bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linehan’s biosocial model applied to emotion dysregulation in autism: a narrative review of the literature and an illustrative case conceptualization
Authors: Bemmouna Doha , Weiner Luisa
Published: September 2023

Emotion dysregulation (ED) is a transdiagnostic difficulty prevalent in autism spectrum condition (ASC). Importantly, recent research has suggested that ED is involved in self-harm and suicidality. Pre-existing models on the etiology of ED in ASC focus mainly on biological factors to ASC features, such as sensory sensitivities, poor flexibility, and sensitivity to change. However, although psychosocial factors seem to play a role in the emergence of ED in ASC as well (e.g., childhood maltreatment and camouflaging), there is a lack of a comprehensive model conceptualizing biosocial factors involved in ED in autistic people. Linehan’s biosocial model (1993) is one of the leading etiological models of ED in borderline personality disorder (BPD). It conceptualizes ED as emerging from transactions between a pre-existing emotional vulnerability in the child and an invalidating developmental environment. Beyond its clinical relevance, Linehan’s model has gathered empirical evidence supporting its pertinence in BPD and in other psychiatric disorders. Although ASC and BPD are two distinct diagnoses, because they may share ED, Linehan’s biosocial model might be useful for understanding the development of ED in ASC. Hence, this article aims to provide an application and extension of Linehan’s model to conceptualize ED in ASC. To do so, we conducted a narrative review of the literature on ED and its underlying factors in ASC from a developmental perspective. To investigate the pertinence of the biosocial model applied to ED in autistic people, we were interested on data on (i) ED and its behavioral correlates in ASC, in relation to the biosocial model, (ii) the potential biological and psychosocial correlates of ED in ASC and (iii) the overlapping difficulties in ASC and BPD. Finally, to assess the pertinence of the model, we applied it to the case of an autistic woman presenting with ED and suicidal behaviors. Our review and application to the case of an autistic woman suggest that ED in ASC encompasses factors related to both biological and psychosocial risk factors as conceptualized in the BPD framework, although in both domains ASC-specific factors might be involved.
The Goldilocks Day for healthy adiposity measures among children and adolescents
Authors: Lund Rasmussen Charlotte , Gába Aleš , Stanford Tyman , Dygrýn Jan , Dumuid Dorothea , Janda David , Hron Karel
Published: September 2023

Background

The optimal balance of time spent on daily movement behaviors (“The Goldilocks Day”) associated with childhood obesity remains unknown.

Objective

To estimate the optimal durations of sleep, sedentary behavior (SB), light physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MPVA) associated with excess adiposity in a paediatric population.

Methods

Accelerometer-measured 24-h movement behaviors were obtained from 659 Czech children and adolescents (8-18-year-olds). Adiposity indicators were body mass index z-score, fat mass percentage, fat-free mass index, and visceral adipose tissue. Excess adiposity was defined as exceeding the 85th percentile for an adiposity indicator. Compositional regression analyses were used investigate the associations between movement behaviors and adiposity indicators and estimating “The Goldilocks Day.”

Results

The movement behavior composition was associated with visceral adipose tissue (Fdf1 = 3,df2 = 317 = 3.672, p = 0.013) and fat mass percentage (Fdf1 = 3,df2 = 289 = 2.733, p = 0.044) among children and adolescents. The Goldilocks Day consisted of 8.5 h of sleep, 10.8 h of SB, 3.9 h of LPA, and 0.8 h of MVPA among children and 7.5 h of sleep, 12.4 h of SB, 3.6 h of LPA, and 0.5 h of MVPA among adolescents.

Conclusion

Optimizing the time spent sleeping, and in sedentary and physical activities appears to be important in the prevention of excess adiposity.
Cervical cancer screening programs for female sex workers: a scoping review
Authors: Vimpere Léa , Sami Jana , Jeannot Emilien
Published: September 2023

Background

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common neoplasia affecting women worldwide. Female sex workers (FSWs) are among those at highest risk of developing and succumbing to CC. Yet, they are often overlooked in CC screening programs and have limited access to CC healthcare globally. The development of CC screening programs for this high-risk target population is necessary to reduce the global burden of this disease and to reach the World Health Organization’s objective of accelerating the elimination of CC.

Objective

This review summarizes findings on CC screening programs for FSWs that have been implemented worldwide, and assesses their effectiveness and sustainability.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A literature search was performed on PubMed, Swisscovery, and Google Scholar for studies describing and assessing CC screening programs for FSWs. In addition, targeted searching online Non-Governmental and International Organizations websites identified grey literature. A single reviewer screened titles and abstracts, and extracted data from the research findings.

Results

The search identified 13 articles published from 1989 to 2021. All implemented programs successfully reached FSWs and provided them with CC screening during the study period. The most effective and sustainable strategies were the Screen and Treat approach, introducing CC screening into existing STI services in drop-in or outreach clinics, HPV-DNA self-sampling, and integrating sex-workers-specific services in public health facilities. Follow-up was deemed the main challenge in providing and enhancing CC healthcare to FSWs with rates of loss to follow-up ranging from 35 to 60%.

Conclusion

FSWs are often omitted in national CC screening programs. The further development and improvement of CC healthcare, including follow-up systems, for this high-priority target population are imperative.
Characterization of physicochemical and microbial quality, functional properties, and shelf stability of fermented tigernut-based probiotic beverages
Authors: Yeboah Stephen , Ohemeng Agartha , Donkor Leticia , Saalia F. K. , Annor George Amponsah , Kunadu Angela Parry-Hanson
Published: September 2023

Tigernuts and millet are indigenous underutilized crops in West Africa that have versatile applications in food processing. These crops are rich in fermentable carbohydrates, resistant starch, fiber, and micronutrients, making them ideal candidates for pre- and probiotic (synbiotic) foods. This study utilized whole tigernuts in a dairy–millet-based fermented beverage called brukina, turned it to a synbiotic, and assessed the functional and physicochemical profiles, microbial quality, and shelf stability of the beverage. The tigernut–millet agglomerate was prepared by incorporating cellulose-hydrolyzed tigernut fibrous (TNF) cake and non-hydrolyzed TNF (10% and 15%, respectively) into millet and allowing to ferment for 12 and 24 h. Brukina produced from composite tigernut milk: dairy in a ratio of 40%:60% was inoculated with the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus casei after pasteurization. The beverage was analyzed for physicochemical, proximate, and functional properties and microbiological stability at 5°C and 25°C. The obtained data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) in Minitab version 17 using a general linear model to determine the variability, interactions, and significance of the measured product characteristics. The agglomerate water absorption capacity (l/g) ranged from 0.70 ± 0.17 to 0.89 ± 0.17, bulk density (g/l) from 0.55 ± 0.04 to 0.63 ± 0.00, and swell index (%) from 1.62 ± 0.08 to 1.80 ± 0.06. The agglomerate prepared from dough and fermented for 12 h had excellent functional characteristics and was selected for synbiotic brukina production. Moisture content of the product decreased (p < 0.001) with tigernut incorporation ranging from 78.85% to 70.45%, while sodium, phosphorus, protein, total carbohydrate, and crude fiber increased with tigernut incorporation (p < 0.05). Synbiotic brukina supported the growth of L. casei attaining 11 log CFU/mL with a corresponding increase in lactic acid production and was microbiologically safe at 5°C and 25°C for 5 days compared to unpasteurized and uninoculated probiotic control (p < 0.05). The addition of whole tigernuts and L. casei to brukina enhanced its nutritional content with a shelf stability of 3 days.
Probability distributions of mineral dissolution rates: the role of lattice defects
Authors: Kurganskaya Inna , Luttge Andreas
Published: September 2023

The correct quantification of mineral dissolution rates is a critical task for macroscopic reactive transport modeling. Previous studies showed a substantial rate variability of about two orders of magnitude, which cannot be explained by variance of external environmental parameters alone. If the rate cannot be predicted as a constant parameter, then the critical question is whether it can be predicted as a stable reproducible probability distribution. Although a large variety of factors may contribute to the overall variance across the scales, the effect of defect density and defect spatial distribution can be considered as one of the key variance sources. Here, we tested the reproducibility of probability distributions for Kossel crystals with a different amount and spatial configurations of lattice dislocations. We ran several tests on systems with the same configurations and calculated the probabilities of material flux. Surprisingly, we discovered that the density of dislocations has minimal impact on the probability distributions. However, the spatial location of dislocations has a substantial influence on the rate distributions reproducibility. In cases where multiple etch pits operate simultaneously, reproducible rate distributions are found regardless of the number of dislocations. In cases where dislocations formed clusters, one large etch pit controlled the entire surface, and sets of reproducible probability distributions were detected. Then, more complex statistical behavior is expected, since the result is path-dependent. These results have serious consequences for the implementation of rate distributions in reactive transport models. Further studies, however, are needed to provide clear guidance on relating surface morphologies, dislocation distributions, and dissolution rate variance. The role of material-specific properties, such as crystallographic structure and bonding, in rate distributions, should be additionally addressed. The role of grain boundaries, crystal size and crystal habit, including nanoparticulate forms, in rate variance, also should be addressed for practical applications.
Resolving the tidal weather of the thermosphere using GDC
Authors: Oberheide Jens , Gardner Stone M. , Neogi Mukta
Published: September 2023

NASA’s Geospace Dynamics Constellation (GDC) mission is a six satellite constellation to make in situ measurements of important ionospheric and thermospheric variables to better understand the processes that govern Earth’s near space environment. Scheduled for a 2029 launch into high inclination orbits ∼82° at ∼380 km, the satellite orbit planes will separate over time to provide almost continuous local solar time coverage every day towards the end of the 3 year baseline GDC mission. As such, the neutral temperature and neutral wind measurements of GDC will likely allow the heliophysics community to make significant progress towards resolving the tidal weather of the thermosphere, that is, day-to-day tidal variability, and how it is driven by meteorological processes near the surface and in situ forcing in the ionosphere-thermosphere system. To assess the GDC ability to accurately resolve the tides each day and when in the mission this can be achieved, we conduct an Observational Simulation System Experiment (OSSE) using SD-WACCM-X and the predicted GDC orbits. Our results show that GDC can provide closure on the tidal variability (mean, diurnal and semidiurnal, migrating and nonmigrating) at orbit height in mission phase 4 and throughout most parts of mission phase 3. We also perform Hough Mode Extension fitting of relevant tidal components to study possible connections between the GDC observations and the tides at 200 km, to assess synergies between GDC and the forthcoming DYNAMIC mission (scheduled to be co-launched with GDC) that will measure altitude-resolved winds and temperatures in the ∼100–200 km height range.
Effectiveness of laser welding in cerclage wiring fixation: a biomechanical study
Authors: Pengrung Nachapan , Sa-ngasoongsong Paphon , Sabsuantang Konlawat , Thongchuea Nutchanat , Warinsiriruk Eakkachai
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Cerclage wiring is a common orthopedic procedure for fracture fixation. However, previous studies reported wiring-related perioperative complications, such as wire loosening or breakage, with an incidence rate of up to 77%. Recently, the use of laser welding on medical implants was introduced to connect biomedical materials. This study used laser technology to weld between wires after conventional cerclage fixation. We hypothesized that the laser welding could significantly increase the biomechanical properties of cerclage wiring fixation.

Materials and methods

Twenty-five wiring models underwent biomechanical tests in five cerclage wiring configurations (five models per group), namely, (1) single loop, (2) single loop with laser welding, (3) double loop, (4) double loop with one-side laser welding, and (5) double loop with two-side laser welding. Characteristics such as load to failure, mode of failure, and wiring failure were compared between groups. The biocompatibility for a 316L stainless steel wire with laser welding was evaluated via an in vitro hemolysis test.

Results

Mean load to failure of the double loop with one-side and two-side laser welding groups were 3,596 ± 346 N and 3,667 ± 240 N, which were significantly higher than for the double-loop group (2,919 ± 717 N) (p = 0.012 and p = 0.044, respectively). Conversely, no significant difference was shown in the comparison of the mean load to failure between the single loop and the single loop with laser-welded cerclage wire (1,251 ± 72 N, 1,352 ± 122 N, and p = 0.12). Untwisted wire and wire breakage were the most common mode of failure. All welding specimens revealed non-hemolytic effects from in vitro hemolysis test.

Conclusion

Laser welding on cerclage wiring significantly increases the biomechanical property of double cerclage wire fixation. However, further biocompatibility tests and clinical studies are still recommended.
An hp-Legendre Pseudospectral Convex Method for 6-Degree-of-Freedom Powered Landing Problem
Authors: Huang Jun , Zeng Yidong
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a fast trajectory optimization method combining the hp-Legendre pseudospectral method and convex optimization for the 6-Degree-of-Freedom rocket-powered landing problem. To accelerate calculations, this paper combines the Legendre pseudospectral method with a linearization method for convexification, and an hp method that can divide the mesh is introduced to reduce the computational workload. In terms of accuracy, a trust region update strategy that can control the solution process is presented to approximate the original problem iteratively. Convergence analysis is provided as evidence, substantiating that any solution produced by the hp-Legendre pseudospectral convex method is not only feasible but potentially optimal for the original problem. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by numerical experiments. When compared, the proposed method achieves higher calculation accuracy in solving the 6-Degree-of-Freedom rocket-powered landing trajectory problem, while taking into account rocket attitude control.
Dietary Supplementation with Oregano and Linseed in Autochthonous “Facciuta Lucana” Goats: Effects on Meat Quality Traits in Suckling Kids
Authors: Colonna Maria Antonietta , Karatosidi Despoina , Cosentino Carlo , Freschi Pierangelo , Carbonara Claudia , Giannico Francesco , Losacco Caterina , Tufarelli Vincenzo , Tarricone Simona , Selvaggi Maria , Ragni Marco
Published: September 2023

Extruded linseed (Linum usitatissimum) in ruminant diets has been investigated as a strategy to improve the nutritional value and healthiness of meat fat; however, increased polyunsaturated fatty acids may limit the shelf-life of meat. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) has a documented antioxidant activity. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with extruded linseed and oregano on goat milk quality and whether the characteristics of goat milk affect the physical and chemical features, fatty acid profile, meat lipid oxidation, and sensory properties of meat from suckling kids. Thirty-six male kids were weaned and divided into three homogeneous groups (n = 12); each group was either fed a control diet (C), or a diet containing 3% extruded linseed with or without the addition of 0.6% oregano (“L + O” and “L”, respectively). The diets containing linseed lowered (p < 0.05) the saturated fatty acid content in meat, and increased (p < 0.05) monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid. Oregano addition to the linseed diet proved to be effective in preserving meat shelf-life, as shown by a significant (p < 0.01) reduction in the malondialdehyde concentration after 10 days of storage, and improved meat succulence, tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptance.
Trends of Eurasian Perch (Perca fluviatilis) mtDNA ATP6 Region Genetic Diversity within the Hydro-Systems of the Eastern Part of the Baltic Sea in the Anthropocene
Authors: Ragauskas Adomas , Ignatavičienė Ieva , Rakauskas Vytautas , Grauda Dace , Prakas Petras , Butkauskas Dalius
Published: September 2023

The intraspecific genetic diversity of freshwater fish inhabiting hydro-systems of the macrogeographic area spreading from the Black to Baltic Seas requires comprehensive investigation from fundamental and practical perspectives. The current study focused on the involvement of the mtDNA ATP6 region in the adaptability and microevolution of Perca fluviatilis within phylogeographic and anthropogenic contexts. We sequenced a 627 bp fragment encompassing the ATP6 region and used it for genetic analysis of 193 perch caught in Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine, representing natural and anthropogenically impacted populations. We evaluated patterns of intraspecific genetic diversity in the ATP6 region and phylogeographic trends within the studied area compared with previously established D-loop trends. Evaluation of ATP6 coding sequence variability revealed that among 13 newly detected haplotypes, only two were caused by non-synonymous substitutions of amino acids of the protein. PCoA revealed three genetic groups (I–III) based on the ATP6 region that encompassed four previously described genetic groups established based on the mtDNA D-loop. The two mtDNA regions (D-loop and ATP6) have microevolved at least partially independently. Prolonged anthropogenic impacts may generate new point mutations at the ATP6 locus, but this phenomenon could be mainly concealed by natural selection and reparation processes.
UY-NET: A Two-Stage Network to Improve the Result of Detection in Colonoscopy Images
Authors: He Cheng-Si , Wang Chen-Ji , Wang Jhong-Wei , Liu Yuan-Chen
Published: September 2023

The human digestive system is susceptible to various viruses and bacteria, which can lead to the development of lesions, disorders, and even cancer. According to statistics, colorectal cancer has been a leading cause of death in Taiwan for years. To reduce its mortality rate, clinicians must detect and remove polyps during gastrointestinal (GI) tract examinations. Recently, colonoscopies have been conducted to examine patients’ colons. Even so, polyps sometimes remain undetected. To help medical professionals better identify abnormalities, advanced deep learning algorithms that can accurately detect colorectal polyps from images should be developed. Prompted by this proposition, the present study combined U-Net and YOLOv4 to create a two-stage network algorithm called UY-Net. This new algorithm was tested using colonoscopy images from the Kvasir-SEG dataset. Results showed that UY-Net was significantly accurate in detecting polyps. It also outperformed YOLOv4, YOLOv3-spp, Faster R-CNN, and RetinaNet by achieving higher spatial accuracy and overall accuracy of object detection. As the empirical evidence suggests, two-stage network algorithms like UY-Net will be a reliable and promising aid to image detection in healthcare.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study on Adsorption Characteristics of Illite for Hg2+
Authors: Guo Zhengchao , Wang Biao , Tang Xin
Published: September 2023

The Three Gorges Reservoir area of the Yangtze River has formed vast riverine fallout zones as a result of its periodic water storage and flood discharge operations, and the main constituents of this area are quaternary loose clays. It is important to study the microscopic characteristics of clay minerals in these fallout zones and their adsorption properties of Hg2+ to guide the environmental safety of the fallout zones in the Three Gorges Reservoir area. In this context, the authors of this paper used X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments to reveal the main clay mineral compositions in the fallout zones and then constructed the molecular model structures of the clay minerals based on molecular dynamics theory and studied the adsorption characteristics of these clay minerals with Hg2+ in depth. The results show that the main clay minerals in the Three Gorges Reservoir area fallout zone include illite, illite-mixed layer and green-mixed layer, in which the content of illite ranges from 21% to 54%. Taking illite as the study object, the heat of adsorption of Hg2+ in illite ranged from 14.83 kJ·mol−1 to 31.92 kJ·mol−1, which is a physical adsorption. The heat of adsorption was mainly affected by the water content and had little relationship with temperature. With the gradual increase in water content, the heat of adsorption gradually decreases. The adsorption amount of Hg2+, on the other hand, is jointly affected by water content and temperature and decreases with the increase in water content and temperature; under natural environmental conditions (P = 0.1 Mpa), the adsorption characteristics of Hg2+ in illite change with the change in water content. When the water content was between 0% and 6.95%, the increase in water content led to an increase in the interlayer spacing of illite, and the adsorption of Hg2+ in illite was in a monolayer state, with the adsorption peaks located from 4.5~5.5 Å. When the water content increased to 6.95% to 13.90%, the layer spacing of illite reached the maximum, and the adsorption of Hg2+ in illite transitioned from a monolayer to a bilayer, with the adsorption peaks located between 5 Å and 9~10 Å, respectively. When the water content was further increased to 13.90% to 20.85%, the increase in water content instead led to a slight decrease in the layer spacing of illite, showing a tendency of transitioning from a bilayer to a monolayer adsorption layer, which at the same time changed the number of adsorption layers of Hg2+; the study also revealed that the interaction between illite and Hg2+ was regulated by van der Waals and Coulomb forces, whereas the increase in temperature promoted the Hg2+ +diffusion, and an increase in water content inhibits the diffusion of Hg2+. In summary, these findings provide valuable theoretical support for solving the problem of Hg2+ pollution in the Three Gorges Reservoir Decline Zone.
Effects of Typhoon Chanthu on Marine Chlorophyll a, Temperature and Salinity
Authors: Wang Jushang , Guo Biyun , Ji Zhaokang , Che Yingliang , Mantravadi Venkata Subrahmanyam
Published: September 2023

A typhoon is a severe weather process in tropical oceans. Typhoon transit is often accompanied by strong convective weather, such as gales and rainstorms, which threatens fishery, property, and human safety. In this study, the effects of typhoon Chanthu on chlorophyll a (Chl a), temperature, and ocean surface salinity are analyzed using remote sensing data. The results illustrate that before the transit of Chanthu (6–12 September), the mean concentration of Chl a and sea surface salinity (SSS) are low (0.74 mg/m3, 30.59 psu, respectively), while the mean sea surface temperature (SST) is high (29.01 °C). After the typhoon transits (13–30 September), the mean Chl a concentration and salinity increase (1.29 mg/m3, 30.87 psu respectively), while the mean SST decrease (27.43 °C). The Ekman pumping transports nutrients from the deep ocean to the surface layer, promotes the photosynthesis of surface phytoplankton, and increases the concentration of sea surface Chl a. Typhoon Chanthu causes the mixing and entrainment of the upper ocean, which causes the deep cold water of the ocean to rise into the mixed layer and cause the SST to decrease. Severe vertical mixing transports deep high-salt water to the surface, causing SSS to rise. The results of this study have important scientific significance and application value for developing coastal economy, aquaculture, and fishery.
Generalized Reynolds Operators on Lie-Yamaguti Algebras
Authors: Teng Wen , Jin Jiulin , Long Fengshan
Published: September 2023

In this paper, the notion of generalized Reynolds operators on Lie-Yamaguti algebras is introduced, and the cohomology of a generalized Reynolds operator is established. The formal deformations of a generalized Reynolds operator are studied using the first cohomology group. Then, we show that a Nijenhuis operator on a Lie-Yamaguti algebra gives rise to a representation of the deformed Lie-Yamaguti algebra and a 2-cocycle. Consequently, the identity map will be a generalized Reynolds operator on the deformed Lie-Yamaguti algebra. We also introduce the notion of a Reynolds operator on a Lie-Yamaguti algebra, which can serve as a special case of generalized Reynolds operators on Lie-Yamaguti algebras.
Room-Temperature Eutectic Synthesis for Upcycling of Cathode Materials
Authors: Hawley W. Blake , Li Mengya , Li Jianlin
Published: September 2023

Ni-rich LiNixMnyCo1−x−yO2 (NMC) materials have been adopted in a range of applications, including electric vehicles. The recycled NMC material from a spent cell would be much more valuable if it could be upgraded to a Ni-rich, more energy-dense version of the material. This work demonstrates a simple, inexpensive, and facile method to upcycle LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (NMC111, 160 mAh∙g−1), a cathode used in early generations of electric vehicle batteries, to LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811, 190 mAh∙g−1), a more energy-dense cathode material. In this study, a preliminary investigation into a room-temperature eutectic synthesis of NMC811 is performed using NMC111, LiOH, and nickel nitrate as precursors. The synthesized material showed the desired crystal structure and stoichiometry, though the cycle life and Li diffusion coefficient need improvement when compared to commercially available NMC811. This study demonstrates an interesting proof of concept of the room-temperature eutectic synthesis process for LIB cathodes and could be improved by tuning the synthesis conditions.
Current Knowledge on the Healing of the Extraction Socket: A Narrative Review
Authors: Udeabor Samuel E. , Heselich Anja , Al-Maawi Sarah , Alqahtani Ali F. , Sader Robert , Ghanaati Shahram
Published: September 2023

The concept of extraction socket healing has been severally researched and reported over the years, since tooth extraction remains one of the most common procedures performed in the dental clinic. Understanding this healing process is of utmost importance because the outcome has a direct bearing on future prosthetic rehabilitation and, by extension, on patients’ esthetics and masticatory function, among others. This mini review, therefore, summarized the current knowledge on the different stages of socket healing, including the biologic and clinical events that occur following tooth extraction up until the complete closure of the socket. Additionally, the modeling of the alveolar bone/process post extraction, and the resultant dimensional changes that, altogether, shape the bone, were reviewed and documented. The effects of various socket preservation interventions to mitigate these dimensional changes, and therefore preserve the alveolar process in a condition suitable for future prosthetic rehabilitation, were highlighted. Finally, a review of some of the factors that influence the entire process was also carried out.
Biomechanical Variability and Usability of a Novel Customizable Fracture Fixation Technique
Authors: Colding-Rasmussen Thomas , Schwarzenberg Peter , Horstmann Peter Frederik , Ottesen Casper Bent Smedegaard , Garcia Jorge San Jacinto , Hutchinson Daniel John , Malkoch Michael , Petersen Michael Mørk , Varga Peter , Tierp-Wong Christian Nai En
Published: September 2023

A novel in situ customizable osteosynthesis technique, Bonevolent™ AdhFix, demonstrates promising biomechanical properties under the expertise of a single trained operator. This study assesses inter- and intra-surgeon biomechanical variability and usability of the AdhFix osteosynthesis platform. Six surgeons conducted ten osteosyntheses on a synthetic bone fracture model after reviewing an instruction manual and completing one supervised osteosynthesis. Samples underwent 4-point bending tests at a quasi-static loading rate, and the maximum bending moment (BM), bending stiffness (BS), and AdhFix cross-sectional area (CSA: mm²) were evaluated. All constructs exhibited a consistent appearance and were suitable for biomechanical testing. The mean BM was 2.64 ± 0.57 Nm, and the mean BS was 4.35 ± 0.44 Nm/mm. Statistically significant differences were observed among the six surgeons in BM (p < 0.001) and BS (p = 0.004). Throughout ten trials, only one surgeon demonstrated a significant improvement in BM (p < 0.025), and another showed a significant improvement in BS (p < 0.01). A larger CSA corresponded to a statistically significantly higher value for BM (p < 0.001) but not for BS (p = 0.594). In conclusion, this study found consistent biomechanical stability both across and within the surgeons included, suggesting that the AdhFix osteosynthesis platform can be learned and applied with minimal training and, therefore, might be a clinically viable fracture fixation technique. The variability in BM and BS observed is not expected to have a clinical impact, but future clinical studies are warranted.
The Antibodies’ Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: 1-Year Follow Up
Authors: Nicolai Eleonora , Tomassetti Flaminia , Pelagalli Martina , Sarubbi Serena , Minieri Marilena , Nisini Alberto , Nuccetelli Marzia , Ciotti Marco , Pieri Massimo , Bernardini Sergio
Published: September 2023

The use of vaccines has allowed the containment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at a global level. The present work aims to add data on vaccination by evaluating the level of neutralizing antibodies in individuals who have received a three-vaccination series. For this purpose, we ran a surveillance program directed at measuring the level of IgG Abs against the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) and surrogate virus neutralizing Ab (sVNT) anti-SARS-CoV-2 in the serum of individuals undergoing vaccination. This study was performed on employees from the University of Rome Tor Vergata and healthcare workers from the University Hospital who received the Vaxzevria vaccine (n = 56) and Comirnaty vaccine (n = 113), respectively. After the second dose, an increase in both RBD and sVNT Ab values was registered. In individuals who received the Comirnaty vaccine, the antibody titer was about one order of magnitude higher after 6 months from the first dose. All participants in this study received the Comirnaty vaccine as the third dose, which boosted the antibody response. Five months after the third dose, nearly one year from the first injection, the antibody level was >1000 BAU/mL (binding antibody units/mL). According to the values reported in the literature conferring protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection, our data indicate that individuals undergoing three vaccine doses present a low risk of infection.
The Venular Side of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy: Proof of Concept of a Neglected Issue
Authors: Zedde Marialuisa , Grisendi Ilaria , Assenza Federica , Vandelli Gabriele , Napoli Manuela , Moratti Claudio , Lochner Piergiorgio , Seiffge David J. , Piazza Fabrizio , Valzania Franco , Pascarella Rosario
Published: September 2023

Small vessel diseases (SVD) is an umbrella term including several entities affecting small arteries, arterioles, capillaries, and venules in the brain. One of the most relevant and prevalent SVDs is cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), whose pathological hallmark is the deposition of amyloid fragments in the walls of small cortical and leptomeningeal vessels. CAA frequently coexists with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), and both are associated with cerebrovascular events, cognitive impairment, and dementia. CAA and AD share pathophysiological, histopathological and neuroimaging issues. The venular involvement in both diseases has been neglected, although both animal models and human histopathological studies found a deposition of amyloid beta in cortical venules. This review aimed to summarize the available information about venular involvement in CAA, starting from the biological level with the putative pathomechanisms of cerebral damage, passing through the definition of the peculiar angioarchitecture of the human cortex with the functional organization and consequences of cortical arteriolar and venular occlusion, and ending to the hypothesized links between cortical venular involvement and the main neuroimaging markers of the disease.
The Challenge of Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Cerebral Palsy: A Proposed Method to Identify White Matter Pathways
Authors: Martinie Ophélie , Karan Philippe , Traverse Elodie , Mercier Catherine , Descoteaux Maxime , Robert Maxime T.
Published: September 2023

Cerebral palsy (CP), a neuromotor disorder characterized by prenatal brain lesions, leads to white matter alterations and sensorimotor deficits. However, the CP-related diffusion neuroimaging literature lacks rigorous and consensual methodology for preprocessing and analyzing data due to methodological challenges caused by the lesion extent. Advanced methods are available to reconstruct diffusion signals and can update current advances in CP. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of analyzing diffusion CP data using a standardized and open-source pipeline. Eight children with CP (8–12 years old) underwent a single diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) session on a 3T scanner (Achieva 3.0T (TX), Philips Healthcare Medical Systems, Best, The Netherlands). Exclusion criteria were contraindication to MRI and claustrophobia. Anatomical and diffusion images were acquired. Data were corrected and analyzed using Tractoflow 2.3.0 version, an open-source and robust tool. The tracts were extracted with customized procedures based on existing atlases and freely accessed standardized libraries (ANTs, Scilpy). DTI, CSD, and NODDI metrics were computed for each tract. Despite lesion heterogeneity and size, we successfully reconstructed major pathways, except for a participant with a larger lesion. Our results highlight the feasibility of identifying and quantifying subtle white matter pathways. Ultimately, this will increase our understanding of the clinical symptoms to provide precision medicine and optimize rehabilitation.
Brain Functional Representation of Highly Occluded Object Recognition
Authors: Li Bao , Zhang Chi , Cao Long , Chen Panpan , Liu Tianyuan , Gao Hui , Wang Linyuan , Yan Bin , Tong Li
Published: September 2023

Recognizing highly occluded objects is believed to arise from the interaction between the brain’s vision and cognition-controlling areas, although supporting neuroimaging data are currently limited. To explore the neural mechanism during this activity, we conducted an occlusion object recognition experiment using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). During magnet resonance examinations, 66 subjects engaged in object recognition tasks with three different occlusion degrees. Generalized linear model (GLM) analysis showed that the activation degree of the occipital lobe (inferior occipital gyrus, middle occipital gyrus, and occipital fusiform gyrus) and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) was related to the occlusion degree of the objects. Multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) further unearthed a considerable surge in classification precision when dACC activation was incorporated as a feature. This suggested the combined role of dACC and the occipital lobe in occluded object recognition tasks. Moreover, psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analysis disclosed that functional connectivity (FC) between the dACC and the occipital lobe was enhanced with increased occlusion, highlighting the necessity of FC between these two brain regions in effectively identifying exceedingly occluded objects. In conclusion, these findings contribute to understanding the neural mechanisms of highly occluded object recognition, augmenting our appreciation of how the brain manages incomplete visual data.
Vasculitis and Ischemic Stroke in Lyme Neuroborreliosis—Interventional Management Approach and Literature Review
Authors: Akkurt Burak Han , Kraehling Hermann , Nacul Nabila Gala , Elsharkawy Mohamed , Schmidt-Pogoda Antje , Minnerup Jens , Stracke Christian Paul , Schwindt Wolfram
Published: September 2023

Objective: In rare cases, Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) can induce cerebral vasculitis leading to severe stenosis of the cerebral vasculature and consecutive ischemia. Therapy is based on anti-biotic treatment of the tick-borne disease, whereas interventional therapeutic options have not been assessed yet. Material and Methods: We report on a patient with LNB and concomitant stenoses and progressive and fatal vasculitis of the cerebral vessels despite all therapeutic efforts by the departments of neurology and interventional neuroradiology. In this context, we also conducted a literature review on endovascular treatment of LNB-associated cerebral ischemia. Results: A 52-year-old female presented with transient neglect and psychomotor slowdown (initial NIHSS = 0). MRI and serology led to the diagnosis of basal meningitis due to LNB with vasculitis of cerebral arteries. Despite immediate treatment with antibiotics and steroids, neurologic deterioration (NIHSS 8) led to an emergency angiography on day 2 after admission. Hemodynamically relevant stenoses of the MCA were treated via spasmolysis and PTA, leading to almost complete neurological recovery. Despite intensified medical treatment, the vasculitis progressed and could only be transiently ameliorated via repetitive spasmolysis. On day 19, she again presented with significant neurologic deterioration (NIHSS 9), and PTA and stenting of the nearly occluded MCA were performed with a patent vessel, initially without hemorrhagic complications. Despite all therapeutic efforts and preserved stent perfusion, vasculitis worsened and the concurrent occurrence of subdural hemorrhage led to the death of the patient. Conclusion: Neuroradiological interventions, i.e., spasmolysis, PTA, and, if necessary, stenting, can and should be considered in cases of LNB-induced vasculitis and stroke that are refractory to best medical treatment alone. Key point: Neuroradiological interventions can be considered in patients with vascular complications of Lyme neuroborreliosis as an additional extension of the primary drug therapy.
Prospective Comparative Study of Etoposide plus G-CSF versus G-CSF Alone, Followed by Risk-Adapted Plerixafor for Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Mobilization in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: CAtholic REsearch Network for Multiple Myeloma Study (CAREMM-2001)
Authors: Park Sung-Soo , Shin Seung-Hwan , Lee Jung-Yeon , Jeon Young-Woo , Yhang Seung-Ah , Min Chang-Ki
Published: September 2023

To explore the optimal mobilization for multiple myeloma (MM) patients, we conducted a prospective trial comparing single-dose etoposide (375 mg/m2 for one day) plus G-CSF versus G-CSF alone, followed by risk-adapted plerixafor. After randomization, 27 patients in the etoposide group and 29 patients in the G-CSF alone group received mobilizations. Six (22.2%) patients in the etoposide group and 15 (51.7%) patients in the G-CSF alone group received plerixafor based on a peripheral blood CD34+ cell count of < 15/mm3 (p = 0.045). The median count of CD34+ cells collected was significantly higher in the etoposide group (9.5 × 106/kg vs. 7.9 × 106/kg; p = 0.018), but the optimal collection rate (CD34+ cells ≥ 6 × 106/kg) was not significantly different between the two groups (96.3% vs. 82.8%; p = 0.195). The rate of CD34+ cells collected of ≥ 8.0 × 106/kg was significantly higher in the etoposide group (77.8% vs. 44.8%; p = 0.025). Although the rates of grade II–IV thrombocytopenia (63.0% vs. 31.0%; p = 0.031) and grade I–IV nausea (14.8% vs. 0%; p = 0.048) were significantly higher in the etoposide group, the rates of adverse events were low in both groups, with no neutropenic fever or septic shock. Thus, both single-dose etoposide plus G-CSF and G-CSF alone with risk-adapted plerixafor were effective and safe, but the former may be the better option for patients who are expected to receive two or more transplantations.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cancer Mortality in Pennsylvania: A Retrospective Study with Geospatial Analysis
Authors: Ledford Savanna G. , Kessler Fritz , Moss Jennifer L. , Wang Ming , Lengerich Eugene J.
Published: September 2023

Background. We sought to quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer mortality and identify associated factors in Pennsylvania. Methods. The retrospective study analyzed cross-sectional cancer mortality data from CDC WONDER for 2015 through 2020 for Pennsylvania and its 67 counties. The spatial distributions of 2019, 2020, and percentage change in age-adjusted mortality rates by county were analyzed via choropleth maps and spatial autocorrelation. A Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was used to analyze whether the rates differed between 2019 and 2020. Quasi-Poisson and geographically weighted regression at the county level were used to assess the association between the 2019 rates, sex (percent female), race (percent non-White), ethnicity (percent Hispanic/Latino), rural–urban continuum codes, and socioeconomic status with the 2020 rates. Results. At the state level, the rate in 2020 did not reflect the declining annual trend (−2.7 per 100,000) in the rate since 2015. Twenty-six counties had an increase in the rate in 2020. Of the factors examined, the 2019 rates were positively associated with the 2020 rates, and the impact of sociodemographic and geographic factors on the 2020 rates varied by county. Conclusions. In Pennsylvania, the 2020 cancer mortality rates did not decline as much as reported before the COVID-19 pandemic. The top five cancer types by rate were the same type for 2019 and 2020. Future cancer control efforts may need to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on trends and geospatial distribution in cancer mortality.
Pediatric Hepatocellular Adenomas: What Is Known and What Is New?
Authors: Espinoza Andres F. , Vasudevan Sanjeev A. , Masand Prakash M. , Lòpez-Terrada Dolores H. , Patel Kalyani R.
Published: September 2023

Current understanding and classification of pediatric hepatocellular adenomas (HCA) are largely based on adult data. HCAs are rare in children and, unlike in adults, are often seen in the context of syndromes or abnormal background liver. Attempts to apply the adult classification to pediatric tumors have led to several “unclassifiable” lesions. Although typically considered benign, few can show atypical features and those with beta-catenin mutations have a risk for malignant transformation. Small lesions can be monitored while larger (>5.0 cm) lesions are excised due to symptoms or risk of bleeding/rupture, etc. Management depends on gender, age, underlying liver disease, multifocality, size of lesion, histologic subtype and presence of mutation, if any. In this review, we summarize the data on pediatric HCAs and highlight our experience with their diagnosis and management.
Deletion of PGAM5 Downregulates FABP1 and Attenuates Long-Chain Fatty Acid Uptake in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Muthusamy Ganesan , Liu Chin-Chi , Johnston Andrea N.
Published: September 2023

Phosphoglycerate mutase 5 (PGAM5) is a Ser/His/Thr phosphatase responsible for regulating mitochondrial homeostasis. Overexpression of PGAM5 is correlated with a poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma, colon cancer, and melanoma. In hepatocellular carcinoma, silencing of PGAM5 reduces growth, which has been attributed to decreased mitophagy and enhanced apoptosis. Yet in colon cancer, PGAM5’s pro-tumor survival effect is correlated to lipid metabolism. We sought to identify whether deletion of PGAM5 modulated lipid droplet accrual in hepatocellular carcinoma. HepG2 and Huh7 PGAM5 knockout cell lines generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology were used to measure cell growth, cellular ATP, and long-chain fatty acid uptake. Expression of hepatocellular fatty acid transporters, cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), solute carrier family 27 member 2 (SLC27A2), solute carrier family 27 member 5 (SLC27A5), and fatty acid binding protein 1 (FABP1) was measured by quantitative PCR and Western blot. We found that deletion of PGAM5 attenuates hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth and ATP production. Further, PGAM5 knockout ameliorates palmitate-induced steatosis and reduces expression of FABP1 in HepG2 and Huh7 cell lines. PGAM5’s role in hepatocellular carcinoma includes regulation of fatty acid metabolism, which may be related to expression of the fatty acid transporter, FABP1.
Physical Confounding Factors Affecting Gas Sensors Response: A Review on Effects and Compensation Strategies for Electronic Nose Applications
Authors: Robbiani Stefano , Lotesoriere Beatrice Julia , Dellacà Raffaele L. , Capelli Laura
Published: September 2023

Electronic noses (e-noses) are devices based on combining different gas sensors’ responses to a given sample for identifying specific odor fingerprints. In recent years, this technology has been considered a promising novel tool in several fields of application, but several issues still hamper its widespread use. This review paper describes how some physical confounding factors, such as temperature, humidity, and gas flow, in terms of flow direction and flow rate, can drastically influence gas sensors’ responses and, consequently, e-nose results. Among the software and hardware approaches adopted to address such issues, different hardware compensation strategies proposed in the literature were critically analyzed. Solutions related to e-nose sensors’ modification, design and readout, sampling system and/or chamber geometry design were investigated. A trade-off between the loss of volatile compounds of interest, the decrease of sensors’ sensitivity, and the lack of fast responses need to be pointed out. The existing body of knowledge suggests that the e-nose design needs to be highly tailored to the target application to exploit the technology potentialities fully and highlights the need for further studies comparing the several solutions proposed as a starting point for the application-driven design of e-nose-based systems.