bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acetylacetone Boosts the Photocatalytic Activity of Metal–Organic Frameworks by Tunable Modification
Authors: Wei Kunrui , Yang Jianghua , Wei Shuangshuang , Zheng Hongcen , Zhang Shujuan
Published: June 2024

Typical metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) usually suffer from a limited visible light-trapping ability and easy recombination of charge carriers, hindering their photocatalytic applications. Acetylacetone (AA), leveraging its exceptional coordination capabilities, serves as a versatile and effective modifier for enhancing the photocatalytic activity of MOFs via a post-synthesis approach. The synthesis of diketone-anchored MOFs with AA can be achieved by first diazotizing the amino groups on the ligands of MOFs, followed by a condensation reaction between AA and the resulting azide. Gradient AA loadings ranging from 17% to 98% were obtained, showcasing the tunability of this approach. Interestingly, a sub-stoichiometric effect was exhibited between the AA loading and the visible photocatalytic performance of the modified photocatalyst. The singlet oxygen yields of MIL-125-AA-37% and MIL-125-AA-54% were about 1.3 times that of MIL-125-AA-17% and 3.0 times that of MIL-125-AA-98%. The improved photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the fact that the AA modification altered the electron density of the Ti metal center, leading to the creation of a significant amount of oxygen defects. This alteration resulted in a reduction in the recombination of charge carriers and thus a better charge separation. In short, AA modification provides a new strategy to maximize the visible photocatalytic performance of MOFs.
Associations of Plasma Glutamatergic Metabolites with Alpha Desynchronization during Cognitive Interference and Working Memory Tasks in Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Leong Vincent Sonny , Yu Jiaquan , Castor Katherine , Al-Ezzi Abdulhakim , Arakaki Xianghong , Fonteh Alfred Nji
Published: June 2024

Electroencephalogram (EEG) studies have suggested compensatory brain overactivation in cognitively healthy (CH) older adults with pathological beta-amyloid(Aβ42)/tau ratios during working memory and interference processing. However, the association between glutamatergic metabolites and brain activation proxied by EEG signals has not been thoroughly investigated. We aim to determine the involvement of these metabolites in EEG signaling. We focused on CH older adults classified under (1) normal CSF Aβ42/tau ratios (CH-NATs) and (2) pathological Aβ42/tau ratios (CH-PATs). We measured plasma glutamine, glutamate, pyroglutamate, and γ-aminobutyric acid concentrations using tandem mass spectrometry and conducted a correlational analysis with alpha frequency event-related desynchronization (ERD). Under the N-back working memory paradigm, CH-NATs presented negative correlations (r = ~−0.74–−0.96, p = 0.0001–0.0414) between pyroglutamate and alpha ERD but positive correlations (r = ~0.82–0.95, p = 0.0003–0.0119) between glutamine and alpha ERD. Under Stroop interference testing, CH-NATs generated negative correlations between glutamine and left temporal alpha ERD (r = −0.96, p = 0.037 and r = −0.97, p = 0.027). Our study demonstrated that glutamine and pyroglutamate levels were associated with EEG activity only in CH-NATs. These results suggest cognitively healthy adults with amyloid/tau pathology experience subtle metabolic dysfunction that may influence EEG signaling during cognitive challenge. A longitudinal follow-up study with a larger sample size is needed to validate these pilot studies.
Hypoxia Increases the Efficiencies of Cellular Reprogramming and Oncogenic Transformation in Human Blood Cell Subpopulations In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Moratilla Adrián , Martín Diana , Cadenas-Martín Marta , Stokking Martha , Quesada Maria Angustias , Arnalich Francisco , De Miguel Maria P.
Published: June 2024

Patients with chronic hypoxia show a higher tumor incidence; however, no primary common cause has been recognized. Given the similarities between cellular reprogramming and oncogenic transformation, we directly compared these processes in human cells subjected to hypoxia. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts were employed as controls to compare transfection and reprogramming efficiency; human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were employed as controls in human cells. Easily obtainable human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were chosen to establish a standard protocol to compare cell reprogramming (into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)) and oncogenic focus formation efficiency. Cell reprogramming was achieved for all three cell types, generating actual pluripotent cells capable for differentiating into the three germ layers. The efficiencies of the cell reprogramming and oncogenic transformation were similar. Hypoxia slightly increased the reprogramming efficiency in all the cell types but with no statistical significance for PBMCs. Various PBMC types can respond to hypoxia differently; lymphocytes and monocytes were, therefore, reprogrammed separately, finding a significant difference between normoxia and hypoxia in monocytes in vitro. These differences were then searched for in vivo. The iPSCs and oncogenic foci were generated from healthy volunteers and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although higher iPSC generation efficiency in the patients with COPD was found for lymphocytes, this increase was not statistically significant for oncogenic foci. Remarkably, a higher statistically significant efficiency in COPD monocytes was demonstrated for both processes, suggesting that physiological hypoxia exerts an effect on cell reprogramming and oncogenic transformation in vivo in at least some cell types.
MATR3’s Role beyond the Nuclear Matrix: From Gene Regulation to Its Implications in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Other Diseases
Authors: Santos Jhune Rizsan , Park Jeehye
Published: June 2024

Matrin-3 (MATR3) was initially discovered as a component of the nuclear matrix about thirty years ago. Since then, accumulating studies have provided evidence that MATR3 not only plays a structural role in the nucleus, but that it is also an active protein involved in regulating gene expression at multiple levels, including chromatin organization, DNA transcription, RNA metabolism, and protein translation in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Furthermore, MATR3 may play a critical role in various cellular processes, including DNA damage response, cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. In addition to the revelation of its biological role, recent studies have reported MATR3’s involvement in the context of various diseases, including neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases, as well as cancer. Moreover, sequencing studies of patients revealed a handful of disease-associated mutations in MATR3 linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which further elevated the gene’s importance as a topic of study. In this review, we synthesize the current knowledge regarding the diverse functions of MATR3 in DNA- and RNA-related processes, as well as its involvement in various diseases, with a particular emphasis on ALS.
Tigilanol Tiglate-Induced Changes in Secretome Profiles Alter C-Met Phosphorylation and Cell Surface Protein Expression in H357 Head and Neck Cancer Cells
Authors: Antwi Frank Dickson , Awad Tufaha , Larin Meghan , Heesom Kate , Lewis Phil , Reddell Paul , Poghosyan Zaruhi , Dewitt Sharon , Moseley Ryan , Knäuper Vera
Published: June 2024

Tigilanol tiglate (TT, also known as EBC-46) is a novel, plant-derived diterpene ester possessing anticancer and wound-healing properties. Here, we show that TT-evoked PKC-dependent S985 phosphorylation of the tyrosine kinase MET leads to subsequent degradation of tyrosine phosphorylated p-Y1003 and p-Y1234/5 MET species. PKC inhibition with BIM-1 blocked S985 phosphorylation of MET and led to MET cell surface accumulation. Treatment with metalloproteinase inhibitors prevented MET-ECD release into cell culture media, which was also blocked by PKC inhibitors. Furthermore, unbiased secretome analysis, performed using TMT-technology, identified additional targets of TT-dependent release of cell surface proteins from H357 head and neck cancer cells. We confirm that the MET co-signalling receptor syndecan-1 was cleaved from the cell surface in response to TT treatment. This was accompanied by rapid cleavage of the cellular junction adhesion protein Nectin-1 and the nerve growth factor receptor NGFRp75/TNFR16. These findings, that TT is a novel negative regulator of protumorigenic c-MET and NGFRp75/TNFR16 signalling, as well as regulating Nectin-1-mediated cell adhesion, further contribute to our understanding of the mode of action and efficacy of TT in the treatment of solid tumours.
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Combined with Ultra-Purified Alginate Bioresorbable Gel Enhances Intervertebral Disc Repair in a Canine Model: A Preclinical Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Ukeba Daisuke , Ishikawa Yoko , Yamada Katsuhisa , Ohnishi Takashi , Tachi Hiroyuki , Tha Khin Khin , Iwasaki Norimasa , Sudo Hideki
Published: June 2024

Although discectomy is commonly performed for lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation, the capacity for tissue repair after surgery is limited, resulting in residual lower back pain, recurrence of IVD herniation, and progression of IVD degeneration. Cell-based therapies, as one-step procedures, are desirable for enhancing IVD repair. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of a combination of newly developed ultra-purified alginate (UPAL) gel and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) implantation for IVD repair after discectomy. Prior to an in vivo study, the cell concentration abilities of three commercially available preparation kits for creating the BMAC were compared by measuring the number of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells harvested from the bone marrow of rabbits. Subsequently, canine-derived BMAC was tested in a canine model using a kit which had the highest concentration rate. At 24 weeks after implantation, we evaluated the changes in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signals as well as histological degeneration grade and immunohistochemical analysis results for type II and type I collagen-positive cells in the treated IVDs. In all quantitative evaluations, such as MRI and histological and immunohistochemical analyses of IVD degeneration, BMAC-UPAL implantation significantly suppressed the progression of IVD degeneration compared to discectomy and UPAL alone. This preclinical proof-of-concept study demonstrated the potential efficacy of BMAC-UPAL gel as a therapeutic strategy for implementation after discectomy, which was superior to UPAL and discectomy alone in terms of tissue repair and regenerative potential.
Safety of Progestogen Hormonal Contraceptive Methods during Lactation: An Overview
Authors: Chmaj-Wierzchowska Karolina , Wszołek Katarzyna , Tomczyk Katarzyna , Wilczak Maciej
Published: June 2024

Background: Breastfeeding is a process for not only nourishing infants but also for building a unique emotional bond between mother and child. Therefore, the ideal contraception during lactation should not affect lactation (milk composition, milk volume) and offspring development. Objectives: This study aims to analyze the literature on the safety of progestogen hormonal contraceptive methods during lactation. Methods: We conducted a thorough search across various databases, including the National Library of Medicine (PubMed), and the Cochrane Database, Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Our search utilized specific phrases such as: “lactation” and “breastfeeding” and “oral contraception” with “drospirenone” or “desogestrel”, with “subcutaneous etonogestrel implant” or “etonogestrel implant”, with “levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system”, and “emergency contraception”, with “levonorgestrel” or “ulipristal acetate”. Conclusions: Based on published scientific reports, progestogen hormonal contraceptives can be considered a relatively safe solution for women desiring to continue feeding their infant with their milk while using hormonal contraception. It is important to seek guidance on selecting the best contraception method based on the latest medical knowledge, tailored to the individual needs and clinical circumstances of each woman and place of residence. A woman should always be informed of the potential risks of such a treatment and then allowed to make her own decision based on the knowledge received from a specialist.
Effect of Arc Current on the Microstructure of AlTiN-Coated Tools and Milling of 304 Stainless Steel
Authors: Zou Simin , Luo Zixiang , Li Yingxin , Yuan Liang , Tang Yu , Zhou Jialin , Li Huizhong
Published: June 2024

304 stainless steel demonstrates a low thermal conductivity and work hardening characteristics, resulting in its processing, and will adhere to the tip of the tool; as well as the phenomenon of chipping, shortening the life of the tool. AlTiN coatings are representative of coatings applied to carbide tools. In this paper, AlTiN coatings with different arc current processes were deposited on carbide milling inserts using arc ion plating. The microstructure, mechanical properties, and milling properties of the coatings were investigated by using the SEM, EDS, XRD, scratch meter, friction and wear meter, and vertical machining center. The findings revealed that all coatings displayed columnar crystal growth, free from cracks and voids. With an increasing arc current, there was a notable increase in surface droplets, pits, and coating thickness. The coating deposited at a 140 A arc current showed a pronounced (200) orientation preference. The adhesion force peaked at 56.0 N with a subsequent decline, and the friction coefficient hit its lowest point of 0.429 at 140 A, contrasting with its highest value of 0.55 at 160 A. After 39 min of dry milling, the tool with a 140 A AlTiN coating exhibited minimal wear of 0.196 mm, just below the 0.2 mm failure threshold, indicating superior performance at this arc current setting.
Dispersed CeO2 Nanorods with Low-Speed Mixing for Mechanical Properties Promotion of PTA Steel Coatings
Authors: Yue Jun-Yu , Jiao Peng-Cheng , Sui Yi , Lu Fei , Zhang Rui-Ying , Chen Wei-Dong , Zhao Li-Sha
Published: June 2024

The plasma-transferred arc technology has been observed to induce preferential grain orientation in multiple directions, leading to nonuniform grain growth within the alloy coating material. The addition of nano-oxides can act as heterogeneous nucleation sites, reducing the preferred orientation of grains. In this study, a low-speed mixing method was employed to coat highly dispersed CeO2 nanorods (CNRs) onto the surface of 14Cr2NiSiVMn alloy powder particles. The aim was to analyze the influence of dispersed CNRs on grain growth orientation in different directions and the refinement and heterogeneous nucleation effect of CNR additives. The addition of 0.5 wt.% CNRs resulted in the refinement of dendritic grains along both the perpendicular and parallel directions to the coating cladding direction, leading to the formation of more uniform equiaxed crystals. The combination of Ce with Si and V elements formed submicron particles, which promoted grain nucleation and reduced defects in the coating. Consequently, the mechanical performance of the sample significantly improved. In the deposition direction, there was a notable improvement in microhardness (20.4%), tensile strength (97.6%), and elongation (59.0%). In the perpendicular deposition direction, the tensile strength increased by 88.1%, and the elongation increased by 33.9%. Additionally, the weight loss due to wear decreased by 44.2%, and the relative wear resistance improved by 79.3%.
Exploring the Impact of Spray Process Parameters on Graphite Coatings: Morphology, Thickness, and Tribological Properties
Authors: Abe Adedoyin , Goss Josue A. , Zou Min
Published: June 2024

This study explores, through a full factorial experimental design, the effects of graphite concentration and spray flow rate on the morphology, thickness, and tribological performance of graphite coatings for potential tribological applications. Coatings were applied to rough substrates using varying concentrations and flow rates, followed by analysis of their morphological characteristics, roughness, thickness, coefficient of friction (COF), and wear behavior. The results revealed distinct differences in the coating morphology based on flow rate, with low-flow-rate coatings exhibiting a porous structure and higher roughness, while high-flow-rate coatings displayed denser structures with lower roughness. A COF as low as 0.09 was achieved, which represented an 86% reduction compared to uncoated steel. COF and wear track measurements showed that thickness was influential in determining friction and the extent of wear. Flow rate dictated the coating structure, quantity of transfer film on the ball, and the extent of graphite compaction in the wear track to provide a protective layer. SEM and elemental analysis further revealed that graphite coatings provided effective protection against wear, with graphite remaining embedded in the innermost crevices of the wear track. Low flow rates may be preferable for applications requiring higher roughness and porosity, while high flow rates offer advantages in achieving denser coatings and better wear resistance. Overall, this study highlights the importance of optimizing graphite concentration and spray flow rate to tailor coating morphology, thickness, and tribological performance for practical applications.
Tribological and Mechanical Behavior of Automotive Crankshaft Steel Superficially Modified Using the Boriding Hardening Process
Authors: Hernández-Sánchez Enrique , Hernández-Domínguez Diego , Tadeo-Rosas Raúl , Sánchez-Fuentes Yesenia , Linares-Duarte Luz Alejandra , Orozco-Álvarez Carlos , Miranda-Hernández José Guadalupe , Carrera-Espinoza Rafael
Published: June 2024

One of the primary challenges in the automotive industry is the wear of engine components, such as the crankshaft and camshaft, which is the most pronounced during the engine’s startup phase, when the amount of lubricant fluid is at its lowest. This study aims to enhance the surface wear resistance of automotive crankshaft steel by applying a boriding thermochemical process. This process forms a hard surface layer on the steel, improving its mechanical properties and bolstering its wear resistance, especially under dry conditions. Boride layers were achieved using the powder-pack boriding process in a conventional furnace, with meticulous treatment times of 2, 4, and 6 h at a constant temperature of 950 °C. The nature of the layers was analyzed using X-ray diffraction, and their tribological behavior was evaluated using the pin-on-disk test. The growth of the layers was directly proportional to the treatment time and was estimated at 145 µm and 48 µm for the 6 and 2 h of treatment, respectively. The surface hardness increased from 320 HV for the non-treated steel to 2034 HV for the sample exposed to 950 °C for 6 h. The results indicate a significant reduction in the coefficient of friction from 0.43 for the non-treated steel to 0.12 for the samples exposed to 950 °C for 6 h, suggesting potential wear protection during the engine starting period.
Microstructure Evolution in Magnetron-Sputtered WC/SiC Multilayers with Varied WC Layer Thicknesses
Authors: Li Tongzhou , Zhang Zhe , Wang Zile , Jiang Li , Qi Runze , Huang Qiushi , Zhang Zhong , Wang Zhanshan
Published: June 2024

Owing to the superior quality of the interface, WC/SiC multilayers have been considered promising candidates for X-ray Laue lenses in nano-focusing facilities and supermirrors in X-ray telescopes. To investigate the microstructure evolution in WC/SiC multilayers, a set of periodic multilayers was prepared with varied WC layer thicknesses ranging from 1.0 nm to 10.0 nm while keeping the thickness of the SiC layer constant at 3.0 nm. These samples were characterized using various analytical techniques, including GIXR, AFM, and XRD. An aperiodic WC/SiC multilayer sample was analyzed by TEM, EDX, and SAED to further study the chemical and structural changes while the thickness of the WC layer increased. The results indicate that the WC layer of the WC/SiC multilayer changes from amorphous to crystalline with increasing layer thickness. The crystalline state of the WC layer changes as the thickness increases. Meanwhile, the carbon atoms migrates noticeably to the interface as the WC layer becomes thicker, which smoothens the interfacial defects caused by the crystalline state transition. This migration of carbon is one of the key factors contributing to the smooth interface in WC/SiC multilayers.
Performance of Ferronickel Slag Powder Soil Cement under Freshwater Curing Conditions
Authors: Liu Lin , Chen Sanshan , Chen Feng , He Liang , Chen Weizhen
Published: June 2024

Ferronickel slag is the solid waste slag produced by smelting nickel–iron alloy. After grinding ferronickel slag into powder, it has potential chemical activity. It can partially replace cement and reduce the amount of cement, and is conducive to environmental protection. The mechanical properties of soil cement were investigated through the compressive strength test and inter-split tensile test of ferronickel slag powder soil cement with different dosages. To further study the mechanism of ferronickel slag powder’s action on soil cement microscopically, the microstructure of soil cement was analyzed by using a scanning electron microscope and nuclear magnetic resonance equipment. The results of the study show that the incorporation of ferronickel slag powder can enhance the compressive and tensile strength of soil cement. The best performance enhancement of ferronickel slag powder was achieved when it was doped with 45% of its mass. The hydration products of soil cement increased with the increase in the doping amount, but the excessive doping of ferronickel slag powder would lead to a weakening of the hydration reaction and a decrease in the strength of the soil cement. At the same time, ferronickel slag powder plays the role of filling the void of soil cement. With the increase in ferronickel slag powder, the large pores inside the soil cement are reduced and the structure is denser.
Trade-Off between Song Complexity and Colorfulness in Parid Birds
Authors: Tietze Dieter Thomas , Hahn Antje
Published: June 2024

Passerines are the most successfully diversified bird order (around 60% of all avian species). They have developed complicated songs to defend their territories and to attract females for mating that can evolve quickly due to cultural transmission. Complex singing as well as plumage coloration of male birds are honest signals for potential partners and provide information about the males’ quality. To function as honest signals, both traits must be costly for the males. Of course, not all passerine species are equally clever or beautiful. Even within a single family of 50 to 70 species, relevant traits may vary considerably. Tits and chickadees (Paridae) comprise species of similar size, varying a lot in coloration and plumage pattern. The territorial songs are relatively short and simple. We investigated the relationship between song complexity and plumage coloration, taking phylogenetic relationships into account. We studied 55 out of the 64 species with 1084 song recordings retrieved from an online database. In the best model, besides colorfulness, body size had a negative impact on song complexity. Large colorful species were found to sing less complex songs. This result supports the hypothesis of a trade-off between costly traits and their likely intense signal function. This study contributes to a better understanding of how sexual selection influences the diversification of traits. In addition, we found that despite the relatively uniform size, the general negative correlation between body size and song frequency can be recovered. Some song traits are further influenced by distribution and thus by interspecific differences in climate niche.
Diagnosis and Management of Simple and Complicated Meconium Ileus in Cystic Fibrosis, a Systematic Review
Authors: Donos Mădălina Andreea , Ghiga Gabriela , Trandafir Laura Mihaela , Cojocaru Elena , Țarcă Viorel , Butnariu Lăcrămioara Ionela , Bernic Valentin , Moroșan Eugenia , Roca Iulia Cristina , Mîndru Dana Elena , Țarcă Elena
Published: June 2024

The early management of neonates with meconium ileus (MI) and cystic fibrosis (CF) is highly variable across countries and is not standardized. We conducted a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024522838). Studies from three providers of academic search engines were checked for inclusion criteria, using the following search terms: meconium ileus AND cystic fibrosis OR mucoviscidosis. Regarding the patient population studied, the inclusion criteria were defined using our predefined PICOT framework: studies on neonates with simple or complicated meconium which were confirmed to have cystic fibrosis and were conservatively managed or surgically treated. Results: A total of 566 publications from the last 10 years were verified by the authors of this review to find the most recent and relevant data, and only 8 met the inclusion criteria. Prenatally diagnosed meconium pseudocysts, bowel dilation, and ascites on ultrasound are predictors of neonatal surgery and risk factor for negative 12-month clinical outcomes in MI-CF newborns. For simple MI, conservative treatment with hypertonic solutions enemas can be effective in more than 25% of cases. If repeated enemas fail to disimpact the bowels, the Bishop–Koop stoma is a safe option. No comprehensive research has been conducted so far to determine the ideal surgical protocol for complicated MI. We only found three studies that reported the types of stomas performed and another study comparing the outcomes of patients depending on the surgical management; the conclusions are contradictory especially since the number of cases analyzed in each study was small. Between 18% and 38% of patients with complicated MI will require reoperation for various complications and the mortality rate varies between 0% and 8%. Conclusion: This study reveals a lack of strong data to support management decisions, unequivocally shows that the care of infants with MI is not standardized, and suggests a great need for international collaborative studies.
Transition from Transrectal to Transperineal MRI-Fusion Prostate Biopsy Does Not Comprise Detection Rates of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer at a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Hoeh Benedikt , Wenzel Mike , Humke Clara , Cano Garcia Cristina , Siech Carolin , Schneider Melissa , Lange Carsten , Traumann Miriam , Köllermann Jens , Preisser Felix , Chun Felix K. H. , Mandel Philipp
Published: June 2024

Background: A remarkable paradigm shift has emerged regarding the preferred prostate biopsy approach, favoring the transperineal (TP) over the transrectal (TR) approach due to the reduced risk of severe urinary tract infections. However, its impact on the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) remains unclear. Materials and methods: We relied on a prospectively maintained tertiary care database to identify patients who underwent either TP or TR prostate biopsy between 01/2014 and 12/2023. Of those, only patients with suspicious magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) PIRADS lesions (Likert-scale: 3,4,5) received MRI-targeted and systematic biopsies. Detection rates of csPCa (International Society of Urological Pathology [ISUP] ≥ 2) were compared between biopsy approach (TP vs. TR) according to index lesion. Subsequently, uni- and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to investigate the predictive status of the biopsy approach within each subcohort. Results: Of 2063 patients, 1118 (54%) underwent combined MRI-guided and systematic prostate biopsy and were included in the final cohort. Of those, 127 (11%) and 991 (89%) underwent TP vs. TR. CsPCa rates, regardless of differences in patients’ demographics and distribution of index PIRDAS lesions, did not differ statistically significantly and were 51 vs. 52%, respectively (p = 0.8). CsPCa detection rates for PIRDAS-3, PIRADS-4 and PIRADS-5 did not differ and were 24 vs. 23%, 48 vs. 51% and 72 vs. 76% for PIRADS-3, PIRADS-4 and PIRADS-5 subgroups for TP vs. TR, respectively (all p ≥ 0.9) Conclusions: The current results support the available data indicating that TP biopsy approach is comparable to transrectal biopsy approach regarding csPCa detection rates.
The Challenge of Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: From Symptoms to Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Patel Veena
Published: June 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune condition that can seriously impair multiple organs including the nervous system, causing neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE), which encompasses a broad range of symptoms. Pathogenesis is not completely understood but is thought to involve inflammatory and vascular pathways. This comprehensive review discusses the complex nature and heterogeneity of NPSLE and the challenges in diagnosis and treatment that result from it. Diagnosis often requires a multidisciplinary approach with multiple assessments, including laboratory testing, imaging, and neuropsychological evaluations. Current treatments focus on managing symptoms through immunosuppressive and anti-thrombotic therapies tailored to the inflammatory or vascular nature of the specific NPSLE manifestations. This paper emphasizes the necessity for interdisciplinary approaches and further research to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment effectiveness. It also highlights the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms of NPSLE to develop more targeted therapies, citing the need for high-quality studies and novel treatment agents.
Endovascular Stenting for Idiopathic Stenosis of the Superior Mesenteric Vein: A Case Report
Authors: Grasu Mugur Cristian , Dumitru Radu Lucian , Rusu-Munteanu Gina-Ionela , Mihaila Mariana , Manuc Mircea , Lupescu Ioana Gabriela
Published: June 2024

Idiopathic superior mesenteric vein (SMV) stenosis, where no clear causative factor is identifiable, remains a clinical rarity. We present a detailed case report of a patient with idiopathic stenosis of the SMV who underwent successful endovascular stenting. This report outlines the patient’s clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging findings, procedural approach by the interventional radiology team, and subsequent management. Endovascular stenting is a viable therapeutic option for patients with idiopathic SMV stenosis. This case demonstrates that with appropriate interventional and post-procedural management, long-term stent patency and thrombosis prevention can be achieved. The success of this case encourages further investigation into endovascular treatments for venous stenoses.
Characterization and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Enterococcus Species Isolated from Nosocomial Infections in a Saudi Tertiary Care Hospital over a Ten-Year Period (2012–2021)
Authors: Al Bshabshe Ali , Algarni Abdullah , Shabi Yahya , Alwahhabi Abdulrahman , Asiri Mohammed , Alasmari Ahmed , Alshehry Adil , Mousa Wesam F. , Noreldin Nashwa
Published: June 2024

Introduction: The Enterococcus genus is a common cause of nosocomial infections, with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) posing a significant treatment challenge. Method: This retrospective study, spanning ten years (2012 to 2021), analyzes antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Enterococcus species from clinical samples in a Saudi Arabian tertiary care hospital. Result: A total of 1034 Enterococcus isolates were collected, 729 from general wards and 305 from intensive care unit (ICU) patients. VRE accounted for 15.9% of isolates. E. faecalis was the most common species (54.3% of isolates and 2.7% of VRE), followed by E. faecium (33.6% of isolates and 41.2% of VRE). E. faecium exhibited the highest resistance to ciprofloxacin (84.1%), ampicillin (81.6%), and rifampicin (80%), with daptomycin (0.6%) and linezolid (3.1%) showing the lowest resistance. In E. faecalis, ciprofloxacin resistance was highest (59.7%), followed by rifampicin (20.1%) and ampicillin (11.8%). Daptomycin (0%), linezolid (1.5%), and vancomycin (2.7%) had the lowest resistance. VRE cases had higher mortality rates compared to vancomycin-sensitive enterococci (VSE). Conclusion: Eight different strains of Enterocci were identified. E. faecalis was the most commonly identified strain, while E. faecium had the highest percentage of VRE. VRE cases had a significantly higher mortality rate than VSE cases.
Enhancing Medical Image Classification with an Advanced Feature Selection Algorithm: A Novel Approach to Improving the Cuckoo Search Algorithm by Incorporating Caputo Fractional Order
Authors: Habeb Abduljlil Abduljlil Ali Abduljlil , Taresh Mundher Mohammed , Li Jintang , Gao Zhan , Zhu Ningbo
Published: June 2024

Glaucoma is a chronic eye condition that seriously impairs vision and requires early diagnosis and treatment. Automated detection techniques are essential for obtaining a timely diagnosis. In this paper, we propose a novel method for feature selection that integrates the cuckoo search algorithm with Caputo fractional order (CFO-CS) to enhance the performance of glaucoma classification. However, when using the infinite series, the Caputo definition has memory length truncation issues. Therefore, we suggest a fixed memory step and an adjustable term count for optimization. We conducted experiments integrating various feature extraction techniques, including histograms of oriented gradients (HOGs), local binary patterns (LBPs), and deep features from MobileNet and VGG19, to create a unified vector. We evaluate the informative features selected from the proposed method using the k-nearest neighbor. Furthermore, we use data augmentation to enhance the diversity and quantity of the training set. The proposed method enhances convergence speed and the attainment of optimal solutions during training. The results demonstrate superior performance on the test set, achieving 92.62% accuracy, 94.70% precision, 93.52% F1-Score, 92.98% specificity, 92.36% sensitivity, and 85.00% Matthew’s correlation coefficient. The results confirm the efficiency of the proposed method, rendering it a generalizable and applicable technique in ophthalmology.
Value of Ultrasound Super-Resolution Imaging for the Assessment of Renal Microcirculation in Patients with Acute Kidney Injury: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Huang Xin , Zhang Yao , Zhou Qing , Deng Qing
Published: June 2024

The present study aimed to explore the clinical applicability of ultrasound super-resolution imaging (US SRI) for assessing renal microcirculation in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). A total of 62 patients with sepsis were enrolled in the present study—38 with AKI and 24 control patients—from whom renal ultrasounds and clinical data were obtained. SonoVue contrast (1.5 mL) was administered through the elbow vein and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) images were obtained on a Mindray Resona A20 ultrasound unit for 2 min. The renal perfusion time-intensity curve (TIC) was analyzed and, after 15 min, additional images were obtained to create a microscopic blood flow map. Microvascular density (MVD) was calculated and its correlation with serum creatinine (Scr) levels was analyzed. There were significant differences in heart rate, Scr, blood urea nitrogen, urine volume at 24 h, and glomerular filtration rate between the two groups (p < 0.01), whereas other characteristics, such as renal morphology, did not differ significantly between the AKI group and control group (p > 0.05). The time to peak and mean transit times of the renal cortex in the AKI group were prolonged compared to those in the control group (p < 0.01), while the peak intensity and area under the TIC were lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The MVD of the renal cortex in the AKI group was lower than that in the control group (18.46 ± 5.90% vs. 44.93 ± 11.65%; p < 0.01) and the MVD in the AKI group showed a negative correlation with Scr (R = −0.84; p < 0.01). Based on the aforementioned results, US SRI can effectively assess renal microcirculation in patients with AKI and is a noninvasive technique for the diagnosis of AKI and quantitative evaluation of renal microcirculation.
Development of a Colorimetric Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for the Detection of Trypanosoma cruzi in Low-Resource Settings
Authors: Moehling Taylor J. , Worthington Myla D. , Wong Pui-Yan G. , Wong Season S. , Meagher Robert J.
Published: June 2024

Chagas disease is an inflammatory parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). Early diagnosis is crucial in guiding treatment and slowing disease progression; however, current diagnostic methods have insufficient detection limits and often require skilled technicians. Molecular tests, especially isothermal nucleic acid assays, are advantageous due to their excellent sensitivity, specificity, speed, and simplicity. Here, we optimized a colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for T. cruzi. We can detect as few as 2 genomic copies/reaction using three different T. cruzi strains. We examined selectivity using other parasitic protozoans and successfully detected T. cruzi DNA extracted from parasites in human whole blood down to 1.2 parasite equivalents/reaction. We also performed a blinded study using canine blood samples and established a 100% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the colorimetric LAMP assay. Finally, we used a heated 3D printer bed and an insulated thermos cup to demonstrate that the LAMP incubation step could be performed with accessible, low-cost materials. Altogether, we have developed a high-performing assay for T. cruzi with a simple colorimetric output that would be ideal for rapid, low-cost screening at the point of use.
Sodium–Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor Combined with Conventional Diuretics Ameliorate Body Fluid Retention without Excessive Plasma Volume Reduction
Authors: Asakura-Kinoshita Maki , Masuda Takahiro , Oka Kentaro , Ohara Ken , Miura Marina , Morinari Masato , Misawa Kyohei , Miyazawa Yasuharu , Akimoto Tetsu , Shimada Kazuyuki , Nagata Daisuke
Published: June 2024

We previously reported that sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors exert sustained fluid homeostatic actions through compensatory increases in osmotic diuresis-induced vasopressin secretion and fluid intake. However, SGLT2 inhibitors alone do not produce durable amelioration of fluid retention. In this study, we examined the comparative effects of the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin (SGLT2i group, n = 53) and the combined use of dapagliflozin and conventional diuretics, including loop diuretics and/or thiazides (SGLT2i + diuretic group, n = 23), on serum copeptin, a stable, sensitive, and simple surrogate marker of vasopressin release and body fluid status. After six months of treatment, the change in copeptin was significantly lower in the SGLT2i + diuretic group than in the SGLT2i group (−1.4 ± 31.5% vs. 31.5 ± 56.3%, p = 0.0153). The change in the estimated plasma volume calculated using the Strauss formula was not significantly different between the two groups. Contrastingly, changes in interstitial fluid, extracellular water, intracellular water, and total body water were significantly lower in the SGLT2i + diuretic group than in the SGLT2i group. Changes in renin, aldosterone, and absolute epinephrine levels were not significantly different between the two groups. In conclusion, the combined use of the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin and conventional diuretics inhibited the increase in copeptin levels and remarkably ameliorated fluid retention without excessively reducing plasma volume and activating the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone and sympathetic nervous systems.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Silver Diamine Fluoride among Dentists in Vietnam
Authors: Chai Hollis Haotian , Dao Quang Khai , Hoang Trong Hung , Gao Sherry Shiqian , Lo Edward Chin Man , Chu Chun Hung
Published: June 2024

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a topical solution used for managing dental caries. The mixed-methods study consists of a quantitative study (questionnaire survey) and a qualitative study (in-depth interview) to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards SDF among dentists in Vietnam. A descriptive approach and a thematic approach were performed to analyze data, respectively. The questionnaire survey invited 436 licensed dentists registered for the national annual dental meeting and 226 dentists participated (response rate: 52%). Among them, 174 (77%, 174/226) dentists knew SDF, and 69 (40%, 69/174) dentists used SDF for caries management. Most of them considered SDF therapy as non-invasive (84%, 146/174) and simple (80%, 140/174). However, most of them expressed concern that SDF could discolor the tooth (74%, 128/174). Their most preferred teeth for SDF therapy were primary posterior teeth (92%, 160/174). The in-depth interview consulted 16 dentists to reach data saturation. They learned about SDF from outside curriculum resources as an effective anti-caries agent. They understood the advantages (simple, non-invasive, timesaving) and disadvantages (tooth discoloring, ammonia odor) of SDF. They used SDF to arrest caries in uncooperative children in the clinic and people living in rural areas in outreach services. Most dentists in Vietnam are supportive of SDF therapy, and they know its advantages and disadvantages for caries management. The results addressed the aim of the study to investigate Vietnamese dentists’ perspectives towards SDF.
Assessing the Initial Outcomes of a Blended Learning Course for Teachers Facilitating Astronomy Activities for Young Children
Authors: Ampartzaki Maria , Tassis Konstantinos , Kalogiannakis Michail , Pavlidou Vasiliki , Christidis Konstantinos , Chatzoglidou Sophia , Eleftherakis Georgios
Published: June 2024

Globally, astronomy education is being promoted through curricula. Research indicates that educators need support to fundamentally comprehend and gain knowledge of astronomy as well as pedagogical expertise to organize and facilitate astronomy-related activities in the classroom. In response to this notable demand, we have designed a coherent training program that addresses both the foundational and pedagogical content knowledge necessary to instruct astronomy subjects at the pre-primary and early school levels. This program is constructed in a blended learning format, which combines online and in-person training with practical implementations in the classroom. We trained both professional and student kindergarten teachers, and we used questionnaires and interviews to evaluate and improve our training program. In this article, we present the results of our initial evaluation. We found that the student teachers showed a more significant improvement in their content knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, and instruction preferences compared to the professional teachers. However, we identified several areas for improvement, which will be addressed in future cycles of the program for further evaluation.
Learning Analytics with Small Datasets—State of the Art and Beyond
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Buu Cat , Karunaratne Thashmee
Published: June 2024

Although learning analytics (LA) often processes massive data, not all courses in higher education institutions are on a large scale, such as courses for employed adult learners (EALs) or master’s students. This places LA in a new situation with small datasets. This paper explores the contemporary situation of how LA has been used for small datasets, whereby we examine how the observed LA provisions can be validated in practice, which opens up possible LA solutions for small datasets and takes a further step from previous studies to enhance this topic. By examining the field of LA, a systematic literature review on state-of-the-art LA and small datasets was conducted. Thirty relevant articles were selected for the final review. The results of the review were validated through a small-scale course for EALs at a Swedish university. The findings revealed that the methods of multiple analytical perspectives and data sources with the support of contexts and learning theories are useful for strengthening the reliability of results from small datasets. More empirical evidence is required to validate possible LA methods for small datasets. The LA cycle should be closed to be able to further assess the goodness of the models generated from small datasets.
Detection of Train Wheelset Tread Defects with Small Samples Based on Local Inference Constraint Network
Authors: Liu Jianhua , Jiang Shiyi , Wang Zhongmei , Liu Jiahao
Published: June 2024

Due to the long-term service through wheel-rail rolling contact, the train wheelset tread will inevitably suffer from different types of defects, such as wear, cracks, and scratches. The effective detection of wheelset tread defects can provide critical support for the operation and maintenance of trains. In this paper, a new method based on a local inference constraint network is proposed to detect wheelset tread defects, and the main purpose is to address the issue of insufficient feature spaces caused by small samples. First, a generative adversarial network is applied to generate diverse samples with semantic consistency. An attention mechanism module is introduced into the feature extraction network to increase the importance of defect features. Then, the residual spine network for local input decisions is constructed to establish an association between sample features and defect types. Furthermore, the network’s activation function is improved to obtain higher learning speed and accuracy with fewer parameters. Finally, the validity and feasibility of the proposed method are verified using experimental data.
Short-Term Flood Prediction Model Based on Pre-Training Enhancement
Authors: Xia Yang , Lu Jiamin
Published: June 2024

With the rapid advancement of deep learning techniques, deep learning-based flood prediction models have drawn significant attention. However, for short-term prediction in small- and medium-sized river basins, models typically rely on hydrological data spanning from the past several hours to one day, utilizing a fixed-length input window. Such input limits the models’ adaptability to diverse rainfall events and restricts their capability to comprehend historical temporal patterns. To address the underutilization of historical information by existing models, we introduce a Pre-training Enhanced Short-term Flood Prediction Method (PE-SFPM) to enrich the model’s temporal understanding without necessitating changes to the input window size. In the pre-training stage, the model uses a random masking and prediction strategy to learn segment features, capturing a more comprehensive evolutionary trend of historical floods. In the flow forecasting stage, temporal features and spatial features are captured and fused using the temporal attention, spatial attention, and gated fusion. Features are further enhanced by integrating segment features using a feed-forward network. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed PE-SFPM model achieves excellent performance in short-term flood prediction tasks.