bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Accuracy and Influence Factors of Predicting Lenticule Thickness in Small Incision Lenticule Extraction by Machine Learning Models
Authors: Wang Huihang , Zheng Shaobin , Tang Shumin , Zhang Xiaojuan , Chen Yingying , Zhu Yihua
Published: January 2023

Small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) is a safe and effective surgical procedure for refractive correction. However, the nomogram from the VisuMax femtosecond laser system often overestimates the achieved lenticule thickness (LT), leading to inaccurate estimation of residual central corneal thickness in some patients. In order to improve the accuracy of predicting achieved LT, we used machine learning models to make predictions of LT and analyze the influencing factors of LT estimation in this study. We collected nine variables of 302 eyes and their LT results as input variables. The input variables included age, sex, mean K reading of anterior corneal surface, lenticule diameter, preoperative CCT, axial length, the eccentricity of the anterior corneal surface (E), diopter of spherical, and diopter of the cylinder. Multiple linear regression and several machine learning algorithms were employed in developing the models for predicting LT. According to the evaluation results, the Random Forest (RF) model achieved the highest performance in predicting the LT with an R2 of 0.95 and found the importance of CCT and E in predicting LT. To validate the effectiveness of the RF model, we selected additional 50 eyes for testing. Results showed that the nomogram overestimated LT by 19.59% on average, while the RF model underestimated LT by −0.15%. In conclusion, this study can provide efficient technical support for the accurate estimation of LT in SMILE.
The Risk Factors for New-Onset Calf Muscle Venous Thrombosis after Hip Fracture Surgery
Authors: Zhuang Qianzheng , He Qifei , Aikebaier Aobulikasimu , Chen Wenshi , Liu Jianquan , Wang Daping
Published: January 2023

Background: Calf muscle venous thrombosis (CMVT) is among the most important medical complications after hip surgery. CMVT has been known for many years, but many opinions about the incidence and risk factors of CMVT are still controversial. The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the incidence and associated risk factors of postoperative CMVT in patients with hip fractures. Methods: Patients with hip fractures from January 2020 to April 2022 (n = 320) at Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital were recruited in this study. The personal characteristics and clinical data of CMVT and no-CMVT patients were compared and analyzed. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors of CMVT in patients with hip fractures. Finally we performed a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to compare the diagnostic values of different variables. Results: The overall incidence of new-onset CMVT in patients with hip fractures was 18.75% (60 of 320). Among the 60 CMVT patients, 70% (42 of 60) were diagnosed with femoral neck fractures, 28.3% (17 of 60) with intertrochanteric fractures, and 1.7% (1 of 60) with subtrochanteric fractures. No pulmonary embolism (PE) occurred. High preoperative D-dimer (OR = 1.002, 95%CI 0.97–1.03), sex (OR = 1.22, 95%CI 0.51–2.96), the caprini score (OR = 2.32, 95%CI 1.05–5.16) and the waterlow score (OR = 1.077, 95%CI 0.35–3.36) significantly increased the risk of developing postoperative new-onset CMVT. Conclusions: CMVT has become a common clinical disease, and its harm should not be underestimated. Our study found that D-dimer, sex, the caprini score and the waterlow score were independent risk factors for postoperative CMVT. According to our clinical work, we should pay attention to identifying the risk factors of CMVT formation and targeted intervention measures to prevent new-onset CMVT.
Hematological Questions in Personalized Management of COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Wu Tingting , Li Junying , Hu Yu , Tang Liang V.
Published: January 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been causing a worldwide pandemic since 2019. Many vaccines have been manufactured and have shown promising results in reducing disease morbidity and mortality. However, a variety of vaccine-related adverse effects, including hematological events, have been reported, such as thromboembolic events, thrombocytopenia, and bleeding. Moreover, a new syndrome, vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia, following vaccination against COVID-19 has been recognized. These hematologic side effects have also raised concerns about SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with preexisting hematologic conditions. Patients with hematological tumors are at a higher risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the efficacy and safety of vaccination in this group remain uncertain and have raised attention. In this review, we discuss the hematological events following COVID-19 vaccination and vaccination in patients with hematological disorders.
Evaluation of Nociception during Pediatric Surgery: A Topical Review
Authors: Bertolizio Gianluca , Garbin Marta , Ingelmo Pablo M.
Published: January 2023

The association between intraoperative nociception and increased patient’s morbidity is well established. However, hemodynamic parameters, such as heart rate and blood pressure, may result in an inadequate monitor of nociception during surgery. Over the last two decades, different devices have been marketed to “reliably” detect intraoperative nociception. Since the direct measure of nociception is impractical during surgery, these monitors measures nociception surrogates such as sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems responses (heart rate variability, pupillometry, skin conductance), electroencephalographic changes, and muscular reflex arc. Each monitor carries its own advantages and disadvantages. The manuscript aims to give an overview of the most up-to-date information available in the literature on current nociceptor monitors available in clinical practice, with particular focus on their applications in pediatrics.
Empirical Research Study on the Determinants of Market Indicators for 41 Financial Institutions
Authors: Batrancea Larissa M. , Fetita Alin
Published: January 2023

Economic development must consider the evolution of the banking system in general, and the evolution of individual banks on capital markets in particular. As these financial institutions are catalysts for national economies and economic development, studying the main determinants of their market indicators is both timely and important. This research investigated the impact of various financial ratios on market indicators for a sample of 41 financial institutions during the period of Q4 2013–Q4 2021. The empirical results showed that market indicators were mainly influenced by ratios such as return on assets, total debt to assets ratio, and total debt to total capital. In light of these results, management teams in the banking system are called upon to monitor aspects related to bank revenue and bank performance with the purpose of obtaining solid market indicators and attracting potential stock market investors. Relevant policy implications regarding the market performance of listed financial institutions are also addressed.
Factors Affecting R&D Share in University Revenues: Case of Russia
Authors: Gladyrev Dmitry
Published: January 2023

Recent government projects and initiatives (such as Priority 2030) have significantly increased the role of universities in creating and commercializing innovations in Russia. One of the most important indicators of university performance in these programs is R&D revenue. Its values have a significant deviation between universities that lead to different importance of R&D activities and make some universities more R&D oriented than others in the terms of their economics. This orientation can be considered an important factor of university sustainability as it allows it to be less dependent on admission volume which varies due to demographic waves and other endogenous factors. This paper studies the factors affecting the R&D orientation of big Russian universities. Monitoring the Efficiency of Higher Education Institutions provides sufficient data on Russian universities for such study including the share of R&D revenue in the total value of revenue which is used as a measure of R&D orientation. This study analyses the factors affecting this indicator using the data from the 49 largest Russian universities between 2015 and 2020 to build econometric panel data models. The modelling proves the significance of various factors such as entrance scores of students, the number of publications per faculty member, the share of young researchers, the ratio of average salary to the regional average salary, and the share of faculty members holding doctoral degrees. The research highlights the connection between publication performance and R&D activities and the importance of supporting young researchers in the development of scientific entrepreneurship.
Insurance Inclusion in Uganda: Impact of Perceived Value, Insurance Literacy and Perceived Trust
Authors: Kiwanuka Archillies , Sibindi Athenia Bongani
Published: January 2023

The study examined the impact of perceived value, insurance literacy and perceived trust on insurance inclusion in Uganda. The study employed a cross-sectional design to solicit responses from 400 individuals that voluntarily enrolled on an insurance programme. The study hypotheses were tested using Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modelling. The results showed that perceived value, insurance literacy and perceived trust have a significant and positive prediction of insurance inclusion in Uganda. However, perceived trust explained more of the variations in insurance inclusion than perceived value and insurance literacy. Overall, the predictor variables explained 63.2% of the variance in insurance inclusion. This study contributes to the limited nascent literature on insurance inclusion. The implication of this study is that insurance providers need to focus on trust and delivering value to customers in order to promote insurance inclusion. Further, the study proffers advice to policymakers to include insurance literacy in the national financial inclusion strategies to foster insurance inclusion.
Neopragmatic Reflections on Coastal Land Loss and Climate Change in Louisiana in Light of Popper’s Theory of Three Worlds
Authors: Kühne Olaf , Koegst Lara
Published: January 2023

This paper addresses the social resonances to the complex causes, effects, and feedback of land loss in southern Louisiana, particularly with respect to the region’s vulnerability to the impacts of anthropogenic climate change, especially against the backdrop of the consequences and side effects of the resident petrochemical industry. Using empirical findings from an online discussion about coastal land loss and talks to people in Louisiana, the different perceptions of coastal land loss of affected and not-affected people become apparent. As a result of the high complexity of the topic, a meta-theoretical framing by neopragmatism, as well as an analytical framing based on Popper’s theory of three worlds, is provided.
Monitoring and Effect Evaluation of an Ecological Restoration Project Using Multi-Source Remote Sensing: A Case Study of Wuliangsuhai Watershed in China
Authors: Jia Xiang , Jin Zhengxu , Mei Xiaoli , Wang Dong , Zhu Ruoning , Zhang Xiaoxia , Huang Zherui , Li Caixia , Zhang Xiaoli
Published: January 2023

Quantitative assessment of the effectiveness of ecological restoration provides timely feedback on restoration efforts, and helps to accurately understand the extent of restoration, while providing scientific support for optimizing restoration programs. In recent decades, the Wuliangsuhai watershed in China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has been affected by anthropogenic activities, resulting in an increasingly unbalanced ecological environment. In order to curb environmental degradation, the local government implemented the “mountain, water, forest, field, lake and grass ecological protection and restoration project of the Wuliangsuhai watershed” from 2018 to 2020. The project has been completed and there is an urgent need for remote sensing monitoring to aid in performance evaluation. We took the ecological protection and restoration area of the Wuliangsuhai watershed in China as the research object, applied multi-source remote sensing imagery and auxiliary data such as meteorology and geographic basic data, extracted information of each evaluation index before and after the implementation of this project, and used the entropy value method to determine the index weights to comprehensively evaluate the ecological restoration effect. The results showed that after the implementation of the ecological restoration project, the vegetation coverage was further improved, the effectiveness of desert management was obvious, soil and water conservation capacity was strengthened, the ecosystem became more stable, and the areas with good environment were mostly located in the central and eastern parts. A total of 37.86% of the areas had obvious ecological restoration effects, and all indicators were further improved. Among the main treatment areas, the restoration effect of the Wuliangsuhai water ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation area was the best. The restoration effect will be further accentuated over time. This study provides a scientific reference for the further management of the ecological environment in the watershed and can provide a reference for the evaluation of the ecological restoration effect in similar areas in the future.
Restoring Degraded Landscapes through an Integrated Approach Using Geospatial Technologies in the Context of the Humanitarian Crisis in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Authors: Jalal Rashed , Mahamud Rajib , Arif Md. Tanjimul Alam , Ritu Saimunnahar , Kumar Mondal Falgoonee , Ahmed Bayes , Kabir Md. Humayun , Rana Mohammad Sohal , Huda Howlader Nazmul , DeGaetano Marco , Agnew Peter John , Ghosh Amit , Mushtaq Fatima , Martín-Ortega Pablo , Vollrath Andreas , Finegold Yelena , Franceschini Gianluca , d’Annunzio Rémi , Jonckheere Inge , Henry Matieu
Published: January 2023

The influx of nearly a million refugees from Myanmar’s Rakhine state to Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, in August 2017 put significant pressure on the regional landscape leading to land degradation due to biomass removal to provide shelter and fuel energy and posed critical challenges for both host and displaced population. This article emphasizes geospatial applications at different stages of addressing land degradation in Cox’s Bazar. A wide range of data and methods were used to delineate land tenure, estimate wood fuel demand and supply, assess land degradation, evaluate land restoration suitability, and monitor restoration activities. The quantitative and spatially explicit information from these geospatial assessments integrated with the technical guidelines for sustainable land management and an adaptive management strategy was critical in enabling a collaborative, multi-disciplinary and evidence-based approach to successfully restoring degraded landscapes in a displacement setting.
State of Brownfields in the Northern Bohemia, Saxony and Lower Silesian Regions and Prospects for Regeneration by Utilization of the Phytotechnology with the Second Generation Crops
Authors: Newton Robert Ato , Pidlisnyuk Valentina , Wildová Eliška , Nováková Ludmila , Trögl Josef
Published: January 2023

The need to achieve the sustainability goals and to reduce the continuous exploitation of the limited urban areas increases requests for the regeneration of brownfields. The current study aims to review the state of brownfields in the Northern Czech Region and neighboring German (Saxony) and Polish (Silesian) Regions which share a common geological background and environmental problems. The peculiarities of the brownfield’s properties related to the term, classification, legislative framework, access to available data, degree of contamination, and remediation methods were the focus of this review. It was established that the state with brownfield identification and transformation is better in the Czech Republic, followed by Germany, with lower awareness in Poland. The relevant examples of successful brownfield revitalization and the importance of educational components were introduced. A prospective application of the phytotechnology with the second-generation crops for the remediation of brownfields was discussed. The utilization of Miscanthus spp. for marginal lands with low contamination can provide an economic return by having biomass converted into energy or bioproducts and the utilization of the accompanied waste as carbon-rich biochar which can indeed support phytoremediation, enhance plants’ growth and serve as a medium for carbon sequestration. The next steps in the research have to concentrate on comparison of the rehabilitation methods introduced for the targeted regions with the global approach in brownfield redevelopment along with the practical ensuring the phytotechnology potential at the selected brownfields.
Interactions between Climate and Land Cover Change over West Africa
Authors: Mortey Eric Mensah , Annor Thompson , Arnault Joël , Inoussa Maman Maarouhi , Madougou Saïdou , Kunstmann Harald , Nyantakyi Emmanuel Kwesi
Published: January 2023

Climate–land interaction over West Africa has often been assessed using climate simulations, although the model-based approach suffers from the limitations of climate models for the region. In this paper, an alternative method based on the analysis of historical land cover data and standardized climatic indices is used to investigate climate–land interactions, in order to establish climatic conditions and their corresponding land cover area changes. The annual variation in land cover area changes and climatic changes are first estimated separately and then linked using various spatiotemporal scales. The results show that incidences of land cover change result from abrupt changes in climatic conditions. Interannual changes of −1.0–1.0 °C, 0–1.5 °C, and −0.5–0.5 °C, and up to ±50 mm changes in precipitation and climatic water balance, lead to 45,039–52,133 km2, 20,935–22,127 km2, and approximately 32,000 km2 changes, respectively, while a ±0.5 °C and ±20 mm change represents normal climate conditions with changes below 20,000 km2. Conversely, conversions of cropland, forest, grassland, and shrubland are the main land cover change types affecting the climate. The results offer a basis for the re-evaluation of land cover change and climate information used in regional climate models simulating land–climate interactions over West Africa.
Linking Flood Risk Mitigation and Food Security: An Analysis of Land-Use Change in the Metropolitan Area of Rome
Authors: Marino Davide , Palmieri Margherita , Marucci Angelo , Soraci Mariangela , Barone Antonio , Pili Silvia
Published: January 2023

Land consumption and climate change have intensified natural disasters in urban areas. In response to these emergencies under the European 2030 Agenda, Sustainable Development Goals have been established to improve ecosystem protection and increase resilience and adaptation to natural disasters globally (Goal 13 “Climate action” and Goal 15 “Life on land”). In order to implement governance tools appropriately, it is necessary to know the relationships among the drivers, the changes in the state of urban ecosystems and agro-ecosystems, and the impact on the supply of goods and services at spatial and temporal scales. In this paper, Land-Use and Land-Cover Changes (LULCCs) in the metropolitan area of Rome have been investigated, with the purpose of detecting the synergistic variations in the supply of the flood mitigation and agricultural production ecosystem services (ES). The methodology is based on a GIS (Geographic Information System) analysis that identifies the transformation processes and permanencies related to land-cover. The variation in flood mitigation services was quantified through the use of the Urban Flood Risk Mitigation Model (UFRM) from the InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) suite, while the variation in agricultural production through productivity coefficients was associated with changes in land-uses. Finally, an analysis of LULC-induced synergies and trade-offs between the two services was performed. The results show a net negative change in ES supply, caused mainly by urbanization at the expense of agricultural land. This decrease in ES supply is not offset by other LULCC transitions. In addition, the analysis of synergies and trade-offs between flood mitigation ES and agricultural production ES (in arable land, orchards, vineyards, and olive groves) shows that the reduction of agricultural land negatively affects both ES. The innovative contribution of this paper lies in setting an integrated methodology that is able to investigate how LULCC influences both hydraulic safety and food security. Findings can be useful to support planning of enhancing the role of agriculture in metropolitan areas.
Processing Focus in Turkish
Authors: Kurt Didem , Deniz Nazik Dinçtopal
Published: January 2023

The immediately preverbal position has been argued to be the default focus position in Turkish. In absence of any overt focus markers, the constituent in this position is considered to carry sentential stress and neutral information for canonical word-order sentences and focus is projected to the whole sentence in the form of broad focus. In non-canonical word-order sentences, the immediately preverbal constituent is presumed to carry focal stress and the focused constituent would receive narrow focus. This paper tested this claim experimentally. The paper also investigated if there were any differences in the cognitive operations associated with processing and revising focus in canonical and non-canonical sentences. There were a sentence completion task and an eye-tracking experiment. The sentence completion data and the eye-tracking data supported the theoretical predictions: the immediately preverbal position was associated with default focus in Turkish when no pitch accentuation or other focus markers were available. The eye-tracking data further showed that changes to word-order were perceived as cues for broad versus narrow focus marking. The participants’ processing of and revision from narrow focus were costlier than processing broad focus and assigning narrow focus for the first time. We argue, in line with previous research, that this may be due to deeper encoding of focused information in memory or heavier memory load resulting from keeping a set of alternatives of the focused constituent when it has contrastive meaning.
Nouns, Verbs and Other Parts of Speech in Translation and Interpreting: Evidence from English Speeches Made in the European Parliament and Their German Translations and Interpretations
Authors: Gast Volker , Borges Robert
Published: January 2023

This study investigates the distributions of word classes in English speeches made in the European Parliament and their German (written) translations and simultaneous interpretations. For comparison, a sample of original German speeches and a selection of political interviews are used. The study is motivated by the intention to understand the relationship between the type of mediation and communicative modes: mediated spoken language is compared to unmediated spoken language and to mediated written language. The results show that the interpretations exhibit a less nominal style than the translations, in this respect resembling unplanned spoken conversation. Other quantitative findings, such as a high frequency of adverbs, also point to a register effect, but interpretations have a hybrid status and can be located somewhere in the middle, between the register of the source text (parliamentary speech) and unplanned spoken discourse. The results are discussed against the background of the mechanisms that presumably underlie the choices made by translators (processing, register and strategies).
Impacts of the Residual Trace Metals of Aquaculture in Net Cages on the Quality of Sediment
Authors: Melo Júnior Hênio do Nascimento , de Paula Filho Francisco José , Menezes Jorge Marcel Coelho , de Araújo José Augusto Soares , Gonçalves Santana Jorge Ederson , Melo Hênio Vitor Sobral , Vieira Rosimara de Sales , de Morais Oliveira-Tintino Cícera Datiane , Tintino Saulo Relison , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo , Teixeira Raimundo Nonato Pereira
Published: January 2023

Anthropogenic pollution by trace metals in aquatic environments in semiarid zones is a critical area of investigation. The objective of this study was to investigate the concentration and spatial distribution of trace metals in surface sediments in the Rosário reservoir, which is affected by the intensive aquaculture of Tilápia-do-Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus). Sediment samples were collected in three different areas, postculture (PCTV), cultivation (CTV) and control (CTRL) in the dry season in 2019. The granulometric composition, organic matter and concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb and Ni metals were determined. Multivariate statistics were used. Geochemical and ecotoxicological indices and a comparison with sediment quality guidelines (SQG) were used. The sediment was characterized by silty clay loam with an average organic matter of 18.76 ± 4.27. The analytical merit figures demonstrated accuracy (metal recoveries in certified standards) between 89 to 99% and high precision (RSD < 5%). The concentration ranges for the metals were Fe: 0.11–0.85 (%), Mn: 14.46–86.91, Zn: 2.6–220.56, Cu: 26.89–98.75, Cr: 60.18–76.06, Cd: 0.38–0.59, Pb: 18.13–43.13, and Ni: 34.4–46.75, all in (mg/kg−1). The highest concentration values were found in the CTV areas (Fe: 40 ± 0.22, Mn: 66.48 ± 19.11, Zn: 114.83 ± 59.75 and Cr: 70.85 ± 2.62) and PCTV (Cd: 0.53 ± 0.04, Cu: 71.83 ± 21.20, Pb: 33.71 ± 4.34 and Ni: 44.60 ± 1.79). Pearson’s correlation, hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis confirmed the influence of fish farming on metals. Only Ni presented concentration values higher than the reference value established in the SQG. Thus, considering the probable geochemical and ecotoxicological effects, they comprise the two lowest levels of impact.
Mechanotransduction for Muscle Protein Synthesis via Mechanically Activated Ion Channels
Authors: Mirzoev Timur M.
Published: January 2023

Cell mechanotransduction, the ability to detect physical forces and convert them into a series of biochemical events, is important for a wide range of physiological processes. Cells express an array of mechanosensors transducing physical forces into intracellular signaling cascades, including ion channels. Ion channels that can be directly activated by mechanical cues are known as mechanically activated (MA), or stretch-activated (SA), channels. In response to repeated exposures to mechanical stimulation in the form of resistance training, enhanced protein synthesis and fiber hypertrophy are elicited in skeletal muscle, whereas a lack of mechanical stimuli due to inactivity/mechanical unloading leads to reduced muscle protein synthesis and fiber atrophy. To date, the role of MA channels in the transduction of mechanical load to intracellular signaling pathways regulating muscle protein synthesis is poorly described. This review article will discuss MA channels in striated muscle, their regulation, and putative roles in the anabolic processes in muscle cells/fibers in response to mechanical stimuli.
Soluble and EV-Associated Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Knee Osteoarthritis Pathology and Detection
Authors: Moravek Marko , Matejova Jana , Spakova Timea
Published: January 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative disease of the connective tissue of the human musculoskeletal system. Despite its widespread prevalence, there are many limitations in its diagnosis and treatment. OA diagnosis currently relies on the presence of clinical symptoms, sometimes accompanied by changes in joint X-rays or MRIs. Biomarkers help not only to diagnose early disease progression but also to understand the process of OA in many ways. In this article, we briefly summarize information on articular joints and joint tissues, the pathogenesis of OA and review the literature about biomarkers in the field of OA, specifically inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, proteins, miRNA, and metabolic biomarkers found in the blood, synovial fluid and in extracellular vesicles.
Preliminary Findings of the Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in Temporomandibular Disorders: Uncontrolled Pilot Study
Authors: Blanco-Rueda José A. , López-Valverde Antonio , Márquez-Vera Antonio , Méndez-Sánchez Roberto , López-García Eva , López-Valverde Nansi
Published: January 2023

Temporomandibular disorders are a common pathology affecting up to 70% of the population, with a maximum incidence in young patients. We used a sample of twenty patients recruited in the Maxillofacial Surgery Service of the University Hospital of Salamanca (Spain), who met the inclusion criteria, with unilateral painful symptomatology of more than three months’ duration. All patients were randomly treated by intramuscular and intra-articular injections of botulinum toxin (100 U) in eight predetermined points. Pain symptomatology was assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS) at the different locations, together with joint symptomatology, at baseline and six weeks after treatment. Adverse effects were also evaluated. In 85% of the patients, pain upon oral opening improved and 90% showed improvement in pain upon mastication. A total of 75% of the patients reported improvement in joint clicking/noise. Headaches improved or disappeared in 70% of the patients treated. Despite the limitations of the study and the preliminary results, intramuscular and intra-articular infiltrations with botulinum toxin were effective in the treatment of symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), with minimal adverse effects.
The Anticancer Potential of Psidium guajava (Guava) Extracts
Authors: Lok Bronwyn , Babu Dinesh , Tabana Yasser , Dahham Saad Sabbar , Adam Mowaffaq Adam Ahmed , Barakat Khaled , Sandai Doblin
Published: January 2023

The fruits, leaves, and bark of the guava (Psidium guajava) tree have traditionally been used to treat a myriad of ailments, especially in the tropical and subtropical regions. The various parts of the plant have been shown to exhibit medicinal properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities. Recent studies have shown that the bioactive phytochemicals of several parts of the P. guajava plant exhibit anticancer activity. This review aims to present a concise summary of the in vitro and in vivo studies investigating the anticancer activity of the plant against various human cancer cell lines and animal models, including the identified phytochemicals that contributes to their activity via the different mechanisms. In vitro growth and cell viability studies, such as the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay, and the trypan blue exclusion test, were conducted using P. guajava extracts and their biomolecules to assess their effects on human cancer cell lines. Numerous studies have showcased that the P. guajava plant and its bioactive molecules, especially those extracted from its leaves, selectively suppress the growth of human cancer cells without cytotoxicity against the normal cells. This review presents the potential of the extracts of P. guajava and the bioactive molecules derived from it, to be utilized as a feasible alternative or adjuvant treatment for human cancers. The availability of the plant also contributes towards its viability as a cancer treatment in developing countries.
Characterization and microRNA Expression Analysis of Serum-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Severe Liver Injury from Chronic HBV Infection
Authors: Liu Min , Liu Xionghao , Pan Mengmeng , Zhang Yu , Tang Xiangling , Liu Wanxi , Zhao Mingri , Ma Jing , Zhou Ning , Jiang Yongfang , Wang Wenlong , Liu Mujun
Published: January 2023

Background: Extracellular vesicle (EV) microRNAs have been documented in several studies to have significantly different expressions in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver diseases, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The current work aimed to observe the characteristics of EVs and EV miRNA expressions in patients with severe liver injury chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and patients with HBV-associated decompensated cirrhosis (DeCi). Methods: The characterization of the EVs in the serum was carried out for three different groups, namely, patients with severe liver injury-CHB, patients with DeCi, and healthy controls. EV miRNAs were analyzed using miRNA-seq and RT-qPCR arrays. Additionally, we assessed the predictive and observational values of the miRNAs with significant differential expressions in serum EVs. Results: Patients with severe liver injury-CHB had the highest EV concentrations when compared to the normal controls (NCs) and patients with DeCi (p < 0.001). The miRNA-seq of the NC and severe liver injury-CHB groups identified 268 differentially expressed miRNAs (|FC| > 2, p < 0.05). In this case, 15 miRNAs were verified using RT-qPCR, and it was found that novel-miR-172-5p and miR-1285-5p in the severe liver injury-CHB group showed marked downregulation in comparison to the NC group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, compared with the NC group, three EV miRNAs (novel-miR-172-5p, miR-1285-5p, and miR-335-5p) in the DeCi group showed various degrees of downregulated expression. However, when comparing the DeCi group with the severe liver injury-CHB group, only the expression of miR-335-5p in the DeCi group decreased significantly (p < 0.05). For the severe liver injury-CHB and DeCi groups, the addition of miR-335-5p improved the predictive accuracy of the serological levels, while miR-335-5p was significantly correlated with ALT, AST, AST/ALT, GGT, and AFP. Conclusions: The patients with severe liver injury-CHB had the highest number of EVs. The combination of novel-miR-172-5p and miR-1285-5p in serum EVs helped in predicting the progression of the NCs to severe liver injury-CHB, while the addition of EV miR-335-5p improved the serological accuracy of predicting the progression of severe liver injury-CHB to DeCi.
Gaussian Blurring Technique for Detecting and Classifying Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cancer Cells from Microscopic Biopsy Images
Authors: Devi Tulasi Gayatri , Patil Nagamma , Rai Sharada , Philipose Cheryl Sarah
Published: January 2023

Visual inspection of peripheral blood samples is a critical step in the leukemia diagnostic process. Automated solutions based on artificial vision approaches can accelerate this procedure, while also improving accuracy and uniformity of response in telemedicine applications. In this study, we propose a novel GBHSV-Leuk method to segment and classify Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) cancer cells. GBHSV-Leuk is a two staged process. The first stage involves pre-processing, which uses the Gaussian Blurring (GB) technique to blur the noise and reflections in the image. The second stage involves segmentation using the Hue Saturation Value (HSV) technique and morphological operations to differentiate between the foreground and background colors, which improve the accuracy of prediction. The proposed method attains 96.30% accuracy when applied on the private dataset, and 95.41% accuracy when applied on the ALL-IDB1 public dataset. This work would facilitate early detection of ALL cancer.
Multiple Brain Tumor Classification with Dense CNN Architecture Using Brain MRI Images
Authors: Özkaraca Osman , Bağrıaçık Okan İhsan , Gürüler Hüseyin , Khan Faheem , Hussain Jamil , Khan Jawad , Laila Umm e
Published: January 2023

Brain MR images are the most suitable method for detecting chronic nerve diseases such as brain tumors, strokes, dementia, and multiple sclerosis. They are also used as the most sensitive method in evaluating diseases of the pituitary gland, brain vessels, eye, and inner ear organs. Many medical image analysis methods based on deep learning techniques have been proposed for health monitoring and diagnosis from brain MRI images. CNNs (Convolutional Neural Networks) are a sub-branch of deep learning and are often used to analyze visual information. Common uses include image and video recognition, suggestive systems, image classification, medical image analysis, and natural language processing. In this study, a new modular deep learning model was created to retain the existing advantages of known transfer learning methods (DenseNet, VGG16, and basic CNN architectures) in the classification process of MR images and eliminate their disadvantages. Open-source brain tumor images taken from the Kaggle database were used. For the training of the model, two types of splitting were utilized. First, 80% of the MRI image dataset was used in the training phase and 20% in the testing phase. Secondly, 10-fold cross-validation was used. When the proposed deep learning model and other known transfer learning methods were tested on the same MRI dataset, an improvement in classification performance was obtained, but an increase in processing time was observed.
Sepsis-Induced Coagulopathy: An Update on Pathophysiology, Biomarkers, and Current Guidelines
Authors: Tsantes Andreas G. , Parastatidou Stavroula , Tsantes Emmanuel A. , Bonova Elli , Tsante Konstantina A. , Mantzios Petros G. , Vaiopoulos Aristeidis G. , Tsalas Stavros , Konstantinidi Aikaterini , Houhoula Dimitra , Iacovidou Nicoletta , Piovani Daniele , Nikolopoulos Georgios K. , Sokou Rozeta
Published: January 2023

Significant cross talk occurs between inflammation and coagulation. Thus, coagulopathy is common in sepsis, potentially aggravating the prognosis. Initially, septic patients tend to exhibit a prothrombotic state through extrinsic pathway activation, cytokine-induced coagulation amplification, anticoagulant pathways suppression, and fibrinolysis impairment. In late sepsis stages, with the establishment of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), hypocoagulability ensues. Traditional laboratory findings of sepsis, including thrombocytopenia, increased prothrombin time (PT) and fibrin degradation products (FDPs), and decreased fibrinogen, only present late in the course of sepsis. A recently introduced definition of sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC) aims to identify patients at an earlier stage when changes to coagulation status are still reversible. Nonconventional assays, such as the measurement of anticoagulant proteins and nuclear material levels, and viscoelastic studies, have shown promising sensitivity and specificity in detecting patients at risk for DIC, allowing for timely therapeutic interventions. This review outlines current insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms and diagnostic options of SIC.
Photocatalytic Synthesis of Materials for Regenerative Medicine Using Complex Oxides with β-pyrochlore Structure
Authors: Semenycheva Ludmila , Chasova Victoria , Fukina Diana , Koryagin Andrey , Belousov Artem , Valetova Natalia , Suleimanov Evgeny
Published: January 2023

Graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate onto cod collagen was carried out under visible light irradiation (λ = 400–700 nm) at 20–25 °C using the RbTe1.5W0.5O6, CsTeMoO6, and RbNbTeO6 complex oxides with β-pyrochlore structure as photocatalysts. The as-prepared materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. It was also found that RbNbTeO6 with β-pyrochlore structure was not able to photocatalyze the reaction. Enzymatic hydrolysis of the obtained graft copolymers proceeds with the formation of peptides with a molecular weight (MW) of about 20 and 10 kDa. In contrast to collagen, which decomposes predominantly to peptides with MW of about 10 kDa, the ratio of fractions with MW of about 10 kDa and 20 kDa differs much less, their changes are symbatic, and the content of polymers with MW of more than 20 kDa is about 70% after 1 h in the case of graft copolymers. The data obtained indicate that synthetic fragments grafted to the collagen macromolecule do not prevent the hydrolysis of the peptide bonds but change the rate of polymer degradation. This is important for creating network matrix scaffolds based on graft copolymers by cross-linking peptides, which are products of enzymatic hydrolysis.
Robotic Bronchoscopy: Review of Three Systems
Authors: Diddams Maxwell J. , Lee Hans J.
Published: January 2023

Robotic bronchoscopy (RB) has been shown to improve access to smaller and more peripheral lung lesions, while simultaneously staging the mediastinum. Pre-clinical studies demonstrated extremely high diagnostic yields, but real-world RB yields have yet to fully matched up in prospective studies. Despite this, RB technology has rapidly evolved and has great potential for lung-cancer diagnosis and even treatment. In this article, we review the historical and present challenges with RB in order to compare three RB systems.
Anti-Arthritic and Anti-Cancer Activities of Polyphenols: A Review of the Most Recent In Vitro Assays
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Benfante Viviana , Stefano Alessandro , Yezzi Anthony , Di Raimondo Domenico , Tuttolomondo Antonino , Comelli Albert
Published: January 2023

Polyphenols have gained widespread attention as they are effective in the prevention and management of various diseases, including cancer diseases (CD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They are natural organic substances present in fruits, vegetables, and spices. Polyphenols interact with various kinds of receptors and membranes. They modulate different signal cascades and interact with the enzymes responsible for CD and RA. These interactions involve cellular machinery, from cell membranes to major nuclear components, and provide information on their beneficial effects on health. These actions provide evidence for their pharmaceutical exploitation in the treatment of CD and RA. In this review, we discuss different pathways, modulated by polyphenols, which are involved in CD and RA. A search of the most recent relevant publications was carried out with the following criteria: publication date, 2012–2022; language, English; study design, in vitro; and the investigation of polyphenols present in extra virgin olive, grapes, and spices in the context of RA and CD, including, when available, the underlying molecular mechanisms. This review is valuable for clarifying the mechanisms of polyphenols targeting the pathways of senescence and leading to the development of CD and RA treatments. Herein, we focus on research reports that emphasize antioxidant properties.
Imaging of Cartilage and Chondral Defects: An Overview
Authors: Nischal Neha , Iyengar Karthikeyan , Herlekar Deepak , Botchu Rajesh
Published: January 2023

A healthy articular cartilage is paramount to joint function. Cartilage defects, whether acute or chronic, are a significant source of morbidity. This review summarizes various imaging modalities used for cartilage assessment. While radiographs are insensitive, they are still widely used to indirectly assess cartilage. Ultrasound has shown promise in the detection of cartilage defects, but its efficacy is limited in many joints due to inadequate visualization. CT arthrography has the potential to assess internal derangements of joints along with cartilage, especially in patients with contraindications to MRI. MRI remains the favored imaging modality to assess cartilage. The conventional imaging techniques are able to assess cartilage abnormalities when cartilage is already damaged. The newer imaging techniques are thus targeted at detecting biochemical and structural changes in cartilage before an actual visible irreversible loss. These include, but are not limited to, T2 and T2* mapping, dGEMRI, T1ρ imaging, gagCEST imaging, sodium MRI and integrated PET with MRI. A brief discussion of the advances in the surgical management of cartilage defects and post-operative imaging assessment is also included.
Cardiovascular Toxicity Induced by Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitors
Authors: Mihalcea Diana , Memis Hayat , Mihaila Sorina , Vinereanu Dragos
Published: January 2023

Cardiotoxicity is an important side effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors therapy used in the treatment of various malignancies, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Arterial hypertension, cardiac ischemia with the acceleration of atherosclerosis, arrhythmias, myocardial dysfunction and thromboembolic disease are the most feared cardiovascular adverse reactions due to VEGF inhibitors. Susceptibility for the occurrence of VEGF inhibitors-induced cardiotoxicity has multifactorial determinants, with a significant inter-individual variation. Baseline cardiovascular risk assessment of the patient, type and stage of cancer, dose and duration of VEGF inhibitors treatment and adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy are the main predictors for cardiotoxicity. The role of the cardio-oncology team becomes essential for achieving maximum therapeutic anti-angiogenic effects with minimum cardiovascular side effects. This review will summarize the incidence, risk factors, mechanisms, management and treatment of VEGF inhibitors-induced cardiovascular toxicity.
Prostaglandin D2 Added during the Differentiation of 3T3-L1 Cells Suppresses Adipogenesis via Dysfunction of D-Prostanoid Receptor P1 and P2
Authors: Nartey Michael N. N. , Jisaka Mitsuo , Syeda Pinky Karim , Nishimura Kohji , Shimizu Hidehisa , Yokota Kazushige
Published: January 2023

We previously reported that the addition of prostaglandin, (PG)D2, and its chemically stable analog, 11-deoxy-11-methylene-PGD2 (11d-11m-PGD2), during the maturation phase of 3T3-L1 cells promotes adipogenesis. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the effects of the addition of PGD2 or 11d-11m-PGD2 to 3T3-L1 cells during the differentiation phase on adipogenesis. We found that both PGD2 and 11d-11m-PGD2 suppressed adipogenesis through the downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) expression. However, the latter suppressed adipogenesis more potently than PGD2, most likely because of its higher resistance to spontaneous transformation into PGJ2 derivatives. In addition, this anti-adipogenic effect was attenuated by the coexistence of an IP receptor agonist, suggesting that the effect depends on the intensity of the signaling from the IP receptor. The D-prostanoid receptors 1 (DP1) and 2 (DP2, also known as a chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells) are receptors for PGD2. The inhibitory effects of PGD2 and 11d-11m-PGD2 on adipogenesis were slightly attenuated by a DP2 agonist. Furthermore, the addition of PGD2 and 11d-11m-PGD2 during the differentiation phase reduced the DP1 and DP2 expression during the maturation phase. Overall, these results indicated that the addition of PGD2 or 11d-11m-PGD2 during the differentiation phase suppresses adipogenesis via the dysfunction of DP1 and DP2. Therefore, unidentified receptor(s) for both molecules may be involved in the suppression of adipogenesis.