bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mandibular Reconstruction with Osseous Free Flap and Immediate Prosthetic Rehabilitation (Jaw-in-a-Day): In-House Manufactured Innovative Modular Stackable Guide System
Authors: Ureel Matthias , Boderé Pieter-Jan , Denoiseux Benjamin , Corthouts Pasquier , Coopman Renaat
Published: December 2024

Background: Head and neck reconstruction following ablative surgery results in alterations to maxillofacial anatomy and function. These postoperative changes complicate dental rehabilitation. Methods: An innovative modular, stackable guide system for immediate dental rehabilitation during mandibular reconstruction is presented. The virtual surgical planning was performed in Materialise Innovation Suite v26 and Blender 3.6 with the Blenderfordental add-on. The surgical guides and models were designed and manufactured at the point of care. Results: The duration of the surgery was 9 h and 35 min. Good implant stability (>35 Ncm) and a stable occlusion were achieved. After 9 months of follow-up, the occlusion remained stable, and a mouth opening of 25 mm was registered. The dental implants showed no signs of peri-implant bone loss. Superposition of the preoperative planning and postoperative position of the fibula parts resulted in an average difference of 0.70 mm (range: −1.9 mm; 5.4 mm). Conclusions: The in-house developed stackable guide system resulted in a predictive workflow and accurate results. The preoperative virtual surgical planning was time-consuming and required extensive CAD/CAM and surgical expertise. The addition of fully guided implant placement to this stackable guide system would be beneficial. More research with longer follow-ups is necessary to validate these results.
Proteins Associated with Neurodegenerative Diseases: Link to DNA Repair
Authors: Khodyreva Svetlana N. , Dyrkheeva Nadezhda S. , Lavrik Olga I.
Published: December 2024

The nervous system is susceptible to DNA damage and DNA repair defects, and if DNA damage is not repaired, neuronal cells can die, causing neurodegenerative diseases in humans. The overall picture of what is known about DNA repair mechanisms in the nervous system is still unclear. The current challenge is to use the accumulated knowledge of basic science on DNA repair to improve the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the function of DNA damage repair, in particular, the base excision repair and double-strand break repair pathways as being the most important in nervous system cells. We summarize recent data on the proteins involved in DNA repair associated with neurodegenerative diseases, with particular emphasis on PARP1 and ND-associated proteins, which are involved in DNA repair and have the ability to undergo liquid–liquid phase separation.
Implementation of Automatic Segmentation Framework as Preprocessing Step for Radiomics Analysis of Lung Anatomical Districts
Authors: Stefano Alessandro , Bini Fabiano , Lauciello Nicolò , Pasini Giovanni , Marinozzi Franco , Russo Giorgio
Published: December 2024

Background: The advent of artificial intelligence has significantly impacted radiology, with radiomics emerging as a transformative approach that extracts quantitative data from medical images to improve diagnostic and therapeutic accuracy. This study aimed to enhance the radiomic workflow by applying deep learning, through transfer learning, for the automatic segmentation of lung regions in computed tomography scans as a preprocessing step. Methods: Leveraging a pipeline articulated in (i) patient-based data splitting, (ii) intensity normalization, (iii) voxel resampling, (iv) bed removal, (v) contrast enhancement and (vi) model training, a DeepLabV3+ convolutional neural network (CNN) was fine tuned to perform whole-lung-region segmentation. Results: The trained model achieved high accuracy, Dice coefficient (0.97) and BF (93.06%) scores, and it effectively preserved lung region areas and removed confounding anatomical regions such as the heart and the spine. Conclusions: This study introduces a deep learning framework for the automatic segmentation of lung regions in CT images, leveraging an articulated pipeline and demonstrating excellent performance of the model, effectively isolating lung regions while excluding confounding anatomical structures. Ultimately, this work paves the way for more efficient, automated preprocessing tools in lung cancer detection, with potential to significantly improve clinical decision making and patient outcomes.
Artificial Intelligence in Wound Care: A Narrative Review of the Currently Available Mobile Apps for Automatic Ulcer Segmentation
Authors: Griffa Davide , Natale Alessio , Merli Yuri , Starace Michela , Curti Nico , Mussi Martina , Castellani Gastone , Melandri Davide , Piraccini Bianca Maria , Zengarini Corrado
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Chronic ulcers significantly burden healthcare systems, requiring precise measurement and assessment for effective treatment. Traditional methods, such as manual segmentation, are time-consuming and error-prone. This review evaluates the potential of artificial intelligence AI-powered mobile apps for automated ulcer segmentation and their application in clinical settings. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases. The review focused on mobile apps that use fully automatic AI algorithms for wound segmentation. Apps requiring additional hardware or needing more technical documentation were excluded. Vital technological features, clinical validation, and usability were analysed. Results: Ten mobile apps were identified, showing varying levels of segmentation accuracy and clinical validation. However, many apps did not publish sufficient information on the segmentation methods or algorithms used, and most lacked details on the databases employed for training their AI models. Additionally, several apps were unavailable in public repositories, limiting their accessibility and independent evaluation. These factors challenge their integration into clinical practice despite promising preliminary results. Discussion: AI-powered mobile apps offer significant potential for improving wound care by enhancing diagnostic accuracy and reducing the burden on healthcare professionals. Nonetheless, the lack of transparency regarding segmentation techniques, unpublished databases, and the limited availability of many apps in public repositories remain substantial barriers to widespread clinical adoption. Conclusions: AI-driven mobile apps for ulcer segmentation could revolutionise chronic wound management. However, overcoming limitations related to transparency, data availability, and accessibility is essential for their successful integration into healthcare systems.
Memory–Non-Linearity Trade-Off in Distance-Based Delay Networks
Authors: Iacob Stefan , Dambre Joni
Published: December 2024

The performance of echo state networks (ESNs) in temporal pattern learning tasks depends both on their memory capacity (MC) and their non-linear processing. It has been shown that linear memory capacity is maximized when ESN neurons have linear activation, and that a trade-off between non-linearity and linear memory capacity is required for temporal pattern learning tasks. The more recent distance-based delay networks (DDNs) have shown improved memory capacity over ESNs in several benchmark temporal pattern learning tasks. However, it has not thus far been studied whether this increased memory capacity comes at the cost of reduced non-linear processing. In this paper, we advance the hypothesis that DDNs in fact achieve a better trade-off between linear MC and non-linearity than ESNs, by showing that DDNs can have strong non-linearity with large memory spans. We tested this hypothesis using the NARMA-30 task and the bitwise delayed XOR task, two commonly used reservoir benchmark tasks that require a high degree of both non-linearity and memory.
The More Realism, the Better? How Does the Realism of AI Customer Service Agents Influence Customer Satisfaction and Repeat Purchase Intention in Service Recovery
Authors: Hu Yuting , Xiao Ya , Hua Yi , Fan Yi , Li Feng
Published: December 2024

Nowadays, human customer service is increasingly being replaced by artificial intelligence (AI) customer service agents. Service recovery plays a crucial role in shaping consumer experiences and business profitability. The realism of AI agents can significantly impact users’ attitudes and behaviors. However, it remains unclear how different types of realism in AI customer service agents affect customers during service recovery. Drawing on social response theory and expectation–confirmation theory, this study explores the impact of AI agents’ realism on consumer satisfaction and repeat purchase behavior during service recovery, as well as the underlying mechanisms of this effect. We collected data from 784 participants in three studies. Study 1 results show that form realism and behavioral realism of AI customer service agents affect customer satisfaction in successful service recovery situations. Study 2 indicates that the interaction effect of form realism and behavioral realism only influence satisfaction customer satisfaction and repeat purchase intention in terms of failed service recovery. Study 3 further explores the mechanism of action in failed service recovery, finding that perceived warmth and competence mediate the relationship between realism and satisfaction. We systematically examine the influence of the realism of AI customer service agents on consumer satisfaction across distinct success and failure service recovery scenarios, effectively addressing a critical research void. Additionally, our findings offer valuable insights to business managers, empowering them with actionable strategies for enhancing consumer satisfaction across varied consumption contexts and effectively mitigating the repercussions of consumption failures.
The Influence of Intolerance of Uncertainty on Social Anxiety in University Students: The Sequential Mediating Effect of Core Self-Evaluation and Attentional Control
Authors: Shen Hongyan , Xia Tiansheng , Fu Shimin
Published: December 2024

Social anxiety is a serious and prevalent psychological problem among university students, with intolerance of uncertainty playing an important role in its formation and development. The underlying mediating processes remain elusive despite the existing research on the association between these two constructs. This investigation developed a sequential mediation model grounded in the triadic reciprocal determinism theory to examine the intermediary roles of core self-evaluation and attentional control. Utilizing a convenience sampling method, a total of 1580 undergraduate students were recruited for this study. The study variables were assessed using scales measuring intolerance of uncertainty, core self-evaluation, attention control, and social interaction anxiety. The results revealed a significant and positive predictive relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and social anxiety (effect = 0.10; SE = 0.02; 95% CI = [0.00, 0.05]; p < 0.001). Intolerance of uncertainty directly and indirectly impacted social anxiety via three pathways: the independent mediating influence of core self-evaluation (effect = 0.15; SE = 0.02; 95% CI = [0.12, 0.18]; p < 0.001), the independent mediating influence of attentional control (effect = 0.03; SE = 0.01; 95% CI = [0.02, 0.05]; p < 0.001), and a serial mediation effect involving both core self-evaluation and attentional control (effect = 0.04; SE = 0.01; 95% CI = [0.03, 0.06]; p < 0.001). These direct and indirect effects contributed 30.03% and 69.97% to the overall effect, respectively. This study offers novel insights for interventions and treatments targeting social anxiety in university students.
Seismic Performance Research on a Graded-Yielding Metal Brace with Self-Centering Functions
Authors: An Zhonghai , Wang Wenming , Wang Hui , Li Zhe , Wang Debin , Xie Guangcai
Published: December 2024

With the aim of achieving a graded-protection braced frame structure and minimizing the excessive residual deformation of traditional metal dampers under intense seismic action, a graded-yield-type metal self-centering brace (SC-GYMB) is proposed. The brace is composed of X-shaped and U-shaped steel plates with different yield point displacements, which jointly dissipate energy. Additionally, it employs a composite disc spring as a self-centering element to provide restoring force for the brace. The brace’s basic structure and working mechanism are described, and the theoretical model for its restoring force is derived. The ABAQUS finite element software (ABAQUS 2021) is utilized to investigate the hysteretic performance of the SC-GYMB under low-cycle reciprocating load, while thoroughly discussing the influence of various model parameters on its key mechanical behavior. The results demonstrate a strong agreement between the theoretical restoring force model and the numerical simulation results. The hysteretic curves of the braces exhibit a distinct “flag” characteristic, indicating excellent energy dissipation capacity and self-centering performance. Moreover, these curves display a hierarchical yield behavior that satisfies the seismic performance requirements for different intensity earthquakes. The deformation mechanism of X-shaped steel sheets transitions from bending deformation during the initial loading stage to tensile deformation in the subsequent loading stage. Increasing the initial pre-compression force of the combined disc spring enhances the restoration performance of the brace. Augmenting the thickness of X-shaped or U-shaped steel sheets modifies the displacement and load at both the first and second yield points, thereby enhancing energy dissipation capacity and bearing capacity of the brace; however, it also leads to increased residual deformation.
Fomite Transmission of Meticillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an Emergency Room Based on Real Touch Behaviors of Healthcare Workers and Patients
Authors: Wang Mengting , Cao Bing , Zhang Kaize , Geng Yingying , Xie Jingchao , Zhang Nan
Published: December 2024

Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), posing a serious threat to healthcare workers (HCWs). All touching behavior data were from a clinical skills competition of a medical school in Hong Kong; more than 12,000 touches involving 3 patients (infusion, critically ill, and agitation) and 25 HCWs were collected. A fomite transmission model considering real touch behaviors was established to simulate the MRSA transmission in an emergency room, then the MRSA exposure risk of HCWs and effectiveness of interventions were analyzed. HCWs had a low touch frequency of facial mucous (doctors: 1.7 times/h; nurses: 1.1 times/h). The MRSA intake fractions for doctors were 2–4 times higher than those for nurses. Handwashing twice per hour could reduce the MRSA intake fraction by 7%. Effectiveness of disinfecting only the top 10 high-risk public surfaces was 83% to 98% of the efficiency when disinfecting all public surfaces. MRSA mainly transferred via hand contact contributed over 89% of pathogen transmission. Therefore, disinfecting public surfaces or replacing them with antimicrobial surfaces was not effective. The findings highlight the importance of prioritizing hand hygiene among HCWs and optimizing interventions to enhance infection-control protocols in emergency rooms. And this study provides scientific evidence for the development of precise interventions for MRSA prevention and control in hospital emergency rooms.
Suitability of Mechanics-Based and Optimized Machine Learning-Based Models in the Shear Strength Prediction of Slender Beams Without Stirrups
Authors: David Abayomi B. , Olalusi Oladimeji B. , Awoyera Paul O. , Simwanda Lenganji
Published: December 2024

Accurate shear capacity estimation for reinforced concrete (RC) beams without stirrups is essential for reliable structural design. Traditional code-based methods, primarily empirical, exhibit variability in predicting shear strength for these beams. This paper assesses the effectiveness of mechanics-based and optimized machine learning (ML) models for predicting shear strength in stirrup-less, slender beams using a dataset of 784 tests. Seven ML models—artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine (SVM), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), AdaBoost, gradient boosting (GBR), and extreme gradient boosting (XGB)—were compared against three mechanics-based models: the Tran’s NLT Model (2020), the Multi-Action Shear Model (MASM), and the Compression Chord Capacity Model (CCC). Among the ML models, XGB and GBR demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy, with coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.974 and 0.966, respectively, indicating strong correlation with experimental data. Performance metrics such as mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean squared error (RMSE) showed that XGB and GBR consistently outperformed other models, yielding lower error margins. Statistical analysis revealed minimal bias and variability in the predictions of XGB and GBR, with a coefficient of variation (CoV) of 14%, ensuring high reliability. The NLT model, the most accurate of the mechanical-based models, achieved a mean of 1.02 and a CoV of 16% for its model error, demonstrating reasonable prediction reliability but falling behind XGB and GBR in accuracy. With Shapley additive explanations (SHAPs), the beam width and depth were identified as primary predictors of shear strength, providing critical insights for enhancing design and construction practises.
Perspectives on the Mature T-Cell Lymphomas in the Middle East: A Comprehensive Review of the Present Status
Authors: Al-Mansour Mubarak , Aga Syed Sameer , O’Connor Owen A.
Published: December 2024

Background: T-cell lymphomas (TCLs) are rare and aggressive malignancies associated with poor outcomes, often because of the development of acquired drug resistance as well as intolerance to the established and often toxic chemotherapy regimens in elderly and frail patients. The many subtypes of TCL are well established to exhibit marked geographic variation. The epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of TCLs in the Middle East (ME) are yet to be explored; hence, limited data are available about these entities in this part of the world. Aim: Therefore, in this review article, we aim to discuss the available data regarding the T-cell neoplasms in the ME, including the incidence of specific subtypes of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), as well as the trends in survival and treatment, all in an effort to understand the natural history of these complex entities across the ME.
Metabolites in the Dance: Deciphering Gut-Microbiota-Mediated Metabolic Reprogramming of the Breast Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Altrawy Afaf , Khalifa Maye M. , Abdelmaksoud Asmaa , Khaled Yomna , Saleh Zeinab M. , Sobhy Hager , Abdel-Ghany Shaimaa , Alqosaibi Amany , Al-Muhanna Afnan , Almulhim Jawaher , El-Hashash Ahmed , Sabit Hussein , Arneth Borros
Published: December 2024

Breast cancer (BC), a major cause of death among women worldwide, has traditionally been linked to genetic and environmental factors. However, emerging research highlights the gut microbiome’s significant role in shaping BC development, progression, and treatment outcomes. This review explores the intricate relationship between the gut microbiota and the breast tumor microenvironment, emphasizing how these microbes influence immune responses, inflammation, and metabolic pathways. Certain bacterial species in the gut either contribute to or hinder BC progression by producing metabolites that affect hormone metabolism, immune system pathways, and cellular signaling. An imbalance in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, has been associated with a heightened risk of BC, with metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and enzymes such as β-glucuronidase playing key roles in this process. Additionally, the gut microbiota can impact the effectiveness of chemotherapy, as certain bacteria can degrade drugs like gemcitabine and irinotecan, leading to reduced treatment efficacy. Understanding the complex interactions between gut bacteria and BC may pave the way for innovative treatment approaches, including personalized microbiome-targeted therapies, such as probiotics and fecal microbiota transplants, offering new hope for more effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of BC.
Development of a 23-Gene Signature for Tumor Growth Mechanism in Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Sung Ji-Yong , Lee Jung Woo
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Transcriptome profiling can reveal prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic vulnerabilities for directing clinical care. Currently, there are no biomarkers that can accurately predict patient prognosis regarding tumor growth and the tumor immune microenvironment in vestibular schwannomas. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of tumor growth using bulk RNA-seq and single-cell data from patients with vestibular schwannomas. Methods: Gene set variation analysis was used to assess groups with high and low tumor growth using four cohorts of bulk RNA-seq data (210 patients with vestibular schwannoma), 33,081 single cells, and 558 tumor growth-related genes. Results: SIG558, a tumor growth signature gene, was enriched in Schwann cells and microglial cells with high stemness, according to stemness analysis and cell–cell communication analysis of 33,081 single cells. We identified 391 genes that were strongly expressed in Schwann cells with high stemness. In addition, we identified 23 genes related to signal transduction that are important for tumor growth through cell–cell interactions in seven cell types at the single-cell level. Conclusions: Our research demonstrates that the 23 signature genes are potential predictors and prognostic biomarkers for direct medical therapy in patients with vestibular schwannoma, and that they should be prospectively verified using large patient cohorts. These results could potentially be used in precision medicine to develop treatment strategies for vestibular schwannomas by targeting these 23 genes.
Role of the Solvent and Ultrasound Irradiation in the Preparation of TiO2 for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Sulfamethoxazole in Water
Authors: Di Michele Alessandro , Sassi Paola , Vivani Riccardo , Minguzzi Alessandro , Prati Laura , Pirola Carlo
Published: December 2024

The preparation of titania-based photocatalysts has been largely investigated in the literature. Nevertheless, the study of the influence of different solvents in the synthesis mixture requires further analysis. Addressing this issue, we explored the potential of heterogeneous photocatalysis with nano-sized titanium dioxide (TiO2) synthesized via the sol–gel method with and without ultrasound for the degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in water. Specifically, we engineered TiO2 nanoparticles within the 20–30 nm range, in order to work in the same particle size range of Evonik P25. The synthesis was conducted in five distinct solvents, n-hexane, decane, isopropanol, ethanol, and 1-octanol, and it was evaluated with the presence and absence of ultrasound. Following synthesis, the powders were thoroughly characterized. When nonpolar solvents were used, the photocatalysts were characterized by the presence of both anatase and brookite phases, while with polar solvents, the only polymorph present was anatase. A different behavior was shown by 1-octanol, where the role of the solvent was so important that US did not affect the final sample features. The samples prepared in ethanol and isopropanol exhibited superior activity compared to those synthesized in other solvents in the SMX photodegradation (about 35% after 6 h), and the effect of US during preparation resulted positive for all solvents (an average increase of SMX photodegradation in the range of 5–10% for the different photocatalysts for each degradation time).
Elevated IL-6 Expression in Autologous Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Regulates RANKL Mediated Inflammation in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Lee Hyun-Joo , Kim Dae-Yong , Noh Hyeon jeong , Lee Song Yi , Yoo Ji Ae , Won Samuel Jaeyoon , Jeon Yoon Sang , Baek Ji Hoon , Ryu Dong Jin
Published: December 2024

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been shown to play a pivotal role in modulating cartilage regeneration and immune responses, particularly in the context of diseases that involve both degenerative processes and inflammation, such as osteoarthritis (OA). However, the precise mechanism through which IL-6 and other immune-regulatory factors influence the therapeutic efficacy of autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) transplantation in OA treatment remains to be fully elucidated. This study aims to investigate the relationship between IL-6 expression in autologous ASCs isolated from OA patients and their impact on immune modulation, particularly focusing on the regulation of Receptor Activator of Nuclear factor Kappa-Β Ligand (RANKL), a key mediator of immune-driven cartilage degradation in OA. Autologous ASCs were isolated from the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of adipose tissue obtained from 22 OA patients. The isolated ASCs were cultured and characterized using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and flow cytometry to the phenotype and immune regulatory factors of MSCs. Based on IL-6 expression levels, ASCs were divided into high and low IL-6 expression groups. These groups were then co-cultured with activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to evaluate their immune-modulatory capacity, including the induction of regulatory T cells, inhibition of immune cell proliferation, and regulation of key cytokines, such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Additionally, RANKL expression, a critical factor in osteoclastogenesis and cartilage degradation, was assessed in both ASC groups. High IL-6-expressing ASCs demonstrated a significantly greater capacity to inhibit immune cell proliferation and IFN-γ production compared to their low IL-6-expressing counterparts under co-culture conditions. Moreover, the group of ASCs with high IL-6 expression showed a marked reduction in RANKL expression, suggesting enhanced potential to control osteoclast activity and subsequent cartilage defect in OA. Conclusion: Autologous ASCs with elevated IL-6 expression exhibit enhanced immunomodulatory properties, particularly in regulating over-activated immune response and reducing osteoclastogenesis through RANKL suppression. These findings indicate that selecting ASCs based on IL-6 expression could enhance the therapeutic efficacy of ASC-based treatments for OA by mitigating immune-driven joint inflammation and cartilage degradation, potentially slowing disease progression.
Evaluation of a Telehealth Paediatric Asthma and Allergy Clinic Patient Follow-Up During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Prior Sarah J. , Bassett Gaylene , Van Beek Emmeline , Griffiths Claire , Sinha Smriti , Shrestha Shrima , Sohal Sukhwinder Singh , Weber Heinrich Christoph
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic created many challenges for health services, particularly during lockdown periods. Asthma is one of the most common childhood conditions, and children with asthma are generally cared for in an outpatient setting. In regional Northwest Tasmania, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, asthma and allergy outpatient clinic services were transferred to a virtual platform in the form of telehealth appointments for routine consultations. This study aims to explore the patient and family perspectives of a telehealth outpatient asthma review service in a regional area. Methods: We utilised a mixed-methods approach, interviewing parents and children who attended the clinic via telehealth and collating routine clinical audit data collected during the same period. Results: Sixty-three patient reviews were audited, with a mean age of 9.79 years. Since their last review, 13% visited their GP, 9% presented to the ED, 6% were hospitalised, and 19% had changes in their treatment plan. Interviews highlighted three main themes: (i) telehealth is a convenient strategy for routine asthma and allergy review appointments, (ii) barriers associated with using telehealth are a minor concern for parents of children with asthma and allergy routine appointments, and (iii) shared decision-making between clinicians and parents of children with asthma and allergy around the type of appointment required is valued. Conclusions: We demonstrated that the benefits of telehealth include implementing treatment changes and facilitating access to care for children living in rural and remote areas.
Life-Threatening Respiratory Complications in Two Young Children with Extreme Obesity
Authors: Wielopolska Joanna , Górnostaj Klaudia , Olejnik-Wojciechowska Joanna , Kawczyński Maciej , Radomska Katarzyna , Petriczko Elżbieta
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by pathological accumulation of adipose tissue. The exponentially increasing number of children with severe obesity draws attention to the tragic consequences of the lack of, or inadequate treatment of, obesity in this age group. This article aims to present ways of preventing obesity and ways of treating its complications in order to reduce the risk of the life-threatening problems caused by it. Case Report: The first patient was a 9-year-old boy with Prader–Willi syndrome, severe obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, status post myocarditis, and recurring episodes of desaturation up to 70–80%. Respiratory support using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and two-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) were included in the treatment and the resolution of desaturation was observed. The second patient was a 5-year-old girl with simple obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and subclinical hypothyroidism, hospitalized for sudden cardiac arrest, most likely caused by excessive fat tissue compressing the airway. Despite the introduced treatment, tracheostomy, and tonsillectomy, the girl remained unconscious during hospitalization and in the rehabilitation clinic, where she spent 7 months in a coma. Currently, her health is slowly improving as her weight significantly decreases. In both cases, serious consequences were observed due to non-adherence to dietary recommendations, lack of regular medical check-ups, and failure to implement appropriate treatment. Conclusions: Obesity can lead to life-threatening consequences, including respiratory arrest and a need for respiratory support, if proper treatment is not administered and if medical recommendations are not followed.
Assessment of Modified Citrus Pectin’s Effects on Dementia in the Scopolamine-Induced Alzheimer’s Model in Adult Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Akgöl Jale , Kutlay Özden , Keskin Aktan Arzu , Fırat Fatma
Published: December 2024

Modified citrus pectin (MCP) modulates galectin-3, a key player in neuroinflammation linked to Alzheimer’s disease. By inhibiting galectin-3, MCP reduces the brain’s inflammatory response and may alleviate cognitive decline. This study examines MCP’s impact on neuroinflammation, cognitive function, and its role in galectin-3 inhibition in a dementia model. Male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: control (n = 6), scopolamine (SCP) (n = 7), SCP + MCP (n = 7), and MCP only (n = 7). MCP was administered orally at 100 mg/kg/day via drinking water for six weeks. SCP was injected intraperitoneally at 1 mg/kg for seven days to induce an Alzheimer’s-type dementia model. The researchers assessed cognitive performance through the Morris Water Maze (MWM) test. After behavioral tests, blood and brain tissues, including the hippocampus, were collected and stored at −80 °C for analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and galectin-3). The data were analyzed with SPSS 22. SCP treatment increased lipid peroxidation (MDA) and elevated inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, and galectin-3), while reducing BDNF and impairing spatial memory. Co-administering MCP with SCP significantly reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and galectin-3 levels; increased BDNF; and improved memory performance. Although MCP did not lower MDA levels, it boosted SOD activity, suggesting antioxidant effects. Modified citrus pectin (MCP) alleviated cognitive impairments and reduced neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s-type dementia by inhibiting galectin-3. MCP also exhibited antioxidant potential, underscoring its therapeutic promise for neurodegenerative diseases.
Expression of Genes Involved in Banana (Musa spp.) Response to Black Sigatoka
Authors: Nunes Sávio Luiz Pereira , Soares Julianna Matos da Silva , Rocha Anelita de Jesus , Nascimento Fernanda dos Santos , Ramos Andresa Priscila de Souza , Soares Taliane Leila , Santos Rogério Merces Ferreira , Amorim Vanusia Batista de Oliveira , Amorim Edson Perito , Ferreira Claudia Fortes
Published: December 2024

This work aimed to evaluate the relative gene expression of the candidate genes psI, psII, isr, utp, and prk involved in the defense response to Black Sigatoka in banana cultivars Calcutta-4, Krasan Saichon, Grand Nain, and Akondro Mainty, by a quantitative real-time PCR. Biotic stress was imposed on 6-month-old plants during five sampling intervals under greenhouse conditions. The psII and isr genes were upregulated for the Calcutta-4- and Krasan Saichon-resistant cultivars, and were validated in this study. For Grande Naine, a susceptible cultivar, there was an early downregulation of the psI, psII, and isr genes and a late upregulation of the psII gene. There was no significant expression of any of the genes for the susceptible cultivar Akondro Mainty. Computational biology tools such as ORFFinder and PlantCARE revealed that the utp gene has more introns and exons and that, in general, cis-elements involved in the response to biotic stress, such as as-1, w-box, and STRE, were detected in the promoter region of the genes studied. Data from this work also support the phenotyping studies of banana cultivars affected by Black Sigatoka in the field. Once validated in promising new hybrids, these genes may be used in marker-assisted selection (MAS) and/or gene-editing techniques.
Effect of Drying Oil on Properties of Traditional Painted Coatings
Authors: Chen Yushu , Ge Xuanlin , Zuo Shaojun , Wang Jianan
Published: December 2024

This study examines the effects of drying oils—Tung and linseed—on the properties of traditional polychrome coatings applied to wood. Samples prepared with cinnabar, malachite green, yellow ochre, and azurite pigments were analyzed using colorimetric, gloss measurements, surface roughness testing, adhesion strength, and SEM imaging. The results show that Tung oil generally enhances gloss by over 20% and provides superior adhesion, consistently achieving an adhesion grade of 0 (no peeling) across all pigments. Linseed oil, although effective at higher concentrations, displayed more variable adhesion, particularly with blue and yellow pigments. Surface roughness measurements revealed that higher oil content (6:4 ratio) reduced roughness, achieving smoother finishes with Ra values as low as 2.36 μm for Tung oil. SEM analysis confirmed that Tung oil yields a smoother and more even pigment distribution compared to the rougher, clustered morphology in linseed oil samples. These findings underscore the importance of oil type and concentration in achieving desired esthetic and durability outcomes in restoration work.
Essential Oils and Essential Oil-Based Products Compared to Chemical Biocides Against Microbial Patinas on Stone Cultural Heritage
Authors: Antonelli Federica , Iovine Sara , Sacco Perasso Carlotta , Macro Natalia , Gioventù Eleonora , Capasso Filippo Edoardo , Bartolini Marco
Published: December 2024

In recent years, attention has been paid to finding eco-friendly products that could represent an alternative for the chemicals usually used during conservation procedures. In the field of the devitalization of biological patinas, the most studied products are essential oils (EOs). Several works tested EOs in vitro on microorganisms isolated from stone artifacts but few applied these products on real artworks colonized by a complex patina. In the present work, the biocidal effect of two EOs (cinnamon bark and oregano) and two EO-based products (Biotersus and Essenzio) was compared to that of three chemical biocides commonly used in the conservation of stone artifacts (Biotin R1+R2, NewDes50, and Preventol RI50). The products were applied by brush in situ on a marble slab characterized by a green patina. The biocidal activity was evaluated by analyzing the chlorophyll fluorescence and quantifying ATP through biochemical tests. Furthermore, the products’ interference with stone was evaluated by colorimetric measures on sedimentary rock samples. The results indicate that chemical biocides exhibited biocidal activity of greater than 99.5% with a single application, while cinnamon oil (at a 1% concentration) and Essenzio required two applications to achieve the same level of efficacy. Conversely, oregano oil and Biotersus were not able to effectively reduce microorganism vitality, even with repeated applications.
N-Phenylphenothiazine Radical Cation with Extended π-Systems: Enhanced Heat Resistance of Triarylamine Radical Cations as Near-Infrared Absorbing Dyes
Authors: Yano Masafumi , Ueda Minami , Yajima Tatsuo , Mitsudo Koichi , Kashiwagi Yukiyasu
Published: December 2024

N-Phenylphenothiazine derivatives extended with various aryl groups were designed and synthesized. These derivatives have bent conformation in crystal and exhibit high solubility. Radical cations obtained by one-electron oxidation of these derivatives gave stable radical cations in solution and showed absorption in the near-infrared region. A radical cation was isolated as a stable salt, which exhibited heat resistance up to around 200 °C. A design strategy for radical cation-based near-infrared absorbing dyes, which are easily oxidized and stable not only as a solution but in solid form, is described.
Player Performance Analysis in Table Tennis Through Human Action Recognition
Authors: Dong Kangnan , Yan Wei Qi
Published: December 2024

This paper aims to enhance the effectiveness of table tennis coaching and player performance analysis through human action recognition by using deep learning. In the field of video analysis, human action recognition has emerged as a highly researched area. Beyond post-session analysis, it has the potential for real-time applications, such as providing instant feedback or comparing ideal motions with actual player movements. However, the complexity of human actions presents significant challenges. To address these issues, in this paper, we combine the latest computer vision and deep learning algorithms to accurately identify and classify a few table tennis strokes in human action recognition. Through an in-depth review of existing methods, we develop a high-precision offline method for player action recognition. Our experimental results show that the proposed method achieves an average accuracy of 99.85% in recognizing six distinct table tennis actions based on our own dataset.
Mesophotic and Bathyal Echinoderms of the Italian Seas
Authors: Toma Margherita , Bavestrello Giorgio , Enrichetti Francesco , Costa Andrea , Angiolillo Michela , Cau Alessandro , Andaloro Franco , Canese Simonepietro , Greco Silvestro , Bo Marzia
Published: December 2024

Echinoderms are among the most charismatic megabenthic taxa in mesophotic and deep waters. However, they generally have a scattered distribution and are difficult to collect, especially on hardgrounds, so defining their abundance, distribution and ecological preferences is challenging. The largest available Italian remotely operated vehicle dataset, including 624 dives carried out between 2006 and 2022 in coastal and offshore areas in the depth range of 40–1825 m, was used to assess echinoderm diversity and large-scale geographic and bathymetric distributions. Thirty-nine taxa were identified, including three rarely reported from the Mediterranean basin. The maximum diversity and occurrence of the deep-sea echinoderm fauna were reported from the northern areas, and generally, they decreased with depth and distance from the coast. Species, mostly of Atlantic origin, were mainly distributed according to their thermic preferences. The recorded species occurred in a large variety of habitats, including some in which, differently from what was reported in the literature, they formed dense aggregations. The high densities of individuals were hypothesised to be related, in some cases, to reproductive, feeding or stress situations. Environmental predictors were considered in order to both investigate patterns in community composition and the response of the studied community to them. This work enhances the knowledge of deep-sea Mediterranean echinoderms, fundamental to implementing more effective monitoring and conservation strategies for the habitats in which they thrive.
Effectiveness of Narrowband Ultraviolet on Vitiligo: A Systematic Review
Authors: Costa Ana Luisa Tenani Pereira da , Menezes Julya Gracite de , Beltrame Mayara Louise , Silva Bianca Veronese da , Lima Dartel Ferrari , Artioli Dérrick Patrick , Buzanello Márcia Rosângela , Bertolini Gladson Ricardo Flor
Published: December 2024

Background: Narrowband ultraviolet B (nb-UVB) is one of the most popular and effective modalities to treat vitiligo. Given the importance of nb-UBV, as well as its associations, this research searched the literature for answers on how to best treat vitiligo. Objective: To conduct a systematic literature review assessing the efficacy of narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy for the treatment of vitiligo, in comparison with psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy and other topical or systemic treatment modalities. Methods: The databases included were PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS. Gray literature was also used: Google Scholar, Open Grey, and Library of Thesis and Dissertations-CAPES. The search used the keywords: “Vitiligo” AND “Ultraviolet Therapy OR Actinotherapy”. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool by two independent, blinded reviewers, with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. The outcome assessed was repigmentation. Results: Three randomized controlled trials were selected from 2973 records. In three studies, Nb-UVB had superior effects to the comparator. Conclusion: Nb-UVB phototherapy improves repigmentation in patients with vitiligo, with few side effects. However, the variability in the protocols and the risk of bias require caution when interpreting the results.
Comparison of Bone Marrow Biopsy and Flow Cytometry in Demonstrating Bone Marrow Metastasis of Neuroblastoma
Authors: Arslantaş Esra , Ayçiçek Ali , Özkara Selvinaz , Özkan Karagenç Ayşe , Tekgündüz Sibel Akpınar , Yıldırgan Duygu , Tahtakesen Güçer Tuba Nur , Kaçar Ayşe Gonca , Hançerli Özgü , Ertürk Saide , Paslı Uysalol Ezgi , Bayram Cengiz
Published: December 2024

Objective: This study aimed to compare bone marrow aspirate (BMA) multicolor flow cytometry (MFC) analysis and bone marrow biopsy (BMB) in detecting bone marrow (BM) involvement in children with neuroblastoma (NB) at diagnosis and during follow-up. Materials and Methods: A total of 132 BM samples from 39 patients (M/F ratio: 19/20; median age: 38 months) with neuroblastoma were simultaneously obtained for evaluation. The samples were investigated for BM involvement using BMB and MFC. Results: A comparison between MFC (n: 60) and BMB (n: 60) was possible for 120 samples. When BMB was considered as the reference standard, MFC had diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 86%, 58%, 54%, and 88%, respectively, and values of 90%, 57%, 60%, and 89%, respectively, at diagnosis. The median proportion of CD45−/CD56+ cells in MFC was 0.028% (range 0–35%). The event-free survival (EFS) rates for MFC (+) and MFC (−) patients according to the analysis results of the BM samples at the time of diagnosis were 70.6% and 81.8%, respectively (p = 0.607), and the overall survival (OS) rates were 88.2% in MFC (+) patients and 90.9% in MFC (−) patients (p = 0.583). Conclusion: Multicolor flow cytometry may be used as an adjunct to cytomorphology to achieve more sensitive and accurate results as an objective, quantitative method with fast results in detecting bone marrow involvement in children with NB.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Angiogenic Status in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Jaimes-Díaz Sherlyne , Juan-Samper Gustavo , Torres-Martínez Susana , Escorihuela-Alares Eva , Calabuig-Fariñas Silvia , Rodríguez-López Raquel , Prieto-Colodrero Nieves , Ramon-Capilla Mercedes , Fernández-Fabrellas Estrella
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Angiogenesis is involved in the pathogenesis of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). VEGF, ANG2, TGFβ1, and ENG are the most studied angiogenic factors, but their clinical significance in blood samples is still not completely defined. The genetic study of HHT mutations is the test of choice for diagnosing the disease, but this route is expensive, and the causative mutation is not found in up to 10% of cases. Therefore, the use of angiogenic biomarkers could facilitate a cheaper and easier approach to the diagnosis of HHT. To determine the diagnostic and prognostic value of the VEGFA, TGFβ1, ANG2, and ENG plasmatic concentrations in patients with HHT. Methods: All the participants were clinically evaluated and the concentrations of these angiogenic factors were measured using MILLIPLEX®MAP immunoassays in plasma samples collected from 44 patients with HHT and 19 controls. To evaluate the diagnostic validity of these parameters, we estimated the maximum Youden index of the ROC curve and evaluated their diagnostic value using multiple logistic regression. Results: Patients with HHT had increased blood levels of TGFβ1 and decreased ENG compared to the control group. We could not identify any angiogenic markers related to the clinical severity or epistaxis. TGFβ1 and ENG exhibited a higher discriminant capacity for HHT, especially patients with HHT1, and it was possible to develop signatures of these factors with diagnostic value. Conclusions: We identified several angiogenic factors that may be important diagnostic biomarkers for HHT and propose that the combination of TGFβ1 and ENG could represent a signature with diagnostic value for this disease.