bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of hypertension and its impact on cognitive functions in older adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Parandiyal Nivedita , Chutia Porimita , Sinha Shashank Saurabh , Pandit Pratyaksha , Majrashi Naif Ali , Qureshi Naseem , Tripathi Shailendra Mohan
Published: November 2024

Background

Hypertension is a potentially modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. Understanding the variables of hypertension related to cognitive functions will help in mitigating the risk.

Objective

The study aims to assess the characteristics of hypertension and its effect on cognitive functions in the older adults.

Methods

The study involved 95 hypertensive participants aged 60 years and above from cardiology and medicine outpatient services of a tertiary care hospital from August to October 2022. The characteristics of hypertension and cognitive functions were assessed using semi-structured proforma and Adenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE-III) Hindi version respectively. Further, individual cognitive functions were compared with duration of the hypertension and hypertensive status of the participants. The chi-square test and independent t-tests were used and p value < 0.05 was considered to be significant.

Result

The mean age of the study population was 68.2 years, the cognitive functions was comparable in terms of age, sex, locality, co-morbidity, and treatment characteristic. Although a significant difference in cognitive functions was present in relation to duration and status of hypertension. Among the individual cognitive domains, a significant difference was observed in attention and fluency domains of cognitive function based on HTN status (p > 0.05) but differential effect on cognitive domains was not seen with the duration of HTN. However, there was overall decline in cognitive domains with both hypertension status and the duration of hypertension.

Conclusion

The study highlights association of status of hypertension and its characteristics with cognitive decline.
High wall shear stress-dependent podosome formation in a novel murine model of intracranial aneurysm
Authors: Lu Jiayi , Dai Mengjun , Yan Yuanqing , McCullough Louise D. , Rui Yan-Ning , Xu Zhen
Published: November 2024

High wall shear stress (HWSS) contributes to intracranial aneurysm (IA) development. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear, in part due to the lack of robust animal models that develop IAs in a HWSS-dependent manner. The current study established a new experimental IA model in mice that was utilized to determine HWSS-triggered downstream mechanisms. By a strategic combination of HWSS and low dose elastase, IAs were induced with a high penetrance in hypertensive mice. In contrast, no IAs were observed in control groups where HWSS was absent, suggesting that our new IA model is HWSS-dependent. IA outcomes were assessed by neuroscores that correlate with IA rupture events. Pathological analyses confirmed these experimental IAs resemble those found in humans. Interestingly, HWSS alone promotes the turnover of collagen IV, a major basement membrane component underneath the endothelium, and the formation of endothelial podosomes, subcellular organelles that are known to degrade extracellular matrix proteins. These induced podosomes are functional as they degrade collagen-based substrates locally in the endothelium. These data suggest that this new murine model develops IAs in a HWSS-dependent manner and highlights the contribution of endothelial cells to the early phase of IA. With this model, podosome formation and function was identified as a novel endothelial phenotype triggered by HWSS, which provides new insight into IA pathogenesis.
Case Report: Abdominal Wall Abscess as First Clinical Sign of Jejunal Perforation After Blunt Abdominal Trauma
Authors: Martínez-López M. , Verdaguer-Tremolosa M. , Rodrigues-Gonçalves V. , Martínez-López M. P. , López-Cano M.
Published: November 2024

Aim

To discuss extended retrorectal abscess secondary to blunt abdominal trauma as a cause of abdominal wall (AW) infection and impairment.

Methods

According to the CARE checklist, we describe a rare case of blunt abdominal trauma with late diagnosis of jejunal perforation with an abscess that extensively dissected the retromuscular space.

Results

A 65 years-old female patient experienced multiple traumas after a traffic collision. Ten days after admission, the patient presented with swelling in the right abdomen. CT scan showed localised pneumoperitoneum and extensive collection affecting the right retrorectal space, reaching the ribs and preperitoneal space. Urgent laparotomy was performed and jejunal perforation with biliary peritonitis and extraperitoneal extension with dissection of the right retrorectal space were found. Intestinal resection with anastomosis was then performed. Exhaustive lavage of the cavity and retromuscular space with debridement of the necrotic posterior rectus lamina was required. Retrorectal drainage was placed. Primary closure of the aponeurosis was achieved using a small-bites technique with a slowly absorbable monofilament suture. Due to the weakness of the abdominal wall, an absorbable biosynthetic mesh impregnated with gentamicin was placed onlay. Negative pressure therapy was applied to the closed wound. Patient received antibiotics and CTs showed favourable evolution. No infectious complications or incisional hernia were reported after 12 months of follow-up.

Conclusion

No cases of blunt trauma causing extensive AW infection have been reported in the literature. Whilst rare, this should be considered in traumatic patients. Our experience shows that they can be managed with surgical drainage and absorbable meshes can be considered in cases of fascial loss.
Opinions on the Future of Clinical Pig Kidney Xenotransplantation
Authors: Böhmig Georg A. , Diebold Matthias , Budde Klemens
Published: November 2024

Based on promising results obtained in primate models, pioneers in the US have now started to explore the new frontier of genetically-edited pig-to-human transplantation. The recent transition of xenotransplantation into clinical medicine has included transplants in brain-dead subjects and the compassionate use of xenotransplants in living recipients without options for allotransplantation. While the barrier of hyperacute rejection seems to be successfully overcome by gene editing of donor pigs, the occurrence of accelerated rejection could pose significant limitations to the success of the procedure. Ultimately, the establishment of efficient and safe strategies to overcome immunologic barriers will, among other critical factors, such as potential xenozoonotic disease transmission or physiological differences, determine whether and for which indications xenotransplantation will be viable. Considering preliminary outcomes of compassionate use xenotransplantions, which may raise questions about how faithfully data from non-human primate models translate into human outcomes, further research in decedents may be necessary before proceeding with additional clinical transplants. Looking ahead, designing systematic trials in xenotransplantation, including the definition of acceptable eligibility criteria for such high-risk transplants, will be an immense challenge, especially in kidney transplantation, where dialysis provides an effective alternative to transplantation in most cases.
Research and Flight Test on the Terminal Guidance Control Technology for Cruising Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Cai Xiaoru , Yang Chao , Guo Zhiming , Sun Zonghua , Wu Liaoni , Bing Fuqiang , Su Guoqiang
Published: November 2024

The Cruising Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (CUAV) exemplifies an advanced system integrating UAV and munitions technology. The primary challenge lies in devising strategies to achieve precision strikes. Achieving precision strikes is a critical combat mission for CUAV and serves as the primary focus of this research. This paper introduces a three-loop pseudo-angle-of-attack acceleration autopilot design with proportional–integral (PI) correction, overcoming the limitations of existing two-loop and three-loop systems. The existing two-loop acceleration autopilot with PI correction suffers from low robustness, whereas the three-loop autopilot exhibits slow response to acceleration deviations. The proposed design overcomes these shortcomings by optimizing the autopilot for high-dynamic and fast-response scenarios. The design methodology leverages pole assignment, referencing the pole co-circle method and accommodating servo bandwidth limitations. A comparison of the designed three-loop acceleration autopilot with PI correction with other acceleration autopilots reveals superior accuracy advantages. The reliability and robustness of the proposed autopilot were validated through flight tests, achieving a drop point accuracy of less than 0.5 m. This study demonstrates the engineering application of a pseudo-angle-of-attack three-loop acceleration autopilot with PI correction, designed using the pole assignment method, on a short-range CUAV. Future efforts will focus on optimizing the autopilot to further enhance its adaptability and robustness.
Could CH3-M6P Be a Potential Dual-Functioning Candidate for Bone Regeneration?
Authors: Huseynova Fidan , Ionescu Cătălina , Cuisinier Frederic , Huseynova Irada , Mammadov Alamdar , Barragan-Montero Véronique
Published: November 2024

Background: CI-RM6P has different binding sites with affinities for both M6P and IGF2, plays a role in the regulation of the TGF-β and IGF pathways that is important for controlling cell growth and differentiation. We hypothesize that previously synthesised derivative of M6P could be an alternative candidate for bone tissue regeneration in terms of higher binding affinity, stability in human serum, low cost and temporal delivery. Methods: CH3-M6P is synthesised based on previously described protocol; mesenchymal origin of isolated DPSCs was assessed by flow cytometry and AR staining prior to alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity test, qPCR to evaluate differentiation specific marker expression, immunofluoresence, and SEM/EDS to evaluate organic and inorganic matrix formation; and rat aortic ring model to evaluate angiogenic effect of molecule. Results: CH3-M6P upregulated ALP activity, the expression of the ALP, Col1, RunX2, Mef2C, TGFβ1, TGFβ1R, TGFβ2, and Smad3 genes under osteogenic conditions. The results of immunofluorescence and SEM/EDS studies did not show enhancing effect on matrix formation. As we observed, the induction effect of CH3-M6P on the expression of angiogenic genes such as SMAD3 and TGFβ1R, even under osteogenic conditions, within the scope of research, we checked the angiogenic effect of the molecule and compared it to VEGF, showing that the CH3-M6P is really angiogenic. Conclusions: Our findings provide an important clue for the further exploration of the molecule, which can be necessary to enhance the capability of the commonly used osteomedium, possibly leading to the development of bone-forming drugs and has the potential to be a dual-functioning molecule for bone tissue engineering.
Diagnostic Value of Endotoxin Activity for Acute Postoperative Complications: A Study in Major Abdominal Surgery Patients
Authors: Kim Hye Sung , Lee Gyeo Ra , Kim Eun Young
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Endotoxin, a component of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from bacteria, disrupts the immune system, potentially leading to multiorgan failure. Unlike previous studies, we enrolled patients with mild clinical conditions after major abdominal surgery and assessed the predictive value of endotoxin activity (EA) levels for acute complications which occur within 7 days postoperatively. Also, the differential diagnostic value of EA was assessed in a subgroup of patients with abnormal liver function during the immediate postoperative period. Methods: Patients admitted to the surgical ICU of our institution following elective abdominal surgery were enrolled. Participants were classified into low/high postoperative EA groups based on EA cutoff values for predicting complications. Additionally, participants were categorized based on liver function assessed at ICU admission using total bilirubin (TB) levels. Abnormal liver function was defined as a TB level > 1.2 mg/dL. Results: 86 patients were analyzed. The EA cutoff for postoperative complications was 0.485, with 49 patients (57%) categorized in the low EA group (EA levels < 0.485) and 37 patients (43%) in the high EA group (EA levels ≥ 0.485). The high EA group experienced statistically worse outcomes, including longer ICU stays and higher mortality rates. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that EA levels and SOFA scores were significant predictors of postoperative complications. For patients with elevated TB, the EA cutoff value for postoperative complications was 0.515, which is higher than those obtained for the total patient cohort. Conclusions: EA level is a viable surveillance tool for detecting postoperative complications in the acute period among ICU patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, and must be interpreted carefully considering the patient’s liver function.
Simulated Galactic Cosmic Radiation Exposure-Induced Mammary Tumorigenesis in ApcMin/+ Mice Coincides with Activation of ERα-ERRα-SPP1 Signaling Axis
Authors: Kumar Kamendra , Angdisen Jerry , Ma Jinwenrui , Datta Kamal , Fornace Albert J. , Suman Shubhankar
Published: November 2024

Background: Exposure to galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) is a breast cancer risk factor for female astronauts on deep-space missions. However, the specific signaling mechanisms driving GCR-induced breast cancer have not yet been determined. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the role of the estrogen-induced ERα-ERRα-SPP1 signaling axis in relation to mammary tumorigenesis in female ApcMin/+ mice exposed to simulated GCR (GCRsim) at 100–110 days post-exposure. Results: In GCRsim-exposed mice, we observed marked elevations in serum estradiol, increased ductal overgrowth, ERα activation, and upregulation of ERα target genes with pro-tumorigenic functions in mammary tissues that was coupled with a higher mammary tumorigenesis, relative to control. Additionally, the ERα target gene Esrra, which encodes ERRα, was also upregulated along with its oncogenic target gene Spp1, indicating the activation of the ERα-ERRα-SPP1 axis in mouse mammary tissues after GCRsim exposure. Using a human tissue microarray and human breast cancer gene expression analysis, we also highlighted the conserved nature of the ERα-ERRα-SPP1 signaling in human breast cancer development. Conclusions: We identified the ERα-ERRα-SPP1 signaling axis as a potential key mediator in GCR-induced breast cancer with conserved activation in human breast cancer. These findings suggest that targeting this pathway could serve as a potential target for therapeutic intervention to safeguard female astronauts during and after a prolonged outer space mission.
Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) Dynamics Predict Early Response to Treatment in Metastasized Gastroesophageal Cancer (mGEC) After 2 Weeks of Systemic Treatment
Authors: Tatalovic Stefan , Doleschal Bernhard , Kupferthaler Alexander , Grundner Stephan , Burghofer Jonathan , Webersinke Gerald , Schwendinger Simon , Jukic Emina , Zschocke Johannes , Danhel Lorenz , Kirchweger Antonia , Havranek Lukas , Shalamberidze Demetre , Rezaie Daniel , Biebl Matthias , Rumpold Holger , Kirchweger Patrick
Published: November 2024

mGEC is associated with poor overall survival (OS) of approximately 4–10 months. CtDNA is emerging as a promising prognostic biomarker with high potential for early relapse detection. However, until now, there was little knowledge on serial ctDNA detection and its impact on early treatment evaluation and prognosis in mGEC. Methods: ctDNA detection (ddPCR) was carried out serially in 37 matched tissue (NGS) patients with mGEC prior to systemic treatment initiation and every two weeks thereafter until restaging (n = 173 samples). The results have been correlated with response to treatment (restaging CT), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: The pretherapeutic detection rate was 77.8%. Response to treatment assessment was correct in 54.2% (pretherapeutically pos./neg.) and 85.7% (dynamics at week 4). Moreover, a decline in ctDNA (MAF in %) below 57.1% of the pretherapeutic value after 2 weeks of systemic treatment was accompanied by a sensitivity of 57.1% and a specificity of 90% (AUC = 0.73) for correct restaging assessment (response evaluation by CT after 3 months) evaluating 76.5% of patients correctly after only 2 weeks. In contrast to mere pretherapeutic ctDNA positivity (p = 0.445), a decline in ctDNA dynamics to under 57.1% of its initial value was significantly associated with OS (4.1 (95% Cl 2.1–6.1) vs. 13.6 (95% CI 10.4–16.6) months, p < 0.001) and PFS (3.2 (1.9–4.5) vs. 9.5 (95% CI 5.5–13.5) months, p = 0.001) after two weeks of treatment. Additionally, the change in detectability from positive pretherapeutic levels to negative during treatment was associated with similar survival as for patients who were always regarded as ctDNA-negative (9.5 (95%Cl 0.4–18.5) vs. 9.6 (95%Cl 1.3–17.9)). The absence of becoming undetectable was associated with worse survival (4.7 months). Conclusions: ctDNA is a promising additional biomarker allowing for early evaluation of response to treatment and saving unevaluated treatment time for patients with mGEC, and could allow for an early change in treatment with anticipated prognostic benefit in the future.
Multiple Myeloma Cells with Increased Proteasomal and ER Stress Are Hypersensitive to ATX-101, an Experimental Peptide Drug Targeting PCNA
Authors: Olaisen Camilla , Røst Lisa Marie , Sharma Animesh , Søgaard Caroline Krogh , Khong Tiffany , Berg Sigrid , Jang Mi , Nedal Aina , Spencer Andrew , Bruheim Per , Otterlei Marit
Published: November 2024

Objectives: To examine the regulatory role of PCNA in MM, we have targeted PCNA with the experimental drug ATX-101 in three commercial cell lines (JJN3, RPMI 1660, AMO) and seven in-house patient-derived cell lines with a more primary cell-like phenotype (TK9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16 and 18) and measured the systemic molecular effects. Methods: We have used a multi-omics untargeted approach, measuring the gene expression (transcriptomics), a subproteomics approach measuring mainly signalling proteins and proteins in complex with these (signallomics) and quantitative metabolomics. These results are supplemented with traditional analysis, e.g., viability, Western and ELISA analysis. Results: The sensitivity of the cell lines to ATX-101 varied, including between three cell lines derived from the same patient at different times of disease. A trend towards increased sensitivity to ATX-101 during disease progression was detected. Although with different sensitivities, ATX-101 treatment resulted in numerous changes in signalling and metabolite pools in all cell lines. Transcriptomics and signallomics analysis of the TK cell lines revealed that elevated endogenous expression of ribosomal genes, elevated proteasomal and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and low endogenous levels of NAD+ and NADH were associated with ATX-101 hypersensitivity. ATX-101 treatment further enhanced the ER stress, reduced primary metabolism and reduced the levels of the redox pair GSH/GSSG in sensitive cells. Signallome analysis suggested that eleven proteins (TPD52, TNFRS17/BCMA, LILRB4/ILT3, TSG101, ZNRF2, UPF3B, FADS2, C11orf38/SMAP, CGREF1, GAA, COG4) were activated only in the sensitive MM cell lines (TK13, 14 and 16 and JJN3), and not in nine other cancer cell lines or in primary monocytes. These proteins may therefore be biomarkers of cells with activated proteasomal and ER stress even though the gene expression levels of these proteins were not elevated. Interestingly, carfilzomib-resistant cells were at least as sensitive to ATX-101 as the wild-type cells, suggesting both low cross-resistance between ATX-101 and proteasome inhibitors and elevated proteasomal stress in carfilzomib-resistant cells. Conclusions: Our multi-omics approach revealed a vital role of PCNA in regulation of proteasomal and ER stress in MM.
Parents of Child Psychiatric Patients Report More Adverse Childhood Experiences Compared with Community Samples
Authors: Altpeter Adriana , Dixius Andrea , Möhler Eva
Published: November 2024

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have already been associated, in some studies, with various diverse psychosocial abnormalities in later life. However, it is still unclear whether ACEs reported by biological parents differ from ACE scores in community samples. Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which parents of a patient sample differ from a community sample in terms of reporting childhood experiences. In addition, the connection between parental negative traumatic experiences and their children’s reporting of these experiences should be examined in more detail. Methods: In total, 256 child psychiatric patients (73.8% female and 26.2% male) aged 4–18 years (mean [M] = 13.26 years, standard deviation [SD] = 2.73) were retrospectively examined for post-traumatic stress symptoms (using the CATS questionnaire). In addition, 391 caregivers, 316 of whom were biological parents, completed the ACE questionnaire on adverse childhood experiences. The frequencies of ACEs of the parents, the traumatic experiences of the patients and their cumulative occurrence were evaluated descriptively. Results: A total of 139 (73%) mothers reported at least one negative experience in childhood. In contrast, 65 fathers (52%) reported at least one negative experience in childhood. Mothers most frequently mentioned separation from a parent (38.7%), while fathers cited emotional abuse as the most frequent negative experience. These ACE scores were significantly higher than those reported from community samples. Post-traumatic stress disorder was diagnosed in 75 (29.3%) of the 256 patients. A total of 44.6% of children of mothers and 53.8% of children of fathers reporting at least one ACE showed a CATS score above the cut-off. Conclusions: Parents of child psychiatric patients show higher scores of adverse childhood experiences than a community sample with the same population background. Further empirical studies in parents of child psychiatric patients and a larger sample seem mandatory in the face of these results.
High-Potency Prenatal Cannabis Exposure and Birth Outcome Measures
Authors: Kleinhans Natalia M. , Johnson Allegra J. , Larsen Sarah F. , Berkelhamer Sara K. , Larimer Mary E. , Dager Stephen R.
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Pregnant women have limited information on the impact of prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) alone. Our aim was to determine if PCE, without alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drug use, is associated with altered birth outcome measures in obstetrically low-risk women. Methods: In this observational cohort study, pregnant women were recruited between 2019 and 2022 from communities in Washington and Oregon, USA, and enrolled following their first trimester. PCE eligibility required a minimum of three days/week of cannabis use during the first trimester with no required minimum use thereafter. For all participants, illicit drug, nicotine, or alcohol use was exclusionary throughout pregnancy and monitored via urine toxicology at multiple time points. Cannabis use was quantified into delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) mg/day using product weight and potency. Outcome measures included gestational age, weight, length, head circumference, and Apgar scores. Results: Study participants included 37 people in the PCE cohort and 35 controls. Average cannabis use for the PCE cohort was 198.0 mg of THC (SD = 221.2 mg)/day and 3.5 mg of CBD (SD = 4.3)/day. PCE newborns weighed less (38th vs. 52nd percentile, p = 0.04) and were shorter (40th vs. 55th percentile, p = 0.03) for their gestational age than controls. Female PCE newborns had smaller head circumference for gestational age (28th percentile; SD = 23), compared to male PCE newborns (55th percentile; SD = 32; p = 0.02). Conclusions: PCE is associated with reduced birth weight and shorter length for gestational age. The effect of PCE on brain growth may be sexually dimorphic. Future PCE studies should include sex as a biological variable and longitudinally evaluate long-term developmental and physiological outcomes.
Influence of Health System Affiliation and Pain Manifestation on Advanced Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Latin American Population
Authors: Díaz-Laclaustra Alejandro I. , Álvarez-Martínez Efraín , Ardila Carlos M.
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Oral cavity cancer, a subtype of head and neck cancer, is one of the most common malignancies globally. This study assessed the influence of health system affiliation and pain manifestation on the risk of advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) in a Latin American population. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed medical records from 2015 to 2016, including data from the past 19 years, of 233 patients with OCSCC treated at a public hospital in Medellín, Colombia. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were evaluated, and multivariate regression models incorporated variables significant in bivariate analysis. Results: Among 233 patients, 196 (84.1%) had advanced OCSCC. The sample had a mean age of 63 ± 13 years, 53.6% were male, and 64% came from urban areas with predominantly low socioeconomic levels. Men showed a threefold increased risk of advanced OCSCC (95% CI: 1.3–6.8), while patients referred to pain clinics exhibited a 19.5 times higher risk (95% CI: 2.3–159.5). Patients in the subsidized health system or without health insurance had 2.6 (95% CI: 1.07–6.3) and 2.7 times (95% CI: 1.17–6.4) higher risks, respectively. Conclusions: This study found that male patients, referrals to pain clinics, and subsidized or no health system affiliation significantly increased the risk of advanced OCSCC.
Fracture Resistance and Initial Penetration Time of a Novel Zirconia Crown Design for Simplifying Future Endodontic Treatment: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Mashyakhy Mohammed , Adawi Hafiz Ahmed
Published: November 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the fracture strength of a novel-designed Zirconia crown before and after access opening, and to evaluate the mode of fracture and the time needed for initial penetration through the crown. Methods: This study involved the design and testing of 60 zirconia crowns, divided into three groups (20 crowns each) to compare different structural designs. Group 1 (Control) used a conventional full zirconia crown. Group 2 (Novel Design) featured a zirconia crown with an impermeable ceramic-filled opening. Group 3 (Modified Novel Design) included a zirconia crown with a permeable composite-filled opening. Each crown was designed using CAD/CAM technology with digital and cone beam CT scans to locate the pulp chamber accurately. The crowns were tested in two experiments. Experiment (A): Ten crowns from each group underwent a fracture test. Experiment (B): Ten crowns per group underwent an access cavity penetration followed by a fracture test. Key variables assessed included fracture strength, penetration time, and failure mode for each crown design, both before and after access opening. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Results: The highest value of fracture strength before initial penetration was recorded for zirconia porcelain crowns (760.2 ± 25.2 MPa), while the lowest value was recorded for zirconia composite crowns (652.4 ± 25.9 MPa). The least time for initial penetration was recorded for zirconia composite crowns (2.5 ± 0.8 s). The difference in failure mode among the crowns was significant (p < 0.05) before initial penetration. All zirconia composite crowns showed crown fracture and core cracked, while all full zirconia crowns showed crown fracture only. The difference in failure mode before and after penetration was only significant for zirconia composite crowns. Conclusions: The modified novel-design crown (zirconia composite) could be an excellent choice when placing new prosthesis, since the crown provides easy access and a predictable guide to the root canal system and has good resistance to fracture before and after performing root canal therapy (RCT).
Influence of Explanatory Variable Distributions on the Behavior of the Impurity Measures Used in Classification Tree Learning
Authors: Gajowniczek Krzysztof , Dudziński Marcin
Published: November 2024

The primary objective of our study is to analyze how the nature of explanatory variables influences the values and behavior of impurity measures, including the Shannon, Rényi, Tsallis, Sharma–Mittal, Sharma–Taneja, and Kapur entropies. Our analysis aims to use these measures in the interactive learning of decision trees, particularly in the tie-breaking situations where an expert needs to make a decision. We simulate the values of explanatory variables from various probability distributions in order to consider a wide range of variability and properties. These probability distributions include the normal, Cauchy, uniform, exponential, and two beta distributions. This research assumes that the values of the binary responses are generated from the logistic regression model. All of the six mentioned probability distributions of the explanatory variables are presented in the same graphical format. The first two graphs depict histograms of the explanatory variables values and their corresponding probabilities generated by a particular model. The remaining graphs present distinct impurity measures with different parameters. In order to examine and discuss the behavior of the obtained results, we conduct a sensitivity analysis of the algorithms with regard to the entropy parameter values. We also demonstrate how certain explanatory variables affect the process of interactive tree learning.
Quality Assurance System of Higher Education in Kazakhstan Through Stakeholders’ Eyes: An Empirical Study to Identify Its Challenges
Authors: Mukhatayev Aidos , Omirbayev Serik , Kassenov Khanat , Idiyatova Yuliya
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study is to identify the problems of the quality assurance system of higher education in the Republic of Kazakhstan. To do this, the opinions of the stakeholders (students, teaching staff, employers, administrative, and managerial staff) in the process were screened. The data obtained were compared with the results of independent international ratings and other parameters. For screening, field studies were conducted using a questionnaire for students, teachers, non-academic employees of universities, and employers covering all regions of Kazakhstan in terms of quality assurance components. Based on the constructivist approach, the answers were interpreted to identify the problems of the quality assurance system in the understanding of the study participants. This study revealed that participants rate the quality of the content at a below-average level, the quality of the contingent at an average level, the quality of staff at a lower-than-average level, and the quality of infrastructure at a low level. Comparing the results of the survey and interviewing with the analysis of the results of entrance exams and ratings made it possible to identify the most pressing problems in ensuring the quality of educational programs, contingent, staff, and infrastructure of universities and draw conclusions about its improvement. The obtained results will help to customize the system of quality assurance of higher and postgraduate education, thus contributing to the training of highly competitive specialists for the country’s economy.
Assessing Environmental Dynamics and Angular Influence on PV Soiling: Employing ANFIS to Mitigate Power Losses
Authors: Rashak Zahraa M. , Hassan Kadhim H. , Al-Fartoos Mustafa , Chanchangi Yusuf , Mohammadi Mohammad Hadi , Tahir Asif Ali
Published: November 2024

The performance of solar photovoltaic systems is impacted by dust accumulation, raising maintenance concerns and discouraging wider adoption to accelerate decarbonization pathways. This research investigates the influence of environmental dynamics on dust accumulation based on several locations, considering weather conditions, seasonality, and angular installation variations, over a three-month period. Low-iron glass coupons were employed to collect on-site soiling from four different locations: agricultural, residential, industrial, and desert. The samples collected were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology, X-ray diffraction (XRD) for mineralogy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) for elemental analysis, spectrophotometry for optical properties, and I–V tracing for efficiency analysis. The data were processed using ANFIS techniques to extract the maximum power point (MPP) and reduce the power losses. The results showed significant differences in the dust properties across the sites, influenced by the topography, weather conditions, and human activity. The measurements revealed a decrease in transmittance of up to 17.98%, resulting in power losses of up to 22.66% after three months. The findings highlight the necessity for tailored maintenance strategies to mitigate the impact of human activities and site-specific factors on performance. This could be employed in developing predictive models providing valuable insights for sustaining solar energy systems.
A Study on the Effect of Toroidal Propeller Parameters on Efficiency and Thrust
Authors: Wu Ji , Wang Qingchun , Deasy Hugh , Hang Junyu
Published: November 2024

This paper delves into the effects of a toroidal propeller’s geometrical characteristics on its thrust and efficiency. The focus is on three distinct numerical distributions: the outward inclination angle, the pitch angle, and the number of blades. The Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) method is employed to analyze the propeller’s open-water performance, taking into account cavitation flow, and a test bed was constructed to verify the rationality of CFD simulation. The findings reveal that the toroidal propeller’s efficiency and thrust coefficient initially increase with the outward inclination angle, followed by a decline; the angle of maximum efficiency is identified at 23.25°. A reduction in the pitch angle leads to a temporary rise in efficiency, which subsequently falls, accompanied by a continuous decrease in the thrust coefficient. The optimal selection angle should consider this to prevent negative thrust at lower advance coefficients, which could further impact overall efficiency. An increased number of blades elevates the thrust coefficient and reduces the force on each blade, yet has a minimal effect on efficiency. Additionally, the orthogonal test method was utilized to explore the interactions between these three parameters. The outcomes indicate that, in terms of final power, there is no significant interaction among the three parameters under investigation. However, notable interactions are observed between the pitch angle and the number of blades, the outward inclination angle and the pitch angle, and the outward inclination angle and the number of blades. Consequently, the study’s findings facilitate the selection of parameter combinations that yield higher efficiency or thrust coefficients.
Freeze–Thaw Events Change Soil Greenhouse Gas Fluxes Through Modifying Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling Processes in a Temperate Forest in Northeastern China
Authors: Guo Chuying , Zhang Leiming , Li Shenggong , Chen Yuxin
Published: November 2024

Freeze–thaw events are predicted to be more frequent in temperate forest ecosystems. Whether and how freeze–thaw cycles change soil greenhouse gas fluxes remains elusive. Here, we compared the fluxes of three soil greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, and N2O) across the spring freeze–thaw (SFT) period, the growing season (GS), and the annual (ALL) period in a temperate broad-leaved Korean pine mixed forest in the Changbai Mountains in Jilin Province, Northeastern China from 2019 to 2020. To assess the mechanisms driving the temporal variation of soil fluxes, we measured eleven soil physicochemical factors, including temperature, volumetric water content, electrical conductivity, gravimetric water content, pH, total carbon, total nitrogen, total-carbon-to-total-nitrogen ratio, nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), and dissolved organic carbon, all of which play crucial roles in soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling. Our findings indicate that the soil in this forest functioned as a source of CO2 and N2O and as a sink for CH4, with significant differences in greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes among the SFT, GS, and ALL periods. Our results suggest freeze–thaw events significantly but distinctly impact soil C and N cycling processes compared to normal growing seasons in temperate forests. The soil N2O flux during the SFT (0.65 nmol m−2 s−1) was 4.6 times greater than during the GS (0.14 nmol m−2 s−1), likely due to the decreased NO3− concentrations that affect nitrification and denitrification processes throughout the ALL period, especially at a 5 cm depth. In contrast, soil CO2 and CH4 fluxes during the SFT (0.69 μmol m−2 s−1; −0.61 nmol m−2 s−1) were significantly lower than those during the GS (5.06 μmol m−2 s−1; −2.34 nmol m−2 s−1), which were positively influenced by soil temperature at both 5 cm and 10 cm depths. Soil CO2 fluxes increased with substrate availability, suggesting that the total nitrogen content at 10 cm depth and NH4+ concentration at both depths were significant positive factors. NO3− and NH4+ at both depths exhibited opposing effects on soil CH4 fluxes. Furthermore, the soil volumetric water content suppressed N2O emissions and CH4 oxidation, while the soil gravimetric water content, mainly at a 5 cm depth, was identified as a negative predictor of CO2 fluxes. The soil pH influenced CO2 and N2O emissions by regulating nutrient availability, particularly during the SFT period. These findings collectively contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the factors driving GHG fluxes in temperate forest ecosystems and provide valuable insights for developing strategies to mitigate climate change impacts.
Reuse of Almond Skin to Formulate a New Gluten- and Lactose-Free Bakery Product
Authors: Vuono Lucia Francesca , Sicari Vincenzo , Mincione Antonio , Tundis Rosa , Pino Roberta , Badalamenti Natale , Bruno Maurizio , Sottile Francesco , Piacente Sonia , Settanni Luca , Loizzo Monica Rosa
Published: November 2024

This work aimed to propose the reuse of processing waste from the Sicilian almond (Prunus amygdalus Batsch.) cultivar Tuono for the formulation of a new functional baked product (muffin) that is gluten- and lactose-free. Muffins were prepared using orange juice, rice flour, extra virgin olive oil, and enriched almond skin (3% and 6% w/w). The chemical-physical parameters, total phenols, and flavonoids (TPC and TFC), as well as the biological properties of the ingredients and muffins, were evaluated. Sensory analyses were also conducted. DPPH, ABTS, β-carotene bleaching, and FRAP tests were applied to measure the antioxidant potential. Muffin extracts were also tested against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Muffins enriched with 6% almond skin (M6) showed the highest TPC and TFC with values of 26.96 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and 24.12 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g, respectively. M6 exerted a promising antioxidant activity as an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation, with an IC50 of 15.44 μg/mL at 30 min incubation. Moreover, muffin M6 showed a promising α-glucosidase inhibitory effect (IC50 of 51.82 μg/mL). Based on the obtained results and supported by sensory analysis, muffins enriched with almond skin should be proposed as a promising example of upcycling for the development of a new functional bakery product.
3D Printed Bigel: A Novel Delivery System for Cannabidiol-Rich Hemp Extract
Authors: Gościniak Anna , Kocaj Filip , Stasiłowicz-Krzemień Anna , Szymański Marcin , Karpiński Tomasz M. , Cielecka-Piontek Judyta
Published: November 2024

The therapeutic potential of Cannabis sativa L. extract has gained significant attention due to its diverse medical applications. Sublingual administration remains a common delivery method of cannabinoids; however, challenges often arise due to the inconvenient form of the extract and its taste. To address these issues, a novel bigel formulation was developed, combining water and oil phases to enhance stability and bioavailability. This formulation incorporates a cannabidiol-rich hemp extract, hyaluronic acid for its moisturizing properties, and a taste-masking agent to improve patient compliance and comfort. Using a standardized hemp extract rich in cannabinoids and a well-characterized terpene profile, the printability of the bigels was evaluated through 3D printing technology. A printout with known cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) content of 11.613 mg ± 0.192 of CBD and 4.732 mg ± 0.280 of CBDA in the printout was obtained. In addition, the release profile of CBD and CBDA was evaluated to determine the delivery efficiency of the active ingredient—dissolved active ingredient levels ranged from 74.84% ± 0.50 to 80.87% ± 3.20 for CBD and from 80.84 ± 1.33 to 98.31 ± 1.70 for CBDA depending on the formulation. Rheological studies were conducted to evaluate the viscosity of the bigels under varying temperature conditions, ensuring their stability and usability. Findings suggest that this 3D-printed bigel formulation could significantly enhance the delivery of cannabis extracts, offering a more convenient and effective therapeutic option for patients. This research underscores the importance of innovation in cannabinoid therapies and paves the way for further advancements in personalized medicine.
Chemical Profiling of Essential Oils from Main Culinary Plants—Bay (Laurus nobilis L.) and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) from Montenegro
Authors: Ilić Zoran S. , Stanojević Ljiljana , Milenković Lidija , Šunić Ljubomir , Milenković Aleksandra , Stanojević Jelena , Cvetković Dragan
Published: November 2024

The aim of the research was to determine the yield, chemical composition and free radical-scavenging activity of the essential oils (EOs) in the leaves and fruit of wild-grown bay (Laurus nobilis L.) and rosemary(Rosmarinus officinalis L.)from the Montenegro coast. The bay essential oil (BEO) yield was 0.88% in fruit and 2.65% in the leaves. The rosemary essential oil (REO) yield was 1.30%. BEOs obtained from the leaves and fruit display different compositions. Fifty components were identified in leaf BEO, with 1,8-cineole (39.4%), linalool (13.9%), α-terpinyl acetate (11.2%), sabinene (6.7%) and methyl eugenol (5.7%) being the most abundant ones. Fifty-five components were isolated from fruit BEO, with 1,8-cineole (34.2%), α-pinene (6.6%), sabinene (6.1%) and β-bisabolene (5.8%) being the main components. Twenty-seven components were identified in leaf REO, with the main components being camphor (31.9%), borneol (12.2%), 1,8-cineole (11.3%) and myrcene (10.7%). The BEOs isolated from leaves (EC50 value of 1.43 mg/mL) and fruit (EC50 value of 3.74 mg/mL) showed stronger antioxidant activity than REO (EC50 value of 5.00 mg/mL) during an incubation time of 20 min. The results obtained for the bay and rosemary EOs from Montenegro highlight their potential not only for culinary purposes but also as a source of antioxidants and for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Association Between Chronic Pain and Fatigue Severity with Weather and Air Pollution Among Females with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Authors: Jones Chloe Lisette , Haskin Olivia , Younger Jarred Wayne
Published: November 2024

Weather and air quality conditions have been anecdotally reported to be related to symptom fluctuations in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), but this has never been empirically investigated. This exploratory study aims to examine the effects of weather and air quality on daily fluctuations of chronic pain and fatigue in women with ME/CFS. In an intensive longitudinal design, 58 participants with ME/CFS provided daily pain and fatigue ratings for an average of 61 days. Daily weather and air quality data were obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the US Environmental Protection Agency for the Birmingham, AL area. Linear mixed models revealed a significant relationship between days with more severe pain and worse Air Quality Indices (AQI, p < 0.001), lower wind speeds (p = 0.009), greater particulate matter (p = 0.037), and lower carbon monoxide (p = 0.004), sulfur dioxide (p = 0.003), and ozone levels (p = 0.015). Greater fatigue was associated with more particulates (p = 0.023) and lower barometric pressure (p = 0.048). These results suggest that air quality and weather can have small effects on ME/CFS symptom severity.
An Organizational-Level Workplace Intervention to Improve Medical Doctors’ Sustainable Employability: Study Protocol for a Participatory Action Research Study
Authors: van Duijnhoven Anna , de Vries Juriena D. , Hulst Hanneke E. , van der Doef Margot P.
Published: November 2024

Compromised Sustainable Employability (SE) of medical doctors is a concern for the viability of healthcare and, thus, for society as a whole. This study (preregistration: ISRCTN15232070) will assess the effect of a two-year organizational-level workplace intervention using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach on the primary outcome SE (i.e., burnout complaints, work engagement, and job satisfaction) and secondary outcomes (i.e., turnover intention, occupational self-efficacy, and perceived impact on health/well-being) in medical doctors. It will also examine whether changes in Psychosocial Safety Climate (PSC), job characteristics (i.e., job demands and resources), and perceived impact on the work situation mediate these effects, and which process factors (i.e., degree of actual implementation of changes, information provision, management support, medical doctors’ involvement, and mental models) are important to the intervention’s success. A pre-post design will be used, including 24 groups of medical doctors (approximately N = 650). Data will be collected at four measurement points (a pre-test, two intermediate evaluations, and a post-test) and analyzed using linear mixed-effect models. The results will provide insights into the effectiveness of the intervention in promoting SE and will inform future organizational-level workplace interventions about the mediators and factors in the implementation process that contribute to its effects.