bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Short-Term Impacts of the 2017 Portuguese Wildfires on Human Health and Visibility: A Case Study
Authors: Lopes Diogo , Menezes Isilda Cunha , Reis Johnny , Coelho Sílvia , Almeida Miguel , Viegas Domingos Xavier , Borrego Carlos , Miranda Ana Isabel
Published: September 2024

The frequency of extreme wildfire events (EWEs) is expected to increase due to climate change, leading to higher levels of atmospheric pollutants being released into the air, which could cause significant short-term impacts on human health (both for the population and firefighters) and on visibility. This study aims to gain a better understanding of the effects of EWEs’ smoke on air quality, its short-term impacts on human health, and how it reduces visibility by applying a modelling system to the Portuguese EWEs of October 2017. The Weather Research and Forecasting Model was combined with a semi-empirical fire spread algorithm (WRF-SFIRE) to simulate particulate matter smoke dispersion and assess its impacts based on up-to-date numerical approaches. Hourly simulated particulate matter values were compared to hourly monitored values, and the WRF-SFIRE system demonstrated accuracy consistent with previous studies, with a correlation coefficient ranging from 0.30 to 0.76 and an RMSE varying between 215 µg/m3 and 418 µg/m3. The estimated daily particle concentration levels exceeded the European air quality limit value, indicating a potential strong impact on human health. Health indicators related to exposure to particles were estimated, and their spatial distribution showed that the highest number of hospital admissions (>300) during the EWE, which occurred downwind of the fire perimeters, were due to the combined effect of high smoke pollution levels and population density. Visibility reached its worst level at night, when dispersion conditions were poorest, with the entire central and northern regions registering poor visibility levels (with a visual range of less than 2 km). This study emphasises the use of numerical models to predict, with high spatial and temporal resolutions, the population that may be exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution caused by ongoing wildfires. It offers valuable information to the public, civil protection agencies, and health organisations to assist in lessening the impact of wildfires on society.
Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-Glycemic Characteristics of Aged Lemon Peel Induced by Three Thermal Browning Models: Hot-Air Drying, High Temperature and Humidity, and Steam-Drying Cycle
Authors: Chuang Kai-Chun , Chiang Yi-Chan , Chang Yi-Jou , Lee Yen-Chieh , Chiang Po-Yuan
Published: September 2024

This study evaluated the antioxidant and anti-glycemic properties of black lemon Chenpi (BLC) (Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f. cv. Eureka), processed using three thermal browning models—hot-air drying (HAL), high temperature and humidity, and steam-drying cycle (SCL)—and compared them to fresh lemon peel and commercial Chenpi. The moisture-assisted aging technology (MAAT) is an environmentally friendly process for inducing browning reactions in the lemon peel, enhancing its functional properties. Our results demonstrated significant increases in sucrose, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacities (2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl: 12.86 Trolox/g dry weight; ferric reducing antioxidant power: 14.92 mg Trolox/g dry weight) with the MAAT-HAL model. The MAAT-SCL model significantly improved the browning degree, fructose, total polyphenol content, narirutin, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural synthesis (p < 0.05). Additionally, aged lemon peel exhibited potential α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (28.28%), suggesting its role in blood sugar regulation after meals. The multivariate analysis (principal component and heatmap analyses) indicated that BLC processed using the MAAT-SCL model exhibited similarities to commercial Chenpi, indicating its potential for functional food development. Our results indicate that MAAT-SCL can enhance the economic value of lemon by-products, offering a sustainable and functional alternative to traditional Chenpi.
Functionalized MXene (Ti3C2TX) Loaded with Ag Nanoparticles as a Raman Scattering Substrate for Rapid Furfural Detection in Baijiu
Authors: Chen Jian , Cao Xiaoyu , Liu Wei , Liu Jianghua , Qi Liang , Wei Minmin , Zou Xuan
Published: September 2024

Furfural is an essential compound that contributes to the distinctive flavor of sauce-flavored Baijiu. However, traditional detection methods are hindered by lengthy and complex sample preparation procedures, as well as the need for expensive equipment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new approach that allows rapid detection. In this study, we developed a novel surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate by constructing MXene (Ti3C2TX) @Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) through an electrostatic attraction method. The MXene (Ti3C2TX) @Ag NPs were successfully fabricated, with adsorbed NaCl-treated Ag NPs uniformly absorbed on the surface of MXene (Ti3C2TX), creating high-density distributed SERS “hot spots”. The prepared substrate demonstrated excellent sensitivity, uniformity, repeatability, and long-term stability, with a low detectable concentration of 10−9 M for R6G (Rhodamine 6G) and an enhancement factor of up to 7.08 × 105. When applied for the in situ SERS detection of furfural in Baijiu, the detection limit was as low as 0.5 mg/L. Overall, the proposed method offers rapid, low-cost, and sensitive quantitative analysis, which is significant not only for detecting furfural in Baijiu but also for identifying hazardous substances and distinguishing between authentic and counterfeit Baijiu products.
On Geodesic Triangles in Non-Euclidean Geometry
Authors: Nannicini Antonella , Pertici Donato
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we study centroids, orthocenters, circumcenters, and incenters of geodesic triangles in non-Euclidean geometry, and we discuss the existence of the Euler line in this context. Moreover, we give simple proofs of the existence of a totally geodesic 2-dimensional submanifold containing a given geodesic triangle in the hyperbolic or spherical 3-dimensional geometry.
Multivariate Accelerated Degradation Modeling and Reliability Assessment for Ball Screw Grease Based on Fractional Brownian Motion Process Model
Authors: Chen Chuanhai , Wang Chaoyi , Liu Zhifeng , Guo Jinyan , Cui Peijuan , Zheng Jigui
Published: September 2024

Considering that the degradation of ball screw grease involves fractal characteristics, which exhibit long-term dependency and autocorrelation, a multivariate accelerated degradation modeling and reliability assessment method based on the fractional Brownian motion process model is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a nonlinear accelerated degradation model of grease is established using fractional Brownian motion, considering the heterogeneity of samples as well as the memory effect and long-term dependence in the deterioration process, and realizing parameter estimation. Secondly, a multivariate reliability evaluation model is established by considering multivariate performance indicators in combination with the Frank copula function. Finally, the effectiveness and potential engineering application value of this method are verified through actual degradation data of the grease.
IXPE View of BH XRBs during the First 2.5 Years of the Mission
Authors: Dovčiak Michal , Podgorný Jakub , Svoboda Jiří , Steiner James F. , Kaaret Philip , Krawczynski Henric , Ingram Adam , Kravtsov Vadim , Marra Lorenzo , Muleri Fabio , García Javier A. , Mastroserio Guglielmo , Mikušincová Romana , Ratheesh Ajay , Cavero Nicole Rodriguez
Published: September 2024

Accreting stellar-mass black holes represent unique laboratories for studying matter and radiation under the influence of extreme gravity. They are highly variable sources going through different accretion states, showing various components in their X-ray spectra from the thermal emission of the accretion disc dominating in the soft state to the up-scattered Comptonisation component from an X-ray corona in the hard state. X-ray polarisation measurements are particularly sensitive to the geometry of the X-ray scatterings and can thus constrain the orientation and relative positions of the innermost components of these systems. The IXPE mission has observed about a dozen stellar-mass black holes with masses up to 20 solar masses in X-ray binaries with different orientations and in various accretion states. The low-inclination sources in soft states have shown a low fraction of polarisation. On the other hand, several sources in soft and hard states have revealed X-ray polarisation higher than expected, which poses significant challenges for theoretical interpretation, with 4U 1630–47 being one of the most puzzling sources. IXPE has measured the spin of three black holes via the measurement of their polarisation properties in the soft emission state. In each of the three cases, the new results agree with the constraints from the spectral observations. The polarisation observations of the black hole X-ray transient Swift J1727.8–1613 across its entire outburst has revealed that the soft-state polarisation is much weaker than the hard-state polarisation. Remarkably, the observations furthermore show that the polarisation of the bright hard state and that of the 100 times less luminous dim hard state are identical within the accuracy of the measurement. For sources with a radio jet, the electric field polarisation tends to align with the radio jet, indicating the equatorial geometry of the X-ray corona, e.g., in the case of Cyg X–1. In the unique case of Cyg X–3, where the polarisation is perpendicular to the radio jet, the IXPE observations reveal the presence and geometry of obscuring material hiding this object from our direct view. The polarisation measurements acquired by the IXPE mission during its first 2.5 years have provided unprecedented insights into the geometry and physical processes of accreting stellar-mass black holes, challenging existing theoretical models and offering new avenues for understanding these extreme systems.
Evaluation of Strength Anisotropy in Foliated Metamorphic Rocks: A Review Focused on Microscopic Mechanisms
Authors: Waqas Umer , Qureshi Mohsin Usman , Saqib Shahab , Rashid Hafiz Muhammad Awais , Rasool Ali Murtaza
Published: September 2024

This review paper addresses the recent and past advancements in investigating the anisotropic behavior of foliated metamorphic rock strength subjected to uniaxial or triaxial compression loading, direct or indirect tensile loading, and shear loading. The experimental findings published in the literature show that the strength of foliated rocks is significantly affected by varying the angle β between weak planes and major principal stress. A higher value of strength is reported at β = 0° or 90°; whereas a low strength value is noted at intermediate angles between β = 0° and 90°. The strength anisotropy depends on the degree of schistosity or gneissosity, which is the result of the preferred arrangement of phyllosilicate minerals under differential pressures. The failure of foliated rocks starts at the microscopic scale because of the dislocation slip, plastic kinking, and fracturing in phyllosilicate minerals such as mica. Tensile wing cracks at the tip of the mica propagate parallel to the deviatoric stress. Then, intergranular and intragranular shear-tensile cracks coalesce and lead to rock failure. The weak planes’ orientation controls the mode of failure such that tensile splitting, slip failure, and shear failure across foliations are observed at β = 0°–30°, β = 30°–60°, β = 60°–90° respectively. In the past, several attempts have been made to formulate failure criteria to estimate rock strength using different mathematical and empirical approaches. Over the years, the trend has shifted towards discontinuum modeling to simulate rock failure processes and to solve problems from laboratory to upscaled levels.
Associations between the Number of Children, Depressive Symptoms, and Cognition in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Zhao Yongze , Mai Huaxin , Bian Ying
Published: September 2024

Background: China’s rapidly aging population presents challenges for cognitive health and mental well-being among the older adults. This study examines how the number of children affects cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults and whether depressive symptoms mediate this relationship. Methods: This study analyzed data from waves 1 to 5 (2011–2020) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), involving 5932 participants aged 45 and older. Participants were grouped by the number of children: childless, only child and multiple children. We used Logarithmic Generalized Linear Models (LGLMs) to explore the relationships among the number of children, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function. Indirect effect coefficients and 95% bias-corrected and accelerated confidence intervals (BCaCI) were estimated using Simultaneous Equation Models (SEM) with three-stage least squares (3SLS) and the bootstrap method to assess the mediating effect of depressive symptoms. Results: In middle-aged and older adults, a negative association was observed between the number of children and overall cognitive functioning (all p < 0.01). This association remained significant even after adjusting for covariates in groups with three (β = −0.023, p < 0.05) and four or more children (β = −0.043, p < 0.001). Conversely, the positive association between the number of children and depression also persisted after adjusting for covariates, although it weakened as the number of children increased (all p < 0.01). Depressive symptoms consistently correlated negatively with overall cognitive function (p < 0.001) and partially mediated the relationship between the number of children and cognitive function (pMe = 20.36%, p < 0.05). The proportion of the mediating effect attributed to depression was more pronounced in middle-aged and older adults who had experienced the loss of children (pMe = 24.31%) or had two children (pMe = 25.39%), with stronger mediating effects observed in males (pMe = 48.84%) and urban residents (pMe = 64.58%). Conclusions: The findings indicate that depressive symptoms partially mediate the relationship between the number of children and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults in China. These results highlight the significance of considering mental health factors when studying cognitive function in this demographic. Notably, in families without children and those with two children, depressive symptoms play a crucial role in explaining the decline in cognitive function.
Lithium: An Element with Potential for Biostimulation and Biofortification Approaches in Plants
Authors: Buendía-Valverde María de la Luz , Gómez-Merino Fernando Carlos , Fernández-Pavía Yolanda Leticia , Mateos-Nava Rodrigo Aníbal , Trejo-Téllez Libia Iris
Published: September 2024

Lithium (Li) is the lightest metal in existence. Its effects on higher plants are still under discussion because both positive and toxic results have been reported in different species. In the last decade, the use of Li has increased considerably, and it is projected that Li waste will be an environmental problem in the near future, such that various organisms, including plants, may be altered by its presence. Interestingly, Li can trigger hormesis, with beneficial effects at low doses and inhibitory or harmful effects at high doses. Currently, numerous research groups are focusing their studies on agriculture to obtain crops fortified with Li, which represents a nutritional advantage in food if adequate concentrations are used. However, more studies are still needed in order to understand the biochemical mechanisms of the effects of Li on plants. This review describes the natural and anthropogenic sources of Li, as well as the concentrations of this element in different environments. Regarding the uses of Li in different areas, topics related to doses that cause toxicity and lethality in humans are addressed. Given its impact on crop production, mechanisms of Li uptake and transport in higher plants are reviewed, as well as the effects on plant metabolism and physiology. Likewise, the perspective on the controlled use of Li in biostimulation and biofortification of crops is addressed.
How Protein Ubiquitination Can Influence Cytokine Expression—Updated Review on Autoinflammatory VEXAS Syndrome
Authors: Majer Dominika , Kujawińska Matylda , Limanówka Piotr , Sędek Łukasz
Published: September 2024

VEXAS syndrome is a new disease entity with symptoms that can mimic hematological, rheumatic and dermatological diseases. It is important to take a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, taking into account genetic testing, in which the presence of mutations in the UBA1 gene can confirm the diagnosis. UBA1 mutation has been shown to be involved in the induction of the inflammatory response through many different mechanisms. NF-κB and TNF-α pathways appear to be the most important in VEXAS syndrome. There are many different UBA1 mutations which can result in different outcomes, suggesting it is a possible prognostic factor. Furthermore, mutations differ in how they impair UBA1 function. Cytokines have been shown to be significantly altered in VEXAS patients; however, their exact expression and importance were not clearly defined. Interleukins, such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1, IL-2R and others, were reported to be expressed at an altered level, similarly to other cytokines, such as IFN-γ or TNF-α. It is worth noting that the expression of certain cytokines can vary between patients, which poses therapeutic difficulties in selecting the right drug. Therefore, the aim of this review was to describe the cytokines involved in VEXAS syndrome and associate their expression with UBA1 mutation.
Entomologists in the K-12 Classroom: A Scoping Review
Authors: Brown Christopher B. , White Peter J. T.
Published: September 2024

Engaging the public is a common practice in science disciplines and is deeply rooted in the discipline of entomology. These efforts to engage specific target groups within the general public are well studied, especially extension efforts to engage farmers and agricultural stakeholders, but this is not the case for K-12 educational spaces. Here, we conducted a scoping review to (1) determine the characteristics of entomology outreach efforts engaging K-12 populations and (2) identify opportunities for improvement based on the synthesis of those characteristics. We systematically searched five databases to identify 42 publications relevant to the parameters of this project. Analysis of characteristics indicated that entomology outreach efforts in K-12 classrooms tend to be reflective, are more often published in educationally focused journals, and rarely evaluate the interventions employed. Opportunities for improvement were identified from these trends, and from them we suggest that the practice of K-12 outreach benefits from (i) publishing in entomology-focused journals, (ii) including non-academic authors, (iii) evaluating interventions, (iv) including student data, and (v) considering axes of diversity and inclusion.
Innovative Design of a Continuous Ultrasound Bath for Effective Lignocellulosic Biomass Pretreatment Based on a Theorical Method
Authors: Ramirez Cabrera Paula Andrea , Lozano Pérez Alejandra Sophia , Guerrero Fajardo Carlos Alberto
Published: September 2024

Ultrasonic pretreatment is a crucial step in the bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass, such as peapods, into valuable products. Ultrasonic pretreatment is a highly effective physical method that utilizes ultrasonic waves to enhance various processes. Biomass pretreatment is achieved through physical effects such as acoustic cavitation, which disrupts the biomass structure, and chemical effects like radical formation, which breaks down complex molecules. This article focuses on the characteristics, types, and applications of ultrasonic pretreatment in peapods, with a particular emphasis on its role in lignin removal and ultrasound design. An innovative mechanical design in a CAD application of a continuous ultrasound treatment with a capacity of 5 L and an FEA analysis of the equipment are presented as results, providing insights for the design and optimization of ultrasonic pretreatment processes.
Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated CRISPR-Cas13 Knockdown of Papain-like Protease from SARS-CoV-2 Virus
Authors: Yang Yuehan , Kessler Mara Grace C. , Marchán-Rivadeneira M. Raquel , Zhou Yuxi , Han Yong
Published: September 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by a novel and rapidly mutating coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although several drugs are already in clinical use or under emergency authorization, there is still an urgent need to develop new drugs. Through the mining and analysis of 2776 genomes of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, we identified papain-like protease (PLpro), which is a critical enzyme required for coronavirus to generate a functional replicase complex and manipulate post-translational modifications on host proteins for evasion against host antiviral immune responses, as a conserved molecular target for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapy. We then made an infection model using the NCI-H1299 cell line stably expressing SARS-CoV-2 PLpro protein (NCI-H1299/PLpro). To investigate the effect of targeting and degrading PLpro mRNA, a compact CRISPR-Cas13 system targeting PLpro mRNA was developed and validated, which was then delivered to the aforementioned NCI-H1299/PLpro cells. The results showed that CRISPR-Cas13 mediated mRNA degradation successfully reduced the expression of viral PLpro protein. By combining the power of AAV and CRISPR-Cas13 technologies, we aim to explore the potential of attenuating viral infection by targeted degradation of important viral mRNAs via safe and efficient delivery of AAV carrying the CRISPR-Cas13 system. This study demonstrated a virus-against-virus gene therapy strategy for COVID-19 and provided evidence for the future development of therapies against SARS-CoV-2 and other RNA viral infections.
Antibody-Mediated Nodo- and Paranodopathies
Authors: Quinot Valérie , Rostasy Kevin , Höftberger Romana
Published: September 2024

The recent discovery of pathogenic antibodies targeting cell adhesion molecules of the node of Ranvier has prompted efforts to develop a new classification for a subset of antibody-mediated peripheral neuropathies. These autoimmune nodo- and paranodopathies encompass epitopes such as neurofascin 155, neurofascin 186, contactin-1, and contactin-associated protein 1, with a high likelihood of involving additional yet unidentified proteins. So far, the investigation of this subset of patients was primarily focused on adults, with only rare reports of pediatric cases. Low awareness among pediatricians and insufficient availability of appropriate diagnostic methods in many laboratories may mask a higher pediatric incidence than currently observed. Diagnosis is made by transfected cell-based assays and ELISA to characterize the specific target antigen and antibody subclass that provides insight into the pathophysiology. Clinical features often resemble those of CIDP or GBS in adults, whilst in pediatric patients, although rare, an atypical CIDP phenotype has predominantly been reported. Yet, in contrast to classical immune-mediated neuropathies, the clinical course is usually rapidly progressive, and response to classical first-line therapy often poor. Although electrophysiological signs of demyelination are observed, segmental demyelination and inflammation are not present on pathological examination. Rather, few neuropathological reports demonstrate features of axonal neuropathy without signs of true de- or remyelination. This review aims to summarize recent findings on such nodo- and paranodoneuropathies, shining light on features of these disorders in pediatric patients, a still little-explored field with only a few reports currently present.
Oral Mucositis in Adult Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: Six-Month On-Treatment Follow-Up
Authors: Padure Adriana , Horhat Raluca , Talpos-Niculescu Ioana Cristina , Scheusan Roxana , Anghel Mirella D. , Rusu Laura-Cristina , Lungeanu Diana
Published: September 2024

Objectives. Oral mucositis (OM) is a common adverse reaction associated with chemotherapy. We conducted a six-month longitudinal study to estimate the cumulative incidence of OM during the first six months of chemotherapy in adult patients with cancer other than head and neck cancer. Secondary objectives were as follows: (a) to scrutinize the oral health status of these patients and its evolution during chemotherapy, as assessed by oral health indices; (b) to estimate adherence to prescribed oral hygiene protocol during chemotherapy; and (c) to analyze ulceration-free survival in these patients. Methods. Sixty-four patients participated. Dental health and oral hygiene were assessed at baseline and at the end. Every month, blood tests were performed and oral lesions were recorded. This study was observational, with the only intervention being instruction in the hygiene protocol. The cumulative incidence of OM was estimated with the patient as the unit of analysis. A repeated measures ANOVA was applied to analyze the monthly blood test results. Ulceration-free survival analysis was conducted with adherence to the oral hygiene protocol as a grouping factor, followed by Cox proportional-hazards regression. Results. The six-month cumulative incidence rate was 43.75%, 95%CI (31.58–56.67%) for OM grade 2 or higher. The hazard ratio of ulceration associated with adherence to the hygiene protocol was 0.154, 95%CI (0.049–0.483), adjusted for age, sex, baseline hygiene index, and class of treatment. Conclusions. Compliance with hygiene recommendations would decrease the OM risk by more than six times, compared to non-compliance.
Is Oxytocin Induction at Labor a Risk Factor for Developmental Hip Dysplasia?
Authors: Emral Lütfiye , Taşkın Ersin , Albayrak Aysun , Arslan Memnune , Soylu Demet
Published: September 2024

Background: Developmental hip dysplasia is a common condition with preventable causes, and its etiology is still not fully elucidated. In our study, we aimed to examine the use of synthetic oxytocin during childbirth as a potential risk factor for developmental hip dysplasia. Methods: This study involved comprehensive hip examinations on postnatal days 0, 14, 30, and 60, as well as hip ultrasonography results at 6-8 weeks. We specifically focused on healthy girls born with vaginal deliveries, comparing those who were applied with a low-dose oxytocin induction protocol (Group 2) and those who had vaginal deliveries without induction (Group 1). Results: When the examination findings were compared with the hip ultrasonography findings (Type 2a was detected in the left hip of one patient (6.3%) in Group 1 and in the right hip of two patients (11.8%) in Group 2), it was seen that oxytocin induction did not cause a risk for developmental hip dysplasia. The oxytocin induction rate was higher in newborns weighing more than 3400 g (p = 0.04). Conclusions: A low-dose oxytocin protocol applied at birth has not been shown to harm the hip joint in the neonatal period and on ultrasonographic α and β angle measurements applied at 6-8 weeks. However, our study also highlights the need for new studies investigating oxytocin peripheral receptors and their effects, underscoring the importance of our findings in guiding future research in this area.
The Effect of Corticotomy-Assisted Orthodontic Therapy (CAOT) or Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (PAOO) on Bone Remodeling and the Health of Periodontium: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Kuc Anna Ewa , Kulgawczyk Maria , Sulewska Magdalena Ewa , Kuc Natalia , Kawala Beata , Lis Joanna , Sarul Michał , Kotuła Jacek
Published: September 2024

Background: Orthodontic treatment involves moving teeth within the alveolar ridge. Bone remodeling is associated with the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Procedures such as corticotomy-assisted orthodontic therapy (CAOT) or periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (PAOO) are intended to reduce bone density and negative stress on the grip side and therefore limit bone resorption during orthodontic movement or add bone substitute material so that the tooth does not cross the vestibular plate. Methods: The study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The study design was defined in the PICO format—Population (P): patients with full permanent dentition, both adolescents and adults; Intervention (I): orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances using additional supportive treatments such as CAOT or PAOO; Comparison (C): assessment of the impact of additional treatments during orthodontic treatment on the remodeling of the alveolar bone and the condition of the periodontium; Result (O): statistically significant/non-significant differences in the condition of the alveolar bone before and after orthodontic treatment. Search filters include the time of publication of the article, systematic reviews from the last five years, and publications that appeared in English. The information provided in the abstracts of systematic reviews that describe the effects of additional procedures during orthodontic treatment such as CAOT or PAOO on the health of periodontium was analyzed. Articles unrelated to the subject of the planned study and those in which tooth movement acceleration was analyzed were excluded. Results: Eight articles were selected in which a total number of 835 subjects took part. The changes in bone density and effects on periodontium were different after CAOT and PAOO. Conclusions: The validity of CAOT and PAOO procedures remains controversial. Better results are obtained when combined with tissue augmentation or thickening of the gingival phenotype rather than as stand-alone procedures, as their uses to protect periodontal tissues are limited.
Efficacy of the Sub-Urethral Transobturator KIM System® for Female Urinary Incontinence: Long Term Results
Authors: Lorenzo-Gómez María-Fernanda , Flores-Carvajal Javier-Antonio , Márquez-Sánchez Magaly-Teresa , Márquez-Sánchez Gerardo-Alfonso , Flores-Fraile Javier , Alves-Rodrigues Filipa-María , Miron-Canelo Jose-Antonio , Padilla-Fernández Bárbara Yolanda
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgical treatment has changed since its beginning. Selecting materials that promote constructive tissue remodelling helps to maintain continence after surgery and minimizes complications. To analyze the long-term urinary continence results in women who underwent SUI surgical correction using the transobturator mid-urethral sling KIM system® (Knotless Incontinence Mesh) and analyze the complications associated with this SUI treatment. Materials and Methods: Prospective study of the first 1000 patients undergoing SUI surgery with the Contasure KIM® sling between April 2007 and December 2018. Results and complications were recorded. Group A represented 94.2% of the sample and were the continent patients after surgery (GA = 942), while Group B accounted for incontinent patients after surgery (5.8%) (GB = 58). Results: The mean age at operation was 60 years. Eutocic deliveries (p = 0.0022), high blood pressure (p = 0.0190), anxiety (p = 0.0084), hemorrhoidectomies (p = 0.0016) and hysterectomies (p = 0.0002) were higher in GB. No differences between groups were found regarding body mass index (GA 26.50; GB 26.93) (p = 0.220649), food or drug allergies (p = 0.0.6547), dystocia (p = 0.2365), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.1715), pelvic surgery (p = 0.8842), other surgery (p = 0.8801) or concomitant treatments that would have an impact on bladder function. Correction of SUI was achieved in 94.2% of cases. Continence persisted over time in 97.98% of continent patients at 4-year follow-up and 90.90% of patients at last follow-up. Mesh caused erosion of the urethra in 0.3% of patients and extruded to the vagina in 0.42%. De novo urinary urgency (2.8%), significant chronic pain (3.6%) and urinary tract infections (3.0%) after surgery were lower than complications reported in reviewed publications. Pain was treated with medication, and all patients were pain-free at the one-year follow-up visit. Conclusions: The mid-urethral transobturator sling KIM system® has good initial and long-term results in patients with stress urinary incontinence, with a low recurrence rate and minimal complications.
Predicting Mechanical Properties from Microstructure Images in Fiber-Reinforced Polymers Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Sun Yixuan , Hanhan Imad , Sangid Michael D. , Lin Guang
Published: September 2024

Evaluating the mechanical response of fiber-reinforced composites can be extremely time-consuming and expensive. Machine learning (ML) techniques offer a means for faster predictions via models trained on existing input–output pairs and have exhibited success in composite research. This paper explores a fully convolutional neural network modified from StressNet, which was originally used for linear elastic materials, and extended here for a non-linear finite element (FE) simulation to predict the stress field in 2D slices of segmented tomography images of a fiber-reinforced polymer specimen. The network was trained and evaluated on data generated from the FE simulations of the exact microstructure. The testing results show that the trained network accurately captures the characteristics of the stress distribution, especially on fibers, solely from the segmented microstructure images. The trained model can make predictions within seconds in a single forward pass on an ordinary laptop, given the input microstructure, compared to 92.5 h to run the full FE simulation on a high-performance computing cluster. These results show promise in using ML techniques to conduct fast structural analysis for fiber-reinforced composites and suggest a corollary that the trained model can be used to identify the location of potential damage sites in fiber-reinforced polymers.
A Survey on Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) Techniques for Visualizing Deep Learning Models in Medical Imaging
Authors: Bhati Deepshikha , Neha Fnu , Amiruzzaman Md
Published: September 2024

The combination of medical imaging and deep learning has significantly improved diagnostic and prognostic capabilities in the healthcare domain. Nevertheless, the inherent complexity of deep learning models poses challenges in understanding their decision-making processes. Interpretability and visualization techniques have emerged as crucial tools to unravel the black-box nature of these models, providing insights into their inner workings and enhancing trust in their predictions. This survey paper comprehensively examines various interpretation and visualization techniques applied to deep learning models in medical imaging. The paper reviews methodologies, discusses their applications, and evaluates their effectiveness in enhancing the interpretability, reliability, and clinical relevance of deep learning models in medical image analysis.
Do Confidence Ratings Reactively Modify Children’s Academic Assessment Performance? Negative Answer from a Three-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Zheng Jun , Su Ningxin , Fan Tian , Li Baike , Zhao Wenbo , Hu Xiao , Yang Chunliang , Luo Liang
Published: September 2024

The reactivity effect of metacognitive judgments on first-order task performance has received increased research attention. Previous studies showed that soliciting retrospective confidence ratings (CRs) reactively enhances task performance itself, such as performance in decision making and reasoning tasks, especially for those with high self-confidence. It remains unknown whether CRs can improve students’ academic assessment performance in real educational settings. The current study recruited 795 fourth-grade elementary school children to explore if making CRs reactively affects students’ academic assessment performance in two main subjects (i.e., Chinese Language and Mathematics). The data were collected across six waves with half-year intervals. From Wave 2, children either provided (CR group) or did not provide CRs (no-CR group) when completing standardized academic assessments. The results showed Bayesian evidence supporting the claim that making CRs does not influence children’s academic assessment performance (both the average performance across waves 2–6 and the performance in each wave) in both subjects. Furthermore, children’s self-confidence did not moderate the reactive influence of CRs. The results from multilevel regression analyses re-confirmed the above conclusions. Possible explanations for the absence of the reactivity effect of CRs on children’s academic assessment performance are discussed.
Local Path Planning of Unmanned Surface Vehicles’ Formation Based on Vector Field and Flow Field Traction
Authors: Liu Yiping , Zhang Jianqiang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Zhixiao
Published: September 2024

Formation obstacle avoidance is an essential attribute of the cooperative task in unmanned surface vehicle (USV) formation. In real-world scenarios involving multiple USVs, both formation obstacle avoidance and formation recovery after obstacle avoidance play a critical role in ensuring the success of collaborative missions. In this study, an Interfered Fluid Dynamic System (IFDS) algorithm was used for obstacle avoidance due to its excellent robustness, high computational efficiency and path smoothness. The algorithm can provide good local path planning for USVs. However, the use of the IFDS on USVs still has the defect of local extreme values, which has been effectively modified to obtain an enhanced IFDS (EIFDS). In formation, based on the leader–follower method, the virtual leader was used to determine the desired position of USVs in formation, and the streamlines generated by the EIFDS guided the USVs. In order to make the formation converge to the desired formation better, the vector and scalar of the EIFDS algorithm were uncoupled, and different designs were made to achieve convergence to the desired formation. The interfered residue of the IFDS is not suitable for addressing collision avoidance between USVs in practice. Therefore, the vector field method was employed to tackle the issue, with some enhancements made to optimize its performance. Subsequently, a weighted separation method was applied to combine the vector field and EIFDS, resulting in a composite field solution. Finally, the formation obstacle avoidance strategy based on composite fields was formed. The feasibility of this scheme was verified by simulation, and compared with the single IFDS formation method, the pairwise spacing of USVs behind obstacles could be increased, and the reliability of formation obstacle avoidance was increased.
Pathogenicity and Metabolomic Characterization of Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium poae Challenge in Barley under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Khanal Raja , Hudson Kerin , Foster Adam , Wang Xiben , Brauer Elizabeth K. , Witte Thomas E. , Overy David P.
Published: September 2024

Barley is the third most important cereal crop in terms of production in Canada, and Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the main fungal diseases of barley. FHB is caused by a species complex of Fusaria, of which Fusarium graminearum Schwabe is the main causal species of FHB epidemics in Canada. Field surveys show that two or more Fusarium species often co-exist within the same field or grain sample, and F. poae is reported as another important species in barley. This study aimed to determine the pathogenicity of F. graminearum, F. poae, and a co-inoculation of both species causing FHB in barley. Two susceptible barley cultivars were spray-inoculated at 10 to 14 days after heading. Phenotypic disease severity was rated on a scale of 0–9 at 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after inoculation. There was a significant difference in FHB severity between F. graminearum and F. poae, where infection with F. graminearum produced more severe disease ratings. F. poae generated lower disease ratings and was not statistically different from the control. When heads were co-inoculated with both Fusarium species, the resulting FHB severity was unchanged relative to heads inoculated with F. graminearum only. The ratio of F. graminearum to F. poae genomic DNA was also no different than when heads were inoculated with F. graminearum alone, as quantified with ddPCR using markers specific to each species. The metabolomic analysis of sample extracts showed that F. graminearum-associated metabolites dominated the mycotoxin profile of co-inoculated samples, which corroborated our other findings where F. graminearum appeared to outcompete F. poae in barley. No significant effect on visual FHB disease ratings or fungal DNA detection was observed between the cultivars tested. However, there were some metabolome differences between cultivars in response to the challenge by both F. graminearum and F. poae.
Research on the Evaluation System for Agricultural Land Consolidation and Ecological Restoration Projects Based on Nature-Based Solutions
Authors: Wei Chenbo , Song Yueqi , Liu Longhao , Zheng Huihui , Wang Yishan , Mao Meng , Xu Yan
Published: September 2024

Traditional agricultural land consolidation and ecological restoration measures can address the challenges faced by agricultural land in the short term, but they often overlook the ecological benefits of the land and human well-being. Here, while emphasizing foreseeable project outcomes, we define a conceptual framework of Agricultural Land Consolidation and Ecological Restoration through Nature-based Solutions (ALC&ER-NbS) from three dimensions: ecological sustainability, economic viability, and human well-being, integrating the NbS concept with engineering project evaluation. Our study establishes 8 guidelines and 27 indicators, including scientific restoration, ecological connectivity, biodiversity enrichment, economic feasibility, public participation, benefit coordination, dynamic monitoring, and the promotion of successful cases. This results in an evaluation checklist covering 63 engineering and management details throughout the entire project design life cycle. By using a self-assessment tool for quantifying compatibility, the aim is to quickly verify the project’s degree of adaptation. This study is significant as it introduces a comprehensive evaluation system that not only addresses ecological and economic challenges but also prioritizes human well-being, distinguishing it from previous research. The innovative integration of NbS into agricultural land consolidation ensures sustainable development and offers a new approach for enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Carbon Storage in Rapidly Urbanizing Shenzhen, China: Insights and Predictions
Authors: Wang Chunxiao , Li Mingqian , Wang Xuefei , Deng Mengting , Wu Yulian , Hong Wuyang
Published: September 2024

Rapid urbanization in developing countries leads to significant land-use and land-cover change (LULCC), which contributes to increased carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and the degradation of carbon storage. Studying spatio-temporal changes in carbon storage is crucial for guiding sustainable urban development toward carbon neutrality. This study integrates machine-learning random forest algorithm, CA–Markov, and InVEST models to predict carbon storage distribution in Shenzhen, China, under various scenarios. The findings indicate that, over the past two decades, Shenzhen has experienced significant land-use changes. The transformation from high- to low-carbon-density land uses, particularly the conversion of forestland to construction land, is the primary cause of carbon storage loss. Forestland is mainly influenced by natural factors, such as digital elevation model (DEM) and precipitation, while other land-use and land-cover (LULC) types are predominantly affected by socio-economic and demographic factors. By 2030, carbon storage is projected to vary significantly across different development scenarios, with the greatest decline expected under the natural development scenario (NDS) and the least under the ecological priority scenario (EPS). The RF-CA–Markov model outperforms the traditional CA–Markov model in accurately simulating land use, particularly for small and scattered land-use types. Our conclusions can inform future low-carbon city development and land-use optimization.
Identification of Genetic Associations of IDH2, LDHA, and LDHB Genes with Milk Yield and Compositions in Dairy Cows
Authors: Song Yu , Wang Zhe , Xu Lingna , Han Bo , Sun Dongxiao
Published: September 2024

Previous study revealed that isocitrate dehydrogenase (NADP (+)) 2, mitochondrial (IDH2), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), and lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) genes were significantly differentially expressed in liver tissues of Holstein cows among different lactation periods and associated with lipid and protein metabolism; hence, they were considered as candidates for milk production traits. Herein, the genetic effects of the three genes on milk yield, fat, and protein traits were studied by association analysis using 926 Chinese Holstein cows from 45 sire families. As a result, five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IDH2, one in LDHA, and three in LDHB were identified by re-sequencing, and subsequently, they were genotyped in 926 Chinese Holstein cows by genotyping by target sequencing (GBTS). With the animal model, single-locus association analysis revealed that four SNPs in IDH2 and one SNP in LDHA were significantly associated with milk, fat, and protein yields (p ≤ 0.0491), and three SNPs in LDHB were associated with milk yield, milk fat yield, and fat percentage (p ≤ 0.0285). Further, four IDH2 SNPs were found to form a haplotype block significantly associated with milk yield, fat yield, protein yield, and protein percentage (p ≤ 0.0249). In addition, functional predictions indicated that one SNP in LDHA, g.26304153G>A, may affect transcription factor binding and two SNPs, g.88544541A>G and g.88556310T>C could alter LDHB mRNA secondary structure. In summary, this study profiled the significant genetic effects of IDH2, LDHA, and LDHB on milk yield and composition traits and provided referable genetic markers for genomic selection programs in dairy cattle.
Clinician’s Guide to Epitranscriptomics: An Example of N1-Methyladenosine (m1A) RNA Modification and Cancer
Authors: Kvolik Pavić Ana , Čonkaš Josipa , Mumlek Ivan , Zubčić Vedran , Ozretić Petar
Published: September 2024

Epitranscriptomics is the study of modifications of RNA molecules by small molecular residues, such as the methyl (-CH3) group. These modifications are inheritable and reversible. A specific group of enzymes called “writers” introduces the change to the RNA; “erasers” delete it, while “readers” stimulate a downstream effect. Epitranscriptomic changes are present in every type of organism from single-celled ones to plants and animals and are a key to normal development as well as pathologic processes. Oncology is a fast-paced field, where a better understanding of tumor biology and (epi)genetics is necessary to provide new therapeutic targets and better clinical outcomes. Recently, changes to the epitranscriptome have been shown to be drivers of tumorigenesis, biomarkers, and means of predicting outcomes, as well as potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we aimed to give a concise overview of epitranscriptomics in the context of neoplastic disease with a focus on N1-methyladenosine (m1A) modification, in layman’s terms, to bring closer this omics to clinicians and their future clinical practice.