bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the 177mLu-concentration in in-house produced 177Lu-radiopharmaceuticals and commercially available Lutathera®
Authors: Balzer Matthias , Spiecker Fleur , Bluemel Stephanie , Amthauer Holger , Brenner Winfried , Spreckelmeyer Sarah
Published: November 2023

Background

177Lu-radiopharmaceuticals can contain the metastable impurity [177mLu]lutetium with a physical half-life of 160.4 days, in varying concentrations depending on the route of production of the radionuclidic precursor [177Lu]lutetium. Due to the long half-life of [177mLu]lutetium, difficulties with waste disposal or sterility testing could arise. Here, we analyzed several 177Lu-samples of different origins and suppliers regarding their 177mLu-concentration.

Results

All samples tested showed a 177mLu-concentration in the range that was stated on the certificate of analysis from the supplier which is in accordance with the European Pharmacopoeia.

Conclusions

Although all 177mLu-concentrations were in accordance with the European Pharmacopoeia, we need to take into account the respective national legislation regarding radioactivity release limits. With regard to the German legislation, several probes for sterility testing in external laboratories could not be released for transport due to the concentration of [177mLu]lutetium. Moreover, waste water tanks should specifically be monitored for 177mLu-concentration, when e.g. Lutathera® is administered in the clinic.
Awake self-proning for COVID-19 non-intubated patients—a single-centered experience
Authors: Solanki Rekha Nileshbhai , Thakkar Jayshree Mahendra
Published: November 2023

Background

COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure may need intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Prone positioning in mechanically ventilated patients improves oxygenation and reduces mortality in moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. For better oxygenation and outcomes, awake proning is being tried in non-intubated patients also. Our aim was to investigate advantage of awake self-prone positioning with oxygen therapy using non-rebreathing mask (NRBM) in COVID-19 ICU patients.

Results

This prospective observational study was conducted in ICU from 18th November 2020 to 28th February 2021. Sixty COVID-19 cooperative patients with hypoxemia on arrival with hemodynamic stability were included. Patients on NRBM were advised to turn prone for 12–14 h per day. Oxygen saturation (SpO2) was recorded in supine position and 30 min after initiation of prone positioning. Ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen and fractional concentration of inspired oxygen (P/F) was recorded in supine and 24 h after initiation of prone position. Primary outcome was improvement in SpO2 > 94%. Secondary outcome was incidence of intubation.

Sixty patients were received in ICU with supplemental oxygen, and median SpO2 was 80% (IQR 70–88%). Patients were put on NRBM with median SpO2 in supine position 86% (IQR 76–90). Thirty minutes of proning increased SpO2 to 94% (IQR 89 to 97%). Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used (P = 0.001). Forty-three patients did not require intubation, and seventeen patients needed intubation.

Conclusions

Awake self-proning in COVID-19 patients on NRBM improved oxygenation with reduced intubation rate.
What can be lost? Genomic perspective on the lipid metabolism of Mucoromycota
Authors: Sokołowska Blanka , Orłowska Małgorzata , Okrasińska Alicja , Piłsyk Sebastian , Pawłowska Julia , Muszewska Anna
Published: November 2023

Mucoromycota is a phylum of early diverging fungal (EDF) lineages, of mostly plant-associated terrestrial fungi. Some strains have been selected as promising biotechnological organisms due to their ability to produce polyunsaturated fatty acids and efficient conversion of nutrients into lipids. Others get their lipids from the host plant and are unable to produce even the essential ones on their own. Following the advancement in EDF genome sequencing, we carried out a systematic survey of lipid metabolism protein families across different EDF lineages. This enabled us to explore the genomic basis of the previously documented ability to produce several types of lipids within the fungal tree of life. The core lipid metabolism genes showed no significant diversity in distribution, however specialized lipid metabolic pathways differed in this regard among different fungal lineages. In total 165 out of 202 genes involved in lipid metabolism were present in all tested fungal lineages, while remaining 37 genes were found to be absent in some of fungal lineages. Duplications were observed for 69 genes. For the first time we demonstrate that ergosterol is not being produced by several independent groups of plant-associated fungi due to the losses of different ERG genes. Instead, they possess an ancestral pathway leading to the synthesis of cholesterol, which is absent in other fungal lineages. The lack of diacylglycerol kinase in both Mortierellomycotina and Blastocladiomycota opens the question on sterol equilibrium regulation in these organisms. Early diverging fungi retained most of beta oxidation components common with animals including Nudt7, Nudt12 and Nudt19 pointing at peroxisome divergence in Dikarya. Finally, Glomeromycotina and Mortierellomycotina representatives have a similar set of desaturases and elongases related to the synthesis of complex, polyunsaturated fatty acids pointing at an ancient expansion of fatty acid metabolism currently being explored by biotechnological studies.
Precise orbit determination of Haiyang-2D using onboard BDS-3 B1C/B2a observations with ambiguity resolution
Authors: Jiang Kecai , Li Wenwen , Li Min , Geng Jianghui , Lyu Haixia , Zhao Qile , Liu Jingnan
Published: November 2023

The Haiyang-2D altimetry mission of China is one of the first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites that can receive new B1C/B2a signals from the BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3) for Precise Orbit Determination (POD). In this work, the achievable accuracy of the single-receiver ambiguity resolution for onboard LEO satellites is studied based on the real measurements of new BDS-3 frequencies. Under normal conditions, six BDS-3 satellites on average are visible. However, the multipath of the B1C/B2a code observations presents some patchy patterns that cause near-field variations with an amplitude of approximately 40 cm and deteriorate the ambiguity-fixed rate. By modeling those errors, for the B2a code, a remarkable reduction of 53% in the Root Mean Square (RMS) is achieved at high elevations, along with an increase of 8% in the ambiguity-fixed rates. Additionally, an analysis of the onboard antenna's phase center offsets reveals that when compared to the solutions with float ambiguities, the estimated values in the antenna’s Z direction in the solutions with fixed ambiguities are notably smaller. The independent validation of the resulting POD using satellite laser ranging at 16 selected high-performance stations shows that the residuals are reduced by a minimum of 15.4% for ambiguity-fixed solutions with an RMS consistency of approximately 2.2 cm. Furthermore, when compared to the DORIS-derived orbits, a 4.3 cm 3D RMS consistency is achieved for the BDS-3-derived orbits, and the along-track bias is reduced from 2.9 to 0.4 cm using ambiguity fixing.
Effect of retrieval practice and drawing on high school students’ conceptual understanding of the carbon cycle
Authors: Wang Mengyu , Yang Ming , Kyle William C.
Published: November 2023

Both learner-generated drawing and retrieval practice methods are effective to enhance science learning. To compare the impact of combining different drawing methods (representational drawing vs. abstract drawing) with retrieval practice on the carbon cycle learning, 136 Chinese high school students enrolled in a geography course were assigned randomly to six learning conditions: students built their mental models of the carbon cycle by either generating sketches with or without access to the text learning material introducing the carbon cycle (i.e., generative sketching vs. retrieval sketching), or by creating concept maps with or without access to the learning material (i.e., generative concept mapping vs. retrieval concept mapping), or students just freely recalled on what they have learned from the learning material by paragraphing (i.e., retrieval practice), or restudied the learning material with note-taking (i.e., restudy). Students’ learning outcomes were assessed by immediate and one-week delayed tests. Results revealed that no difference was found between the six conditions on the immediate test, whereas students in the retrieval practice condition with paragraphing significantly outperformed those who did not practice retrieval on the one-week delayed test. However, there was no difference between the two drawing conditions regardless of whether they were adopted with or without retrieval practice. Furthermore, the same pattern was found on the factual knowledge questions in both tests, but no main effect of condition was found on both the immediate and the delayed tests for the application questions. We conclude that retrieval-based drawing could be adopted for climate change education at the high school level.
Stem cell therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma and end-stage liver disease
Authors: Abdellateif Mona S. , Zekri Abdel-Rahman N.
Published: November 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health problem worldwide, especially for patients who are suffering from end-stage liver disease (ESLD). The ESLD is considered a great challenge for clinicians due to the limited chance for liver transplantation, which is the only curative treatment for those patients. Stem cell-based therapy as a part of regenerative medicine represents a promising application for ESLD patients. Many clinical trials were performed to assess the utility of bone marrow-derived stem cells as a potential therapy for patients with liver diseases. The aim of the present study is to present and review the various types of stem cell-based therapy, including the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), BM-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs), CD34 + hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and cancer stem cells.

Though this type of therapy achieved promising results for the treatment of ESLD, however still there is a confounding data regarding its clinical application. A large body of evidence is highly required to evaluate the stem cell-based therapy after long-term follow-up, with respect to the incidence of toxicity, immunogenicity, and tumorigenesis that developed in many patients.
The reliability of POCUS in the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia in critically ill pediatric patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mohamed Shereen A. , Bazaraa Hafez M. , Ishak Sally K. , El-Ghobashy Mohamed H. , Gommaa Maie A.
Published: November 2023

Background

Community-acquired pneumonia represents a noteworthy concern in terms of morbidity and mortality, particularly in countries with lower and middle-income levels. Accurate and timely diagnosis of pneumonia is crucial for optimal management. Chest CT is considered the gold standard imaging for diagnosis of pneumonia, but it is not always readily available and exposes children to radiation hazards, so it becomes important to find easily available and less hazardous imaging tools such as lung ultrasound to diagnose pneumonia.

A comparative investigation was carried out to assess the diagnostic capability of lung ultrasound in critically ill pediatric patients presenting with respiratory symptoms. Forty-two patients with community-acquired pneumonia from the pediatric intensive care unit were included.

Results

Lung ultrasound demonstrated high sensitivity (88.1%) and specificity in diagnosing pneumonia, outperforming chest X-ray (50%) and providing comparable results to chest CT (95.2%). In addition, 45.2% of patients required mechanical ventilation, and 69.1% were diagnosed with viral pneumonia.

Conclusion

The employment of lung ultrasound is deemed secure, accessible, transferable, and efficacious in the expeditious detection of community-acquired pneumonia and the subsequent monitoring of patients. Its high sensitivity and specificity make it a valuable imaging modality in pediatric pneumonia diagnosis, helping clinicians make informed decisions and improve patient outcomes.
MRI of Endometriosis: Single institute experience including MRI classification and Laparoscopic correlation with ENZIAN classification
Authors: Elsadawy Momena Essam Ibrahim , Ali Heba Ibrahim
Published: November 2023

Background

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition affecting women of reproductive age and may cause pelvic pain and infertility. MRI is the best imaging technique for mapping and preoperative staging of endometriosis as it provides a tool for the assessment of deep infiltrating endometriosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detection and characterization of endometriosis in correlation between it and the laparoscopic findings according to ENZIAN classification.

Methods

We assessed 100 patients by MRI dedicated pelvis protocol for endometriosis with an assessment of the ovaries, uterus, uterosacral ligaments (USL), broad ligaments, and round ligaments, cul-de-sac, rectosigmoid colon, bladder, ureters, and rectovaginal septum. All these patients are submitted for laparoscopy, and then, data from both investigations were correlated.

Results

MRI provided a road map for surgeons before laparoscopy. The sensitivity of MRI was 87.5% in small deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) (grade A1) and 100% in large DIE (A2). MRI detected 82.3% of uterosacral ligament involvement, specificity 80%. Detection rate in rectal involvement was 71.4%, specificity 75%. There was 100% sensitivity and specificity in adenomyosis and urinary bladder endometriosis.

Conclusions

Preoperative detection of endometriotic lesions is recommended using a dedicated MRI endometriosis protocol to choose the surgical approach and for proper multidisciplinary teamwork planning.
Developing ethical standards for dissemination and implementation research: a roadmap for consensus and guidance
Authors: Tetteh Emmanuel K. , Geng Elvin H. , Huffman Mark D.
Published: November 2023

Background

As a relatively new field, dissemination and implementation research has not been included as a separate study design category for ethical consideration compared with clinical and social/behavioral research, yet it should be based on unique study designs, targets of intervention, and corresponding risks.

Main text

Research teams conducting dissemination and implementation research have raised important questions related to the responsible conduct of research such as collecting informed consent, site monitoring, identifying and mitigating risks of unintended consequences, and adverse event ascertainment and reporting in dissemination and implementation research. In this commentary, we highlight the need for guidance and consensus standards on ethical issues in dissemination and implementation research and describe some ethical domains and relevant questions in dissemination and implementation research. Additionally, we propose a process for conceptual development and a research agenda to create consensus standards for the responsible conduct of research for dissemination and implementation research.

Conclusion

Thorough research is needed to understand the depth of ethical issues in dissemination and implementation research. A consensus-seeking process will be needed to develop new bioethical standards that carefully identify, measure, and mitigate unintended consequences in dissemination and implementation research.
Immunogenicity of extracellular proteins of Flavobacterium covae in Ictalurus punctatus
Authors: Sayed Mohamed , Omar Rania
Published: November 2023

Background

Columnaris disease, instigated by Gram-negative Flavobacterium covae (F. covae), is a dreadful disease of many different genera of freshwater fish with alarmingly high mortality rates. Ictalurus punctatus (I. punctatus) is extremely prone to this disease. Despite the terrible implications of this disease, very little is known about how the host and the bacterium's virulence factor interact. Secreted extracellular proteins (SEPs) are key bacterial virulence agents that frequently provide immunogenicity. In  a previous study, the major secreted extracellular proteins of F. covae were identified and their protective efficacy was verified in I. punctatus, and the results were published. In the current study, an endeavor has been made to examine the progressive shifts in I. punctatus immunity following immunization with F. covae SEPs in order to more thoroughly comprehend the host's intrinsic and acquired immune responses against F. covae infection. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent test (ELISA) is operated to analyze specific humoral immune responses against SEPs of F. covae. Moreover, the expressions of immune-associated genes that are related to inherent and acquired immunity were monitored in the anterior kidneys and spleens of the vaccinated I. punctatus.

Results

Marked rise in immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels were detected in the serum of I. punctatus vaccinated with different SEP formulations, including crude SEPs, heat-deactivated SEPs, and SEPs combined with adjuvant, at 14 and 21 days post-vaccination. At the same time points, a marked increase in the expression levels of clusters of differentiation (CD4-1 and CD8-β) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC-II) genes was detected in the vaccinated fish's anterior kidneys and spleens, while the highest levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) up-regulations were detected in the immunized fish's anterior kidneys 14 days following vaccination.

Conclusions

This work revealed that SEPs are an effective basis for vaccination against F. covae infection, eliciting humoral and inherent immune responses of I. punctatus after SEPs immunization. Improvements are needed to further enhance the I. punctatus immunological responses to SEPs of F. covae since these antigens remain a prospective candidate for future optimization and clinical trials in aquaculture settings.
Diagnostic dilemma in disseminated TB could be fatal: lesson learned through a bitter encounter
Authors: Bahar Moni Ahmed Suparno , Johnson Tiffany Ann , McGarvey Cade Ray , Ivy Razia Sultana , Yean Tasmia Jahan , Ahmad Muhamad Zabidi
Published: November 2023

A definitive diagnosis of soft tissue cystic swelling is challenging, as clinical and imaging findings might misguide the clinician and delay timely diagnosis and treatment as well as outcome. The radiological features of tubercular cysts often overlap with that of sarcoma or metastatic cancer. Involvement of a multidisciplinary team, tissue biopsy, and histopathology should supplement standard diagnostic testing and imaging to confirm the diagnosis and avoid delay in treatment. We report a case of multiple cystic swelling of the upper limb, ankle, and pelvis mimicking metastatic ovarian cancer which was later diagnosed as a case of disseminated tuberculosis.
Hemoglobin Glycation Index: A Novel Risk Factor for Incident Chronic Kidney Disease in an Apparently Healthy Population
Authors: Nakasone Yasuto , Miyakoshi Takahiro , Sakuma Takahiro , Toda Shigeru , Yamada Yosuke , Oguchi Tomomasa , Hirabayashi Kazuko , Koike Hideo , Yamashita Koh , Aizawa Toru
Published: November 2023

Context

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide health problem. Recent literature has shown an association of hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) and CKD in patients with dysglycemia.

Objective

The aim of this study was to reveal the impact of HGI as a predictor for incident CKD in the general population.

Methods

CKD was defined as dipstick proteinuria or estimated glomerular rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Impact of HGI on incident CKD was assessed using the data from CKD-free health examinees (N = 23 467, 4.1% with diabetes) followed for a mean of 5.1 years: Cox proportional hazards model was employed with multivariate adjustment for age, systolic blood pressure, eGFR, fasting plasma glucose, body mass index, log[alanine aminotransferase], log[triglycerides], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, platelet counts, smoking, and sex. Elevated level of HGI in subjects with CKD was ascertained after propensity score matching of another group of health examinees (N = 2580, 7.6% with diabetes).

Results

In the former group, CKD developed in 2540 subjects and HGI was the second most robust predictor for CKD, following low eGFR. With adjustment for the 11 covariates, the hazard ratio of HGI (95% CI) for CKD was 1.293 (1.238 to 1.349) (P < .0001). The population attributable risk of HGI for CKD was 4.2%. In the latter group, among 708 subjects matched 1:1 for 9 covariates, HGI was significantly elevated in subjects with CKD (median [interquartile range] −0.208 [−0.504 to −0.156] vs −0.284 [−0.582 to 0.052], P = .03).

Conclusion

HGI was a novel risk factor for CKD in the general population.
Effect of Burosumab on Muscle Function and Strength, and Rates of ATP Synthesis in Skeletal Muscle in Adults With XLH
Authors: Insogna Karl L , Sullivan Rebecca , Parziale Stephen , Deng Yanhong , Carrano Diana , Simpson Christine , Dufour Sylvie , Carpenter Thomas , Petersen Kitt Falk
Published: November 2023

Context

In clinical trials, burosumab ameliorates symptoms of pain, fatigue, and stiffness and improves performance on certain muscle function studies in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH).

Objective

This work aimed to determine if burosumab increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis in skeletal muscle of treatment-naive adults with XLH, and if so, whether that correlates with improved muscle function.

Methods

Ten untreated, symptomatic adults with XLH had ATP synthesis rates measured in the right calf using the 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy saturation transfer technique. Baseline muscle function tests and symptoms of pain, fatigue, stiffness, and lower-extremity joint pain were quantified. All participants were treated with burosumab, 1 mg/kg every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. ATP synthesis rates and muscle function tests were repeated 2 weeks (“peak”) and 4 weeks (“trough”) after the third dose of burosumab.

Results

All symptoms improved with treatment. Performance on the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and Sit to Stand (STS) tests also improved. Muscle strength and ATP synthesis rates did not change over the 3 months of the study. When individuals whose performances on the 6MWT and STS test were at or better than the median outcome for those tests were compared to those whose outcomes were below the median, no difference was observed in the rate of change in ATP synthesis. Intracellular muscle concentrations of phosphate were normal.

Conclusion

The improvement in the 6MWT and STS test without changes in muscle strength or ATP synthesis rates suggests that reductions in pain, fatigue, and stiffness may partly explain the improved performance. Intracellular phosphate in skeletal muscle is insulated from hypophosphatemia in XLH.
Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas With or Without Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of 511 Patients
Authors: Wan Shuling , Han Guangyu , Huang Xiangqian , Guo Yibing , Chen Jian , Zhou Da , Wu Chuanjie , Ji Xunming , Ding Yuchuan , Meng Ran
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Recent studies suggest a bidirectional relationship of dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). We aimed to compare the characteristics of patients with DAVF with or without CVT and to analyze the risk factors for the coexistence of CVT in a DAVF population.

METHODS:

A total of 511 adult patients with DAVF were enrolled consecutively in our hospital from February 2019 through November 2022. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, and imaging characteristics were reviewed in detail. The patients with DAVF were divided into two groups: DAVF with CVT (DAVF-CVT) group and without CVT (DAVF alone) group. Univariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors for the coexistence of CVT and DAVF.

RESULTS:

CVT was found in 19.8% of patients with DAVF. In univariate analysis, compared with the DAVF-alone group, the DAVF-CVT group was more likely to have tinnitus (P = .001), blurred vision (P < .001), visual field loss (P = .001), focal neurological deficits (P = .002), seizures (P = .008), and cognitive impairment (P = .046) and less likely to have spinal cord/brain stem dysfunction (P = .004). In addition, there were significant differences in age (P = .009), sex (P = .019), the occurrence of venous cerebral infarction (P = .001), and DAVF location (P < .001) between the two groups. Furthermore, multivariate analysis showed that blurred vision, venous cerebral infarction, large sinus DAVF, and multiple DAVF were risk factors for the coexistence of CVT in patients with DAVF, with the odds ratio of 2.416 (95% CI 1.267-4.606, P = .007), 6.018 (95% CI 1.289-28.100, P = .022), 5.801 (95% CI 2.494-13.496, P < .001), and 5.640 (95% CI 2.122-14.989, P = .001), respectively.

CONCLUSION:

CVT occurred in approximately one fifth of patients with DAVF. Blurred vision, venous cerebral infarction, large sinus DAVF, and multiple DAVF may be the risk factors for predicting the coexistence of CVT in patients with DAVF.
Mechanical resilience of the sessile tunicate Botryllus schlosseri
Authors: Kwon Younghoon , Singh Shambhavi , Rodriguez Delany , Chau Allison L. , Pitenis Angela A. , De Tomaso Anthony W. , Valentine Megan T.
Published: November 2023

We demonstrate that the sessile tunicate Botryllus schlosseri is remarkably resilient to applied loads by attaching the animals to an extensile substrate subjected to quasistatic equiradial loads. Animals can withstand radial extension of the substrate to strain values as high as 20% before they spontaneously detach. In the small to moderate strain regime, we found no relationship between the dynamic size of the external vascular bed and the magnitude of applied stretch, despite known force sensitivities of the vascular tissue at the cellular level. We attribute this resilience to the presence and mechanical properties of the tunic, the cellulose-enriched gel-like substance that encases the animal bodies and surrounding vasculature.
Revisiting the taxonomy of Populus lasiocarpa × P. wilsonii hybrids
Authors: Korbik Mateusz , Kosiński Piotr
Published: November 2023

Although hybrids between Populus lasiocarpa and P. wilsonii have been known for many years, they have not been given a valid nothospecies name. Resolving the classification issue of these bigleaf poplars is now even more necessary because they are known not only from cultivation, but recent evidence confirms their spontaneous occurrence in Hubei Province, China (Zhang, unpublished information). The two species were first artificially crossed in 1956 in Poland and again independently in 1974 in Sweden. Initially, this taxon was described as P. ×wilsocarpa (Bartkowiak & Bugała, 1978). However, this name was invalid due to the lack of Latin diagnosis (which was required at that time) and lack of type designation. In 1996, Böcker and Koltzenburg proposed the name P. ×kornicensis for this hybrid, but it too was invalid for similar reasons and lack of description. In our work, we revisited these poplars and validated the name proposed by Böcker and Koltzenburg by providing a description and type designation. Considering the overall appearance of these hybrid poplars (silhouette, branching pattern), they bear a closer resemblance to P. wilsonii. Other analyzed morphological features are mostly intermediate compared to the parent species, but overall, they lean slightly more towards P. lasiocarpa. We highlight the main diagnostic characteristics that distinguish these species.
Morphometric Analyses of Greek Caves: How Morphology Predicts Cave Origin
Authors: Dora Despoina , Lazaridis Georgios , Vouvalidis Konstantinos , Tokmakidis Konstantinos , Veni George
Published: November 2023

Two of the most well-known caves of northern Greece, Petralona and Maaras, were morphometrically analyzed. They were strategically chosen for this morphometric study because they represent caves formed by different speleogenetic factors, resulting in patterns that clearly discriminate them from each other. Caves can display substantial variation in their patterns, depending on the local geology, hydrogeology, tectonics, and other factors. These qualitative parameters of speleogenesis, such as geological and hydrogeological controls, can be reflected in a cave’s pattern. The different speleogenetic factors that create the patterns of the caves can be expressed in the mathematical indices, designating them as morphometrical tools for properly discriminating the two cave patterns. Petralona Cave falls into the category of a ramiform cave pattern. The cave’s hypogenic origin is also supported by meso-scale cave morphology, and the hydrothermal activity of the surrounding area. On the other hand, Maaras Cave has a typical underground river pattern. The horizontal patterns of the two caves were morphometrically scrutinized using Euclidean and fractal geometry.
A human mesenchymal spheroid prototype to replace moderate severity animal procedures in leukaemia drug testing
Authors: Wilson Aaron , Hockney Sean , Parker Jessica , Angel Sharon , Blair Helen , Pal Deepali
Published: November 2023

Patient derived xenograft (PDX) models are regarded as gold standard preclinical models in leukaemia research, especially in testing new drug combinations where typically 45-50 mice are used per assay. 9000 animal experiments are performed annually in the UK in leukaemia research with these expensive procedures being classed as moderate severity, meaning they cause significant pain, suffering and visible distress to animal’s state. Furthermore, not all clinical leukaemia samples engraft and when they do data turnaround time can be between 6-12 months. Heavy dependence on animal models is because clinical leukaemia samples do not proliferate in vitro. Alternative cell line models though popular for drug testing are not biomimetic – they are not dependent on the microenvironment for survival, growth and treatment response and being derived from relapse samples they do not capture the molecular complexity observed at disease presentation. Here we have developed an in vitro platform to rapidly establish co-cultures of patient-derived leukaemia cells with 3D bone marrow mesenchyme spheroids, BM-MSC-spheroids.  We optimise protocols for developing MSC-spheroid leukaemia co-culture using clinical samples and deliver drug response data within a week. Using three patient samples representing distinct cytogenetics we show that patient-derived-leukaemia cells show enhanced proliferation when co-cultured with MSC-spheroids. In addition, MSC-spheroids provided improved protection against treatment. This makes our spheroids suitable to model treatment resistance – a major hurdle in current day cancer management Given this 3Rs approach is 12 months faster (in delivering clinical data), is a human cell-based biomimetic model and uses 45-50 fewer animals/drug-response assay the anticipated target end-users would include academia and pharmaceutical industry. This animal replacement prototype would facilitate clinically translatable research to be performed with greater ethical, social and financial sustainability.
An analysis of the possibilities and challenges of long stay tourism in Thailand
Authors: Madhyamapurush Warach
Published: November 2023

The tourism sector is significant in emerging nations like Thailand. The cost of lodging is a significant component of practically every trip, thus it is important to consider accommodation development while trying to draw in visitors from other nations. The long-stay tourism industry is crucial since longer visitor stays result in more revenue. Following this, other research on long-term lodging of all forms has been conducted, with an emphasis on both the tourist and real estate sectors. The best tourist option in Thailand is long-term travel. As evidenced by the American, European, and Japanese visitors, the target market is tourists from nations with high costs of living, frigid climates, and aging populations. Therefore, it is anticipated that the tourist demographic will change in future, leading to the emergence of the retirement home niche market as a part of long-stay tourism. The characteristics of long-stay tourism in Thailand are examined in this paper, and we assess the theoretical and conceptual framework as an analysis of Thailand's tourism. Examining the current situation of the Thai long-stay tourist business is the initial and main objective of this study. There is currently no perfect answer, but various alternatives from comparable markets in representative nations have been used as examples to subsequently create tourism accommodation in Thailand for long-stay tourism.
Assessment of quality of life in patients with surgically treated maxillofacial fractures
Authors: Nayak Sunil S , Gadicherla Srikant , Roy Sreea , Chichra Muskaan , Dhaundiyal Shriya , Nayak Vanishri S , Kamath Vinayak
Published: November 2023

Background: The complex nature of maxillofacial injuries can affect the surgical treatment outcomes and general well-being of the patient. To evaluate the efficiency of the surgical treatment, assessment of the quality of life (QOL) of the patients is of vital importance. Due to the absence of an exclusive QOL assessment tool for maxillofacial fractures, we introduce the ‘Twenty-point quality of life assessment in facial trauma patients in Indian population'. The aim of this study was to assess and evaluate the QOL following surgical management of maxillofacial trauma patients based on the severity of the injury. Methods: The study consisted of 182 subjects divided into two groups of 91 each (Group A: severe facial injury and Group B: mild to moderate facial injury). The Facial Injury Severity Scale (FISS) was used to determine the severity of facial fractures and injuries. The twenty–point quality of life assessment tool includes Zone 1 (Psychosocial impact) and Zone 2 (Functional and aesthetic impact), with ten domains each to assess QOL. Results: In Zone 1, the mean scores for Group A and Group B were 38.6 and 39.26, respectively. In Zone 2, Group B (44.56) had higher mean scores compared to Group A (32.92) (p< 0.001). Group B (83.8) had higher mean scores compared to Group A (71.58) when the total of both Zone 1 and Zone 2 were taken into consideration (p<0,001). In Group A, 9 out of 91 patients had a total score of 81- 100 compared to 68 in the same range in Group B. Conclusions: Proper surgical management with adequate care to the hard and soft tissues can improve the QOL by reducing postoperative psychosocial and functional complications. Aesthetic outcomes play an important role in determining the QOL. Mild/ Moderate injuries show better QOL compared to severe maxillofacial injuries.
Assessment of the antibacterial effect of Barium Titanate nanoparticles against Staphylococcus epidermidis adhesion after addition to maxillofacial silicone
Authors: Kareem Yasir Mohammed , Hamad Thekra Ismael
Published: November 2023

Background: Maxillofacial silicones are the most popular and acceptable material for making maxillofacial prostheses, but they are not perfect in every sense. To enhance their effectiveness, more improvements to their properties are required, such as their antimicrobial efficiency. This study assess the antibacterial effect of barium titanate nanoparticles in various percentages against staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm adhesion after addition to maxillofacial silicone. Methods: Barium titanate nanoparticles were added into VST-50 platinum silicone elastomer in four weight percentages (0.25wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.75wt% and 1wt%). 50 specimens were prepared and categorized into five groups; one control group and four experimental groups. All conducted data was statistically analyzed using (one-way ANOVA) analysis of variance, and Games-Howell multiple comparison test (significant level at p < 0.05). Shapiro-Wilk and Levene’s tests were used, respectively, to evaluate the normal distribution and homogeneity of the data. Result: One-way ANOVA test revealed a highly significant difference between all groups, and Games-Howell test revealed a highly significant difference between the control group and the four experimental groups. The 0.25wt% and 0.5wt% groups revealed a highly significant difference between them and with the (0.75%wt and 0.1%wt) groups. While the 0.75wt% group revealed a significant difference with 1wt% group. Conclusions: The addition of barium titanate to VST-50 maxillofacial silicone enhanced the antibacterial activity of silicon against Staphylococcus epidermidis, and this activity seems to be concentration dependent. FTIR analysis demonstrated no chemical interaction between the Barium Titanate and the VST-50 maxillofacial silicone elastomer. SEM pictures show that the barium titanate nanopowder was effectively dispersed inside the maxillofacial silicone matrix.
Identification of informative genes and sub-pathways using Improved Differential Expression Analysis for Pathways (iDEAP) for cancer classification
Authors: Nasarudin Nurul Athirah , Mohamad Mohd Saberi , Zakaria Zalmiyah , O. Sinnott Richard , Al Jasmi Fatma , Al Dhaheri Noura
Published: November 2023

Background: Pathway-based analysis primarily focuses on sub-pathway-based analysis, which aids in understanding biological reactions. Several studies have found abnormalities in pathways caused by certain regions based on the etiology of diseases. The Differential Expression Analysis for Pathways (DEAP) method is one such sub-pathway-based analysis method, that identifies a local region perturbed by complex diseases based on larger pathway data. However, the method has low performance in identifying informative pathways and sub-pathways.

Methods: In this paper we propose an improved DEAP (iDEAP) method for enhanced identification of perturbed sub-pathways that achieves higher performance in the detection of differentially expressed pathways. Firstly, a search algorithm adapted from the Detect Module from Seed Protein (DMSP) algorithm was implemented as part of the DEAP method to search for informative sub-pathways. Secondly, the relation among sub-pathways was taken into account by averaging the maximum absolute value for the DEAP score for the reaction among sub-pathways to support the efficient identification of informative pathways. Three gene expression data sets were applied to this research.

Results: The proposed improved method shows a better performance over the previous methods. In fact, when the identified genes from the results were assessed using 10-fold cross validation to classify cancer based on accuracy, the improved method shows higher accuracy for colorectal cancer (90%) and breast cancer (94%).

Conclusions: This shows that the proposed method effectively identifies informative genes related to the targeted phenotype. A biological validation was also conducted on the top five significant pathways and selected genes based on biological literature. The results from this analysis will be useful especially in the medical field for disease detection. In 10 years and beyond, computational biology will become ever more entwined with biomedical research and medicine.
Multivariate data analysis: Validation of an instrument for the evaluation of teaching digital competence
Authors: Cisneros-Barahona Andrés Santiago , Marqués-Molías Luis , Samaniego-Erazo Nicolay , Mejía-Granizo Catalina , De la Cruz-Fernández Gabriela
Published: November 2023

Background: Technology plays a fundamental role to achieve higher education key learning objectives. Digital competence (DC) is defined as a set of skills, knowledge, abilities, and attitudes in technological aspects. It is necessary to employ an effective training action plan in higher education institutions to advance towards a level of teaching digital competence (TDC). The objective of this study was to validate the COMDID A instrument to assess Teaching Digital Competence (TDC) of active teachers, through a confirmatory factor and internal reliability analysis. Methods: The research was developed within a descriptive-correlational scope and a non-experimental-cross-sectional design to validate the dimensionality and reliability of the COMDID A instrument and evaluate the self-perceived digital competence of active teachers. The population was made up of 690 professors who were part of the teaching staff of the National University of Chimborazo, Ecuador, in the first academic period of the year 2021. The sample was probabilistic, in a simple random scheme, the percentage of potential error admitted was 3%. The representativeness of the sample was 50%, and the confidence level was 97%. A total of 511 teachers completed the questionnaire compared to the 452 individuals needed. Results: The instrument was robust, and it was reliable for the calculated sample. There were correlations between the variables, and the statistical calculation ensured the development of the multivariate analysis to validate the dimensionality of the instrument. Moreover, the correct dimensionality was determined through a confirmatory analysis and high reliability of the instrument. Conclusions: The calculated factorial scores were defined in order for further studies to be carried out. It is important to apply confirmatory factor analysis in educational technology research to validate the dimensionality of data collection instruments.
The state of applying artificial intelligence to tissue imaging for cancer research and early detection
Authors: Robben Michael , Hajighasemi Amir , Nasr Mohammad Sadegh , Veerla Jai Prakesh , Alsup Anne Marie , Rout Biraaj , Shang Helen H. , Fowlds Kelli , Malidarreh Parisa Boodaghi , Koomey Paul , Saurav Jillur Rahman , Luber Jacob M.
Published: November 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) represents a new frontier in human medicine that could save more lives and reduce the costs, thereby increasing accessibility. As a consequence, the rate of advancement of AI in cancer medical imaging and more particularly tissue pathology has exploded, opening it to ethical and technical questions that could impede its adoption into existing systems. In order to chart the path of AI in its application to cancer tissue imaging, we review current work and identify how it can improve cancer pathology diagnostics and research. In this review, we identify 5 core tasks that models are developed for, including regression, classification, segmentation, generation, and compression tasks. We address the benefits and challenges that such methods face, and how they can be adapted for use in cancer prevention and treatment. The studies looked at in this paper represent the beginning of this field and future experiments will build on the foundations that we highlight.
Performance Evaluation of Coded OFDM Using 4QPSK and 16QAM
Authors: A. Aljubouri Mohammed , Z. Iskandarani Mahmoud
Published: November 2023

The goal of modern communication systems is to transmit information from one point to another through a communication channel quickly and effectively. Mobile wireless users will move around while always being connected to the network. This necessitates the transmission of digital material through wireless networks and satellites, which has grown to be a significant problem over time. The main goal of this study is to compare the performance and efficiency of OFDM to that of other coding schemes, such as LDPC, Turbo, and Convolution. In this simulation, multiple forms of modulation, such as 4 QPSK with a coding rate of 0.663 and a BER of 0.001 at 0.59 dB Eb/No and an efficiency of 1.326, were compared with LDPC, Turbo, and Convolution codes. The performance is improved in the following simulated comparison of 16 QAM with a coding rate of 0.479, which has a BER of 0.001, an Eb/No of 3.26 dB, and an efficiency of 1.914. Using unique, not tried before LDPC code rate of 0.313, with efficiency of 1.25, 0.001 BER, and Eb/No, of 0.65 dB, the simulation proved that the performance of BER and Eb/No, using LDPC and 16 QAM results in a more efficient coding compared with Convolution code and Turbo code. This work has the unique contribution of using untried rates from the 3GPP sheet under three different coding techniques (LDPC, Turbo, and Convolution), which resulted in a lower BER per AWGN channel under OFDM, QPSK, and 16 QAM. The simulation implemented a regular OFDM system over AWGN channel noise, which was done in MATLAB.
Reaching for Yield and the Cross Section of Bond Returns
Authors: Chen Qianwen , Choi Jaewon
Published: November 2023

Reaching for yield, which we define as an investor preference for higher-yield bonds at a given rating or for higher-rated bonds at given yields, is associated with inflated valuation and thus negatively predicts risk-adjusted returns. Controlling for ratings, alphas are lower for higher-yield bonds, whereas, controlling for yields, alphas are lower for safer-looking, higher-rated bonds. Future bond returns are particularly low when current interest rates are low and demand from yield-reaching investors increases. These bonds experience more frequent downgrades and defaults, suggesting that they are riskier despite their high valuation.

This paper was accepted by Victoria Ivashina, finance.

Supplemental Material: The e-companion and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4920 .
Pre- and post-processing techniques for reinforcement-learning-based routing and spectrum assignment in elastic optical networks
Authors: Tanaka Takafumi , Shimoda Masayuki
Published: November 2023

Research on the routing and spectrum assignment (RSA) problem has long been conducted with the aim of efficiently utilizing the frequency resources of optical networks. Given the recent progress in machine learning (ML) technology, it has been reported that the application of ML in various areas of optical network design, operation, and management has the potential to bring about new innovations such as autonomous optical network operation and highly accurate estimation of network conditions. With regard to the RSA problem, it is expected that an algorithm that achieves better accommodation efficiency than conventional heuristic methods can be realized by applying reinforcement learning (RL), which well supports training in a simulation environment. In this paper, we introduce and evaluate three techniques devised to apply RL more effectively to elastic optical networks (EONs): two pre-processing techniques called link-axis positional encoding (LPE) and slot-axis positional encoding (SPE) and a post-processing technique named the assignable boundary slot mask. First, we build a simple model in which the state data of the optical network, including frequency slot utilization, are input to the neural network of the RSA agent in RL and show that this model has difficulty outperforming the conventional heuristic RSA algorithm. Next, we build an RSA agent model with the proposed techniques and simulate the accommodation of dynamic optical paths to quantitatively demonstrate that the blocking probability can be reduced by 17% compared to the conventional heuristic.
Graph model for multiple scattering in lithium niobate on insulator integrated photonic networks
Authors: Wang Xiyue Sissi , Savo Romolo , Maeder Andreas , Kaufmann Fabian , Kellner Jost , Morandi Andrea , Rotter Stefan , Sapienza Riccardo , Grange Rachel
Published: November 2023

We present a graph-based model for multiple scattering of light in integrated lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) networks, which describes an open network of single-mode integrated waveguides with tunable scattering at the network nodes. We first validate the model at small scale with experimental LNOI resonator devices and show consistent agreement between simulated and measured spectral data. Then, the model is used to demonstrate a novel platform for on-chip multiple scattering in large-scale optical networks up to few hundred nodes, with tunable scattering behaviour and tailored disorder. Combining our simple graph-based model with material properties of LNOI, this platform creates new opportunities to control randomness in large optical networks.