet goals in treatment in relation to endothelial and adrenergic targets will be also discussed.
The Interplay of Glycosaminoglycans and Cysteine Cathepsins in Mucopolysaccharidosis
Authors: David Alexis , Chazeirat Thibault , Saidi Ahlame , Lalmanach Gilles , Lecaille Fabien
Published: March 2023

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) consists of a group of inherited lysosomal storage disorders that are caused by a defect of certain enzymes that participate in the metabolism of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). The abnormal accumulation of GAGs leads to progressive dysfunctions in various tissues and organs during childhood, contributing to premature death. As the current therapies are limited and inefficient, exploring the molecular mechanisms of the pathology is thus required to address the unmet needs of MPS patients to improve their quality of life. Lysosomal cysteine cathepsins are a family of proteases that play key roles in numerous physiological processes. Dysregulation of cysteine cathepsins expression and activity can be frequently observed in many human diseases, including MPS. This review summarizes the basic knowledge on MPS disorders and their current management and focuses on GAGs and cysteine cathepsins expression in MPS, as well their interplay, which may lead to the development of MPS-associated disorders.
Emerging Bio-Based Polymers from Lab to Market: Current Strategies, Market Dynamics and Research Trends
Authors: Joseph Tomy Muringayil , Unni Aparna Beena , Joshy K. S. , Kar Mahapatra Debarshi , Haponiuk Józef , Thomas Sabu
Published: March 2023

Due to the rising worldwide demand for green chemicals, the bio-based polymer market is anticipated to expand substantially in the future. The synthesis of functional polymers has been a burgeoning area of research for decades. The primary driving force behind the development of bio-based polymers has been their compostability and biodegradability, which are critical given the public concern about waste. Significant advancements in the method for refining biomass raw materials towards the creation of bio-based construction materials and products are driving this rise. Bio-based polymers with this chemical structure are more flexible and adaptive, which allows them to attain their intended characteristics and functionalities. In commercial applications and healthcare and biotechnology, where completely manufactured, naturally occurring biomolecules are utilized and such polymers have the greatest impact. At the same time, limitations in polymer architectural control, biostability, and structural dynamics hinder the creation of biocompatible and functionally varied polymers. From this standpoint, the importance of functional biosynthetic polymers in the future years is highlighted, as well as new methods for addressing the aforementioned challenges. The article comprehensively highlighted the current strategies, market dynamics, and research trends of emerging Bio-Based Polymers. In addition, the most recent scientific breakthroughs in bio-based polymers are discussed.
Comparison of the Dynamic and Thermal Behavior of Different Ideal Flow Crystallizers
Authors: Balogh László , Egedy Attila , Ulbert Zsolt , Bárkányi Ágnes
Published: March 2023

In this simulation study, we compare the dynamics and thermal behavior of different ideal flow crystallizers. The first step in creating mathematical models for the crystallizers was the implementation of the population balance equation. The population balance equation was completed with mass balance equations for the solute and the solvent as well as in the case of non-isothermal crystallizers with an energy balance equation. The solution to the population balance equation, which is a partial differential equation, can only be performed numerically. Using the method of moments, which calculates the moments of the population density function, gives a mathematically simpler model for simulating and analyzing the crystallizers. All crystallizers studied are considered mixed suspension and mixed product crystallizers. In this simulation study, the investigated crystallizers are the batch mixed suspension and mixed product isothermal crystallizer, the batch mixed suspension and mixed product non-isothermal crystallizer, and the continuous mixed suspension and mixed product removal (CMSMPR) non-isothermal crystallizer equipped with a cooling jacket. We consider citric acid as the solid material to be crystallized, and a water–glycol system is used as a cooling medium. Considering the nucleation kinetics, we applied both primary and secondary nucleation. In the case of a crystal growth kinetic, we assumed a size-independent growth rate. The highest expected value and the variance of the crystal product occur in the isotherm batch case, which can be explained by the high crystallization rate caused by the high supersaturation. Contrary to this, in the non-isothermal batch case, the final mean particle size and variance are the lowest. In continuous mode, the variance and mean values are between the values obtained in the two other cases. In this case, the supersaturation is maintained at a constant level in the steady state, and the average residence time of the crystal particles also has an important influence on the crystal size distribution. In the case of non-isothermal crystallization, the simulation studies show that the application of the energy balance provides different dynamics for the crystallizers. The implementation of an energy balances into the mathematical model enables the calculation of the thermal behavior of the crystallizers, enabling the model to be used more widely.
Evaluation of the Hypotensive Preterm Infant: Evidence-Based Practice at the Bedside?
Authors: Murphy Elizabeth , Healy David B. , Chioma Roberto , Dempsey Eugene M.
Published: March 2023

Choosing the appropriate management approach for the preterm infant with low blood pressure during the transition period generally involved intervening when the blood pressure drifted below a certain threshold. It is now clear that this approach is too simplistic and does not address the underlying physiology. In this chapter, we explore the many monitoring tools available for evaluation of the hypotensive preterm and assess the evidence base supporting or refuting their use. The key challenge relates to incorporating these outputs with the clinical status of the patient and choosing the appropriate management strategy.
The Effect of General Anesthesia on the Outcome of Root Canal Treatment in Pediatric Patients—A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Elbahary Shlomo , Rosen Eyal , Haj-Yahya Sohad , Elias Maysa Ghrayeb , Talmi Shany , Tsesis Igor , Slutzky Hagay
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of general anesthesia (GA) on the 1-year outcome of Root Canal Treatment (RCT) performed in pediatric patients and to compare it to the outcome of RCT in pediatric patients without GA. Patients admitted for RCT in permanent dentition in a public hospital, dated 2015 to 2020, age 8–15 with a minimum of one year follow-up period, were included in the study. The sample consisted of 326 teeth from 269 patients treated by a single operator, with a recall rate of 81%. Overall, 124 teeth were treated under GA and 142 teeth were without GA. The mean follow-up time was 31.5 months. Data underwent statistical analysis and the significance threshold was set for p < 0.05. Of the total cases, 90% showed favorable outcomes. A significantly higher favorable outcome was seen in the GA group than in the non-GA group (98% and 85%, respectively, p < 0.001). The outcome was significantly affected by the type and quality of the coronal restoration, degree of root development, and lesion size (p < 0.05). According to the current study, in uncooperative pediatric patients, a more favorable outcome of root canal treatment can be obtained under GA than LA if the procedure is carried out with immediate restoration.