bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistence of Telemedicine Usage for Breast and Prostate Cancer after the Peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chimonas Susan , Lipitz-Snyderman Allison , Spiegelhoff Zoe , Chakraborty Nirjhar , Seier Kenneth , White Charlie , Kuperman Gilad
Published: October 2023

While COVID-19 catalyzed a shift to telemedicine, little is known about the persistence of remote cancer care in non-emergent times. We assessed telemedicine use at a high-volume academic cancer center in New York City and analyzed breast and prostate cancer visits pre-COVID-19, peak COVID-19, and post-peak. Descriptive statistics assessed visit mode (in person, telemedicine) and type (new, follow-up, other) by department/specialty, with Fisher’s exact tests comparing peak/post-peak differences. The study included 602,233 visits, with telemedicine comprising 2% of visits pre-COVID-19, 50% peak COVID-19, and 30% post-peak. Notable variations emerged by department/specialty and visit type. Post-peak, most departments/specialties continued using telemedicine near or above peak levels, except medicine, neurology, and survivorship, where remote care fell. In psychiatry, social work, and nutrition, nearly all visits were conducted remotely during and after peak COVID-19, while surgery and nursing maintained low telemedicine usage. Post-peak, anesthesiology and neurology used telemedicine seldom for new visits but often for follow-ups, while nursing showed the opposite pattern. These trends suggest department- and visit-specific contexts where providers and patients choose telemedicine in non-emergent conditions. More research is needed to explore these findings and evaluate telemedicine’s appropriateness and impact across the care continuum.
Towards the Definition of Radiomic Features and Clinical Indices to Enhance the Diagnosis of Clinically Significant Cancers in PI-RADS 4 and 5 Lesions
Authors: Bonaffini Pietro Andrea , De Bernardi Elisabetta , Corsi Andrea , Franco Paolo Niccolò , Nicoletta Dario , Muglia Riccardo , Perugini Giovanna , Roscigno Marco , Occhipinti Mariaelena , Da Pozzo Luigi Filippo , Sironi Sandro
Published: October 2023

Prostate cancer (PC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among adult men, and its incidence is increasing worldwide [...]
Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) Elastography of Focal Splenic Lesions: Feasibility and Diagnostic Potential
Authors: Alhyari Amjad , Görg Christian , Tahat Suhaib , Trenker Corinna , Dietrich Christoph Frank , Westhoff Christina C. , Safai Zadeh Ehsan , Findeisen Hajo
Published: October 2023

Purpose: Nontraumatic focal splenic lesions (FSL) are rare, and the need for tissue diagnosis must be weighed against the very high risk of bleeding after a splenic biopsy. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and diagnostic potential of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography as a noninvasive method for different benign and malignant FSLs. No human studies on the elastographic characteristics of FSL exist. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 34 patients with FSLs, who underwent abdominal B-mode ultrasound (B-US), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and standardized ARFI examinations between October 2021 and December 2022 at our university hospital. The inclusion criteria were: (i) FSL size ≥ 1 cm; (ii) 10 valid ARFI measurements of the FSL, as well as of the normal splenic parenchyma (NSP) as an in vivo reference; and (iii) diagnostic confirmation of FSL etiology based on histological examination (8/34; 23.5%) or clinical evaluation, which included a clinical and sonographic follow-up (FU), CEUS morphology, and/or morphology on cross-sectional imaging (26/34; 76.5%). CEUS was performed on all patients and the FSLs were classified according to the current guidelines; cross-sectional imaging was available for 29/34 (85.3%). The mean FU duration was 25.8 ± 30.5 months. The mean ARFI velocity (MAV) of the FSL (MAVL), the NSP (MAVP), and the ratio of the MAVL to the MAVP (MAVL/P) were calculated and compared. Results: Of the 34 FSLs, 13 (38.2%) were malignant (mFSL) and 21 (61.8%) were benign (bFSL). The MAVL of all 34 FSLs (2.74 ± 0.71 m/s) was lower than the MAVP (3.20 ± 0.59 m/s), p = 0.009, with a mean MAVL/P ratio of 0.90 ± 0.34. No significant differences in the MAVL were observed between the mFSL (2.66 ± 0.67 m/s) and bFSL (2.79 ± 0.75 m/s). There were also no significant differences between the MAVP in patients with mFSL (3.24 ± 0.68 m/s) as compared to that in the patients with bFSL (3.18 ± 0.55 m/s). Likewise, the MAV L/P ratio did not differ between the mFSL (0.90 ± 0.41 m/s) and bFSL (0.90 ± 0.30 m/s) groups. Conclusion: ARFI elastography is feasible in evaluating the stiffness of FSLs. The lesions’ stiffness was lower than that of the NSP, regardless of the FSL etiology. However, differentiation between benign and malignant FSL with the help of this elastographic method does not appear possible. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.
Survival of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Hematologic Malignancies—A Real-World Analysis
Authors: Lange Stefan A. , Schliemann Christoph , Engelbertz Christiane , Feld Jannik , Makowski Lena , Gerß Joachim , Dröge Patrik , Ruhnke Thomas , Günster Christian , Reinecke Holger , Köppe Jeanette
Published: October 2023

Background: The impact of the encounter between coronary heart disease (CHD) and cancer, and in particular hematologic malignancies (HM), remains poorly understood. Objective: The aim of this analysis was to clarify how HM affects the prognosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We analyzed German health insurance data from 11 regional Ortskrankenkassen (AOK) of patients hospitalized for ACS between January 2010 and December 2018, matched by age, sex and all comorbidities for short- and long-term survival and major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Results: Of 439,716 patients with ACS, 2104 (0.5%) also had an HM. Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disorders (27.7%), lymphocytic leukemias (24.8%), and multiple myeloma (22.4%) predominated. These patients were about 6 years older (78 vs. 72 years *). They had an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI, 18.2 vs. 34.9% *) less often and more often had a non-STEMI (NSTEMI, 81.8 vs. 65.1% *). With the exception of dyslipidemia, these patients had more concomitant and previous cardiovascular disease and a worse NYHA stage. They were less likely to undergo coronary angiography (65.3 vs. 71.6% *) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI, 44.3 vs. 52.0% *), although the number of bleeding events was not relevantly increased (p = 0.22). After adjustment for the patients’ risk profile, the HM was associated with reduced long-term survival. However, this was not true for short-term survival. Here, there was no difference in the STEMI patients, * p < 0.001. Conclusion: Survival in ACS and HM is significantly lower, possibly due to the avoidance of PCI because of a perceived increased risk of bleeding.
6-Hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline Demonstrates Anti-Inflammatory Properties and Reduces Oxidative Stress in Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury in Rats
Authors: Kryl’skii Evgenii D. , Kravtsova Svetlana E. , Popova Tatyana N. , Matasova Larisa V. , Shikhaliev Khidmet S. , Medvedeva Svetlana M.
Published: October 2023

We examined the effects of 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline on markers of liver injury, oxidative status, and the extent of inflammatory and apoptotic processes in rats with acetaminophen-induced liver damage. The administration of acetaminophen caused the accumulation of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine and 8-isoprostane in the liver and serum, as well as an increase in biochemiluminescence indicators. Oxidative stress resulted in the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokine and NF-κB factor mRNA synthesis and increased levels of immunoglobulin G, along with higher activities of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9. The administration of acetaminophen also resulted in the development of oxidative stress, leading to a decrease in the level of reduced glutathione and an imbalance in the function of antioxidant enzymes. This study discovered that 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline reduced oxidative stress by its antioxidant activity, hence reducing the level of pro-inflammatory cytokine and NF-κB mRNA, as well as decreasing the concentration of immunoglobulin G. These changes resulted in a reduction in the activity of caspase-8 and caspase-9, which are involved in the activation of ligand-induced and mitochondrial pathways of apoptosis and inhibited the effector caspase-3. In addition, 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline promoted the normalization of antioxidant system function in animals treated with acetaminophen. As a result, the compound being tested alleviated inflammation and apoptosis by decreasing oxidative stress, which led to improved liver marker indices and ameliorated histopathological alterations.
Size-Controlled ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized with Thioacetamide and Formation of ZnS Quantum Dots
Authors: Kim Ju-Seong , Choi Jonghyun , Choi Won Kook
Published: October 2023

In this work, we report the first attempt to investigate the dependence of thioacetamide (TAA) on the size of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) in forming ZnS nanostructures from ZnO. Size-controlled B(blue)_, G(green)_, and Y(yellow)_ZnO quantum dots (QDs) and NC (nanocrystalline)_ZnO NPs were synthesized using a sol–gel process and a hydrothermal method, respectively, and then reacted with an ethanolic TAA solution as a sulfur source. ZnO QDs/NPs began to decompose into ZnS QDs through a reaction with TAA for 5~10 min, so rather than forming a composite of ZnO/ZnS, ZnO QDs and ZnS QDs were separated and remained in a mixed state. At last, ZnO QDs/NPs were completely decomposed into ZnS QDs after a reaction with TAA for 1 h irrespective of the size of ZnO QDs up to ~50 nm. All results indicate that ZnS formation is due to direct crystal growth and/or the chemical conversion of ZnO to ZnS.
Lignin Use in Enhancing the Properties of Willow Pellets
Authors: Elniski Autumn , Dongre Prajakta , Bujanovic Biljana M.
Published: October 2023

Shrub willow (Salix spp.) is an emerging lignocellulosic biomass utilized in fuel pellets as an energy source. However, improvements are needed to increase the efficacy of pellets in areas such as the energy content, durability, and hazardous carbon monoxide emissions. This study examined the effect of utilizing lignin as an additive on willow pellet properties. Two types of lignin were used in individual treatments: lignin recovered from the hot water extraction of willow (RecL) and commercial softwood kraft lignin (ComL). A statistical analysis of the ash content, energy content, bulk density, durability, pellet length, moisture absorption, and carbon monoxide emissions for the pellets with and without the addition of RecL or ComL lignin was conducted. The observed significant reduction in carbon monoxide emissions from RecL pellets was an important effect of the lignin addition. There were also significant increases in the energy content, bulk density, and durability of lignin-added pellets. While the production of carbon monoxide via pellets continues to be explored, lignin can be utilized as an additive to reduce carbon monoxide emissions and simultaneously improve other pellet properties.
Agroforestry Species Selection for Forest Rehabilitation in the Asia-Pacific Region: A Meta-Analysis on High-Level Taxonomy
Authors: Zhang Wanjie , Su Kaiwen , Wang Qing , Yang Li , Sun Weina , Ranjitkar Sailesh , Shen Lixin , Kindt Roeland , Ji Yuman , Marshall Peter , Pisey Pak Sngoun , El-Kassaby Yousry A.
Published: October 2023

Agroforestry is important for forest management and rehabilitation in the southeast Asia-Pacific Region (APR), where economic issues, intensive land use, deforestation, and forest degradation are common. Species selection is a key process in establishing agroforestry systems. In this study, we reviewed the agroforestry literature across eight economies within the southeast APR, documented the species used, and compared the existing systems to better understand the challenges and opportunities for the region’s agroforestry expansion. We conducted rule and Maptree analyses using 108 species, belonging to 95 genera and 49 families of plants, to unravel the various agroforestry practices in this region. We identified the most common plant families used in agroforestry combinations within each economy. We then divided the economies into three groups based on the most commonly used genera: (1) Thailand, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea and Fiji (Hevea, Oryza, Eucalyptus, Acacia, and Zea); (2) Nepal and Yunnan China (Zea, Leucaena, Morus, and Hevea); and (3) Indonesia and the Philippines (Oryza, Hevea, Zea, and Brassica). Although this study focused on high-level taxonomic classification (family and genus), we believe that this work will fill the current knowledge gaps, offering guidance to economies in the southeast APR regarding species selection and the adoption of sustainable agroforestry practices.
Development and Validation of a New Method for Detecting Acetic Bacteria in Wine
Authors: Parra Alejandro , Ovejas Aroa , González-Arenzana Lucía , Gutiérrez Ana Rosa , López-Alfaro Isabel
Published: October 2023

In winemaking, excessive production of acetic acid by acetic acid bacteria poses a major challenge, leading to rejection of wine by consumers. The aim of this study was to devise an economically viable and easy-to-use liquid culture medium for the preventive detection of microorganisms capable of generating acetic acid in wine. The modified medium incorporated specific nutrients that favored the growth of acetic acid bacteria and increased selectivity. Under varying conditions and with different types of wine, this medium was tested together with inoculated samples, comparing the occurrence of acetic acid and olfaction. The result was a new liquid medium based on olfactometry, designed to facilitate its use in wineries, even by untrained personnel and without the need for complex laboratory equipment. Validation was carried out on a variety of wines, determining the onset of the presence of acetic acid in the medium. This innovative culture medium provides a means to estimate the concentration of micro-organisms capable of producing acetic acid in wine. Its application in wineries facilitates proactive decision making, avoiding undesirable increases in acetic acid concentration.
Manifestation of Triploid Heterosis in the Root System after Crossing Diploid and Autotetraploid Energy Willow Plants
Authors: Dudits Dénes , Cseri András , Török Katalin , Vankova Radomira , Dobrev Petre I. , Sass László , Steinbach Gábor , Kelemen-Valkony Ildikó , Zombori Zoltán , Ferenc Györgyi , Ayaydin Ferhan
Published: October 2023

Successful use of woody species in reducing climatic and environmental risks of energy shortage and spreading pollution requires deeper understanding of the physiological functions controlling biomass productivity and phytoremediation efficiency. Targets in the breeding of energy willow include the size and the functionality of the root system. For the combination of polyploidy and heterosis, we have generated triploid hybrids (THs) of energy willow by crossing autotetraploid willow plants with leading cultivars (Tordis and Inger). These novel Salix genotypes (TH3/12, TH17/17, TH21/2) have provided a unique experimental material for characterization of Mid-Parent Heterosis (MPH) in various root traits. Using a root phenotyping platform, we detected heterosis (TH3/12: MPH 43.99%; TH21/2: MPH 26.93%) in the size of the root system in soil. Triploid heterosis was also recorded in the fresh root weights, but it was less pronounced (MPH%: 9.63–19.31). In agreement with root growth characteristics in soil, the TH3/12 hybrids showed considerable heterosis (MPH: 70.08%) under in vitro conditions. Confocal microscopy-based imaging and quantitative analysis of root parenchyma cells at the division–elongation transition zone showed increased average cell diameter as a sign of cellular heterosis in plants from TH17/17 and TH21/2 triploid lines. Analysis of the hormonal background revealed that the auxin level was seven times higher than the total cytokinin contents in root tips of parental Tordis plants. In triploid hybrids, the auxin–cytokinin ratios were considerably reduced in TH3/12 and TH17/17 roots. In particular, the contents of cytokinin precursor, such as isopentenyl adenosine monophosphate, were elevated in all three triploid hybrids. Heterosis was also recorded in the amounts of active gibberellin precursor, GA19, in roots of TH3/12 plants. The presented experimental findings highlight the physiological basics of triploid heterosis in energy willow roots.
The Transcription Factor ZmNAC89 Gene Is Involved in Salt Tolerance in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Hu Yingying , Li Chunxiang , Zhou Runyu , Song Yongfeng , Lv Zhichao , Wang Qi , Dong Xiaojie , Liu Shan , Feng Chenchen , Zhou Yu , Zeng Xing , Zhang Lin , Wang Zhenhua , Di Hong
Published: October 2023

The NAC gene family has transcription factors specific to plants, which are involved in development and stress response and adaptation. In this study, ZmNAC89, an NAC gene in maize that plays a role in saline–alkaline tolerance, was isolated and characterized. ZmNAC89 was localized in the nucleus and had transcriptional activation activity during in vitro experiments. The expression of ZmNAC89 was strongly upregulated under saline–alkaline, drought and ABA treatments. Overexpression of the ZmNAC89 gene in transgenic Arabidopsis and maize enhanced salt tolerance at the seedling stage. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were then confirmed via RNA-sequencing analysis with the transgenic maize line. GO analyses showed that oxidation–reduction process-regulated genes were involved in ZmNAC89-mediated salt–alkaline stress. ZmNAC89 may regulate maize saline–alkali tolerance through the REDOX pathway and ABA signal transduction pathway. From 140 inbred maize lines, 20 haplotypes and 16 SNPs were found in the coding region of the ZmNAC89 gene, including the excellent haplotype HAP20. These results contribute to a better understanding of the response mechanism of maize to salt–alkali stress and marker-assisted selection during maize breeding.
Uncontrolled Donation after Circulatory Death Only Lung Program: An Urgent Opportunity
Authors: Lazzeri Chiara , Bonizzoli Manuela , Di Valvasone Simona , Peris Adriano
Published: October 2023

Uncontrolled donation after circulatory death (uDCD) represents a potential source of lungs, and since Steen’s 2001 landmark case in Sweden, lungs have been recovered from uDCD donors and transplanted to patients in other European countries (France, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy) with promising results. Disparities still exist among European countries and among regions in Italy due to logistical and organizational factors. The present manuscript focuses on the clinical experiences pertaining to uDCD lungs in North America and European countries and on different lung maintenance methods. Existing experiences (and protocols) are not uniform, especially with respect to the type of lung maintenance, the definition of warm ischemic time (WIT) and, finally, the use of ex vivo perfusion (available in the last several years in most centers). In situ lung cooling may be superior to protective ventilation, but this process may be difficult to perform in the uDCD setting and is also time-consuming. On the other hand, the “protective ventilation technique” is simpler and feasible in every hospital. It may lead to a broader use of uDCD lung donors. To date, the results of lung transplants performed after protective ventilation as a preservation technique are scarce but promising. All the protocols comprise, among the inclusion criteria, a witnessed cardiac arrest. The detectable differences included preservation time (240 vs. 180 min) and donor age (<55 years in Spanish protocols and <65 years in Toronto protocols). Overall, independently of the differences in protocols, lungs from uDCD donors show promising results, and the possibility of optimizing ex vivo lung perfusion may broaden the use of these organs.
A New Genotype of Trichophyton quinckeanum with Point Mutations in Erg11A Encoding Sterol 14-α Demethylase Exhibits Increased Itraconazole Resistance
Authors: Winter Paula , Burmester Anke , Tittelbach Jörg , Wiegand Cornelia
Published: October 2023

Trichophyton quinckeanum, the causative agent of mouse favus, has been responsible for several infections of animal owners in recent years and showed an infection peak around 2020 in Jena, Thuringia. The isolated T. quinckeanum strains from Thuringia differ in some positions of the ITS region compared to strains from the IHEM collection as well as to Trichophyton schoenleinii. All T. quinckeanum strains of the new genotype show up to a 100-fold increased itraconazole resistance as measured by microplate laser nephelometry (MLN) assays. Analysis of genes involved in Trichophyton indotineae azole resistance, such as Erg1, which encodes squalene epoxidase, and Erg11B, one of two copies of the sterol 14-α demethylase gene, show a 100% identity between the two T. quinckeanum genotypes. In contrast, Erg11A fragments differ in 15-nucleotide positions between both T. quinckeanum genotypes, resulting in the unique amino acid substitution Ala256Ser in resistant strains. The new T. quinckeanum genotype may have evolved through interspecies mating. Mating type analysis showed a nearly 100% identity of the minus type MAT1-1-1 fragment for all T. quinckeanum isolates. The closely related Trichophyton schoenleinii belongs to the plus mating type and has 100% identical fragments of Erg1 and Erg11B. Erg11A protein sequences of T. schoenleinii and T. quinckeanum showed increased diversity.
Aspergillus terreus Antibody Serosurveillance in Tyrol: A Population-Based, Cross-Sectional Study of a Healthy Population
Authors: Steixner Stephan , Vahedi Shahandashti Roya , Siller Anita , Ulmer Hanno , Reider Norbert , Schennach Harald , Lass-Flörl Cornelia
Published: October 2023

The rare, but emerging mold Aspergillus terreus is an important pathogen in some geographical areas, like Tyrol (Austria) and Houston (Texas). The reason for this high prevalence is unknown. The present serosurveillance study aimed to evaluate the trends in levels of A. terreus-specific IgG antibodies in various regions of Tyrol and to compare the results to the environmental spread of A. terreus in Tyrol. Therefore, 1058 serum samples from healthy blood donors were evaluated. Data revealed a significant difference between the Tyrolean Upland and Lowland. Moreover, female participants had higher A. terreus IgG antibody levels than male participants. The differences found in our study are consistent with the distributional differences in environmental and clinical samples described in previous studies, supporting that A. terreus IgG antibody levels reflect the environmental epidemiology of A. terreus in Tyrol.
Effect of Bi Content on the Microstructure, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Cu-Sn Alloy
Authors: Shi Zhenhua , Xu Hong , Zhang Guowei , Liu Yijun , Ren Xiaoyan
Published: October 2023

To reduce the use of the toxic Pb element in the Cu-Sn alloy with high friction performance, Cu-xBi-10Sn alloys with different Bi contents were prepared by gravity casting, and the effect of Bi content on the microstructure, mechanical properties and wear property of Cu-Sn alloys were studied. The results showed that the Bi element was distributed in bands or long strips on the dendritic arms and did not form compounds with other elements. With the increase in Bi content, the hardness and tensile strength of Cu-xBi-10Sn alloys present a trend of increasing first and then decreasing. When the Bi content was 7 wt.%, the maximum hardness value was obtained, and the ultimate tensile strength was close to that of Cu-10Pb-10Sn alloy. Compared with Cu-10Pb-10Sn alloy, Cu-7Bi-10Sn alloy also possessed better friction reduction and wear resistance under the oil lubrication condition.
Improved DC Dielectric Performance of Cross-Linked Polyethylene Modified by Free Radical-Initiated Grafting BMIE
Authors: Li Peng , Wang Xuan , Jin Jin , Zhang Hui , Han Wei
Published: October 2023

To enhance the direct current (DC) dielectric properties of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) for high-voltage (HV) cable insulation, the polyethylene molecular chain is modified by grafting bismaleimide ethane (BMIE), which creates carrier deep traps within the polymer material. Compared to the traditional modified molecule maleic anhydride (MAH), BMIE has a significantly higher boiling point than the production temperature of XLPE. Additionally, it does not release bubbles during the production process and, thus, preserves the dielectric properties. It was proved by infrared spectroscopy and a gel content test that BMIE was successfully grafted onto the polyethylene molecular chain and had no effect on the crosslinking degree of the polymer while reducing the amount of crosslinker, thereby reducing the influence of the by-products of the decomposition of dicumene peroxide (DCP) on the electrical resistance of polymers. The analysis of DC breakdown field strength, current density, and space charge distribution at various temperatures demonstrates that grafting BMIE can greatly enhance the dielectric properties of insulation. Polar groups in the BMIE molecule create deep trap energy levels in XLPE-g-BMIE, and these trap energy levels contribute to the formation of a charged layer near the electrode, which is shielded by Coulomb potential. As a result, the charge injection barrier increases. Additionally, the presence of these polar groups reduces the mobility of charge carriers through trap-carrier scattering, effectively suppressing the accumulation of space charge within the material. First-principle calculations also confirm that bound states can be introduced as carrier traps by grafting BMIE onto polyethylene molecules. The agreement between experimental results and simulation calculations indicates that grafting BMIE to enhance the dielectric properties of polyethylene is a new and feasible research direction in the exploitation of materials for HVDC cables.
Effect of 160 MeV Xenon Ion Irradiation on the Tribological Properties and Crystal Structure of 100Cr6 Bearing Steel
Authors: Kamiński Mariusz , Budzyński Piotr , Surowiec Zbigniew , Wiertel Marek , Zdorovets Maxim V. , Kozlovskiy Artem , Waliszewski Janusz , Magdziak Marek
Published: October 2023

This is the first study ever to show the impact of high-energy 160 MeV xenon ion irradiation on the properties of 100Cr6 bearing steel. The projected range (Rp) of xenon ions is 8.2 µm. Fluence-dependent variations in the coefficient of friction and wear of the 100Cr6 steel material have been observed. These changes correlate with shifts in the crystal lattice constant and variations in the oxygen, carbon, and iron content in the wear track. Fluence-dependent changes in these parameters have been observed for the first time. Irradiation reduces stresses in the crystal lattice, leading to crystallite size increase. The modifications in the properties of 100Cr6 steel result from radiation-induced defects caused by electronic ion stopping. The degree of these modifications depends on the applied irradiation fluence. Furthermore, the use of a higher irradiation fluence value appears to mitigate the effects produced by a lower fluence.
Study on Lifetime Performance Evaluation of a Precast Prestressed Concrete Frame in Chloride Environments
Authors: Yang Jun , Yuan Zhaoming , Liu Jie , Yu Shuqi
Published: October 2023

This study established a comprehensive framework for evaluating the lifetime performance of precast prestressed concrete frames exposed to chloride environments. The proposed analytical framework enabled a scientifically grounded and rational assessment of both the service life and residual load-carrying capacity of precast prestressed concrete frames in chloride environments. It further served as the foundational basis for making informed decisions regarding the repair and maintenance of pertinent structures. Based on Fick’s second law, this evaluation framework established the probability distribution of the corrosion initiation time and cracking time of reinforced concrete structures due to corrosion expansion in a chloride environment. Additionally, based on the fragility analysis model and results of a precast prestressed concrete frame in a chloride environment, a practical method for evaluating the time-varying seismic performance of the precast structure considering the influence of corrosion was proposed. Furthermore, by employing the path probability model and reliability theory, time-varying reliability models were proposed to predict the three limit states of the precast prestressed concrete frame. According to the analysis results of a four-story planar frame, it could be seen that the corrosion initiation time and normal service limit state were highly sensitive to the chloride ion diffusion coefficient of the composite layer in precast concrete structures. Compared to cast-in-place structures, the presence of a composite layer in precast concrete structures could lead to more severe degradation of the time-varying seismic performance of the precast prestressed concrete frame.
The Relationship between Coronary Flow Reserve and the TyG Index in Patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ozyildirim Serhan , Barman Hasan Ali , Dogan Omer , Ersanli Murat Kazim , Dogan Sait Mesut
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by glucose intolerance during pregnancy. The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, a marker of insulin resistance, and coronary flow reserve (CFR), a measure of coronary microvascular function, are emerging as potential indicators of cardiovascular risk. This study aims to investigate the association between CFR and the TyG index in GDM patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study of 87 GDM patients and 36 healthy controls was conducted. The participants underwent clinical assessments, blood tests, and echocardiographic evaluations. The TyG index was calculated as ln(triglycerides × fasting glucose/2). CFR was measured using Doppler echocardiography during rest and hyperemia induced by dipyridamole. Results: The study included 87 individuals in the GDM group and 36 individuals in the control group. There was no significant difference in age between the two groups (34.1 ± 5.3 years for GDM vs. 33.1 ± 4.9 years for the control, p = 0.364). The TyG index was significantly higher in the GDM group compared to the controls (p < 0.001). CFR was lower in the GDM group (p < 0.001). A negative correlation between the TyG index and CFR was observed (r = −0.624, p < 0.001). Linear regression revealed the TyG index as an independent predictor of reduced CFR. Conclusions: The study findings reveal a significant association between the TyG index and CFR in GDM patients, suggesting their potential role in assessing cardiovascular risk.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antipruritic Effects of Remote Ischaemic Postconditioning in a Mouse Model of Experimental Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Authors: Gunduz Ozgur , Sapmaz-Metin Melike , Topuz Ruhan Deniz , Kaya Oktay , Karadag Cetin Hakan , Ulugol Ahmet
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: Allergic contact dermatitis is a common type IV hypersensitivity reaction characterised by redness, itching, oedema and thickening of the skin. It occurs in about 7% of the population and its incidence is increasing. It has been observed that the preconditioning of tissues by exposing them to transient ischemia increases resistance to subsequent permanent ischemia, and this phenomenon is called ischemic preconditioning. It has been shown that conditioning in one organ can also protect other organs. The protective effect of remote ischemic preconditioning is thought to be based on the induction of anti-inflammatory responses. The aim of this project was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects of remote ischemic postconditioning in a mouse model of experimental allergic contact dermatitis. Methods: Experimental allergic contact dermatitis was induced with 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. Remote ischemic postconditioning was performed at 3 and 25 h after the challenge. Ear thickness and number of scratches 24 and 48 h after challenge, as well as cytokine levels and the infiltration of mast cells, neutrophils, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in serum and ear tissue at 48 h were measured to determine the effect of RIPsC. Results: Remote ischemic postconditioning decreased ear thickness, one of the symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis (p < 0.0001). It had no significant effect on the number of scratches. It reduced serum IL-17 levels (p < 0.01). It alleviated local inflammation by suppressing CD8+ T lymphocyte and neutrophil infiltration. Conclusions: It was concluded that remote ischemic postconditioning may alleviate the symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis by suppressing CD8+ T lymphocyte and neutrophil infiltration and reducing IL-17 secretion.
Electronic Devices Made from Chitin: NAND Gates Made from Chitin Sorbates and Unsaturated Bridging Ligands—Possible Integration Levels and Kinetics of Operation
Authors: Fränzle Stefan , Blind Felix
Published: October 2023

Chitin (usually derived from aq. arthropods like shrimp Pandalus borealis) acts as a potent metal sorbent in both environmental monitoring and retention applications such as wastewater purification or nuclear fuel reprocessing. Given this established (starting in the 1970s) use of chitin and the fact that adsorption of metal ions/complexes to chitin does increase the currents observed in metal-centered redox couples by a factor of about 10, it is straightforward to conceive self-organized (by adsorption modified by adding certain ligands bridging M and chitin) surface films which exert electrical information processing by means of inner-sphere redox processes. Preliminary work is shown concerning the influence of ligands—including some possibly acting as inner-sphere-transfer agents, like caffeic acid—on metal ion retention by chitin. Another ligand is reported to enhance current flow into electrodes (i.e., electron injection from some reducing cation). These inner-sphere redox processes, in turn, can be controlled by creating or removing a chain of conjugated double bonds, e.g., by Diels–Alder reactions. Devices admitting corresponding reagents in a controlled manner and appropriate array then act as NAND gates, thus being components capable of performing each kind of classical computation. Applications in environmental analysis and “green” computing for simple purposes like electronic keys are suggested. The empirical basis for these conclusions includes studies on the influences of ligand additions on M adsorption (Mn, Ni, several REEs…) on chitin; some of these bridging ligands, like caffeinate and ferulate, can reversibly react with appropriate dienes. At the employed concentrations, distances among adsorbed metal ions are 1–3 nm, meaning that the charge-flow control takes spacer ligands like carotenoids. Practical setups are pointed to, using evidence from ligand-augmented metal ion–chitin interactions, which might combine oxidizing (Ce) and optically address reducing (Eu) metal ions into a framework for coligand-controlled charge flow.
Impact of Maternal Fish Consumption on Serum Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Levels in Breastfed Infants: A Cross-Sectional Study of a Randomized Clinical Trial in Japan
Authors: Kasamatsu Ayu , Tachimoto Hiroshi , Urashima Mitsuyoshi
Published: October 2023

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an essential n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) abundant in fish, is crucial for infant brain development. We investigated the associations between maternal dietary habits, infant feeding patterns, and serum levels of DHA and other LCPUFAs in infants aged 5–6 months in Japan, where fish consumption is high. This cross-sectional study used serum samples from 268 infants enrolled in a randomized clinical trial. The frequency of mothers’ consumption of 38 food items and infant feeding patterns were prospectively surveyed. Cow’s milk formula (CMF) supplemented with 15.9% linolenic acid, 1.6% α-linolenic acid, 0.40% DHA, and 0.27% arachidonic acid was used. Significant positive associations with infants’ serum DHA levels were found for “Blue-back fish” (rho = 0.24; p = 0.0001) and “White fish” (rho = 0.25, p = 0.0001). The combined variable “Blue-White fish” was found to be significantly associated with higher serum DHA levels in infants (rho = 0.29, p < 0.0001). Predominantly breastfed infants had significantly higher serum DHA levels than those fed more CMF (rho = 0.32, p < 0.0001). After multivariate analysis, “Blue-White fish” and “Feeding patterns” remained significantly and independently associated with serum DHA levels. These findings suggest that frequent consumption of “Blue-back fish” and/or “White fish” by lactating mothers, along with prioritizing breastfeeding over DHA-supplemented CMF, might effectively increase infants’ serum DHA levels.
Clostridium butyricum Strain CCFM1299 Reduces Obesity via Increasing Energy Expenditure and Modulating Host Bile Acid Metabolism
Authors: Liao Jingyi , Liu Yaoliang , Yao Ye , Zhang Jie , Wang Hongchao , Zhao Jianxin , Chen Wei , Lu Wenwei
Published: October 2023

Clostridium butyricum is a butyrate-producing microorganism which has beneficial effects on various diseases, including obesity. In our previous study, the anti-obesity Clostridium butyricum strain CCFM1299 (C20_1_1) was selected, but its anti-obesity mechanism was not clarified. Herein, CCFM1299 was orally administrated to high-fat-diet-treated C57BL/6J mice for 12 weeks to uncover the way the strain alleviates obesity. The results indicated that CCFM1299 alleviated obesity through increasing the energy expenditure and increasing the expression of genes related to thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT). Moreover, strain CCFM1299 could also affect the expression of immune-related genes in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT). This immunomodulatory effect might be achieved through its influence on the complement system, as the expression of the complement factor D (CFD) gene decreased significantly. From the view of metabolites, CCFM1299 administration increased the levels of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in feces and taurohyodeoxycholic acid (THDCA) in serum. Together, the anti-obesity potential of CCFM1299 might be attributed to the increase in energy consumption, the regulation of immune-related gene expression in eWAT, and the alteration of bile acid metabolism in the host. These provided new insights into the potential application of anti-obesity microbial preparations and postbiotics.
Eriodictyol Alleviated LPS/D-GalN-Induced Acute Liver Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Cell Apoptosis via PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zheng Xiaomei , Wu Xinyan , Wen Qiqi , Tang Huaqiao , Zhao Ling , Shi Fei , Li Yinglun , Yin Zhongqiong , Zou Yuanfeng , Song Xu , Li Lixia , Zhao Xinghong , Ye Gang
Published: October 2023

Eriodictyol occurs naturally in a variety of fruits and vegetables, and has drawn significant attention for its potential health benefits. This study aims to look into the effects of eriodictyol on acute liver injury (ALI) induced by LPS/D-GalN and elucidate its potential molecular biological mechanisms. A total of 47 targets were predicted for the treatment of ALI with eriodictyol, and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway played a key role in the anti-ALI processing of this drug. The in vivo experiment showed that eriodictyol can effectively reduce liver function-related biochemical indicators such as ALT, AST, and AKP. Eriodictyol can also up-regulate the levels of SOD and GSH, and inhibit the release of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Additionally, TUNEL staining, immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR experiments showed that eriodictyol activated the PI3K/AKT pathway and decreased the expression of Bax, caspase3, and caspase8 while increasing the expression of Bcl-2 m-RNA. Finally, molecular docking experiments and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stable binding between eriodictyol and PI3K, AKT molecules. This study showed that eriodictyol can activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to alleviate ALI-related oxidative stress and apoptosis.
Assessment of General and Sports Nutrition Knowledge, Dietary Habits, and Nutrient Intake of Physical Activity Practitioners and Athletes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alahmadi Alaa K. , Albassam Reem S.
Published: October 2023

Physical performance and overall health are crucial in the athletic population, and their improvement relies on specific dietary guidelines and practices. Athletes and physical activity practitioners who participate in physical activity for specific health reasons need nutritional knowledge to improve physical performance. This study aimed to understand nutrient intake and nutritional knowledge among physical activity practitioners and athletes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study sampled 263 individuals divided into two groups: athletes (n = 121) and practitioners (n = 142). Their nutritional knowledge and dietary intake were measured with validated questionnaires: the Arabic Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire and the Saudi Food Frequency Questionnaire. The majority of the sample (77.2%) had poor nutritional knowledge. Highest scoring domains for the dietary intake were protein from meat, fish, chicken (65.6%), vegetarian protein (62.4%), grains (51.0%), and the lowest were vegetables (41.1%), dairy (36.3%), and fruits (27.9%). In conclusion, athletes and practitioners in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, have poor nutritional knowledge and dietary intake and may benefit from nutritional education and training to improve their knowledge, dietary intake, and performance.
Good Oral Health Can Prevent or Reduce the Severity of Oral Toxicities in Cancer Therapies
Authors: Nicolatou-Galitis Ourania
Published: October 2023

The mouth is an important target of cancer therapies, while oral supportive oncology has emerged as a new field in dentistry [...]
Searching for Effective Treatments in HFpEF: Implications for Modeling the Disease in Rodents
Authors: Jasińska-Stroschein Magdalena
Published: October 2023

Background: While the prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has increased over the last two decades, there still remains a lack of effective treatment. A key therapeutic challenge is posed by the absence of animal models that accurately replicate the complexities of HFpEF. The present review summarizes the effects of a wide spectrum of therapeutic agents on HF. Methods: Two online databases were searched for studies; in total, 194 experimental protocols were analyzed following the PRISMA protocol. Results: A diverse range of models has been proposed for studying therapeutic interventions for HFpEF, with most being based on pressure overload and systemic hypertension. They have been used to evaluate more than 150 different substances including ARNIs, ARBs, HMGR inhibitors, SGLT-2 inhibitors and incretins. Existing preclinical studies have primarily focused on LV diastolic performance, and this has been significantly improved by a wide spectrum of candidate therapeutic agents. Few experiments have investigated the normalization of pulmonary congestion, exercise capacity, animal mortality, or certain molecular hallmarks of heart disease. Conclusions: The development of comprehensive preclinical HFpEF models, with multi-organ system phenotyping and physiologic stress-based functional testing, is needed for more successful translation of preclinical research to clinical trials.
A Poly-D-lysine-Coated Coralline Matrix Promotes Hippocampal Neural Precursor Cells’ Differentiation into GFAP-Positive Astrocytes
Authors: Hendler Roni Mina , Weiss Orly Eva , Morad Tzachy , Sion Guy , Kirby Michael , Dubinsky Zvy , Barbora Ayan , Minnes Refael , Baranes Danny
Published: October 2023

A major goal of regenerative medicine of the central nervous system is to accelerate the regeneration of nerve tissue, where astrocytes, despite their positive and negative roles, play a critical role. Thus, scaffolds capable of producing astrocytes from neural precursor cells (NPCs) are most desirable. Our study shows that NPCs are converted into reactive astrocytes upon cultivation on coralline-derived calcium carbonate coated with poly-D-lysine (PDL-CS). As shown via nuclei staining, the adhesion of neurospheres containing hundreds of hippocampal neural cells to PDL-CS resulted in disaggregation of the cell cluster as well as the radial migration of dozens of cells away from the neurosphere core. Migrating cells per neurosphere averaged 100 on PDL-CS, significantly higher than on uncoated CS (28), PDL-coated glass (65), or uncoated glass (20). After 3 days of culture on PDL-CS, cell migration plateaued and remained stable for four more days. In addition, NPCs expressing nestin underwent continuous morphological changes from round to spiky, extending and elongating their processes, resembling activated astrocytes. The extension of the process increased continuously during the maturation of the culture and doubled after 7 days compared to day 1, whereas bifurcation increased by twofold during the first 3 days before plateauing. In addition, nestin positive cells’ shape, measured through the opposite circularity level correlation, decreased approximately twofold after three days, indicating spiky transformation. Moreover, nestin-positive cells co-expressing GFAP increased by 2.2 from day 1 to 7, reaching 40% of the NPC population on day 7. In this way, PDL-CS promotes NPC differentiation into reactive astrocytes, which could accelerate the repair of neural tissue.
A Novel Convolutional LSTM Network Based on the Enhanced Feature Extraction for the Transmission Line Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Lu Youfu , Zheng Xuehan , Gao He , Ding Xiaoying , Liu Xuefei
Published: October 2023

Recently, the traditional transmission line fault diagnosis approaches cannot handle the variables’ dynamic coupling properties, and they also ignore the local structure feature information during the feature extraction. To figure out these issues, a novel enhanced feature extraction based convolutional LSTM (ECLSTM) approach is developed to diagnose the transmission line fault in this paper. Our work has three main contributions: (1) To tackle the dynamic coupling characteristics of the process variables, the statistics analysis (SA) method is first employed to calculate different statistical features of the transmission line’s original data, where the original datasets are transformed into the subsequently used statistics datasets; (2) The statistics comprehensive feature preserving (SCFP) is then proposed to maintain both the global and local structure features of the constructed statistics datasets, where the locality structure preserving technique is incorporated into the principal component analysis (PCA) model to extract the features from the statistics datasets; (3) To effectively diagnose the transmission line’s fault, the SCFP based convolutional LSTM fault diagnosis scheme is constructed to classify the global and local statistical structure features of fault snapshot dataset, because of its ability to exploit the temporal dependencies and spatial correlations of the extracted statistical features. Detailed experiments and comparisons on the datasets of the simulated power system are performed to prove the excellent performance of the ECLSTM based fault diagnosis scheme.