bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishing universal sectioning depth and angle for surgical coronectomy of impacted mandibular third molars: an imaging-based study
Authors: Gaballah Kamis , Shetty Shishir Ram , Kamath Vinayak , Talaat Wael , Renton Tara
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Coronectomy is a safer option than extraction for third molars with an increased risk of injury to the inferior alveolar nerve. However, it can still cause complications due to a lack of standardized and effective tooth sectioning techniques. We proposed a standardized protocol for third molar coronectomy involving standardized tooth sectioning parameters to minimize potential complications, surgical failure, and the need for further procedures.

Methods

The study was conducted on 69 eligible archived CBCTs. The coronal sections of the mandibular at the anterior-most level of the lower third molar were used to determine various axes and reference points. This was done to establish the target angle and depth for the coronectomy sectioning. The data on the depth and angle of the sectioning was presented in means and standard deviation. A multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine the impact of study variables on drill depth and angle. Linear regression and correlation between study variables were also used to predict the drill depth and angle.

Results

The samples included 46 males and 23 females aged from 21 to 47 years. The mean drill angle was determined as 25.01 ± 3.28. The mean drill depth was 9.60 ± 9.90 mm. The bucco-lingual tilt had a significant effect on the drill depth, F(1, 62) = 5.15, p < 0.05, but no significant impact on the drill angle, F(1, 62) = 29.62, p > 0.05. The study results suggest that a standardized sectioning protocol can be effective during surgical coronectomy procedures.

Discussion

Drilling at a 25-degree angle to a depth of 9.5 mm is advisable to obtain the desired results. This approach will ensure no remaining enamel is left, minimize the chances of root extrusion and future eruption, and improve the outcome.
Escherichia coli Reporter Strains Allow for the In Vivo Evaluation of Recombinant Elongation Factor Protein (EF-P)
Authors: Trachtmann Natalia , Bikmullin Aydar , Validov Shamil , Sprenger Georg A.
Published: September 2024

Background: Elongation factor protein (EF-P) in bacteria helps ribosomes to incorporate contiguous proline residues (xPro) into proteins. In this way, EF-P rescues ribosomes from stalling at these xPro motifs. Whereas EF-P deficiency is lethal for some species, others show reduced virulence or generally lower growth rates, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli). EF-P needs to be post-translationally modified to gain full functionality. Methods: We constructed E. coli K-12 mutant strains with deletion of the serA gene leading to an auxotrophy for L-serine. Then, we engineered a 6xPro motif in the recombinant serA gene, which was then chromosomally inserted under its native promoter. Furthermore, mutant strains which were deleted for efp and/or epmA (encoding the EF-P modification protein EpmA) were engineered. Results: Δefp, ΔepmA, and Δefp/ΔepmA double mutants showed already significantly reduced growth rates in minimal media. ΔserA derivatives of these strains were complemented by the wt serA gene but not by 6xPro-serA. ΔserA mutants with intact efp were complemented by all serA-constructs. Chromosomal expression of the recombinant efp gene from E. coli or from the pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), restored growth, even without epmA expression. Conclusions: We provide a novel synthetic reporter system for in vivo evaluation of EF-P deficiency. In addition, we demonstrated that both EF-P-E. coli and EF-P-S. aureus restored the growth of a 6xPro-serA: Δefp, ΔepmA strain, which is evidence that modification of EF-P might be dispensable for rescuing of ribosomes stalled during translation of proline repeats.
Spatial Memory of Notable Hurricane Tracks and Their Geophysical Hazards
Authors: Brothers Kimberly , Senkbeil Jason C.
Published: September 2024

Previous research has shown that people use a benchmark hurricane as part of their preparation and evacuation decision-making process. While hurricanes are a common occurrence along the Gulf Coast, research on personal memories of past storms is lacking. Particularly, how well do people remember the track and geophysical hazards (wind speed, storm surge, and total rainfall) of past storms? The accurate or inaccurate recollection and perception of previous storm details can influence personal responses to future storms, such as the decision to evacuate or take other life-saving actions. Survey responses of residents in Alabama and Mississippi were studied to determine if people were accurately able to recall a notable storm’s name when seeing an image of the storm’s track. Those who were able to identify the storm by its track were also asked if they could remember the storm’s maximum reported rainfall, maximum sustained winds, and storm surge at landfall. Results showed that there were statistically significant differences between the levels of accurate recall for different storms, with Hurricanes Katrina and Michael having the most correct responses. Regardless of the storm, most people struggled to remember geophysical hazards. The results of this study are important as they can inform broadcast meteorologists and emergency managers on forecast elements of the storm to better emphasize in future communication in comparison to the actual values from historical benchmark storms.
Unveiling Novel Insights in Helminth Proteomics: Advancements, Applications, and Implications for Parasitology and Beyond
Authors: Soleymani Nooshinmehr , Sadr Soheil , Santucciu Cinzia , Dianaty Shiva , Lotfalizadeh Narges , Hajjafari Ashkan , Heshmati Fatemeh , Borji Hassan
Published: September 2024

Helminths have developed intricate mechanisms to survive and evade the host’s immune responses. Hence, understanding the excretory-secretory products (ESPs) by helminths is crucial for developing control tools, including drug targets, vaccines, and potential therapies for inflammatory and metabolic disorders caused by them. Proteomics, the large-scale analysis of proteins, offers a powerful approach to unravel the complex proteomes of helminths and gain insights into their biology. Proteomics, as a science that delves into the functions of proteins, has the potential to revolutionize clinical therapies against parasitic infections that have developed anthelminthic resistance. Proteomic technologies lay a framework for accompanying genomic, reverse genetics, and pharmacokinetic approaches to provide more profound or broader coverage of the cellular mechanisms that underlie the response to anthelmintics. With the development of vaccines against helminth infections, proteomics has brought a major change to parasitology. The proteome of helminths can be analyzed comprehensively, revealing the complex network of proteins that enable parasite survival and pathogenicity. Furthermore, it reveals how parasites interact with hosts’ immune systems. The current article reviews the latest advancements in helminth proteomics and highlights their valuable contributions to the search for anthelminthic vaccines.
Characterization of Novel SARM1 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Chen Jiayu , Li Hao
Published: September 2024

Background: Sterile α and Toll/IL-1 receptor motif-containing 1 (SARM1) is a central regulator of programmed axon death and a crucial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) hydrolase (NADase) in mammalian tissues, hydrolyzing NAD+ and playing an important role in cellular NAD+ recycling. Abnormal SARM1 expression is linked to axon degeneration, which causes disability and disease progression in many neurodegenerative disorders of the peripheral and central nervous systems. Methods: In this study, we use PC6 assay of hydrolase activity, DRG axon regeneration and CIPN model to screen for potent SARM1 Inhibitors. Results: Two novel SARM1 inhibitors (compound 174 and 331P1) are charcterized for its high potency for SARM1 NADase. In a chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) myopathy model, compound 331P1 treatment prevented the decline in neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels caused by axonal injury in a dose-dependent manner, associated with elevated intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) intensity in mouse foot paw tissue, suggesting its functionality in reversing axon degeneration. Conclusions: The newly designed SARM1 inhibitor 331P1 is a promising candidate due to its excellent in vivo efficacy, favorable CYP inhibition properties, and attractive safety profiles. The 331P1 compound possesses the potential to be developed as a novel neuroprotective therapy that can prevent or halt the neurodegenerative process in CIPN.
Epoxy Coating as a Novel Method to Prevent Avian Electrocutions and Electrical Faults on Distribution Pylons with Grounded Steel Crossarms
Authors: Kolnegari Mahmood , Basiri Ali Akbar , Hazrati Mandana , Gaunin Anaïs , Dwyer James F.
Published: September 2024

Electrical faults caused by power escaping electric systems can lead to power outages, equipment damage, and fires. Faults sometimes occur when birds perched on power structures are electrocuted. Distribution power lines supported by concrete and steel pylons are particularly fault-prone because small separations between conductors and grounded components allow even small birds to inadvertently create faults while being electrocuted. Most conservation solutions focus on covering energized wires and components to prevent contact by birds and, although usually effective when installed correctly, covers can sometimes be dislodged thus becoming ineffective. Glass Flake Epoxy (GFE) is a non-conductive thermoset plastic that can adhere to steel crossarms and not be dislodged. We hypothesized that GFE-coated crossarms might reduce faults (proxies for avian electrocutions), and we conducted laboratory and field trials to evaluate that hypothesis. In the laboratory, we found a 2000 micrometer (μm)-thick layer of GFE coating that created a dielectric strength of 12.30 ± 0.21 kV, which was sufficient to prevent the formation of a phase-to-ground fault on up to 20 kV distribution lines. This should allow birds to perch on metal crossarms without being electrocuted. In field trials, we substituted 24% of a 20 kV distribution pylon’s crossarms with GFE-treated crossarms and found that doing so correlated with a 28% decrease in faults. Although we did not measure avian electrocutions directly, our findings suggest GFE coatings may offer a novel method of reducing avian electrocutions on power lines.
An Urban Renewal Design Method Based on Carbon Emissions and Carbon Sink Calculations: A Case Study on an Environmental Improvement Project in the Suzhou Industrial Investment Science and Technology Park
Authors: Zhang Liang , Cai Yuqiu , Song Sudan , Sun Leilei
Published: September 2024

In the process of urban renewal, the high carbon emissions caused by pollution from construction waste and the consumption of materials and energy via “demolition and construction” present significant problems. Calculating carbon emissions and sinks is a prerequisite to carving out a low-carbon path via urban renewal. In this paper, we take an environmental improvement project in the Suzhou Industrial Investment Science and Technology Park as an example. Under the framework of the entire life cycle, we define the “renewal phase”, which includes “demolition” and “construction”, as the calculation boundary, and use the emission coefficient method as the primary calculation approach to assess carbon emissions and sinks. We construct a design-oriented carbon revenue and expenditure estimation system based on the BIM model. After its application in empirical cases, the results show the following: ① The building carbon emissions of Scheme A are 342 t higher than those of Scheme B, due to the fact that the “demolition and construction” works in the former increased by 6000 m2 compared to the latter. ② The landscape carbon emissions of Scheme B are 269 t higher than those of Scheme A, due to the addition of a 2500 m2 reinforced concrete overhead walking platform. ③ The annual carbon sink of Scheme A is six times higher than that of Scheme B, due to the fact that the number of trees and shrubs in the former is five-to-six times greater than in the latter. The number of trees planted plays a decisive role in enhancing the carbon sink benefit. ④ In the year during which the renewal project was implemented, the difference in carbon emissions between Scheme A and Scheme B was 72.9 t. By the 16th year, the difference in carbon emissions between the two schemes approached zero, and the carbon reduction advantages of Scheme A became more pronounced over the entire life cycle thereafter. Finally, this article summarizes four low-carbon design strategies for industrial park renewal projects: rational construction and demolition, three-dimensional parking, low-carbon materials, and plant carbon sequestration. In the context of inventory renewal, this article makes a significant contribution in terms of carbon footprint control and the “dual-carbon” goal.
The Neuroanatomy of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: In Vitro Models of Subcortical Nuclei in Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Galgani Alessandro , Scotto Marco , Giorgi Filippo S.
Published: September 2024

Neuromodulatory subcortical systems (NSSs) are monoaminergic and cholinergic neuronal groups that are markedly and precociously involved in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. In humans, although many tools have been developed to infer information on these nuclei, encompassing neuroimaging and neurophysiological methods, a detailed and specific direct evaluation of their cellular features in vivo has been difficult to obtain until recent years. The development of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models has allowed research to deeply delve into the cellular and molecular biology of NSS neurons. In fact, iPSCs can be produced easily and non-invasively from patients’ fibroblasts or circulating blood monocytes, by de-differentiating those cells using specific protocols, and then be re-differentiated towards neural phenotypes, which may reproduce the specific features of the correspondent brain neurons (including NSS ones) from the same patient. In this review, we summarized findings obtained in the field of NDDs using iPSCs, with the aim to understand how reliably these might represent in vitro models of NSS. We found that most of the current literature in the field of iPSCs and NSSs in NDDs has focused on midbrain dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease, providing interesting results on cellular pathophysiology and even leading to the first human autologous transplantation. Differentiation protocols for noradrenergic, cholinergic, and serotoninergic neurons have also been recently defined and published. Thus, it might be expected that in the near future, this approach could extend to other NSSs and other NDDs.
Biochemical Pathways Delivering Distinct Glycosphingolipid Patterns in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Markotić Anita , Omerović Jasminka , Marijan Sandra , Režić-Mužinić Nikolina , Čikeš Čulić Vedrana
Published: September 2024

The complex structure of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) supports their important role in cell function as modulators of growth factor receptors and glutamine transporters in plasma membranes. The aberrant composition of clustered GSLs within signaling platforms, so-called lipid rafts, inevitably leads to tumorigenesis due to disturbed growth factor signal transduction and excessive uptake of glutamine and other molecules needed for increased energy and structural molecule cell supply. GSLs are also involved in plasma membrane processes such as cell adhesion, and their transition converts cells from epithelial to mesenchymal with features required for cell migration and metastasis. Glutamine activates the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), resulting in nucleotide synthesis and proliferation. In addition, glutamine contributes to the cancer stem cell GD2 ganglioside-positive phenotype in the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Thieno[2,3-b]pyridine derivative possesses higher cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 than against MCF-7 cells and induces a shift to aerobic metabolism and a decrease in S(6)nLc4Cer GSL-positive cancer stem cells in the MDA-MB-231 cell line. In this review, we discuss findings in MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and other breast cancer cell lines concerning their differences in growth factor receptors and recent knowledge of the main biochemical pathways delivering distinct glycosphingolipid patterns during tumorigenesis and therapy.
Gene Expression Regulation and the Signal Transduction of Programmed Cell Death
Authors: Saqirile  , Deng Yuxin , Li Kexin , Yan Wenxin , Li Ke , Wang Changshan
Published: September 2024

Cell death is of great significance in maintaining tissue homeostasis and bodily functions. With considerable research coming to the fore, it has been found that programmed cell death presents in multiple modalities in the body, which is not only limited to apoptosis, but also can be divided into autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, mitotic catastrophe, entosis, netosis, and other ways. Different forms of programmed cell death have disparate or analogous characteristics with each other, and their occurrence is accompanied by multiple signal transduction and the role of a myriad of regulatory factors. In recent years, scholars across the world have carried out considerable in-depth research on programmed cell death, and new forms of cell death are being discovered continually. Concomitantly, the mechanisms of intricate signaling pathways and regulators have been discovered. More critically, cancer cells tend to choose distinct ways to evade cell death, and different tumors adapt to different manners of death. Therefore, targeting the cell death network has been regarded as an effective tumor treatment strategy for a long time. The objective of our paper is to review the signaling pathways and gene regulation in several typical types of programmed cell death and their correlation with cancer.
Research Progress on Photoperiod Gene Regulation of Heading Date in Rice
Authors: Song Jian , Tang Liqun , Cui Yongtao , Fan Honghuan , Zhen Xueqiang , Wang Jianjun
Published: September 2024

Heading date is a critical physiological process in rice that is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The photoperiodic pathway is a primary regulatory mechanism for rice heading, with key florigen genes Hd3a (Heading date 3a) and RFT1 (RICE FLOWERING LOCUS T1) playing central roles. Upstream regulatory pathways, including Hd1 and Ehd1, also significantly impact this process. This review aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the localization, cloning, and functional roles of photoperiodic pathway-related genes in rice, and to explore the interactions among these genes as well as their pleiotropic effects on heading date. We systematically review recent advancements in the identification and functional analysis of genes involved in the photoperiodic pathway. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying rice heading date variation and highlight the intricate interactions between key regulatory genes. Significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms of heading date regulation through the cloning and functional analysis of photoperiod-regulating genes. However, the regulation of heading date remains complex, and many underlying mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. This review consolidates current knowledge on the photoperiodic regulation of heading date in rice, emphasizing novel findings and gaps in the research. It highlights the need for further exploration of the interactions among flowering-related genes and their response to environmental signals. Despite advances, the full regulatory network of heading date remains unclear. Further research is needed to elucidate the intricate gene interactions, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, and the role of epigenetic factors such as histone methylation in flowering time regulation. This review provides a detailed overview of the current understanding of photoperiodic pathway genes in rice, setting the stage for future research to address existing gaps and improve our knowledge of rice flowering regulation.
Analysis of Beyfortus® (Nirsevimab) Immunization Campaign: Effectiveness, Biases, and ADE Risks in RSV Prevention
Authors: Banoun Hélène
Published: September 2024

Respiratory infections with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) account for an important part of hospital admissions for acute respiratory infections. Nirsevimab has been developed to reduce the hospital burden of RSV infections. Compared with the product previously used, it has a stronger binding capacity to RSV F protein and a high affinity for FcRn (neonatal receptor for the Fc fragment of IgG), which extends its lifespan. Nirsevimab has been shown to be highly effective in reducing hospitalization rates of RSV infections but a large or unknown number of treated subjects have been excluded in clinical and post-marketing studies. However, analysis of these studies cannot exclude that, in rare cases, nirsevimab facilitates and worsens RSV infection (or other respiratory infections). This could be attributable to antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) which has been observed with RSV F protein antibodies in inactivated vaccine trials. This risk has been incompletely assessed in pre-clinical and clinical trials (incomplete exploration of nirsevimab effector functions and pharmacokinetics). ADE by disruption of the immune system (not studied and due to FcRn binding) could explain why there is no reduction in all-cause hospital admissions in treated age groups. Given the high price of nirsevimab, the cost-effectiveness of mass immunization campaigns may therefore be debated from an economic as well as a scientific point of view.
A Methodology to Optimize PMSM Driven Solar Water Pumps Using a Hybrid MPPT Approach in Partially Shaded Conditions
Authors: Shetty Divya , Sabhahit Jayalakshmi N. , Kudva Ganesh
Published: September 2024

Solar water pumps are crucial for farmers, significantly reducing energy costs and providing independence from conventional fuels. Their adoption is further incentivized by government subsidies, making them a practical choice that aligns with sustainable agricultural practices. However, the cost of the required solar panels for the chosen power makes it essential to optimize solar water pumping systems (SWPS) for economic viability. This study enhances the efficiency and reliability of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM)-driven SWPS in rural areas using hybrid maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms and voltage-to-frequency (V/f) control strategy. It investigates the sensorless scalar control method for PMSM-based water pumps and evaluates various MPPT algorithms, including grey wolf optimization (GWO), particle swarm optimization (PSO), perturb and observe (PO), and incremental conductance (INC), along with hybrid combinations. The study, conducted using MATLAB Simulink, assesses these algorithms on convergence time, MPPT accuracy, torque ripple, and system efficiency under different partial shading conditions. Findings reveal that INC-GWO excels, providing higher accuracy, faster convergence, and reduced steady-state oscillations, thus boosting system efficiency. The V/f control strategy simplifies control mechanisms and enhances performance. Considering system non-idealities and maximum duty cycle limitations, PMSM-based SWPS achieve superior efficiency and stability, making them viable for off-grid water pumping applications.
The Influence of Pyrolysis Temperature and Feedstocks on the Characteristics of Biochar-Derived Dissolved Organic Matter: A Systematic Assessment
Authors: Li Yaru , Chen Weipeng , Fang Shu , Xu Zhihua , Weng Haifeng , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: September 2024

Biochar is a carbon-rich product obtained by pyrolyzing biomass under oxygen-limited conditions and has a wide range of potential for environmental applications. In particular, dissolved organic matter (DOM) released from biochar has an important impact on the fate of pollutants. The study aimed to systematically assess how varying pyrolysis temperatures and biomass feedstocks influence the characteristics of biochar-derived DOM. DOM samples were comprehensively characterized utilizing UV-vis spectroscopy and excitation–emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy, coupled with parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis. The study discovered that pyrolysis temperature significantly affects DOM characteristics more than feedstock type. An increase in pyrolysis temperature correlated with a notable decrease in dissolved organic carbon content, aromaticity, and fluorescence intensity, alongside a marked increase in pH and hydrophilicity. PARAFAC analysis identified three distinct DOM components: two humic-like substances (C1 and C2) and one protein-like substance (C3). The proportion of protein-like substances increased with higher pyrolysis temperatures, while the humic-like substances’ proportion declined. The compositional shifts in DOM with pyrolysis temperature may significantly influence its environmental behavior and functionality. Further research is necessary to explore the long-term environmental impact and potential applications of biochar-derived DOM.
Performance of Commodity Futures-Based Dynamic Portfolios
Authors: Adhikari Ramesh
Published: September 2024

This paper analyzes the return performance of various commodity futures-based dynamic portfolios over the period from 31 January 1986 to 31 July 2023. By constructing 30 distinct portfolios categorized by style and performance, we assess their potential for enhancing the performance of traditional portfolios consisting of equity and bonds. We find that most commodity portfolios do not offer statistically significant returns, either in terms of average or risk-adjusted returns. Only the portfolios in the basis category and portfolios in the term structure category exhibit significantly positive risk-adjusted returns, indicating their potential value for portfolio enhancement. The performance of these portfolios is not different in pre-financialization and financialization periods.
Development of a Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Beverage Formulated with Whey and Beetroot Juice
Authors: Michiu Delia , Semeniuc Cristina Anamaria , Socaciu Maria-Ioana , Fogarasi Melinda , Rotar Ancuţa Mihaela , Jimborean Anamaria Mirela , Cuibus Lucian
Published: September 2024

Whey, a large by-product of cheese manufacturing, is nutritionally valuable, mainly because of its whey proteins. Beetroot juice, purple–red in colour, has numerous benefits for human health; if used as an ingredient in a whey-based RTD beverage, it could mask whey’s less pleasant organoleptic characteristics. This research aimed to develop such a beverage by mixing whey with beetroot juice in a ratio that would yield a nutritionally valuable product with acceptable sensory characteristics. To this end, three RTD beverage formulations, prepared with beetroot juice and whey in different ratios (10:90, 15:85, and 20:80 v/v), were subjected to sensory analysis. The one with a 20:80 v/v ratio of beetroot juice and whey was found to be preferred by consumers, registering the highest overall score (7.8). Next, this formula was prepared with (RTD20:80a) and without citric acid (RTD20:80a) and analysed physiochemically and microbiologically. RTD20:80a was also sensory tested and proved to be the optimum one (with an overall score of 8.1); it showed a content of 1.18 g/100 mL fat, 1.07 g/100 mL protein, 0.56 g/100 mL ash, 9.90 g/100 mL carbohydrate, total soluble solids of 11.69 °Brix, an energy value of 54.44 kcal/100 mL, titratable acidity of 0.77% lactic acid, pH of 3.75, content of 1.16 mg/mL betacyanins, 0.86 mg/mL betaxanthins, and 0.36 mg GAE/mL total phenolics. Based on the microbiological results, RTD20:80a revealed a shelf-life of 14 days. By producing this beverage, a dairy plant could reduce its whey-related losses while increasing its profitability through selling it.
Enhancements in Clinical Practice in the Contemporary Landscape of Male Facial Attractiveness
Authors: Anido Javier , Guzmán Nozay , Serna Marta , Quero Jesús , Santos Pedro
Published: September 2024

The concept of gender has evolved significantly in recent decades, moving from a binary status to a multiplicity of gender types. In today’s world, the new reality of the concept of masculinity, as defined socially and historically, must be recognized and accepted by aesthetic medicine. Consequently, aesthetic doctors will have to adapt the views and treatment plans that they propose in their consultations to the ideals of beauty, as well as with the roles, behaviors, and attributes considered masculine within their society. Each facial feature suggests a personality characteristic that represents that individual. This expert opinion article aims to assess Caucasian male gender-related anatomical facial features and achieve an expert agreement on the association of specific features with the perception of attractiveness, masculinity, and personality traits in order to cover the wide range of current male representations, as well as to provide orientation for clinical practice improvement in the contemporary landscape of facial masculinization.
Deregulation and Shattering of Chromosomal Segments Containing Multiple Oncogenic Targets in the Pathogenesis of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, Not Otherwise Specified (DLBCL, NOS)
Authors: Yenamandra Ashwini , Smith Rebecca , Seegmiller Adam , Smith Brianna , Friedman Debra , Smith Christine
Published: September 2024

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (DLBCL, NOS) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Significant efforts have been focused on utilizing advanced genomic technologies to further subclassify DLBCL, NOS into clinically relevant subtypes. These efforts have led to the implementation of novel algorithms to support optimal risk-oriented therapy and improvement in the overall survival of DLBCL patients. The pathogenesis of DLBCL at the molecular level indicates copy number variation (CNV) as one of the major forms of genetic alterations in the somatic mutational landscape. Random deregulation that results in complex breaks of chromosomes and restructuring of shattered chromosomal segments is called chromothripsis. Gene expression changes influenced by chromothripsis have been reported in cancer and congenital diseases. This chaotic phenomenon results in complex CNV, gene fusions, and amplification and loss of tumor suppressor genes. We present herein a summary of the most clinically relevant genomic aberrations, with particular focus on copy number aberrations in a case that highlights DLBCL, NOS arising from relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma. The focus of our study was to understand the relationship between the clinical, morphological, and genomic abnormalities in DLBCL, NOS through multiple techniques for therapeutic considerations.
MAOA uVNTR Polymorphism in a Sample of Patients Diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Cardoso Duarte Ligia Canongia de Abreu , Ferreira Fratteli Caroline , de Sousa Silva Calliandra Maria , Sampaio Rodrigues Pereira Alexandre , Reis de Oliveira Jamila , Martins de Morais Rafael , Madureira de Oliveira Diêgo , Rodrigues da Silva Izabel Cristina
Published: September 2024

Thyroid gland carcinoma (TGC), though only 1% of all carcinomas, is the most common endocrine neoplasm with an increasing incidence since the 1990s. Of the TGC types, papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common and has the best overall prognosis. Although primarily studied in various neural spectrum disorders, monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) may also contribute to cancer occurrence. This case control study assessed the prevalence of MAOA uVNTR polymorphism in PTC patients, compared its frequency with a healthy control, and assessed the variant’s impact on clinical features. The research participants consisted of 30 PTC patients (20 female, 10 male) over 18 years old who underwent thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapy at a Federal District private clinic and 30 paired and unrelated healthy volunteers (18 female, 12 male). The most frequent MAOA uVNTR alleles were 3R and 4R. Although no significant difference was detected in the genotypic distribution nor the PTC patients’ thyroglobulin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and antithyroglobulin levels; body mass indexes; administered radiopharmaceutical (131I) doses; or biological sex, the presence of at least one 3R allele was associated with a larger tumor size (T3 + T4 staging). Thus, the 3R allele seems to be associated with PTC pathogenesis severity.
Dissipation Effects in the Tea Leaf Paradox
Authors: Tran Huy , Pirdavari Pooria , Pack Min Y.
Published: September 2024

The Tea Leaf Paradox (TLP) describes unsteady fluid motions which help entrain and deposit suspended particles at the center of rotation. Various applications depend on the TLP for particle separations—spanning orders of magnitude in length scales—making it an important problem in fluid mechanics. Despite papers describing the phenomenon, the efficacy of particle separation using the TLP remains unclear as to the relative importance of, for example, hydrostatics, particle-fluid density ratio, wall friction, liquid bath aspect ratio and the rotation speed. The dynamics involved are notably complex and require a careful tuning of each variable. In this study, we have investigated the role of the limit of the aggregation dynamics in rotational flows within 3D-printed vessels of various sizes in tandem with particle imaging to probe the dissipation effects on the particle motions. We have found that the liquid bath aspect ratio limits how much aggregation may occur for a particle-fluid density ratio greater than unity (e.g., ρp/ρf>1), where ρp is the density of the particle and ρf is the ambient fluid density.
Thyroid under Attack: The Adverse Impact of Plasticizers, Pesticides, and PFASs on Thyroid Function
Authors: Rodrigues Vinicius Gonçalves , Henrique Guilherme , Sousa-Vidal Érica Kássia , de Souza Rafaela Martins Miguel , Tavares Evelyn Franciny Cardoso , Mezzalira Nathana , Marques Thacila de Oliveira , Alves Bruna Monteiro , Pinto João Anthony Araújo , Irikura Luana Naomi Niwa , Silva Renata Elen Costa da , de Oliveira Kelly Cristina , Maciel Rui Monteiro de Barros , Giannocco Gisele , Serrano-Nascimento Caroline
Published: September 2024

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are synthetic or natural compounds that interfere with the endocrine system, inducing harmful effects on organisms depending on the dose and period of exposure. Numerous studies have identified concerning amounts of EDCs in environmental and human samples. The thyroid gland is essential for thyroid hormone production and controls several body functions. Several EDCs have been classified as thyroid disruptors, impairing thyroid hormone production, synthesis, metabolism, transport, and/or actions. Notably, thyroid disorders are the second most prevalent endocrine disease worldwide, with incidence increasing significantly in recent years. Some studies have correlated this rise in thyroid dysfunctions and cancers with increased exposure to EDCs. Although many EDCs are linked to thyroid dysfunction, this review focuses on the deleterious effects of plasticizers, organochlorine pesticides, and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances on thyroid function. These contaminants are commonly found in food, water, and everyday products. Although the impact of human exposure to these EDCs is controversial, numerous epidemiological, in vivo, and in vitro studies have indicated their harmful effects on thyroid function. Given the critical role of thyroid function and hormone production in growth, metabolism, and development, this review summarizes the consequences of exposure to thyroid disruptors for human health.
Water Conservation Practices and Nitrogen Fertility for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Creeping Bentgrass Putting Greens
Authors: Walker Kristina S. , Chapman Katy E.
Published: September 2024

Irrigation practices that conserve water use have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but may adversely affect turfgrass appearance. The purpose of this study was to identify irrigation practices and N fertilizers that will decrease carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4,), and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions while evaluating turfgrass color and quality. In both years, supplemental rainfall (SRF) soil moisture content was higher than business as usual (BAU) irrigation and syringing (SYR). Higher soil moisture led to increased fluxes in both soil CO2 and soil N2O. In 2017, the SRF fluxed lower soil CO2 as soil moisture reached levels that restricted respiration. Soil moisture was also an important predictor of soil N2O flux with BAU and SRF having higher soil N2O fluxes. SRF produced the greenest turf from May to July, whereas SRY and SRF produced the greenest turf from August to October in 2016. Both BAU and SRF had the greenest turf in 2017. BAU had the highest turfgrass quality ratings in 2016 followed by SRF and SRY, respectively, whereas in 2017 SRF and SRY had higher turfgrass quality ratings. When adopting water conservation practices to reduce GHG emissions, soil moisture content and site-specific rainfall should be closely monitored to prevent overwatering.
Unveiling Vernacular Features: Interdisciplinary Knowledge for the Conservation of Villa Murat in the Sorrento Peninsula
Authors: Pane Andrea , Catuogno Raffaele , Parente Maria
Published: September 2024

The Sorrento Peninsula is characterized by a significant occurrence of examples of vernacular architecture, which exhibit distinctive morphological and constructive features. These have been the subject of numerous studies. However, some buildings have undergone a process of transformation over time, the details of which have yet to be investigated. Architectures that initially held a rural character were enlarged and ennobled, thereby becoming what could be termed as “villas of delights”. However, these clearly manifest their origin based on the permanence of some vernacular features. This paper focuses on the analysis of a case study, Villa Murat, which is exemplary in illustrating this process. This thorough interdisciplinary research combines historical investigation, based mainly on archival documents, with a direct examination of the Villa. This has enabled the retracing of the building’s evolution and of the events that occurred in it. An integrated survey, which employed photogrammetry and laser scanning, enabled the assessment of the current state of conservation. The ultimate objective of this research is to propose conservative interventions which, in conjunction with the suggested new intended use, could ensure the preservation of the Villa.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Food Hygiene among Mothers from Rural Communities in Malawi
Authors: Batch Vitowe , Kress Martina , Luhanga Ezekiel , Monjerezi Maurice , Pfaff Daniel , Phiri Horace , Gama Aggrey Pemba , Chomanika Kelvin , Schmidt Anja , Duelken Bianca , Jurisic Ivana , Mlangeni Angstone Thembachako , Mikwamba Kingsley , Chiutsi-Phiri Gabriella , Corner Ponyadira Leah , Kumwenda Save , Kaonga Chikumbusko , Schwan Susanne , Kamndaya Mphatso , Matumba Limbikani
Published: September 2024

This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to food hygiene among mothers from Malawi’s rural communities against the WHO Five Keys to Safer Food (WHO-FKSF) and good pre-and post-harvest practices (GPPHPs) as reference points. Five hundred twenty-two mothers from six rural communities across two districts were selected for the survey. The results indicated limited knowledge among participating mothers regarding managing food hazards, including mycotoxins, bacteria, viruses, and parasites (BVPs). A significant proportion (89.5%) of women reported inconsistent or no handwashing with soap after using the toilet. In addition, 48.7% failed to plant with the first good rains, 38.7% neglected to check for moldy cobs during harvesting, 57.4% dried maize on bare soil, and 99.2% bought maize with noticeable mold. Higher education, knowledge, and positive attitudes were associated with enhanced BVP control practices, while larger households and positive attitudes were linked to improved mold/mycotoxin management (p < 0.05). Mothers showed lower (p < 0.05) knowledge and attitude levels regarding molds than BVPs but demonstrated relatively better practices for mold control. A comprehensive education program based on the WHO Five Keys to Safer Foods, tailored to local socio-cultural norms and incorporating mold and mycotoxin management guidelines, is recommended.
Oral Hygiene Improvements by a Novel Zinc Toothpaste—Results from a 6-Week Randomized Clinical Study amongst Community-Dwelling Adults
Authors: Sreenivasan Prem K. , Nandlal Bhojraj , Shashikumar Pratibha , Shivamallu Avinash Bettahalli
Published: September 2024

Objective: This clinical investigation evaluated oral health improvements after the use of a novel zinc toothpaste in comparison to a control after 3 weeks and 6 weeks of use. Clinical assessments of gingivitis, bleeding and dental plaque evaluated oral health. Methods: Healthy adults meeting the study criteria (plaque index scores ≥ 1.5 and gingival index scores ≥ 1.0) were randomized into a treatment group with 74 participants assigned to the test and 73 participants assigned to the control groups. With the assigned toothpaste, subjects were instructed to brush at home twice a day for one minute. Subjects were evaluated clinically for gingivitis, plaque and bleeding at the baseline, employing 3-week and 6-week examinations. Results: All one hundred and forty-seven (147) subjects completed the 6-week study with no significant differences between groups at baseline (p > 0.05). The test demonstrated progressive improvements at the 3-week and 6-week evaluations as compared to the control (p < 0.001). In comparison to the control, the test demonstrated reductions of 13.4%, 17.0% and 55.3% for gingivitis, dental plaque and gingival bleeding, respectively, at the final visit (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Clinical improvements in gingivitis, dental plaque and gingival bleeding were registered in the group assigned the test toothpaste as compared to the control. The test toothpaste demonstrated statistically significant and progressively improving gingivitis, dental plaque and gingival bleeding scores that were all statistically significant versus the control at each post-treatment assessment.
The Evaluation of Machine Learning Techniques for Isotope Identification Contextualized by Training and Testing Spectral Similarity
Authors: Fjeldsted Aaron P. , Morrow Tyler J. , Scott Clayton D. , Zhu Yilun , Holland Darren E. , Lintereur Azaree T. , Wolfe Douglas E.
Published: September 2024

Precise gamma-ray spectral analysis is crucial in high-stakes applications, such as nuclear security. Research efforts toward implementing machine learning (ML) approaches for accurate analysis are limited by the resemblance of the training data to the testing scenarios. The underlying spectral shape of synthetic data may not perfectly reflect measured configurations, and measurement campaigns may be limited by resource constraints. Consequently, ML algorithms for isotope identification must maintain accurate classification performance under domain shifts between the training and testing data. To this end, four different classifiers (Ridge, Random Forest, Extreme Gradient Boosting, and Multilayer Perceptron) were trained on the same dataset and evaluated on twelve other datasets with varying standoff distances, shielding, and background configurations. A tailored statistical approach was introduced to quantify the similarity between the training and testing configurations, which was then related to the predictive performance. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests revealed that the OVR-wrapped XGB significantly outperformed the other algorithms, with confidence levels of 99.0% or above for the 133Ba, 60Co, 137Cs, and 152Eu sources. The findings from this work are significant as they outline techniques to promote the development of robust ML-based approaches for isotope identification.
Siting Analysis of a Solar-Nuclear-Desalination Integrated Energy System
Authors: Raymond Christopher , Omitaomu Olufemi A. , Franzese Kenneth , Wagner Michael J. , Lindley Ben
Published: September 2024

Nuclear power is typically deployed as a baseload generator. Increased penetration of variable renewables motivates combining nuclear and renewable technologies into Integrated Energy Systems (IES) to improve dispatchability, component synergies and, through cogeneration, address multiple markets. However, combining multiple energy resources heavily depends on the proper selection of each system’s location and design limitations. In this paper, co-siting options for IES that couple nuclear and concentrating solar power (CSP) with thermal desalination are investigated. A comprehensive siting analysis is performed that utilizes global information survey data to determine possible co-siting options for nuclear and solar thermal generation in the United States. Viable co-siting options are distributed across the Southwestern U.S., with the greatest concentration of siting options in the southern Great Plains, although siting with higher solar direct normal irradiance is possible in other states such as Arizona and New Mexico. Brackish water desalination is also attractive across the southwest U.S. due to high water stress, but for brackish water desalination reverse osmosis (an electricity driven process) is most cost- and energy-efficient, which does not require co-siting with the thermal generator. The most attractive state for nuclear and thermal desalination (which is more attractive when using seawater) is Texas, although other areas may become attractive as water stress increases over the coming decades. Co-siting of all CSP and thermal desalination is challenging as attractive CSP sites are not coastal.
Characterization of Photo-Crosslinked Methacrylated Type I Collagen as a Platform to Investigate the Lymphatic Endothelial Cell Response
Authors: Ruliffson Brian N. K. , Larson Stephen M. , Xhupi Eleni K. , Herrera-Diaz Diana L. , Whittington Catherine F.
Published: September 2024

Despite chronic fibrosis occurring in many pathological conditions, few in vitro studies examine how fibrosis impacts lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) behavior. This study examined stiffening profiles of PhotoCol®—commercially available methacrylated type I collagen—photo-crosslinked with the photoinitiators: Lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP), Irgacure 2959 (IRG), and Ruthenium/Sodium Persulfate (Ru/SPS) prior to evaluating PhotoCol® permeability and LEC response to PhotoCol® at stiffnesses representing normal and fibrotic tissues. Ru/SPS produced the highest stiffness (~6 kilopascal (kPa)) for photo-crosslinked PhotoCol®, but stiffness did not change with burst light exposures (30 and 90 s). The collagen fibril area fraction increased, and dextran permeability (40 kilodalton (kDa)) decreased with photo-crosslinking, showing the impact of photo-crosslinking on microstructure and molecular transport. Human dermal LECs on softer, uncrosslinked PhotoCol® (~0.5 kPa) appeared smaller with less prominent vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin (cell–cell junction) expression compared to LECs on stiffer PhotoCol® (~6 kPa), which had increased cell size, border irregularity, and VE-cadherin thickness (junction zippering) that is consistent with LEC morphology in fibrotic tissues. Our quantitative morphological analysis demonstrates our ability to produce LECs with a fibrotic phenotype, and the overall study shows that PhotoCol® with Ru/SPS provides the necessary physical properties to systematically study LEC responses related to capillary growth and function under fibrotic conditions.