bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between gastroesophageal reflux disease and stroke: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Meng Decheng , Zhang Xin , Yu Wenfei , Yin Guoliang , Chen Suwen , Liu Hongshuai , Wang Linya , Zhang Fengxia
Published: January 2024

Objective

Some previous studies have suggested a potential link between stroke and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We used a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) method to explore the causal relationship between stroke and GERD.

Design

Summary-level data derived from the published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were employed for analyses. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables (IVs) for stroke (n = 446,696) and its common subtypes ischemic stroke (IS) (n = 440,328), large vessel stroke (LVS) (n = 410,484), small vessel stroke (SVS) (n = 198,048), and cardioembolic stroke (CES) (n = 413,304) were obtained from the MEGASTROKE consortium. The data on intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) (n = 721,135) come from the UK Biobank. Instrumental variables (IVs) for lacunar stroke (LS) (n = 474,348) and GERD (n = 602,604) were screened from publicly available genetic summary data. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the main MR method. Pleiotropy was detected by the MR-Egger intercept test, MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier, and leave-one-out analysis. Cochran Q statistics were used as supplements to detect pleiotropy.

Results

We found that GERD can causally increase the risk of stroke [IVW odds ratio (OR): 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13–1.32, p = 1.16 × 10−6] and its common subtypes IS (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.10–1.30, p = 3.22 × 10−5), LVS (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.21–1.84, p = 1.47 × 10−4), and LS (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.001–1.44, p = 0.048). Several important risk factors for stroke have also been implicated in the above causal relationship, including type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea syndrome, high body mass index, high waist-to-hip ratio, and elevated serum triglyceride levels. In reverse MR analysis, we found that overall stroke (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.004–1.19, p = 0.039) and IS (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.03–1.17, p = 0.007) have the causal potential to enhance GERD risk.

Conclusion

This MR study provides evidence supporting a causal relationship between GERD and stroke and some of its common subtypes. We need to further explore the interconnected mechanisms between these two common diseases to better prevent and treat them.
Digital assessment of speech in Huntington disease
Authors: Nunes Adonay S. , Pawlik Meghan , Mishra Ram Kinker , Waddell Emma , Coffey Madeleine , Tarolli Christopher G. , Schneider Ruth B. , Dorsey E. Ray , Vaziri Ashkan , Adams Jamie L.
Published: January 2024

Background

Speech changes are an early symptom of Huntington disease (HD) and may occur prior to other motor and cognitive symptoms. Assessment of HD commonly uses clinician-rated outcome measures, which can be limited by observer variability and episodic administration. Speech symptoms are well suited for evaluation by digital measures which can enable sensitive, frequent, passive, and remote administration.

Methods

We collected audio recordings using an external microphone of 36 (18 HD, 7 prodromal HD, and 11 control) participants completing passage reading, counting forward, and counting backwards speech tasks. Motor and cognitive assessments were also administered. Features including pausing, pitch, and accuracy were automatically extracted from recordings using the BioDigit Speech software and compared between the three groups. Speech features were also analyzed by the Unified Huntington Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) dysarthria score. Random forest machine learning models were implemented to predict clinical status and clinical scores from speech features.

Results

Significant differences in pausing, intelligibility, and accuracy features were observed between HD, prodromal HD, and control groups for the passage reading task (e.g., p < 0.001 with Cohen’d = −2 between HD and control groups for pause ratio). A few parameters were significantly different between the HD and control groups for the counting forward and backwards speech tasks. A random forest classifier predicted clinical status from speech tasks with a balanced accuracy of 73% and an AUC of 0.92. Random forest regressors predicted clinical outcomes from speech features with mean absolute error ranging from 2.43–9.64 for UHDRS total functional capacity, motor and dysarthria scores, and explained variance ranging from 14 to 65%. Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores were predicted with mean absolute error of 2.3 and explained variance of 30%.

Conclusion

Speech data have the potential to be a valuable digital measure of HD progression, and can also enable remote, frequent disease assessment in prodromal HD and HD. Clinical status and disease severity were predicted from extracted speech features using random forest machine learning models. Speech measurements could be leveraged as sensitive marker of clinical onset and disease progression in future clinical trials.
Case report: Movement analysis in oncological rehabilitation: proposal of a kinematic and surface electromyographic protocol in breast oncology
Authors: Bongiorno Giulia , Tomasi Andrea , Vigni Giulio , Rizzardo Alessandro , Biancuzzi Helena , Dal Mas Francesca , Bednarova Rym , Miceli Luca
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Breast cancer disease often affects the ipsilateral shoulder joint, with pain and joint limitation. Proper pain management, which can be obtained using, for example, pulsed radiofrequency of the suprascapular nerve, can help the physiotherapist mitigate patient pain. The modern technologies of kinematic analysis and surface electromyography of movement analysis can give further support in building a personalized rehabilitation program, based on the quantitative study of movement, in this case of the upper limb.

Methods

A brief case report was conceived to develop and test the evolution of a shoulder joint analysis protocol based on an inertial accelerometer and non-invasive surface electromyography.

Results

An analysis algorithm was defined to adapt to the needs of patients operated on at the breast based on a kinematic component (ROM - range of movement - and Jerk index) and an electromyographic one (study of muscle behavior in groups of four). The coactivations were also evaluated, both as an average value and in graphical form, to offer the physiotherapist a complete overview of the movement of the upper limb.

Discussion

The promising protocol results underline its strengths, including the simplicity of use, combined with the reduced time required for processing the reports and the portability of the PC-sensors complex, making these analyses potentially valuable for patient care.
A taste of cell-cultured meat: a scoping review
Authors: To K. V. , Comer C. C. , O’Keefe S. F. , Lahne J.
Published: January 2024

Cell-cultured meat (CM) is a novel meat product grown in vitro from animal cells, widely framed as equivalent to conventional meat but presented as produced in a more sustainable way. Despite its limited availability for human consumption, consumer acceptance of CM (e.g., willingness to purchase and consume) has been extensively investigated. A key but under-investigated assumption of these studies is that CM’s sensory qualities are comparable to conventional, equivalent meat products. Therefore, the current review aims to clarify what is actually known about the sensory characteristics of CM and their potential impact on consumer acceptance. To this end, a structured scoping review of existing, peer-reviewed literature on the sensory evaluation of CM was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Among the included studies (N = 26), only 5 conducted research activities that could be termed “sensory evaluation,” with only 4 of those 5 studies evaluating actual CM products in some form. The remaining 21 studies based their conclusions on the sensory characteristics of CM and consequent consumer acceptance to a set of hypothetical CM products and consumption experiences, often with explicitly positive information framing. In addition, many consumer acceptance studies in the literature have the explicit goal to increase the acceptance of CM, with some authors (researchers) acting as direct CM industry affiliates; this may be a source of bias on the level of consumer acceptance toward these products. By separating what is known about CM sensory characteristics and consumer acceptance from what is merely speculated, the current review reported realistic expectations of CM’s sensory characteristics within the promissory narratives of CM proponents.
Recent research progress of circular RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Zhi-di , Li Yang-ling , Lu Jing , Liang Shang , Zhang Chong , Zeng Ling-hui
Published: January 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an extremely heterogeneous malignant tumor with a high morbidity and mortality. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are noncoding RNAs with high stability, organ/tissue/cell-specific expression and are conserved across species. Accumulating evidence suggested that circRNAs play crucial roles as microRNA sponges, protein sponges, scaffolds, recruiters and could even polypeptide encoders. Many studies have since revealed that circRNAs were aberrantly expressed in HCC and acted as crucial modulators of HCC carcinogenesis and progression. Furthermore, circRNAs have also been identified as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for HCC. In this review, we thoroughly outline and evaluate the function of circRNAs in HCC development, with an emphasis on the specific molecular pathways by which they participated in the formation and progression of HCC, and we address their potential for serving as clinical biomarkers in HCC.
Screening and surveillance of esophageal cancer by magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging improves the survival of hypopharyngeal cancer patients
Authors: Chung Chen-Shuan , Wu Chia-Yun , Lin Yu-Hsuan , Lo Wu-Chia , Cheng Ping-Chia , Hsu Wan-Lun , Liao Li-Jen
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Patients with head and neck cancer may develop a second primary neoplasm (SPN) of the esophagus due to field cancerization. This study investigated the impacts of esophageal cancer screening using magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI) on the outcomes of hypopharyngeal cancer patients.

Methods

Patients with hypopharyngeal cancer diagnosed from 2008 to 2021 in a tertiary hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Screening and surveillance using ME-NBI examination of the esophagus were divided into three patterns: (1) ME-NBI never performed or more than 6 months after diagnosis of index primary hypopharyngeal cancer, (2) ME-NBI within 6 months only, and (3) ME-NBI within 6 months and regular surveillance.

Results

A total of 261 were reviewed and 21 (8%) patients were in stage I, 20 (8%) in stage II, 27 (10%) in stage III, 116 (44%) in stage IVA, 65 (25%) in stage IVB, and 12 (5%) in stage IVC. Sixty-seven (26%) patients had SPN (50 esophagus, 10 oral cavity, 3 oropharynx, 2 nasopharynx, 1 larynx and 1 lung). Among esophageal SPN, 35 (70%) and 15 (30%) patients developed synchronous and metachronous neoplasia, respectively. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, advanced stages III and IV (compared with stages I and II, HR: 1.86, 1.18-2.95, p=0.008), ME-NBI examination of the esophagus received within 6 months and regular surveillance (HR: 0.53, 0.36-0.78, p=0.001) were independent factors affecting the overall survival of patients with hypopharyngeal cancer.

Discussion

Our findings demonstrated that screening and surveillance of esophageal SPN by ME-NBI improves the survival of patients with hypopharyngeal cancer.
Pilot report: objective quantification of trabecular meshwork pigmentation using densitometry and the NIDEK GS-1 gonioscope in glaucoma patients
Authors: Laroche Daniel , Brown Aaron , Sinon Jose , Martin Alexander , Ng Chester , Sakkari Sohail
Published: January 2024

In this case series, we present a methodology for a proof of principle for the development of a unique biomarker for pigmentary glaucoma to detect progression before nerve fiber layer loss. Out of the five patients in this case series, one was excluded because of an outlier due to pseudoexfoliation syndrome with excessively dense pigmentation of the trabecular meshwork. The remaining patients displayed a decreased visual field loss with increased superior to inferior trabecular meshwork ratios. This methodology, though limited due to small sample size, shows that in a limited number of patients, visual field loss is positively correlated with increased superior to inferior trabecular meshwork ratios. The next steps would be to look at patients without glaucoma and patients with pigmentary glaucoma, along with complete inter-eye comparisons for patients with unilateral exfoliation syndrome to act as controls. To our knowledge, this is a novel methodology, and if the pattern holds, it can act as proof of principle for the development of a novel early biomarker for pigmentary glaucoma to improve early intervention and delay vision loss.
Metabolome integrated with transcriptome reveals the mechanism of three different color formations in Taxus mairei arils
Authors: Yan Yadan , Wen Yafeng , Wang Ye , Wu Xingtong , Li Xinyu , Wang Chuncheng , Zhao Yanghui
Published: January 2024

Maire yew (Taxus mairei), an evergreen conifer, has high ornamental and medicinal value. The arils of this species has three different colors. However, the variation mechanisms of arils color formation remains unclear. Here, the gene expression and metabolite concentration were profiled for red (RTM), yellow (YTM), and purple (PTM) arils in different developmental stages. A total of 266 flavonoids and 35 carotenoids were identified. The predominant pigments identified in YTM were epiafzelechin, lutein, and β-Cryptoxanthin, while malvidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside and apigenin played crucial roles in PTM. And significant differential expression was observed among the HCT, DFR, LAR, ANS, crtB, NCED, and CCoAOMT genes across different color arils. During the maturation of yellow arils, the upregulation of HCT was strongly correlated with the accumulation of epiafzelechin. The diminished expression of DFR, LAR, and ANS seemed to inhibit the production of delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside. The decrease in crtB expression and concurrent increase in NCED expression potentially regulate the heightened accumulation of lutein. Meanwhile, the accumulation of β-cryptoxanthin appeared seemed to be positively influenced by NCED. As aril turning purple, the decreased expression of CCoAOMT seemed to facilitate the synthesis of apigenin. The substantial upregulation of DFR promoted the production of malvidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside. Additionally, the overexpression of MYBs may plays the important role in regulating the formation of different colored arils. In total, 14 genes were selected for qRT-PCR validation, the results indicated the reliability of the transcriptome sequences data. Our findings could provide valuable insight into the molecular breeding, development, and application of Maire yew resources.
Evaluating autobiographical skills and their relationship with suggestibility in children: development and validation of the Children Recalling Autobiographical Memory
Authors: Vagni Monia , Giostra Valeria , Simione Luca
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Autobiographical narrative skills and resistance to suggestibility factors are central aspects in children’s testimony. While the assessment of suggestibility relies on standardized questionnaire, no such an instrument exists to reliably assess autobiographical skills in children. This aspect is further important when considering that the development of such skills seems to be related to the suggestibility, that is, suggestibility would be reduced in presence of higher autobiographical skills. However, no direct test of this relationship is available in literature, also due to the lack of quantitative instruments for assessing autobiographical skills.

Methods

To fulfill both these methodological and theoretical issues, in this study a new tool was validated to measure the main autobiographical narrative skills (Where, What, When, Who, and How) in relation to both Retrospective Memory and Prospective Memory: the Children Recalling Autobiographical Memory (CRAM). We recruited a sample of 321 children aged 7–16 years.

Results and discussion

The result of the EFA analysis showed one-factor model, and revealed also good fit indexes and internal reliability. After validating this new tool, we further used it to test our main hypothesis, that is, children with higher autobiographical memory skills were less vulnerable to interrogative suggestibility as assessed by Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale 2 (GSS2). A hierarchical linear regression model showed a reduction in suggestibility with age and level of autobiographical skills. Moreover, the level of such skills moderate the effect of age, such as only in presence of high or moderate level of autobiographical skills the age significantly reduces the level of suggestibility.
Endovascular navigation in patients: vessel-based registration of electromagnetic tracking to preoperative images
Authors: Nypan Erik , Tangen Geir Arne , Brekken Reidar , Aadahl Petter , Manstad-Hulaas Frode
Published: January 2024

Electromagnetic tracking of instruments combined with preoperative images can supplement fluoroscopy for guiding endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the in-vivo accuracy of a vessel-based registration algorithm for matching electromagnetically tracked positions of an endovascular instrument to preoperative computed tomography angiography. Five patients undergoing elective EVAR were included, and a clinically available semi-automatic 3D–3D registration algorithm, based on similarity measures computed over the entire image, was used for reference. Accuracy was reported as target registration error (TRE) evaluated in manually selected anatomic landmarks on bony structures, placed close to the volume-of-interest. The median TRE was 8.2 mm (range: 7.1 mm to 16.1 mm) for the vessel-based registration algorithm, compared to 2.2 mm (range: 1.8 mm to 3.7 mm) for the reference algorithm. This illustrates that registration based on intraoperative electromagnetic tracking is feasible, but the accuracy must be improved before clinical use.
Recognition in interaction: theoretical and empirical observations
Authors: Koskinen Emmi , Laitinen Arto , Stevanovic Melisa
Published: January 2024

In the current paper we aim to combine the theoretical ideas of recognition theory to conversation analytical, empirical observations. We ask what recognition theories can give to conversation analysis, and vice versa. We operate on a model of recognition that consists of three different modes: respect, esteem, and love/care, and which distinguishes the levels of conversational actions and the attitudes of recognition manifested in such actions. In this study we examine data examples from various conversational settings (institutional, quasi-experimental, family interaction) and activities (decision-making, storytelling), focusing on the more complex cases of (mis)recognition. We show how recognition can appear both explicitly and implicitly in conversational sequences, and demonstrate how the levels of conversational actions and recognition can be either congruent or incongruent with each other. At the end of the article, we discuss the implications of this view for the interface of conversation analysis and sociological theory, arguing that it can inform and promote the development of interactionally based social and societal critique.
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy as an analytical tool for total carbon quantification in tropical and subtropical soils: evaluation of calibration algorithms
Authors: Babos Diego Victor , Guedes Wesley Nascimento , Freitas Vitor Silveira , Silva Fernanda Pavani , Tozo Marcelo Larsen de Lima , Villas-Boas Paulino Ribeiro , Martin-Neto Ladislau , Milori Débora Marcondes Bastos Pereira
Published: January 2024

The demand for efficient, accurate, and cost-effective methods of measuring soil carbon (C) in agriculture is growing. Traditional approaches are time consuming and expensive, highlighting the need for alternatives. This study tackles the challenge of utilizing laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) as a more economical method while managing its potential accuracy issues due to physical–chemical matrix effects. A set of 1,019 soil samples from 11 Brazilian farms was analyzed using various univariate and multivariate calibration strategies. The artificial neural network (ANN) demonstrated the best performance with the lowest root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.48 wt% C, a 28% reduction compared to the following best calibration method (matrix-matching calibration – MMC inverse regression and multiple linear regression – MLR at 0.67 wt% C). Furthermore, the study revealed a strong correlation between total C determined by LIBS and the elemental CHNS analyzer for soils samples in nine farms (R² ≥ 0.73). The proposed method offers a reliable, rapid, and cost-efficient means of measuring total soil C content, showing that LIBS and ANN modeling can significantly reduce errors compared to other calibration methods. This research fills the knowledge gap in utilizing LIBS for soil C measurement in agriculture, potentially benefiting producers and the soil C credit market. Specific recommendations include further exploration of ANN modeling for broader applications, ensuring that agricultural soil management becomes more accessible and efficient.
Testing biowaste materials as peat replacement in organo-mineral fertilizers
Authors: Sitzmann Tomas Javier , Sica Pietro , Grignani Carlo , Magid Jakob
Published: January 2024

Organo-mineral fertilizers (OMFs) can have higher efficiency than mineral fertilizers. In Europe, peat is commonly used as an organic matrix in OMFs, as it is a highly stable organic material. However, peat extraction releases long-term stored organic C. Stabilized biowaste materials could replace peat in OMFs. Thus, this study aimed to understand how the variety of chemical properties in biowastes can influence OMF-soil interactions and nutrient availability to plants. Peat, green compost (GC), municipal solid waste compost (MSWC), and vermicompost (VC) were used as the organic matrix of OMFs with a C-N-P2O5 content of 7.5, 10, and 5%, respectively. OMFs were tested first in a ten-day plant-free incubation to measure Hedley P fractionation, nitrate, ammonium, total N in the soil, and CO2 and NH3 emissions. Further, a 30-day greenhouse trial measured maize yield and N and P use efficiencies. Controls included no fertilization (N0P0) and mineral N and P fertilization (MFNP). No differences were found in the incubation experiment for mineral N fractions in the soil. Fertilization significantly increased CO2 emissions, which were slightly higher in OMFs over MFNP, whereas OMFs significantly increased ammonia volatilization compared to MFNP. Available P had consistent results in the incubation and the greenhouse trials. Peat and MFNP had the highest water-and bicarbonate-P pools in the first experiment and higher yield and P use efficiency by maize. Therefore, OMFs from biowaste materials exhibited limited suitability for short growth cycles due to lower P use efficiency and higher ammonia volatilization.
The Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Community Diagnostic Centres: A Rapid Review
Authors: Wale Alesha , Okolie Chukwudi , Everitt Jordan , Hookway Amy , Shaw Hannah , Little Kirsty , Lewis Ruth , Cooper Alison , Edwards Adrian
Published: January 2024

Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of community diagnostic centres as a potential solution to increasing capacity and reducing pressure on secondary care in the UK.

Methods: A comprehensive search for relevant primary studies was conducted in a range of electronic sources in August 2022. Screening and critical appraisal were undertaken by two independent reviewers. There were no geographical restrictions or limits to year of publication. A narrative synthesis approach was used to analyse data and present findings.

Results: Twenty primary studies evaluating twelve individual diagnostic centres were included. Most studies were specific to cancer diagnosis and evaluated diagnostic centres located within hospitals. The evidence of effectiveness appeared mixed. There is evidence to suggest diagnostic centres can reduce various waiting times and reduce pressure on secondary care. However, cost-effectiveness may depend on whether the diagnostic centre is running at full capacity. Most included studies used weak methodologies that may be inadequate to infer effectiveness.

Conclusion: Further well-designed, quality research is needed to better understand the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of community diagnostic centres.
Gwarowe nazwy części roboczych kultywatora
Authors: Basara Jan
Published: January 2024

This article describes the names of the working parts of the cultivator (sprężyny, cynki, zęby, pazury, łapy, łapki, rapy), their geography, origin and motivation.
Keywords: dialectal lexis – farming tools – cultivator.
Information Retrieval and Machine Learning Methods for Academic Expert Finding
Authors: de Campos Luis M. , Fernández-Luna Juan M. , Huete Juan F. , Ribadas-Pena Francisco J. , Bolaños Néstor
Published: January 2024

In the context of academic expert finding, this paper investigates and compares the performance of information retrieval (IR) and machine learning (ML) methods, including deep learning, to approach the problem of identifying academic figures who are experts in different domains when a potential user requests their expertise. IR-based methods construct multifaceted textual profiles for each expert by clustering information from their scientific publications. Several methods fully tailored for this problem are presented in this paper. In contrast, ML-based methods treat expert finding as a classification task, training automatic text classifiers using publications authored by experts. By comparing these approaches, we contribute to a deeper understanding of academic-expert-finding techniques and their applicability in knowledge discovery. These methods are tested with two large datasets from the biomedical field: PMSC-UGR and CORD-19. The results show how IR techniques were, in general, more robust with both datasets and more suitable than the ML-based ones, with some exceptions showing good performance.
A Comprehensive Overview of Control Algorithms, Sensors, Actuators, and Communication Tools of Autonomous All-Terrain Vehicles in Agriculture
Authors: Etezadi Hamed , Eshkabilov Sulaymon
Published: January 2024

This review paper discusses the development trends of agricultural autonomous all-terrain vehicles (AATVs) from four cornerstones, such as (1) control strategy and algorithms, (2) sensors, (3) data communication tools and systems, and (4) controllers and actuators, based on 221 papers published in peer-reviewed journals for 1960–2023. The paper highlights a comparative analysis of commonly employed control methods and algorithms by highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. It gives comparative analyses of sensors, data communication tools, actuators, and hardware-embedded controllers. In recent years, many novel developments in AATVs have been made due to advancements in wireless and remote communication, high-speed data processors, sensors, computer vision, and broader applications of AI tools. Technical advancements in fully autonomous control of AATVs remain limited, requiring research into accurate estimation of terrain mechanics, identifying uncertainties, and making fast and accurate decisions, as well as utilizing wireless communication and edge cloud computing. Furthermore, most of the developments are at the research level and have many practical limitations due to terrain and weather conditions.
Acetic Acid: An Underestimated Metabolite in Ethanol-Induced Changes in Regulating Cardiovascular Function
Authors: Chapp Andrew D. , Shan Zhiying , Chen Qing-Hui
Published: January 2024

Acetic acid is a bioactive short-chain fatty acid produced in large quantities from ethanol metabolism. In this review, we describe how acetic acid/acetate generates oxidative stress, alters the function of pre-sympathetic neurons, and can potentially influence cardiovascular function in both humans and rodents after ethanol consumption. Our recent findings from in vivo and in vitro studies support the notion that administration of acetic acid/acetate generates oxidative stress and increases sympathetic outflow, leading to alterations in arterial blood pressure. Real-time investigation of how ethanol and acetic acid/acetate modulate neural control of cardiovascular function can be conducted by microinjecting compounds into autonomic control centers of the brain and measuring changes in peripheral sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure in response to these compounds.
Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Complete Denture Stomatitis Patients Treated with Methylene-Blue-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Alhamdan Mai M. , Basunbul Ghadeer I.
Published: January 2024

Aim: The aim was to assess the effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (a-PDT) on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of denture stomatitis patients. Methods: Forty patients were randomly selected to participate. Candidal proliferation was confirmed by using a CHROMagar culture and Gram staining. The denture surface and palatal mucosa were sprayed with a methylene blue photosensitizer prior to the photobiomodulation application. Laser therapy was applied two times a week at 72 h intervals for a period of 8 weeks. The OHIP-EDENT questionnaire was used to analyze the improvement in the OHRQoL. A Wilcoxon test was used to perform the candidal colony-forming unit’s count and comparison. A t-test was applied to evaluate the OHRQoL responses. Results: The overall CFU/mL values were higher in the dentures of the patients compared to a palatal mucosa swab. For instance, the CFU count was reduced from 5.56 ± 2.15 (baseline) to 3.17 ± 2.77 CFU/mL on day 60 on the palates. Similarly, the a-PDT application on the intaglio surface of the denture showed a reduction from 38.83 ± 14.71 to 29.05 ± 15.52 CFU/mL. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was found in function improvement as well as a reduction in physical pain, psychological discomfort, physical disability, and social interaction among the participants after photobiomodulation treatment. Conclusions: The OHRQoL was significantly improved in the DS patients. The Candida albicans abundance was radically reduced after the a-PDT application.
Special Issue on Computational Ultrasound Imaging and Applications
Authors: Nauber Richard , Büttner Lars , Czarske Jürgen
Published: January 2024

Scientific and technical progress is driven particularly by the ability to “look” into new areas [...]
The Identification Potential of Atherosclerotic Calcifications in the Context of Forensic Anthropology
Authors: Monteiro Sara , Curate Francisco , Garcia Susana , Cunha Eugénia
Published: January 2024

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease that, in its more developed stages, can lead to the calcification of fatty plaques on the walls of arteries, resulting in the appearance of new bone elements. It is a condition that has been studied and documented little in the context of paleopathology, especially in the framework of forensic anthropology. This article analyzed the skeletal remains of 71 individuals (35 females and 36 males) from the Luís Lopes Identified Collection of the National Museum of Natural History and Science in Lisbon, 31 of whom had an autopsy report. An attempt was made to ascertain whether these bone elements resulting from atherosclerotic calcification would resist cadaveric decomposition and whether they would be recoverable several years after burial, and a survey was carried out of their distribution according to sex and age, as well as their association with other pathologies, such as osteoporosis and cardiac and renal pathologies. An imaging analysis of an atherosclerotic plaque was also carried out to complement the macroscopic analysis and present other methods of identifying plaques. It was concluded that each atherosclerotic calcification has a unique profile, which can be useful for identification, especially in cases where the individual shows a severe condition. In terms of identification potential, the analysis of calcified atherosclerotic plaques can be useful, as they can corroborate or reject an identification. However, it always requires the existence of ante-mortem imaging exams and must always be used in addition to other identification methods. Regardless of the identification, these plaques are bone elements resulting from a pathology and should, therefore, be known and recognized by the scientific community.
The Osteoblast Transcriptome in Developing Zebrafish Reveals Key Roles for Extracellular Matrix Proteins Col10a1a and Fbln1 in Skeletal Development and Homeostasis
Authors: Raman Ratish , Antony Mishal , Nivelle Renaud , Lavergne Arnaud , Zappia Jérémie , Guerrero-Limón Gustavo , Caetano da Silva Caroline , Kumari Priyanka , Sojan Jerry Maria , Degueldre Christian , Bahri Mohamed Ali , Ostertag Agnes , Collet Corinne , Cohen-Solal Martine , Plenevaux Alain , Henrotin Yves , Renn Jörg , Muller Marc
Published: January 2024

Zebrafish are now widely used to study skeletal development and bone-related diseases. To that end, understanding osteoblast differentiation and function, the expression of essential transcription factors, signaling molecules, and extracellular matrix proteins is crucial. We isolated Sp7-expressing osteoblasts from 4-day-old larvae using a fluorescent reporter. We identified two distinct subpopulations and characterized their specific transcriptome as well as their structural, regulatory, and signaling profile. Based on their differential expression in these subpopulations, we generated mutants for the extracellular matrix protein genes col10a1a and fbln1 to study their functions. The col10a1a−/− mutant larvae display reduced chondrocranium size and decreased bone mineralization, while in adults a reduced vertebral thickness and tissue mineral density, and fusion of the caudal fin vertebrae were observed. In contrast, fbln1−/− mutants showed an increased mineralization of cranial elements and a reduced ceratohyal angle in larvae, while in adults a significantly increased vertebral centra thickness, length, volume, surface area, and tissue mineral density was observed. In addition, absence of the opercle specifically on the right side was observed. Transcriptomic analysis reveals up-regulation of genes involved in collagen biosynthesis and down-regulation of Fgf8 signaling in fbln1−/− mutants. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of bone extracellular matrix protein genes col10a1a and fbln1 in skeletal development and homeostasis.
The Hazards of Probiotics on Gut-Derived Pseudomonas aeruginosa Sepsis in Mice Undergoing Chemotherapy
Authors: Huang Fu-Chen , Huang Shun-Chen
Published: January 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a leading cause of nosocomial infections associated with a high mortality rate and represents a serious threat to human health and the increasing frequency of antimicrobial resistance. Cancer patients are more vulnerable to invasive infection due to ulcerative lesions in mucosal surfaces and immune suppression secondary to chemotherapy. In our in vitro study, we observed that probiotics have the potential to yield beneficial effects on intestinal epithelial cells infected with P. aeruginosa. Additionally, probiotics were found to confer advantageous effects on the innate immunity of mice suffering from Salmonella-induced colitis. As a result, we sought to investigate the impact of probiotics on gut-derived P. aeruginosa sepsis induced by chemotherapy. Following chemotherapy, gut-derived P. aeruginosa sepsis was induced in female C57BL/6 mice aged 6–8 weeks, which were raised under specific-pathogen-free (SPF) conditions in an animal center. Prior to the induction of the sepsis model, the mice were administered 1 × 108 colony-forming units (CFU) of the probiotics, namely Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Bifidobacterium longum (BL) via oral gavage. We observed that LGG or BL amplified the inflammatory mRNA expression in mice undergoing chemotherapy and suffering from gut-derived P. aeruginosa sepsis. This led to a heightened severity of colitis, as indicated by histological examination. Meanwhile, there was a notable decrease in the expression of antimicrobial peptide mRNA along with reduced levels of zonulin and claudin-2 protein staining within mucosal tissue. These alterations facilitated the translocation of bacteria to the liver, spleen, and bloodstream. To our astonishment, the introduction of probiotics exacerbated gut-derived P. aeruginosa sepsis in mice undergoing chemotherapy. Conclusively, we must be prudent when using probiotics in mice receiving chemotherapy complicated with gut-derived P. aeruginosa sepsis.
Human-Induced Vibration Control of Floor Structures Using MTMD System Optimized by MATLAB-SAP2000 Interface
Authors: Zhang Quanwu , Shi Weixing , Wang Yanze
Published: January 2024

Under human-induced excitations, a floor structure may suffer excessive vibrations due to its large span and low damping ratio. Vertical vibrations, in particular, can become intolerable during resonance events. A tuned mass damper (TMD) is a widely used single-degree-of-freedom dynamic vibration absorber. To enhance the serviceability of a floor structure, a multiple TMD (MTMD) system finds broad application. The parameters of the MTMD must be carefully designed to achieve satisfactory performance. However, existing studies often employ a simplified model of the floor structure with closely spaced modes to optimize the parameters of MTMD. Nonetheless, an oversimplified floor model can lead to a reduction in its control effect. To solve this problem, this study utilizes the OAPI facility of SAP2000 to build a connection with MATLAB. A multi-objective optimization algorithm based on the artificial fish swarm algorithm (AFSA) for MTMD is developed in MATLAB, while the finite element model of a real floor structure is built in SAP2000. The locations of the MTMD system are initially specified in SAP2000 and, through the proposed MATLAB–SAP2000 interface, data can be exchanged between them. Based on the structural dynamic responses to external excitations in SAP2000, the optimization process for the MTMD is carried out in MATLAB. Concurrently, the parameters of the MTMD in SAP2000 are iteratively adjusted until they reach their final optimal values. To underscore the enhancements brought about by the proposed interface and optimization method, a comparative case study is conducted. A group of MTMDs, optimized using a conventional method, is presented for reference. The numerical results indicate that, overall, the proposed MTMD system exhibits superior control effectiveness and robustness.
Development of a Framework for Assessing Bitumen Fatigue Cracking Performance under Different Temperatures and Aging Conditions
Authors: Lv Songtao , Ge Dongdong , Cao Shihao , Liu Dingyuan , Zhang Wenhui , Li Cheng-Hui , Borges Cabrera Milkos
Published: January 2024

A full understanding of bitumen fatigue cracking behavior is extremely important as this phenomenon has a considerable influence on bituminous pavement performance. The current framework for assessing this asphalt binder property is inconsistent in ranking bitumen fatigue performance in terms of the failure definition and damage characteristic curve (DCC) analysis. This study used four different types of asphalt binders: neat asphalt (NA), self-healing thermoplastic polyurethane (STP)-modified bitumen, self-healing poly (dimethyl siloxane) crosslinked with urea bond (IPA1w)-modified bitumen, and styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)-modified bitumen (SBSB). All the bitumens were subjected to short-term and long-term aging, and they were also tested by utilizing the linear amplitude sweep (LAS) test and the simplified viscoelastic continuum damage (S-VECD) model. LAS and S-VECD procedures were used to apply the newly proposed and current frameworks in order to analyze bitumen performance. The current framework showed that the bitumens that used a higher number of loading cycles (N) to reach their failure points (Nf) failed to exhibit greater fatigue performances in terms of DCC analysis. The developed framework (mainly based on the damage intensity [S] instead of N) was used to solve the inconsistency between the failure definition and DCC assessment in ranking bitumen performance. Additionally, the current framework (failure criterion) presented two R2 values below 0.1, but the developed framework (failure criterion) showed that all R2 values were greater than 0.9. The developed framework represents a turning point because, for the first time, this type of procedure is mainly being based on S instead of N. Although further tests are needed to confirm its efficiency, it eliminates the inconsistency between the failure definition and DCC assessment.
Macroscopic Mechanical Properties and Microstructure Characteristics of Solid Waste Base Capillary Retarded Field Covering Material
Authors: He Yifan , Lu Haijun , Lan Jirong , Ma Jiayu , Liu Mengyi , Dong Yiqie
Published: January 2024

In the practical operation of traditional landfills, compaction clay often experiences cracking, while the HDPE geomembrane may tear and bulge, resulting in a compromised performance of the landfill covering system. To address this issue, a capillary retarding covering material for landfill sites is proposed by utilizing municipal sludge and construction waste particles as substrates and incorporating a small quantity of calcium bentonite. The mechanical characteristics of the covering material were investigated using a standard consolidation test and a triaxial compression test. A permeability test and a soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) test were conducted to examine the permeability and capillary retarding effect of the covering material. Microscopic tests including SEM scanning, laser particle size analysis, and T2 NMR analysis were performed to investigate the connection mode, particle size composition, and pore structure characteristics of the covered particles. Based on the aforementioned research, the following conclusions can be drawn: The cohesion of the covering material ranged from 50 to 150 kPa, while the internal friction angle ranged from 24.23° to 31°. The cohesion was directly proportional to the content of construction waste, whereas the internal friction angle was inversely proportional to calcium bentonite content. The permeability coefficient ranged from 5.04 × 10−6 cm/s to 7.34 × 10−5 cm/s, indicating a certain level of impermeability. Both the sludge and the calcium bentonite contents jointly influenced the final permeability coefficient in a negative correlation manner, with a notable hydraulic hysteresis phenomenon observed. A higher content of construction waste leads to a more pronounced supporting force exerted by the formed skeleton structures within a load pressure range between 0 and 1600 kPa. When considering a mass ratio of municipal sludge: construction waste: calcium bentonite as 30:60:7, respectively, only a decrease in the pore ratio by approximately 13.20% was observed. This study provides valuable data support for designing and applying capillary retarding cover barrier systems in landfills.
Genetically Engineered Probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri Releasing IL-22 (LR-IL-22) Modifies the Tumor Microenvironment, Enabling Irradiation in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Hamade Diala F. , Epperly Michael W. , Fisher Renee , Hou Wen , Shields Donna , van Pijkeren Jan-Peter , Leibowitz Brian J. , Coffman Lan G. , Wang Hong , Huq M. Saiful , Huang Ziyu , Rogers Claude J. , Vlad Anda M. , Greenberger Joel S. , Mukherjee Amitava
Published: January 2024

Despite recent advances in cancer therapy, ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynecological cancer worldwide, making it crucial and of the utmost importance to establish novel therapeutic strategies. Adjuvant radiotherapy has been assessed historically, but its use was limited by intestinal toxicity. We recently established the role of Limosilactobacillus reuteri in releasing IL-22 (LR-IL-22) as an effective radiation mitigator, and we have now assessed its effect in an ovarian cancer mouse model. We hypothesized that an LR-IL-22 gavage would enable intestinal radioprotection by modifying the tumor microenvironment and, subsequently, improving overall survival in female C57BL/6MUC-1 mice with widespread abdominal syngeneic 2F8cis ovarian cancer. Herein, we report that the LR-IL-22 gavage not only improved overall survival in mice when combined with a PD-L1 inhibitor by inducing differential gene expression in irradiated stem cells but also induced PD-L1 protein expression in ovarian cancer cells and mobilized CD8+ T cells in whole abdomen irradiated mice. The addition of LR-IL-22 to a combined treatment modality with fractionated whole abdomen radiation (WAI) and systemic chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimens can facilitate a safe and effective protocol to reduce tumor burden, increase survival, and improve the quality of life of a locally advanced ovarian cancer patient.
Prediction of Patient Outcomes in Locally Advanced Cervical Carcinoma Following Chemoradiotherapy—Comparative Effectiveness of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and 2-Deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose Imaging
Authors: Dhesi Simran Singh , Frood Russell , Swift Sarah , Cooper Rachel , Muzumdar Siddhant , Jamal Mehvish , Scarsbrook Andrew
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the utility and comparative effectiveness of three five-point qualitative scoring systems for assessing response on PET-CT and MRI imaging individually and in combination, following curative-intent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). Their performance in the prediction of subsequent patient outcomes was also assessed; Methods: Ninety-seven patients with histologically confirmed LACC treated with CRT using standard institutional protocols at a single centre who underwent PET-CT and MRI at staging and post treatment were identified retrospectively from an institutional database. The post-CRT imaging studies were independently reviewed, and response assessed using five-point scoring tools for T2WI, DWI, and FDG PET-CT. Patient characteristics, staging, treatment, and follow-up details including progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes were collected. To compare diagnostic performance metrics, a two-proportion z-test was employed. A Kaplan–Meier analysis (Mantel–Cox log-rank) was performed. Results: The T2WI (p < 0.00001, p < 0.00001) and DWI response scores (p < 0.00001, p = 0.0002) had higher specificity and accuracy than the PET-CT. The T2WI score had the highest positive predictive value (PPV), while the negative predictive value (NPV) was consistent across modalities. The combined MR scores maintained high NPV, PPV, specificity, and sensitivity, and the PET/MR consensus scores showed superior diagnostic accuracy and specificity compared to the PET-CT score alone (p = 0.02926, p = 0.0083). The Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed significant differences in the PFS based on the T2WI (p < 0.001), DWI (p < 0.001), combined MR (p = 0.003), and PET-CT/MR consensus scores (p < 0.001) and in the OS for the T2WI (p < 0.001), DWI (p < 0.001), and combined MR scores (p = 0.031) between responders and non-responders. Conclusion: Post-CRT response assessment using qualitative MR scoring and/or consensus PET-CT and MRI scoring was a better predictor of outcome compared to PET-CT assessment alone. This requires validation in a larger prospective study but offers the potential to help stratify patient follow-up in the future.