bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isocorydine Exerts Anticancer Activity by Disrupting the Energy Metabolism and Filamentous Actin Structures of Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Zhou Qiaozhen , Zhang Qianqian , Liao Lingzi , Li Qian , Qu Huidan , Wang Xinyu , Zhou Ying , Zhang Guangzeng , Sun Mingliang , Zhang Kailiang , Zhang Baoping
Published: January 2024

Isocorydine (ICD) exhibits strong antitumor effects on numerous human cell lines. However, the anticancer activity of ICD against oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not been reported. The anticancer activity, migration and invasion ability, and changes in the cytoskeleton morphology and mechanical properties of ICD in OSCC were determined. Changes in the contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP, and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex enzymes Ⅰ–Ⅳ in cancer cells were studied. ICD significantly inhibited the proliferation of oral tongue squamous cells (Cal-27), with an IC50 of 0.61 mM after 24 h of treatment. The invasion, migration, and adhesion of cancer cells were decreased, and cytoskeletal actin was deformed and depolymerized. In comparison to an untreated group, the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex enzymes I-IV were significantly decreased by 50.72%, 27.39%, 77.27%, and 73.89%, respectively. The ROS production increased, the MMP decreased by 43.65%, and the ATP content decreased to 17.1 ± 0.001 (mmol/mL); ultimately, the apoptosis rate of cancer cells increased up to 10.57% after 24 h of action. These findings suggest that ICD exerted an obvious anticancer activity against OSCC and may inhibit Cal-27 proliferation and growth by causing mitochondrial dysfunction and interrupting cellular energy.
Analytical and Numerical Investigation of Two-Dimensional Heat Transfer with Periodic Boundary Conditions
Authors: Bağlan İrem , Aslan Erman
Published: January 2024

A two-dimensional heat diffusion problem with a heat source that is a quasilinear parabolic problem is examined analytically and numerically. Periodic boundary conditions are employed. As the problem is nonlinear, Picard’s successive approximation theorem is utilized. We demonstrate the existence, uniqueness, and constant dependence of the solution on the data using the generalized Fourier method under specific conditions of natural regularity and consistency imposed on the input data. For the numerical solution, an implicit finite difference scheme is used. The results obtained from the analytical and numerical solutions closely match each other.
Artificial Intelligence in the Differential Diagnosis of Cardiomyopathy Phenotypes
Authors: Cau Riccardo , Pisu Francesco , Suri Jasjit S. , Montisci Roberta , Gatti Marco , Mannelli Lorenzo , Gong Xiangyang , Saba Luca
Published: January 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly being applied to the medical field, especially in the cardiovascular domain. AI approaches have demonstrated their applicability in the detection, diagnosis, and management of several cardiovascular diseases, enhancing disease stratification and typing. Cardiomyopathies are a leading cause of heart failure and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Identifying the etiologies is fundamental for the management and diagnostic pathway of these heart muscle diseases, requiring the integration of various data, including personal and family history, clinical examination, electrocardiography, and laboratory investigations, as well as multimodality imaging, making the clinical diagnosis challenging. In this scenario, AI has demonstrated its capability to capture subtle connections from a multitude of multiparametric datasets, enabling the discovery of hidden relationships in data and handling more complex tasks than traditional methods. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of the main concepts related to AI and its subset. Additionally, we review the existing literature on AI-based models in the differential diagnosis of cardiomyopathy phenotypes, and we finally examine the advantages and limitations of these AI approaches.
Firefighting Drone Configuration and Scheduling for Wildfire Based on Loss Estimation and Minimization
Authors: Wu Rong-Yu , Xie Xi-Cheng , Zheng Yu-Jun
Published: January 2024

Drones have been increasingly used in firefighting to improve the response speed and reduce the dangers to human firefighters. However, few studies simultaneously consider fire spread prediction, drone scheduling, and the configuration of supporting staff and supplies. This paper presents a mathematical model that estimates wildfire spread and economic losses simultaneously. The model can also help us to determine the minimum number of firefighting drones in preparation for wildfire in a given wild area. Next, given a limited number of firefighting drones, we propose a method for scheduling the drones in response to wildfire occurrence to minimize the expected loss using metaheuristic optimization. We demonstrate the performance advantages of water wave optimization over a set of other metaheuristic optimization algorithms on 72 test instances simulated on selected suburb areas of Hangzhou, China. Based on the optimization results, we can pre-define a comprehensive plan of scheduling firefighting drone and configuring support staff in response to a set of scenarios of wildfire occurrences, significantly improving the emergency response efficiency and reducing the potential losses.
Deeper Flow Behavior Explanation of Temperature Effects on the Fluid Dynamic inside a Tundish
Authors: Gutiérrez Enif , Garcia-Hernandez Saul , Davila Rodolfo Morales , de Jesus Barreto Jose
Published: January 2024

The continuous casting tundish is non-isothermal due to heat losses and temperature variation from the inlet stream, which generate relevant convection forces. This condition is commonly avoided through qualitative fluid dynamic analysis only. This work searches to establish the conditions for which non-isothermal simulations are mandatory or for which isothermal simulations are enough to accurately describe the fluid dynamics inside the tundish by quantifying the buoyant and inertial forces. The mathematical model, simulated by CFD software, considers the Navier-Stokes equations, the realizable k-ε model for solving the turbulence, and the Lagrangian discrete phase to track the inclusion trajectories. The results show that temperature does not significantly impact the volume fraction percentages or the mean residence time results; nevertheless, bigger velocity magnitudes under non-isothermal conditions than in isothermal conditions and noticeable changes in the fluid dynamics between isothermal and non-isothermal cases in all the zones where buoyancy forces dominate over inertial forces were observed. Because of the results, it is concluded that isothermal simulations can accurately describe the flow behavior in tundishes when the flow control devices control the fluid dynamics, but simulations without control devices or with a weak fluid dynamic dependence on the control devices require non-isothermal simulations.
The Effect of Ionic Strength on the Formation and Stability of Ovalbumin–Xanthan Gum Complex Emulsions
Authors: Gao Yuanxue , He Wen , Zhao Yan , Yao Yao , Chen Shuping , Xu Lilan , Wu Na , Tu Yonggang
Published: January 2024

Protein–polysaccharide complexes have been widely used to stabilize emulsions, but the effect of NaCl on ovalbumin–xanthan gum (OVA-XG) complex emulsions is unclear. Therefore, OVA-XG complex emulsions with different XG concentrations at pH 5.5 were prepared, and the effects of NaCl on them were explored. The results indicated that the NaCl significantly affected the interaction force between OVA-XG complexes. The NaCl improved the adsorption of proteins at the oil–water interface and significantly enhanced emulsion stability, and the droplet size and zeta potential of the emulsion gradually decreased with increasing NaCl concentrations (0–0.08 M). In particular, 0.08 M NaCl was added to the OVA-0.2% XG emulsion, which had a minimum droplet size of 18.3 μm. Additionally, XG as a stabilizer could improve the stability of the emulsions, and the OVA-0.3% XG emulsion also exhibited good stability, even without NaCl. This study further revealed the effects of NaCl on emulsions, which has positive implications for the application of egg white proteins in food processing.
Noncovalent Conjugates of Anthocyanins to Wheat Gluten: Unraveling Their Microstructure and Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Guo Ziqi , Huang Jian , Mei Xin , Sui Yong , Li Shuyi , Zhu Zhenzhou
Published: January 2024

Intake of polyphenol-modified wheat products has the potential to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases. In order to determine the modification effect of polyphenols on wheat gluten protein, the effects of grape skin anthocyanin extract (GSAE, additional amounts of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5%, respectively) on the microstructure and physicochemical properties of gluten protein were investigated. The introduction of GSAE improves the maintenance of the gluten network and increases viscoelasticity, as evidenced by rheological and creep recovery tests. The tensile properties of gluten protein were at their peak when the GSAE level was 0.3%. The addition of 0.5% GSAE may raise the denaturation temperature of gluten protein by 6.48 °C–9.02 °C at different heating temperatures, considerably improving its thermal stability. Furthermore, GSAE enhanced the intermolecular hydrogen bond of gluten protein and promoted the conversion of free sulfhydryl groups to disulfide bonds. Meanwhile, the GSAE treatment may also lead to protein aggregation, and the average pore size of gluten samples decreased significantly and the structure became denser, indicating that GSAE improved the stability of the gluten spatial network. The positive effects of GSAE on gluten protein properties suggest the potential of GSAE as a quality enhancer for wheat products.
Research Progress on the Effect and Mechanism of Tea Products with Different Fermentation Degrees in Regulating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Li Guangneng , Zhang Jianyong , Cui Hongchun , Feng Zhihui , Gao Ying , Wang Yuwan , Chen Jianxin , Xu Yongquan , Niu Debao , Yin Junfeng
Published: January 2024

A popular non-alcoholic beverage worldwide, tea can regulate blood glucose levels, lipid levels, and blood pressure, and may even prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Different tea fermentation levels impact these effects. Tea products with different fermentation degrees containing different functional ingredients can lower post-meal blood glucose levels and may prevent T2DM. There are seven critical factors that shed light on how teas with different fermentation levels affect blood glucose regulation in humans. These factors include the inhibition of digestive enzymes, enhancement of cellular glucose uptake, suppression of gluconeogenesis-related enzymes, reduction in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) activity, modulation of gut flora, and the alleviation of inflammation associated with oxidative stress. Fermented teas can be used to lower post-meal blood glucose levels and can help consumers make more informed tea selections.
Improvements in the Appearance and Nutritional Quality of Tomato Fruits Resulting from Foliar Spraying with Silicon
Authors: Wang Li , Jin Ning , Xie Yandong , Zhu Wen , Yang Ye , Wang Jiaying , Lei Yongzhong , Liu Wenkai , Wang Shuya , Jin Li , Yu Jihua , Lyu Jian
Published: January 2024

Research on silicon (Si), an element considered beneficial for plant growth, has focused on abiotic and biotic stress mitigation. However, the effect of Si on tomato fruit quality under normal growth conditions remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of applying different levels of Si (0 mmol·L−1 [CK], 0.6 mmol·L−1 [T1], 1.2 mmol·L−1 [T2], and 1.8 mmol·L−1 [T3]) in foliar sprays on tomato fruit quality cultivated in substrates, and the most beneficial Si level was found. Compared to CK, exogenous Si treatments had a positive influence on the appearance and nutritional quality of tomato fruits at the mature green, breaker, and red ripening stages. Of these, T2 treatment significantly increased peel firmness and single-fruit weight in tomato fruits. The contents of soluble sugars, soluble solids, soluble proteins, and vitamin C were significantly higher, and the nitrate content was significantly lower in the T2 treatment than in the CK treatment. Cluster analysis showed that T2 produced results that were significantly different from those of the CK, T1, and T3 treatments. During the red ripening stage, the a* values of fruits in the T2 treatment tomato were significantly higher than those in the other three treatments. Moreover, the lycopene and lutein contents of the T2 treatment increased by 12.90% and 17.14%, respectively, compared to CK. T2 treatment significantly upregulated the relative gene expression levels of the phytoene desaturase gene (PDS), the lycopene ε-cyclase gene (LCY-E), and the zeaxanthin cyclooxygenase gene (ZEP) in the carotenoid key genes. The total amino acid content in tomato fruits in the T2 treatment was also significantly higher than that of CK. In summary, foliar spraying of 1.2 mmol·L−1 exogenous Si was effective in improving the appearance and nutritional quality of tomato fruits under normal growth conditions. This study provides new approaches to further elucidate the application of exogenous silicon to improve tomato fruit quality under normal conditions.
An Impact Assessment of Par-Baking and Storage on the Quality of Wheat, Whole Wheat, and Whole Rye Breads
Authors: Verbeke Celeste , Debonne Els , Van Leirsberghe Hannah , Van Bockstaele Filip , Eeckhout Mia
Published: January 2024

Par-baking technology increases the production efficiency of bread. However, the degree of par-baking can vary significantly amongst product types and intended sales markets, leading to substantial differences in the quality attributes of the finished product. The objective of this study was to explore the impact of the degree of par-baking on the technological quality of wheat, whole wheat, and whole rye bread (95, 75, and 50% of full baking time). More specifically, this study focused on the starch pasting behavior of different flour formulations, the crumb core temperature during par-baking, and the influence of the degree of par-baking on the bread characteristics of (composite) wheat bread as a function of storage time. The quality attributes of par-baked bread (0 and 4 days after par-baking) and fully baked bread (0 and 2 days after full baking) were assessed. A reduction in the degree of par-baking from 95 to 50% resulted over time in 19.4% less hardening and 8.6% more cohesiveness for the re-baked wheat breads. Nevertheless, it also negatively impacted springiness (−9.1%) and adhesion (+475%). It is concluded that using the core temperature to define the degree of par-baking is not sufficient for bread loaves intended to be consumed over time, but the results indicate that reducing the degree of par-baking can be beneficial for certain quality aspects of the breads.
Translation, Adaptation, and Validation of the Portuguese Version of the Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale
Authors: Cunha Fátima , Pinto Maria do Rosário , Riesch Susan , Lucas Pedro , Almeida Sofia , Vieira Margarida
Published: January 2024

Assessing a person’s capacity to engage in self-care behaviours is another added value in identifying one’s potential to care for oneself in the health domain that contributes to planning person-centred care. This study aimed to translate, adapt, and validate the Exercise of Self-Care Agency (ESCA) Scale by Kearney and Fleischer, revised by Riesch and Hauck for the Portuguese version, using a sample of 625 elderly people living at home in Portugal. A cross-cultural adaptation process follows the stages of translation, synthesis, back-translation, and consensual solution for the translation process and pretesting. Construct validity was tested using exploratory factor analysis, and factor structure was subjected to confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability was determined by analysing internal consistency, resorting to Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. This resulted in an instrument formed of 29 items, keeping the factor structure conceptually aligned with the underlying theory. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient values were 0.87 for the global scale and varied between 0.65 and 0.84 for the subscales. The final four-factor model showed an acceptable quality of fit. The Portuguese version of the ESCA shows appropriate validity and reliability for use in future research and health contexts.
Assessment of Physicians’ Willingness to Work with Patients Not Yet Diagnosed with COVID-19 in a Romanian Sample
Authors: Rotaru Tudor-Ștefan , Cojocaru Daniela , Cojocaru Ștefan , Alexinschi Ovidiu , Puia Aida , Oprea Liviu
Published: January 2024

Background: The risk to physicians who worked with patients without confirmed COVID-19 testing during the pandemic has been little studied. However, they were at high risk. Methods: In the summer of 2020, 1285 Romanian physicians participated in a single-center study. Participants (mean age = 48.21 years; 302 males and 982 females, all specialties) completed a series of single-item measures adapted from previous studies on work ethics and responsibility. This study used Mann–Whitney comparisons between physicians who reported that they knowingly had direct contact with COVID patients and those who did not regarding their willingness to work. Results: Compared with their colleagues, physicians who reported not knowingly having direct contact with COVID patients reported less access to protective equipment, less overall willingness to respond when asked to work with infected patients, more likely to work out of fear of losing their jobs, and fear of legal repercussions. They received less training in the use of protective equipment. Conclusions: Physicians who worked with patients not yet diagnosed with COVID-19 were significantly less willing to work. The perception of invisible risk may explain the observed differences.
“Who Takes Care of Carers?”: Experiences of Intensive Care Unit Nurses in the Acute Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Castaño-García Marina , Granero-Molina José , Fernández-Férez Alba , Fernández-Medina Isabel María , Ventura-Miranda María Isabel , Jiménez-Lasserrotte María del Mar
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic caused an international health emergency situation where nursing took on a fundamental role. The high number of patients in hospital ICUs led to a shift in nurses’ working conditions and workload. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the experiences of nurses who worked in ICUs during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: A qualitative, descriptive study was carried out, with the participation of 21 nurses who worked in the ICU during the pandemic. Data collection took place between May and July 2021 through 21 in-depth interviews. Results: Three main themes emerged: (1) COVID-19 in ICUs: nurses on the frontline. (2) United against adversity: teamwork. (3) New optics of critical care and the nursing profession. COVID-19 was perceived with harshness, and the lack of knowledge about the virus generated confusion, anxiety and fear due to the risk of transmission to family members and relatives. The pandemic marked a shift in the management of human, material and economic resources. Novice nurses learned critical care at an accelerated pace, with significant physical and psychological strain. Expert nurses carried the burden of training new nurses. Although there were tense situations, experiencing these adverse situations as a team led to feelings of increased belonging, togetherness and professional bonding for nurses. While the participants noted an increase in motivation to continue in their profession, they also had a feeling of not having been cared for as they deserve by healthcare institutions.
An Innovative Co-Cultivation of Microalgae and Actinomycete-Inoculated Lettuce in a Hydroponic Deep-Water Culture System for the Sustainable Development of a Food–Agriculture–Energy Nexus
Authors: Pathom-aree Wasu , Sensupa Sritip , Wichaphian Antira , Sriket Nanthakrit , Kitwetch Benyapa , Pekkoh Jeeraporn , Sattayawat Pachara , Lomakool Sureeporn , Chromkaew Yupa , Srinuanpan Sirasit
Published: January 2024

In recent years, researchers have turned their attention to the co-cultivation of microalgae and plants as a means to enhance the growth of hydroponically cultivated plants while concurrently producing microalgal biomass. However, the techniques used require precise calibration based on plant growth responses and their interactions with the environment and cultivation conditions. This study initially focused on examining the impact of hydroponic nutrient concentrations on the growth of the microalga Chlorella sp. AARL G049. The findings revealed that hydroponic nutrient solutions with electrical conductivities (EC) of 450 µS/cm and 900 µS/cm elicited a positive response in microalgae growth, resulting in high-quality biomass characterized by an elevated lipid content and favorable properties for renewable biodiesel. The biomass also exhibited high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), indicating excellent nutritional indices. The microalgae culture and microalgae-free culture, along with inoculation-free lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia) and lettuce that was inoculated with plant growth actinobacteria, specifically the actinomycete Streptomyces thermocarboxydus S3, were subsequently integrated into a hydroponic deep-water culture system. The results indicated that several growth parameters of lettuce cultivated in treatments incorporating microalgae experienced a reduction of approximately 50% compared to treatments without microalgae, and lowering EC levels in the nutrient solution from 900 µS/cm to 450 µS/cm resulted in a similar approximately 50% reduction in lettuce growth. Nevertheless, the adverse impacts of microalgae and nutrient stress were alleviated through the inoculation with actinomycetes. Even though the co-cultivation system leads to reduced lettuce growth, the system enables the production of high-value microalgal biomass with exceptional biodiesel fuel properties, including superior oxidative stability (>13 h), a commendable cetane number (>62), and a high heating value (>40 MJ/kg). This biomass, with its potential as a renewable biodiesel feedstock, has the capacity to augment the overall profitability of the process. Hence, the co-cultivation of microalgae and actinomycete-inoculated lettuce appears to be a viable approach not only for hydroponic lettuce cultivation but also for the generation of microalgal biomass with potential applications in renewable energy.
Extension of RCC*-9 to Complex and Three-Dimensional Features and Its Reasoning System
Authors: Clementini Eliseo , Cohn Anthony G.
Published: January 2024

RCC*-9 is a mereotopological qualitative spatial calculus for simple lines and regions. RCC*-9 can be easily expressed in other existing models for topological relations and thus can be viewed as a candidate for being a “bridge” model among various approaches. In this paper, we present a revised and extended version of RCC*-9, which can handle non-simple geometric features, such as multipolygons, multipolylines, and multipoints, and 3D features, such as polyhedrons and lower-dimensional features embedded in R3. We also run experiments to compute RCC*-9 relations among very large random datasets of spatial features to demonstrate the JEPD properties of the calculus and also to compute the composition tables for spatial reasoning with the calculus.
Embers of the Past: Early Childhood Traumas Interact with Variation in P2RX7 Gene Implicated in Neuroinflammation on Markers of Current Suicide Risk
Authors: Kristof Zsuliet , Gal Zsofia , Torok Dora , Eszlari Nora , Sutori Sara , Sperlagh Beata , Anderson Ian M. , Deakin Bill , Bagdy Gyorgy , Juhasz Gabriella , Gonda Xenia
Published: January 2024

Both early childhood traumatic experiences and current stress increase the risk of suicidal behaviour, in which immune activation might play a role. Previous research suggests an association between mood disorders and P2RX7 gene encoding P2X7 receptors, which stimulate neuroinflammation. We investigated the effect of P2RX7 variation in interaction with early childhood adversities and traumas and recent stressors on lifetime suicide attempts and current suicide risk markers. Overall, 1644 participants completed questionnaires assessing childhood adversities, recent negative life events, and provided information about previous suicide attempts and current suicide risk-related markers, including thoughts of ending their life, death, and hopelessness. Subjects were genotyped for 681 SNPs in the P2RX7 gene, 335 of which passed quality control and were entered into logistic and linear regression models, followed by a clumping procedure to identify clumps of SNPs with a significant main and interaction effect. We identified two significant clumps with a main effect on current suicidal ideation with top SNPs rs641940 and rs1653613. In interaction with childhood trauma, we identified a clump with top SNP psy_rs11615992 and another clump on hopelessness containing rs78473339 as index SNP. Our results suggest that P2RX7 variation may mediate the effect of early childhood adversities and traumas on later emergence of suicide risk.
Turbulence Measurements Downstream of a Combustor Simulator Designed for Studies on the Combustor–Turbine Interaction
Authors: Notaristefano Andrea , Persico Giacomo , Gaetani Paolo
Published: January 2024

Turbulence intensity impacts the performance of turbine stages and it is an important inlet boundary condition for CFD computations; the knowledge of its value at the turbine inlet is then of paramount importance. In combustor–turbine interaction experimental studies, combustor simulators replace real combustors and allow for the introduction of flow perturbation at the turbine inlet. Therefore, the turbulence intensity of a combustor simulator used in a wide experimental campaign at Politecnico di Milano is characterized using a hot-wire probe in a blow-down wind tunnel, and the results are compared to URANS CFD computations. This combustor simulator can generate a combination of a swirl profile with a steady/unsteady temperature disturbance. In the cold unsteady disturbance case, hot-wire measurements are phase-averaged at the frequency of the injected perturbation. The combustor simulator turbulence intensity is measured at two different axial positions to understand its evolution.
Evaluation of a Push–Pull Strategy for Spotted-Wing Drosophila Management in Highbush Blueberry
Authors: Gale Cody C. , Ferguson Beth , Rodriguez-Saona Cesar , Shields Vonnie D. C. , Zhang Aijun
Published: January 2024

We evaluated a novel push–pull control strategy for protecting highbush blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum, against spotted-wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii. Methyl benzoate (MB) was used as the pushing agent and a previously tested SWD attractive blend of lure-scents was used as the pulling agent. MB dispensers (push) were hung in the canopy and lure-scent dispensers (pull) were hung in yellow jacket traps filled with soapy water around the blueberry bushes. Blueberries were sampled weekly, and any infestation was inspected by examining the breathing tubes of SWD eggs which protrude through the skin of infested fruit. The frequency of infestation, i.e., the proportion of berries infested with at least one egg, and the extent of infestation, i.e., the mean number of eggs in infested berries, were significantly reduced in treatments receiving MB dispensers as a pushing agent when infestation rates were very high. However, the mass trapping devices as a pulling agent did not provide comparable protection on their own and did not produce additive protection when used in combination with the MB dispensers in push–pull trials. We conclude that MB has the potential to be implemented as a spatial repellent/oviposition deterrent to reduce SWD damage in blueberry under field conditions and does not require the SWD attractant as a pulling agent to achieve crop protection.
A Current Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge: Tinea Capitis
Authors: Ion Ana , Popa Liliana Gabriela , Porumb-Andrese Elena , Dorobanțu Alexandra Maria , Tătar Raluca , Giurcăneanu Călin , Orzan Olguța Anca
Published: January 2024

Tinea capitis is a dermatophyte scalp infection with a marked prevalence among the pediatric population. However, in the last few years, its epidemiology has changed due to increasing population migration worldwide. Host-specific and environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of tinea capitis. Clinically, tinea capitis may present as a subtle hair loss accompanied by scalp scaling, alopecia with scaly patches, or alopecia with black dots. A more severe form of tinea capitis is represented by kerion celsi, which clinically presents as a tender plaque covered by pustules and crusts. If left untreated, this dermatophytic infection may resolve with permanent scarring and alopecia. The pathological changes found in tinea capitis are reflected by a spectrum of clinical changes. Zoophilic infections typically prompt an extensive inflammatory reaction, while anthropophilic dermatophytoses often lack inflammation and result in more persistent lesions. Tinea capitis typically requires systemic antifungal therapy. Griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole are the main antifungal agents used. Currently, the duration of antifungal therapy varies based on the clinical presentation and type of dermatophyte involved. Through the reported cases and literature review, we aim to emphasize the importance of the early recognition of atypical variants of tinea capitis in immunocompetent children for the prompt initiation of systemic antifungal therapy, minimizing the need for prolonged treatment. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of regular laboratory testing during systemic antifungal therapy, particularly liver enzyme tests, to prevent adverse events, especially in cases requiring long-term treatment.
Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis with Indirect Femoral Fixation Using an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Suspensory Device
Authors: Bechis Marco , Rosso Federica , Blonna Davide , Rossi Roberto , Bonasia Davide Edoardo
Published: January 2024

Background: The lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) procedure associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can be considered in selected patients to diminish the risk of persistent rotatory instability and achieve a protective effect on the graft. Several techniques have been described in the literature to treat rotatory instability. Usually, a strip of the iliotibial band (ITB) is harvested from its middle while leaving the distal insertion, then passed underneath the lateral collateral ligament and fixed on the lateral aspect of the distal femur with various fixation methods such as staples, screws, anchors or extracortical suspensory devices. Despite their effectiveness, these fixation methods may be associated with complications such as lateral pain, over-constraint and tunnel convergence. Methods: This study presents a detailed surgical description of a new technique to perform an LET during ACL reconstruction with any type of graft fixing the ITB strip with the sutures of the ACL femoral button, comparing its pros and cons in relation to similar techniques found in the literature. Conclusions: This technique represents a reproducible, easy to learn and inexpensive solution to perform a lateral extra-articular tenodesis associated with an ACL reconstruction using the high-resistance sutures of the femoral button.
Influence of the Tube Angle on the Measurement Accuracy of Peri-Implant Bone Defects in Rectangular Intraoral X-ray Imaging
Authors: Rugani Petra , Weingartner Katharina , Jakse Norbert
Published: January 2024

Background: Intraoral radiography in the right-angle technique is the standard procedure to examine the peri-implant bone level in implant follow-up and implant-related studies. For the implementation of the right-angle or parallel technique, mostly ready-made image receptor holders are used. The aim of this experimental study is to analyze changes in the measurement of standardized peri-implant defects caused by a deviation in the position of the image receptor. Methods: Eleven Xive® implants (Dentsply Sirona, Bensheim, Germany) were placed in bovine bone, and peri-implant defects of varying depths were created. The preparations were fixed in a specially made test stand, and intraoral radiographs were taken using the right-angle technique with standard film holders at various horizontal and vertical projection angles. Defect measurement was carried out with the imaging software Sidexis 4 V 4.3 (Dentsply Sirona, Bensheim, Germany). Results: With increasing angular deviation, larger deviations between the measured and the real extent of the defect occurred. Vertical tilting caused significant distortion, while horizontal rotation showed less effect. Conclusion: Intraoral radiography only provides a valid representation of the peri-implant bone level for follow-up or as a tool in implant-related studies if a reproducible projection direction is assured.
Continued Fractions Applied to the One Line Factoring Algorithm for Breaking RSA
Authors: Overmars Anthony , Venkatraman Sitalakshmi
Published: January 2024

The RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman) cryptosystem is an asymmetric public key cryptosystem popular for its use in encryptions and digital signatures. However, the Wiener’s attack on the RSA cryptosystem utilizes continued fractions, which has generated much interest in developing competitive factoring algorithms. A general-purpose integer factorization method first proposed by Lehmer and Powers formed the basis of the well-known Continued Fraction Factorization (CFRAC) method. Recent work on the one line factoring algorithm by Hart and its connection with Lehman’s factoring method have motivated this paper. The emphasis of this paper is to explore the representations of PQ as continued fractions and the suitability of lower ordered convergences as representations of ab. These simpler convergences are then prescribed to Hart’s one line factoring algorithm. As an illustration, we demonstrate the working of our approach with two numbers: one smaller number and another larger number occupying 95 bits. Using our method, the fourth convergence finds the factors as the solution for the smaller number, while the eleventh convergence finds the factors for the larger number. The security of the RSA public key cryptosystem relies on the computational difficulty of factoring large integers. Among the challenges in breaking RSA semi-primes, RSA250, which is an 829-bit semi-prime, continues to hold a research record. In this paper, we apply our method to factorize RSA250 and present the practical implementation of our algorithm. Our approach’s theoretical and experimental findings demonstrate the reduction of the search space and a faster solution to the semi-prime factorization problem, resulting in key contributions and practical implications. We identify further research to extend our approach by exploring limitations and additional considerations such as the difference of squares method, paving the way for further research in this direction.
Oxygen Extraction Efficiency and Tolerance to Hypoxia in Sponges
Authors: Riisgård Hans Ulrik
Published: January 2024

Sponges have always been filter feeders, in contrast to all the other filter-feeding invertebrate groups for which this feeding mode is a secondary adaptation. This study calls attention to this aspect, which explains why sponges are tolerant to hypoxia, but probably not more tolerant than the other filter-feeding invertebrates. The measurement of respiration rates at decreasing oxygen concentrations along with an estimation of the oxygen extraction efficiency in the marine demosponge Halichondria panicea have been used to understand why sponges are tolerant to low oxygen concentrations. It was found that the respiration rate was constant down to about 1.5 mL O2 L−1, which shows that the extraction efficiency increases with a decreasing oxygen concentration. It is argued that the relationship between the filtration rate and oxygen consumption in filter feeders is controlled by the resistance to the diffusion of oxygen across the boundary layer between the feeding current and the tissues of the body. A high tolerance to hypoxia is a consequence of the adaptation to filter feeding, and sponges do not have a special capacity to overcome hypoxic events.
The Metabolic Regulation of Amino Acid Synthesis Counteracts Reactive Nitrogen Stress via Aspergillus nidulans Cross-Pathway Control
Authors: Amahisa Madoka , Tsukagoshi Madoka , Kadooka Chihiro , Masuo Shunsuke , Takeshita Norio , Doi Yuki , Takagi Hiroshi , Takaya Naoki
Published: January 2024

Nitric oxide (NO) is a natural reactive nitrogen species (RNS) that alters proteins, DNA, and lipids and damages biological activities. Although microorganisms respond to and detoxify NO, the regulation of the cellular metabolic mechanisms that cause cells to tolerate RNS toxicity is not completely understood. We found that the proline and arginine auxotrophic proA5 and argB2 mutants of the fungus Aspergillus nidulans require more arginine and proline for normal growth under RNS stress that starves cells by accumulating fewer amino acids. Fungal transcriptomes indicated that RNS stress upregulates the expression of the biosynthetic genes required for global amino acids, including proline and arginine. A mutant of the gene disruptant, cpcA, which encodes the transcriptional regulation of the cross-pathway control of general amino acid synthesis, did not induce these genes, and cells accumulated fewer amino acids under RNS stress. These results indicated a novel function of CpcA in the cellular response to RNS stress, which is mediated through amino acid starvation and induces the transcription of genes for general amino acid synthesis. Since CpcA also controls organic acid biosynthesis, impaired intermediates of such biosynthesis might starve cells of amino acids. These findings revealed the importance of the mechanism regulating amino acid homeostasis for fungal responses to and survival under RNS stress.
Hazards Associated with the Combined Application of Fungicides and Poultry Litter in Agricultural Areas
Authors: Corrêa-Junior Dario , Parente Cláudio Ernesto Taveira , Frases Susana
Published: January 2024

In recent decades, the poultry farming industry has assumed a pivotal role in meeting the global demand for affordable animal proteins. While poultry farming makes a substantial contribution to food security and nutrition, it also presents environmental and public health challenges. The use of poultry litter as fertilizer for agricultural soils raises concerns about the transfer of pathogens and drug-resistant microorganisms from poultry farms to crop production areas. On the other hand, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), fungicides represent the second most used chemical group in agricultural practices. In this context, agricultural soils receive the application of both poultry litter as a fertilizer and fungicides used in agricultural production. This practice can result in fungal contamination of the soil and the development of antifungal resistance. This article explores the necessity of monitoring antifungal resistance, particularly in food production areas with co-application of poultry litter and fungicides. It also highlights the role of fungi in ecosystems, decomposition, and mutualistic plant associations. We call for interdisciplinary research to comprehensively understand fungal resistance to fungicides in the environment. This approach seeks to promote sustainability in the realms of human health, agriculture, and the environment, aligning seamlessly with the One Health concept.
Predicting Short- and Long-Term Functional Outcomes Based on Serum S100B Protein Levels in Patients with Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Jalali Rakesh , Zwiernik Jacek , Rotkiewicz Ewa , Zwiernik Beata , Kern Adam , Bil Jacek , Jalali Anita , Manta Joanna , Romaszko Jerzy
Published: January 2024

Background: Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability. The neuroimaging methods are the gold standard for diagnostics. Biomarkers of cerebral ischemia are considered to be potentially helpful in the determination of the etiology and prognosis of patients with ischemic stroke. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of serum S100B protein levels as a short- and long-term prognostic factor in patients with ischemic stroke. Study design and methods: The study group comprised 65 patients with ischemic stroke. S100B protein levels were measured by immunoenzymatic assay. Short-term functional outcome was determined by the NIHSS score on day 1 and the difference in the NIHSS scores between day 1 and day 9 (delta NIHSS). Long-term outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (MRS) at 3 months after the stroke. At the end of the study, patients were divided into groups based on the NIHSS score on day 9 (0–8 “good” and >8 “poor”), the delta NIHSS (“no improvement” ≤0 and >0 “improvement”), and the MRS (“good” 0–2 and >2 “poor”). Differences in S100B levels between groups were analyzed with the ROC curve to establish the optimal cut-off point for S100B. The odds ratio was calculated to determine the strength of association. Correlations between S100B levels at three time points and these variables were evaluated. Results: We revealed a statistically significant correlation between S100B levels at each measurement point (<24 h, 24–48 H, 48–72 h) and the NIHSS score on day 9 (R Spearman 0.534, 0.631, and 0.517, respectively) and the MRS score after 3 months (R Spearman 0.620, 0.657, and 0.617, respectively). No statistically significant correlation was found between S100B levels and the delta NIHSS. Analysis of the ROC curve confirmed a high sensitivity and specificity for S100B. The calculated AUC for the NIHSS on day 9 were 90.2%, 95.0%, and 82.2%, respectively, and for the MRS, 83.5%, 83.4%, and 84.0%, respectively. After determining the S100B cut-off, the odds ratio for beneficial effect (NIHSS ≤ 8 at day 9 or MRS 0–2 after 3 months) was determined for each sampling point. Conclusion: S100B is a useful marker for predicting short- and long-term functional outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke.
Systematic Review of Current Audiological Treatment Options for Patients with Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS) and Surgical and Audiological Experiences of an Otorhinolaryngologist with TCS
Authors: Marinac Ivana , Trotić Robert , Košec Andro
Published: January 2024

Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) is a rare congenital craniofacial condition that affects approximately one out of fifty thousand births. Different ratios of TCS patients have conductive hearing loss: 88%1 vs. 91.4–100.00%2. For this reason, it was examined which hearing solutions can be used with this condition and how effective they are. A systematic literature review was conducted, which showed that the bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA, OSIA), the bone conduction implant (Bonebridge) or the active implant of the middle ear (Soundbridge) are reliable methods for the treatment of conductive hearing loss in TCS patients. After the implantation of all available hearing solutions, improved hearing and speech comprehension were observed. Additionally, a statement regarding the treatment of TCS and a personalized point of view of a clinical expert with TCS were provided. However, due to the small amount of data, no general recommendations can be given for the treatment of hearing loss in TCS patients; therefore, it is advised to collect more data on hearing solutions for TCS patients in future research.
Exploratory Dividend Optimization with Entropy Regularization
Authors: Hu Sang , Zhou Zihan
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the dividend optimization problem in the entropy regularization framework in the continuous-time reinforcement learning setting. The exploratory HJB is established, and the optimal exploratory dividend policy is a truncated exponential distribution. We show that, for suitable choices of the maximal dividend-paying rate and the temperature parameter, the value function of the exploratory dividend optimization problem can be significantly different from the value function in the classical dividend optimization problem. In particular, the value function of the exploratory dividend optimization problem can be classified into three cases based on its monotonicity. Additionally, numerical examples are presented to show the effect of the temperature parameter on the solution. Our results suggest that insurance companies can adopt new exploratory dividend payout strategies in unknown market environments.
Does Density Foster Shorter Public Transport Networks? A Network Expansion Simulation Approach
Authors: Jacobs-Crisioni Chris , Dijkstra Lewis , Kučas Andrius
Published: January 2024

One argument for containing urban densities is that cities need a critical population density to sustain sufficiently available public transportation. However, the question of whether denser cities foster shorter public transport networks empirically is problematic because real-world transport nets are a product of many additional factors presumably not related to urban form. This paper adopts a network expansion simulation approach to generate and analyze counterfactual data on network lengths for 36 world cities, in which all networks are generated with similar expansion restrictions and objectives. Denser cities are found to have shorter simulated public transport networks, regardless of the tested model parameters. This provides additional proof that densities are needed to facilitate the provision of proximate public transport infrastructure, with potentially self-reinforcing effects.
Unveiling Heavy Metal Links: Correlating Dust and Topsoil Contamination in Vilnius Schools
Authors: Unsal Murat Huseyin , Ignatavičius Gytautas , Valskys Vaidotas
Published: January 2024

This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the presence of heavy metals, specifically zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As), in dust samples collected from 24 schools in Vilnius during the year 2022. It compares these findings with topsoil data from prior investigations spanning from 2011 to 2023, obtained from the areas near the schools as well as multiple spots across Vilnius. The study reveals significant variations in the levels of heavy metals, providing a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between urban sources of pollution, environmental processes, and the correlation between soil and indoor dust pollution. An important aspect of this work is the application of principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering on the datasets from 2017 and 2020, which unveiled separate clusters from both dust and soil samples. Three major clusters were identified, highlighting the dynamic character of heavy metal distribution in these environments. Pearson’s correlation analysis provided additional evidence, demonstrating significant relationships between specific heavy metals in both dust and soil samples, emphasizing the interlinked nature of these environments. Zinc (Zn) and Lead (Pb) were determined to be the most commonly found heavy metals in the dust samples, which could potentially pose a health hazard in educational environments. This study distinguishes itself by examining indoor dust in educational facilities and topsoil in Vilnius, providing crucial insights into the relationship between these two environmental matrices. Recognizing the geographical limitations of this study, further research could be expanded to other cities to validate and compare these findings.