bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imipramine Increases Norepinephrine and Serotonin in the Salivary Glands of Rats
Authors: Shirose Kosuke , Yoshikawa Masanobu , Kan Takugi , Miura Masaaki , Watanabe Mariko , Matsuda Mitsumasa , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Kawaguchi Mitsuru , Ito Kenji , Suzuki Takeshi
Published: August 2024

Xerostomia induced by antidepressants such as imipramine has long been thought to be due to their anticholinergic effects. However, even antidepressants with low anticholinergic effects may have a high incidence of xerostomia. In salivary glands, norepinephrine activates alpha-adrenergic receptors in blood vessels and beta-adrenergic receptors in acinar cells, respectively, causing a decrease in the blood flow and an increase in the protein secretion, resulting in the secretion of viscous saliva with low water content and high protein content. A previous study demonstrated that perfusion of the submandibular glands of rats with serotonin significantly decreased saliva secretion. The results of the present study revealed the following: (1) that norepinephrine and serotonin, but not epinephrine nor dopamine, were detected in the interstitial fluids in rat submandibular glands; (2) that norepinephrine and serotonin concentrations in the dialysate was 4.3 ± 2.8 nM and 32.3 ± 19.6 nM at stable level, respectively; (3) that infusion with imipramine, a reuptake inhibitor of norepinephrine and serotonin, significantly and dose-dependently increased both norepinephrine and serotonin concentrations in the dialysate; and (4) that intraperitoneal administration of imipramine significantly increased both norepinephrine and serotonin concentrations in the dialysate. These results suggested that one of the mechanisms of xerostomia induced by reuptake inhibitors of norepinephrine and serotonin involves the activation of adrenergic and serotonin receptors in the salivary glands, respectively.
Identification of TAT as a Biomarker Involved in Cell Cycle and DNA Repair in Breast Cancer
Authors: Xie Fei , Hua Saiwei , Guo Yajuan , Wang Taoyuan , Shan Changliang , Zhang Lianwen , He Tao
Published: August 2024

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the primary cause of cancer-related mortality in women. Treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains particularly challenging due to its resistance to chemotherapy and poor prognosis. Extensive research efforts in BC screening and therapy have improved clinical outcomes for BC patients. Therefore, identifying reliable biomarkers for TNBC is of great clinical importance. Here, we found that tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) expression was significantly reduced in BC and strongly correlated with the poor prognosis of BC patients, which distinguished BC patients from normal individuals, indicating that TAT is a valuable biomarker for early BC diagnosis. Mechanistically, we uncovered that methylation of the TAT promoter was significantly increased by DNA methyltransferase 3 (DNMT3A/3B). In addition, reduced TAT contributes to DNA replication and cell cycle activation by regulating homologous recombination repair and mismatch repair to ensure genomic stability, which may be one of the reasons for TNBC resistance to chemotherapy. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Diazinon increases TAT expression as an inhibitor of DNMT3A/3B and inhibits the growth of BC by blocking downstream pathways. Taken together, we revealed that TAT is silenced by DNMT3A/3B in BC, especially in TNBC, which promotes the proliferation of tumor cells by supporting DNA replication, activating cell cycle, and enhancing DNA damage repair. These results provide fresh insights and a theoretical foundation for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of BC.
Recent Advances in the Use of Vitamin D Organic Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery
Authors: Aggeletopoulou Ioanna , Kalafateli Maria , Geramoutsos Georgios , Triantos Christos
Published: August 2024

Nanotechnology, now established as a transformative technology, has revolutionized medicine by enabling highly targeted drug delivery. The use of organic nanocarriers in drug delivery systems significantly enhances the bioavailability of vitamins and their analogs, thereby improving cellular delivery and therapeutic effects. Vitamin D, known for its crucial role in bone health, also influences various metabolic functions, such as cellular proliferation, differentiation, and immunomodulation, and is increasingly explored for its anticancer potential. Given its versatile properties and biocompatibility, vitamin D is an attractive candidate for encapsulation within drug delivery systems. This review provides a comprehensive overview of vitamin D synthesis, metabolism, and signaling, as well as its applications in customized drug delivery. Moreover, it examines the design and engineering of organic nanocarriers that incorporate vitamin D and discusses advances in this field, including the synergistic effects achieved through the combination of vitamin D with other therapeutic agents. By highlighting these innovations, this review provides valuable insights into the development of advanced drug delivery systems and their potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Classifying Unconscious, Psychedelic, and Neuropsychiatric Brain States with Functional Connectivity, Graph Theory, and Cortical Gradient Analysis
Authors: Jang Hyunwoo , Dai Rui , Mashour George A. , Hudetz Anthony G. , Huang Zirui
Published: August 2024

Accurate and generalizable classification of brain states is essential for understanding their neural underpinnings and improving clinical diagnostics. Traditionally, functional connectivity patterns and graph-theoretic metrics have been utilized. However, cortical gradient features, which reflect global brain organization, offer a complementary approach. We hypothesized that a machine learning model integrating these three feature sets would effectively discriminate between baseline and atypical brain states across a wide spectrum of conditions, even though the underlying neural mechanisms vary. To test this, we extracted features from brain states associated with three meta-conditions including unconsciousness (NREM2 sleep, propofol deep sedation, and propofol general anesthesia), psychedelic states induced by hallucinogens (subanesthetic ketamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, and nitrous oxide), and neuropsychiatric disorders (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia). We used support vector machine with nested cross-validation to construct our models. The soft voting ensemble model marked the average balanced accuracy (average of specificity and sensitivity) of 79% (62–98% across all conditions), outperforming individual base models (70–76%). Notably, our models exhibited varying degrees of transferability across different datasets, with performance being dependent on the specific brain states and feature sets used. Feature importance analysis across meta-conditions suggests that the underlying neural mechanisms vary significantly, necessitating tailored approaches for accurate classification of specific brain states. This finding underscores the value of our feature-integrated ensemble models, which leverage the strengths of multiple feature types to achieve robust performance across a broader range of brain states. While our approach offers valuable insights into the neural signatures of different brain states, future work is needed to develop and validate even more generalizable models that can accurately classify brain states across a wider array of conditions.
Comprehensive Analysis of Age- and Sex-Related Expression of the Chaperone Protein Sigma-1R in the Mouse Brain
Authors: Tarmoun Khadija , Lachance Véronik , Le Corvec Victoria , Bélanger Sara-Maude , Beaucaire Guillaume , Kourrich Saïd
Published: August 2024

Sigma-1R (S1R) is a ubiquitously distributed protein highly expressed in the brain and liver. It acts as a ligand-inducible chaperone protein localized at the endoplasmic reticulum. S1R participates in several signaling pathways that oversee diverse cellular and neurological functions, such as calcium and proteome homeostasis, neuronal activity, memory, and emotional regulation. Despite its crucial functions, S1R expression profile in the brain with respect to age and sex remains elusive. To shed light on this matter, we assessed S1R distribution in the mouse brain across different developmental stages, including juvenile, early adult, and middle-aged mice. Using immunohistochemistry, we found that S1R is predominantly expressed in the hippocampus in juvenile mice, particularly in CA1 and CA3 regions. Notably, S1R is not expressed in the subgranular layer of the dentate gyrus of juvenile mice. We observed dynamic changes in S1R levels during development, with most brain regions showing either an abrupt or gradual decline as mice transition from juveniles to adults. Sexual dimorphism is observed before puberty in the hippocampus and hypothalamus and during adulthood in the hippocampus and cortex.
Relationship between CO2 Emissions from Concrete Production and Economic Growth in 20 OECD Countries
Authors: Dobrucali Esra
Published: August 2024

Many production activities contribute to environmental degradation by emitting greenhouse gases. The construction sector, one of the main sectors contributing to a country’s economic growth, also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions (especially CO2). Concrete, one of the most commonly used materials in this sector, is a source of CO2 emissions due to its cement content. The purpose of this article is to examine the decoupling status between environmental degradation caused by CO2 emissions from ready-mixed concrete production and the economic growth of 20 OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries. This study consists of four stages and three periods. In the first stage, the variables are selected; in the second stage, the data are created; and in the third stage, data analysis is performed. In the final stage, the type of decoupling between economic growth and environmental degradation is separately determined for 20 OECD countries. These stages were completed for the pre-commitment period (2000–2007) of the Kyoto Protocol, the first commitment period (2008–2012), and the second commitment period (2013–2019). According to our findings, during the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, only Switzerland and Belgium achieved absolute decoupling between the environmental degradation caused by CO2 emissions from concrete production and economic growth.
Study on Seasonal Permafrost Roadbed Deformation Based on Water–Heat Coupling Characteristics
Authors: Lu Bo , Zhao Wen , Li Shengang , Dong Manman , Xia Zhikang , Shi Yunfang
Published: August 2024

The deformation and damage to seasonal permafrost roadbeds, as seasons shift, stems from the intricate interplay of temperature, moisture, and stress fields. Fundamentally, the frost heave and thaw-induced settlement of soil represent a multi-physics coupling phenomenon, where various physical processes interact and influence each other. In this investigation, a comprehensive co-coupling numerical simulation of both the temperature and moisture fields was successfully executed, utilizing the secondary development module within the finite element software, COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0. This simulation inverted the classical freezing–thawing experiment involving a soil column under constant temperature conditions, yielding simulation results that were in excellent agreement with the experimental outcomes, with an error of no more than 10%. Accordingly, the temperature, ice content, and liquid water content distributions within the seasonal permafrost region were derived. These parameters were then incorporated into the stress field analysis to explore the intricate coupling between the moisture and temperature fields with the displacement field. Subsequently, the frost heave and thaw settlement deformations of the roadbed were calculated, accounting for seasonal variations, thereby gaining insights into their dynamic behavior. The research results show that during the process of freezing and thawing, water migrates from the frozen zone towards the unfrozen zone, with the maximum migration amount reaching 20% of the water content, culminating in its accumulation at the interface separating the two. Following multiple freeze–thaw cycles, this study reveals that the maximum extent of freezing within the roadbed reaches 2.5 m, while the road shoulder experiences a maximum freezing depth of 2 m. A continuous trend of heightened frost heave and thaw settlement deformation of the roadbed is observed in response to temperature fluctuations, leading to the uneven deformation of the road surface. Specifically, the maximum frost heave measured was 51 mm, while the maximum thaw settlement amounted to 13 mm.
Development of a Vibration-Based Pre-Alarming Method for Bolt Looseness of Seismic Sway Braces
Authors: Song Yongsheng , Wan Chunfeng , Wang Shiao , Li Jiawei , Meng Jiapei
Published: August 2024

Typical seismic sway braces (SSBs) are composed of several bolted steel components. As the connecting bolts become loose, the stiffness and bearing capacity of SSBs decline from which their seismic performance degrades significantly. Based on the vibration response of the brace components, a framework of a vibration-based pre-alarming method for the bolt looseness of SSBs is created and established. Four damage indexes were constructed based on the methods of Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Wavelet Packet (WP), Intrinsic Mode Function (IMF) and Hilbert-Huang Transform (HHT). Having tested and verified their sensitivity to the bolting torque of bolts, a multi-index hierarchical early warning system (MHES) was established by associating the four damage indexes with the tightening torque of the bolts, by which the threshold of the yellow (slightly damaged) and red (severely damaged) warnings were defined and confirmed. By means of the application in an actual project, the validation of the MHES was finally verified and confirmed according to its stability and accuracy.
Occupational Accidents, Injuries, and Associated Factors among Migrant and Domestic Construction Workers in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alruwaili Musaad , Carrillo Patricia , Soetanto Robby , Munir Fehmidah
Published: August 2024

The number of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia (SA) has gradually increased, particularly in the construction industry, where migrant workers make up 89% of the workforce. Migrant workers frequently experience exposure to dangerous working conditions and increased risk for occupational injury and hazards due to the work they typically perform. Despite this, there is a lack of comprehensive studies comparing occupational accidents and injuries between migrant and domestic workers. To address this challenge, this study explores the differences between migrant and domestic workers’ injuries and occupational accident rates in SA’s construction industry. Data were analyzed from reported accidents and injuries obtained from the General Organisation for Social Insurance (GOSI) between 2014 and 2019. Chi-square test was used to examine the associations of occupational accidents and injuries among migrant and domestic workers. Migrant workers experienced higher incidences of falls, strikes, collisions, abrasions (wounds caused by scraping), bodily reactions (e.g., chemical reactions), and car accidents compared to domestic workers. Furthermore, migrant workers aged 30–39 and domestic workers aged 20–29 experienced more severe injuries and higher seasonal mortality rates during the six-year period examined (2014–2019). In addition, domestic workers achieved a higher proportion of full recovery across all types of accidents, except for transport and car accidents related to construction. The findings emphasize the need for ongoing safety education, training, and improved safety measures to protect the health and safety of construction workers, especially migrant workers.
Exploring the Impact of Vertical Access Elements on Visual Richness and Space Quality within Shopping Mall Atriums
Authors: Hosseini Zahra , Yeganeh Mansour , Jalali Sahand
Published: August 2024

Shopping malls have become vibrant public spaces, serving as commercial centers and sociocultural hubs. However, the arrangement of stationary elements such as elevators and escalators significantly impacts the visual quality of the atrium and the overall navigation experience within the complex. This research focuses on analyzing the configuration of elevators and escalators in shopping mall atriums and their influence on visual richness and accessibility. Descriptive-analytical and survey methods are employed, utilizing data from 10 successful malls worldwide. The UCL-Depth map software and space syntax variables are used for analysis. Connectivity, clustering-coefficient, and controllability analyses assess visual richness, while integration, mean-depth, entropy, depth, step-depth, and gate-count analyses evaluate accessibility. The research includes a questionnaire to obtain optimal indices for each space syntax variable, enhancing the accuracy of the findings. The results highlight the significant impact of the positioning of vertical access elements within the atrium on its visual richness and the accessibility of shops. The research identifies an optimal configuration: placing the escalator in the middle of the atrium, deviating 30° from the entrance axis, and separately locating the elevators. This configuration provides the highest level of access to shops and the central atrium from any point, minimizing the number of turns required to reach different locations within the mall. Furthermore, the separate placement of elevators improves the flow of individuals between shops and the atrium, resulting in increased integration. In conclusion, selecting an appropriate configuration of elevators and escalators in shopping mall atriums can greatly enhance wayfinding and improve the visual richness and accessibility of the complex. Architects and designers can utilize these findings to optimize the design of public spaces within shopping centers, promoting social interactions and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
The Interplay between Structural Inequality, Allostatic Load, Inflammation, and Cancer in Black Americans: A Narrative Review
Authors: Esdaille Ashanda R. , Kuete Nelson Kevin , Anyaeche Vivian Ifunanya , Kalemoglu Ecem , Kucuk Omer
Published: August 2024

The impact of racial healthcare disparities has been well documented. Adverse social determinants of health, such as poverty, inadequate housing, and limited access to healthcare, are intricately linked to these disparities and negative health outcomes, highlighting the profound impact that social and economic factors have on individuals’ overall well-being. Recent evidence underscores the role of residential location on individual health outcomes. Despite the importance of a healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and stress management for favorable health outcomes, individuals living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas may face obstacles in achieving these practices. Adverse living conditions, environmental factors, and systemic biases against Black Americans perpetuate allostatic load. This, compounded by decreased physical activity and limited healthy food options, may contribute to increased oxidative stress and inflammation, fundamental drivers of morbidities such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Herein, we perform a narrative review of associations between healthcare disparities, chronic stress, allostatic load, inflammation, and cancer in Black Americans, and we discuss potential mechanisms and solutions. Additional research is warranted in the very important area of cancer disparities.
Conversion Therapy to Transplant or Surgical Resection in Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Boosted Dose of Yttrium-90 Radiation Segmentectomy
Authors: Son Sam Y. , Geevarghese Ruben , Marinelli Brett , Zhao Ken , Covey Anne , Maxwell Aaron , Wei Alice C. , Jarnagin William , D’Angelica Michael , Yarmohammadi Hooman
Published: August 2024

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of boosted dose yttrium-90 radioembolization (TARE) as a modality for conversion therapy to transplant or surgical resection in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, all patients with a diagnosis of HCC who were treated with boosted dose TARE (>190 Gy) between January 2013 and December 2023 were reviewed. Treatment response and decrease in tumor size were assessed with the RECIST v1.1 and mRECIST criteria. Milan and University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), criteria were used to determine transplant eligibility, and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) surgical resection recommendations were used to evaluate tumor resectability. Results: Thirty-eight patients with primary HCC who were treated with boosted dose TARE were retrospectively analyzed. The majority of the patients were Child–Pugh A (n = 35; 92.1%), BCLC C (n = 17; 44.7%), and ECOG performance status 0 (n = 25; 65.8%). The mean sum of the target lesions was 6.0 cm (standard deviation; SD = 4.0). The objective response rate (ORR) was 31.6% by RECIST and 84.2% by mRECIST. The disease control rate (DCR) was 94.7% by both RECIST and mRECIST. Among patients outside of Milan or UCSF, 13/25 (52.0%, Milan) and 9/19 (47.4%, UCSF) patients were successfully converted to within transplant criteria. Of patients who were initially unresectable, conversion was successful in 7/26 (26.9%) patients. Conclusions: This study provides further real-world data demonstrating that boosted-dose TARE is an effective modality for conversion of patients with unresectable HCC to transplant or resection.
Modulation of Spontaneous Action Potential Rate by Inositol Trisphosphate in Myocytes from the Rabbit Atrioventricular Node
Authors: Cheng Hongwei , Kong Cherrie H. T. , James Andrew F. , Cannell Mark B. , Hancox Jules C.
Published: August 2024

The atrioventricular node (AVN) is a key component of the cardiac conduction system and takes over pacemaking of the ventricles if the sinoatrial node fails. IP3 (inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate) can modulate excitability of myocytes from other regions of the heart, but it is not known whether IP3 receptor (IP3-R) activation modulates AVN cell pacemaking. Consequently, this study investigated effects of IP3 on spontaneous action potentials (APs) from AVN cells isolated from rabbit hearts. Immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging demonstrated the presence of IP3-R2 in isolated AVN cells, with partial overlap with RyR2 ryanodine receptors seen in co-labelling experiments. In whole-cell recordings at physiological temperature, application of 10 µM membrane-permeant Bt3-(1,4,5)IP3-AM accelerated spontaneous AP rate and increased diastolic depolarization rate, without direct effects on ICa,L, IKr, If or INCX. By contrast, application via the patch pipette of 5 µM of the IP3-R inhibitor xestospongin C led to a slowing in spontaneous AP rate and prevented 10 µM Bt3-(1,4,5)IP3-AM application from increasing the AP rate. UV excitation of AVN cells loaded with caged-IP3 led to an acceleration in AP rate, the magnitude of which increased with the extent of UV excitation. 2-APB slowed spontaneous AP rate, consistent with a role for constitutive IP3-R activity; however, it was also found to inhibit ICa,L and IKr, confounding its use for studying IP3-R. Under AP voltage clamp, UV excitation of AVN cells loaded with caged IP3 activated an inward current during diastolic depolarization. Collectively, these results demonstrate that IP3 can modulate AVN cell pacemaking rate.
Correction: Asadian et al. Rhenium Perrhenate (188ReO4) Induced Apoptosis and Reduced Cancerous Phenotype in Liver Cancer Cells. Cells 2022, 11, 305
Authors: Asadian Samieh , Piryaei Abbas , Gheibi Nematollah , Aziz Kalantari Bagher , Reza Davarpanah Mohamad , Azad Mehdi , Kapustina Valentina , Alikhani Mehdi , Moghbeli Nejad Sahar , Keshavarz Alikhani Hani , Mohamadi Morteza , Shpichka Anastasia , Timashev Peter , Hassan Moustapha , Vosough Massoud
Published: August 2024

In the original publication [...]
A Humanized Yeast Model for Studying TRAPP Complex Mutations; Proof-of-Concept Using Variants from an Individual with a TRAPPC1-Associated Neurodevelopmental Syndrome
Authors: Zykaj Erta , Abboud Chelsea , Asadi Paria , Warsame Simane , Almousa Hashem , Milev Miroslav P. , Greco Brittany M. , López-Sánchez Marcos , Bratkovic Drago , Kachroo Aashiq H. , Pérez-Jurado Luis Alberto , Sacher Michael
Published: August 2024

Variants in membrane trafficking proteins are known to cause rare disorders with severe symptoms. The highly conserved transport protein particle (TRAPP) complexes are key membrane trafficking regulators that are also involved in autophagy. Pathogenic genetic variants in specific TRAPP subunits are linked to neurological disorders, muscular dystrophies, and skeletal dysplasias. Characterizing these variants and their phenotypes is important for understanding the general and specialized roles of TRAPP subunits as well as for patient diagnosis. Patient-derived cells are not always available, which poses a limitation for the study of these diseases. Therefore, other systems, like the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, can be used to dissect the mechanisms at the intracellular level underlying these disorders. The development of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in yeast has enabled a scar-less editing method that creates an efficient humanized yeast model. In this study, core yeast subunits were humanized by replacing them with their human orthologs, and TRAPPC1, TRAPPC2, TRAPPC2L, TRAPPC6A, and TRAPPC6B were found to successfully replace their yeast counterparts. This system was used for studying the first reported individual with an autosomal recessive disorder caused by biallelic TRAPPC1 variants, a girl with a severe neurodevelopmental disorder and myopathy. We show that the maternal variant (TRAPPC1 p.(Val121Alafs*3)) is non-functional while the paternal variant (TRAPPC1 p.(His22_Lys24del)) is conditional-lethal and affects secretion and non-selective autophagy in yeast. This parallels defects seen in fibroblasts derived from this individual which also showed membrane trafficking defects and altered Golgi morphology, all of which were rescued in the human system by wild-type TRAPPC1. This study suggests that humanized yeast can be an efficient means to study TRAPP subunit variants in the absence of human cells and can assign significance to variants of unknown significance (VUS). This study lays the foundation for characterizing further TRAPP variants through this system, rapidly contributing to disease diagnosis.
MiR-196a Promotes Lipid Deposition in Goat Intramuscular Preadipocytes by Targeting MAP3K1 and Activating PI3K-Akt Pathway
Authors: Yang Yuling , Zhang Wenyang , Li Haiyang , Xiang Hua , Zhang Changhui , Du Zhanyu , Huang Lian , Zhu Jiangjiang
Published: August 2024

Meat quality in goats is partly determined by the intramuscular fat (IMF) content, which is associated with the proliferation and differentiation of intramuscular preadipocytes. Emerging studies have suggested that miRNA plays a crucial role in adipocyte proliferation and differentiation. In our recent study, we observed the expression variations in miR-196a in the longissimus dorsi muscle of Jianzhou goats at different ages. However, the specific function and underlying mechanism of miR-196a in IMF deposition are still unclear. This study demonstrated that miR-196a significantly enhanced adipogenesis and apoptosis and reduced the proliferation of preadipocytes. Subsequently, RNA-seq was employed to determine genes regulated by miR-196a, and 677 differentially expressed genes were detected after miR-196a overexpression. The PI3K-Akt pathway was identified as activated in miR-196a regulating intramuscular adipogenesis via Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis and further verified via Western blot and rescue assays. Lastly, using RT-qPCR, Western blot, dual-luciferase, and rescue assays, we found that miR-196a promoted adipogenesis and suppressed the proliferation of intramuscular preadipocytes by the downregulation of MAP3K1. In summary, these results suggest that miR-196a regulates IMF deposition by targeting MAP3K1 and activating the PI3K-Akt pathway and provide a theoretical foundation for improving goat meat quality through molecular breeding.
Vitamin D Deficiency—A Public Health Issue in Children
Authors: Herdea Alexandru , Marie Harun , Ionescu Adelina , Sandu Diana-Mihaela , Pribeagu Sara-Teodora , Ulici Alexandru
Published: August 2024

Background: 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency is a global health concern, particularly in pediatric populations, with implications for musculoskeletal health and overall well-being. This study aimed to evaluate serum 25(OH)D levels in a pediatric population and assess the prevalence of deficiency and insufficiency. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 741 pediatric patients (2–17 years old) who visited an urban hospital for children for acute respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions in the span of 2 years. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the prevalence of deficiency and insufficiency, seasonal variations, and correlations with age and daylight exposure. Results: Of the 739 pediatric patients analyzed, a substantial proportion exhibited insufficient (31.80%) or deficient (36.54%) serum 25(OH)D levels. While younger age groups generally had higher mean 25(OH)D levels, a negative correlation was observed between 25(OH)D levels and age. Sunlight exposure variations did not significantly impact serum 25(OH)D levels. Despite diverse daylight exposure patterns, there were no significant differences between longer and shorter daylight periods. Conclusions: This study highlights the high prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency and insufficiency in the pediatric population, emphasizing the need for public health monitoring and targeted supplementation strategies. Findings underscore the importance of regular consultations with healthcare providers to ensure optimal 25(OH)D levels in children, with potential implications for revising current sufficiency thresholds. Addressing 25(OH)D deficiency is crucial for promoting musculoskeletal health and overall well-being in children.
Management of Bilateral Congenital and Juvenile Cataracts in a Low-Income Country: Patient Identification, Treatment Outcomes, and Follow Up
Authors: Poschkamp Broder , Dinkulu Serge ,   Stahnke, Böckermann Clara , Mukwanseke Edith , Paschke Christiane , Hopkins Adrian , Duerksen Rainald , Steinau Ellen , Stahl Andreas , Götz Andreas , Guthoff Rudolf , Kilangalanga Ngoy-Janvier
Published: August 2024

Background: Childhood blindness remains a neglected issue in eye care within low-income countries, with congenital and juvenile cataracts being the most common treatable causes. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the management of congenital and juvenile bilateral cataracts, provide data on general outcomes and postoperative findings, and discuss treatment in a low-income country context. Methods: In this prospective study, data from clinical care were continuously entered into a database, and one follow-up examination of a cohort of 91 patients with congenital and juvenile bilateral cataracts in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, was conducted. Multiple factors that affect the first clinical presentation, the clinical management, and outcome were investigated. Results: Most patients (88.5%) who received medical treatment were identified by cataract finders. A patient’s presentation time was independent of the parent’s education, social status, income, and sex of the child. The median age at first presentation was 5.8 years (ranging from 0 days to 17.3 years). The best visual acuity outcomes were achieved by patients who underwent surgery during early childhood. According to WHO grades and on an eye level basis, 51.1% (93 out of 182 eyes) showed improvement, while 34.6% (63 eyes) had unchanged results post-surgery. Among the cases without improvement, 76.2% were blind prior to surgery. Postoperative findings were observed in 56% of the patients, with secondary cataracts being the most common, affecting 26.37% of the operated eyes. Conclusions: Optimal management of childhood cataracts involves early identification, efficient hospital infrastructure, high-quality medical care, and long-term follow up. In sub-Saharan Africa, this approach must be adapted to the context of available resources, which differs significantly from those in high- and middle-income countries.
Multistakeholder Perspectives on the Determinants of Family Fundamental Movement Skills Practice: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Flynn Robert J. , Pringle Andy , Roscoe Clare M. P.
Published: August 2024

Background: Childhood obesity is a significant public health crisis that is exposing children to associated morbidities and premature mortality. However, parents can positively influence physical activity trajectories and improve health outcomes by nurturing fundamental movement skills (FMS) in children. This is the first study to explore the determinants of family FMS practice via a systematic synthesis of qualitative evidence. Methods: Keyword searches were completed in SPORTDiscus, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Studies that offered perspectives relating to influences on the FMS of 2–6-year-old children in the family context via qualitative approaches, including visual methodologies that provided an important voice to children, were included. A thematic analysis was used to establish key themes. Results: The emergent themes included parent knowledge and beliefs, self-efficacy of parents to teach, and the home environment. Parents often undervalued FMS and lacked the self-efficacy to teach due to poor understanding, conflicting priorities, and multifaceted societal influences. Children preferred autonomous play and socialisation but were negatively influenced by technology and restrictive household rules. Conclusions: Greater knowledge exchange between stakeholders is necessary to empower parents and enhance FMS application at home. More community initiatives could facilitate greater access to outdoor spaces, facilities, and equipment, which may improve family engagement with FMS.
Deceptive Measures of “Success” in Early Cancer Detection
Authors: Cirillo Nicola
Published: August 2024

Early detection of cancer is considered a cornerstone of preventive medicine and is widely perceived as the gateway to reducing cancer deaths. Based on this assumption, large trials are currently underway to evaluate the accuracy of early detection tests. It is imperative, therefore, to set meaningful “success criteria” in early detection that reflect true improvements in health outcomes. This article discusses the pitfalls of measuring the success of early detection tests for cancer, particularly in the context of screening programs, and provides illustrative examples that demonstrate how commonly used metrics can be deceptive. Early detection can result in downstaging (favourable stage shift) when more early-stage cancers are diagnosed, even without reducing late-stage disease, potentially leading to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Survival statistics, primarily cancer-specific survival, can be misleading due to lead time, where early detection simply extends the known duration of the disease without prolonging actual lifespan or improving overall survival. Additionally, the misuse of relative measures, such as proportions, ratios, and percentages, often make it impossible to ascertain the true benefit of a procedure and can distort the impact of screening as they are influenced by diagnostic practices, misleadingly improving perceived mortality reductions. Understanding these biases is crucial for accurately assessing the effectiveness of cancer detection methods and ensuring appropriate patient care.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Indications of Different Types of Mandibular Advancement Design for Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Indications from Literature Review and Case Descriptions
Authors: Lo Giudice Antonino , La Rosa Salvatore , Palazzo Giuseppe , Federico Carmelo
Published: August 2024

Background: Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are considered a primary alternative treatment for adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who are unable to tolerate or do not respond to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, supported by substantial scientific evidence. While a range of designs and materials for MADs are commercially available, there is a lack of clear diagnostic guidelines to assist clinicians in selecting the most appropriate device based on a multidisciplinary evaluation of OSA patients. This narrative review seeks to outline the key characteristics of MADs that clinicians should evaluate during both the diagnostic and treatment phases for patients with OSA. Methods: An extensive search of academic databases was conducted to gather relevant studies that address therapeutic and diagnostic recommendations for the design and titration of MADs. The search was carried out across EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science up to May 2024. From a total of 1445 identified citations, 1103 remained after duplicate removal. Based on the inclusion criteria, the full text of 202 articles was retrieved, and 70 studies were ultimately included in this review. The extracted data were organized to generate clinical insights, aimed at guiding orthodontists in optimizing diagnostic and decision-making processes for treating OSA patients with MADs. Results: The analysis led to the identification of key clinical questions that can assist orthodontists in enhancing their approach and choosing the appropriate appliance basing on the diagnosis and clinical dento-orofacial characteristics. Conclusions: Bibloc appliances could be preferred over mono-bloc devices due to the possibility of arranging the mandibular advancement according to the patient’s clinical condition and orofacial symptoms. Provisional devices could be used as screening tools to verify the patient’s adherence to the therapy. Regardless of the MAD design, type and programmed advancement, it must be under-lined that the rule of the orthodontist/dental specialist is secondary to the other sleep-medicine specialists (ORL, pulmonologist) and must be related to (1) a preliminary assessment of MAD usage (dental anatomical conditions), (2) testing a diagnostic MAD usable during a sleep examination (PSG or DISE), (3) final treatment with a definitive MAD.
Characteristics of Patients with Persistent COVID-19 Symptoms and Unscheduled Return Visits to a Centre for COVID-19 Evaluation
Authors: Nica Silvia , Nica Remus Iulian , Nica Horia Alexandru , Miricescu Daniela , Abdelfatah Mohamed Abuzied Ali Khattab , Schiopu Oana Maria , Nedelcu Ioan Cristian , Cimponeriu Danut Gheorghe , Stefani Constantin , Stanescu-Spinu Iulia-Ioana , Ciornei Mariana Cătălina
Published: August 2024

Background: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of patients with long COVID syndrome. Methods: This study included 457 adults who had at least one persistent symptom after COVID-19 infection. Results: The median time interval between the last SARS-CoV-2 infection and emergency room presentation was 3 months. Older patients had comorbidities (61.7 vs. 44.9 years, p < 0.0001), moderate or severe forms of COVID-19 (61.2 vs. 50.9 years, p < 0.0001), and respiratory symptoms (56.1 vs. 52.0 years, p = 0.0027). Non-vaccinated patients were older than vaccinated patients (56.0 vs. 51.5 years, p = 0.0008) and had residual lung abnormalities following COVID-19 infection (51.5% vs. 36.8%, p < 0.003). The time interval between the last SARS-CoV-2 infection and the hospital evaluation was shorter for vaccinated patients (3.2 vs. 3.9 months, p < 0.0001) and those with mild forms (3.3 vs. 4.12 months, p = 0.0001) versus non-vaccinated individuals. After the last SARS-CoV-2 infection, 107 patients developed impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, or diabetes mellitus, being patients with already known chronic diseases (p = 0.0002), or hypertension (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Our study pointed out the heterogeneity of symptoms following COVID-19, and they are associated with age, vaccination status, or severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Construction of Optimal Two-Dimensional Optical Orthogonal Codes with at Most One Pulse per Wavelength
Authors: Shao Minfeng , Niu Xianhua
Published: August 2024

Two-dimensional optical orthogonal codes have important applications in optical code division multiple access networks. In this paper, a generic construction of two-dimensional optical orthogonal codes with at most one pulse per wavelength (AM-OPPW 2D OOCs) is proposed. As a result, some optimal AM-OPPW 2D OOCs with new parameters can be yielded. The new AM-OPPW 2D OOC may support more subscribers and heavier asynchronous traffic compared with known constructions.
Chaos in Optomechanical Systems Coupled to a Non-Markovian Environment
Authors: Chen Pengju , Yang Nan , Couvertier Austen , Ding Quanzhen , Chatterjee Rupak , Yu Ting
Published: August 2024

We study the chaotic motion of a semi-classical optomechanical system coupled to a non-Markovian environment with a finite correlation time. By studying the emergence of chaos using the Lyapunov exponent with the changing non-Markovian parameter, we show that the non-Markovian environment can significantly enhance chaos. It is observed that a non-Markovian environment characterized by the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck type noise can modify the generation of chaos with different environmental memory times. As a comparison, the crossover properties from Markov to non-Markovian regimes are also discussed. Our findings indicate that the quantum memory effects on the onset of chaos may become a useful property to be investigated in quantum manipulations and control.
Exploring Limit Cycles of Differential Equations through Information Geometry Unveils the Solution to Hilbert’s 16th Problem
Authors: da Silva Vinícius Barros , Vieira João Peres , Leonel Edson Denis
Published: August 2024

The detection of limit cycles of differential equations poses a challenge due to the type of the nonlinear system, the regime of interest, and the broader context of applicable models. Consequently, attempts to solve Hilbert’s sixteenth problem on the maximum number of limit cycles of polynomial differential equations have been uniformly unsuccessful due to failing results and their lack of consistency. Here, the answer to this problem is finally obtained through information geometry, in which the Riemannian metrical structure of the parameter space of differential equations is investigated with the aid of the Fisher information metric and its scalar curvature R. We find that the total number of divergences of |R| to infinity provides the maximum number of limit cycles of differential equations. Additionally, we demonstrate that real polynomial systems of degree n≥2 have the maximum number of 2(n−1)(4(n−1)−2) limit cycles. The research findings highlight the effectiveness of geometric methods in analyzing complex systems and offer valuable insights across information theory, applied mathematics, and nonlinear dynamics. These insights may pave the way for advancements in differential equations, presenting exciting opportunities for future developments.
Geriatric Healthcare Supported by Decision-Making Tools Integrated into Digital Health Solutions
Authors: Băjenaru Ovidiu Lucian , Băjenaru Lidia , Ianculescu Marilena , Constantin Victor-Ștefan , Gușatu Andreea-Maria , Nuță Cătălina Raluca
Published: August 2024

The aging population requires cutting-edge approaches to geriatric care, with digital health technologies playing a crucial part in meeting the challenging demands of healthcare. Current approaches frequently fall short of the goal of providing comprehensive, real-time monitoring and merging contextually complex information for use in the treatment of patients. This paper addresses these limitations by integrating the innovative approaches within the RO-SmartAgeing system and the NeuroPredict platform to boost geriatric-care outcomes. It emphasizes the multifaceted design and development processes of these digital health solutions, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach and a meticulous choice of decision-making tools. This paper presents the inclusion of decision-making tools, namely the Medical Blackbox and Gaitband, into the RO-SmartAgeing system and the NeuroPredict platform; these tools have been developed for the purpose of gathering complex physiological data and allow for in-depth evaluations of gait patterns and vital health parameters in elderly individuals. The present research emphasizes major breakthroughs in sensing technology and decision-making capabilities, illustrating the manner in which these tools enhance patient outcomes by providing timely, data-driven insights. The results demonstrate that these tailored decision-making tools significantly improve patient outcomes, underscoring the need for such ongoing improvements able to address digital health solutions tailored to the dynamic demands of an increasingly aging population.
Active Vibration Control via Current Injection in Electric Motors
Authors: Bassani Marco , Pinardi Daniel , Toscani Andrea , Manconi Elisabetta , Concari Carlo
Published: August 2024

This work presents a technique to actively reduce the vibrations generated by magnetic anisotropy in sinusoidal brushless motors through current injection. These vibrations are an unwanted phenomenon mainly generated by the interaction between the rotor magnets and the stator teeth. These produce vibrations which are then transmitted to the frame and other mechanical parts such as bearings, gearboxes, transmissions, and joints, thus reducing the life, performance, and reliability of these components. First, different design strategies and control algorithms to passively and actively attenuate the vibrations are reviewed. Then, a narrowband active method that attenuates a harmonic vibration through the injection of a harmonic current is presented. The effectiveness of the proposed method was demonstrated on a prototype of a Surface Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (SPMSM). For the motor under test, an attenuation of −13.5 dB at 650 rpm and −29 dB at 800 rpm was achieved on the main frequency component, caused by the magnetic anisotropy, which in turn corresponds to the 72nd harmonic of the rotor mechanical speed.