bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreased FXR Agonism in the Bile Acid Pool Is Associated with Impaired FXR Signaling in a Pig Model of Pediatric NAFLD
Authors: Maj Magdalena A. , Burrin Douglas G. , Manjarín Rodrigo
Published: December 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate whether the impairment of farnesoid X receptor (FXR)-fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) signaling in juvenile pigs with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with changes in the composition of the enterohepatic bile acid pool. Eighteen 15-day-old Iberian pigs, pair-housed in pens, were allocated to receive either a control (CON) or high-fructose, high-fat (HFF) diet. Animals were euthanized in week 10, and liver, blood, and distal ileum (DI) samples were collected. HFF-fed pigs developed NAFLD and had decreased FGF19 expression in the DI and lower FGF19 levels in the blood. Compared with the CON, the HFF diet increased the total cholic acid (CA) and the CA to chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) ratio in the liver, DI, and blood. CA and CDCA levels in the DI were negatively and positively correlated with ileal FGF19 expression, respectively, and blood levels of FGF19 decreased with an increasing ileal CA to CDCA ratio. Compared with the CON, the HFF diet increased the gene expression of hepatic 12-alpha-hydrolase, which catalyzes the synthesis of CA in the liver. Since CA species are weaker FXR ligands than CDCA, our results suggest that impairment of FXR-FGF19 signaling in NAFLD pigs is associated with a decrease in FXR agonism in the bile acid pool.
Skeletal and Dentoalveolar Changes in Growing Patients Treated with Rapid Maxillary Expansion Measured in 3D Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Colino-Gallardo Peri , Del Fresno-Aguilar Irene , Castillo-Montaño Laura , Colino-Paniagua Carlos , Baptista-Sánchez Hugo , Criado-Pérez Laura , Alvarado-Lorenzo Alfonso
Published: December 2023

The skeletal and dental effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) have been extensively studied, but high-quality research is still needed to determine the three-dimensional (3D) effects of RME. The aim of this study was to compare skeletal and dentoalveolar parameters through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) pre- (T1) and post-treatment (T2) with respect to RME. Twenty growing patients (mean age 10.7 years) were treated with a Hyrax-type expander. A 3D CBCT was performed at T1 and T2, measuring nasal width, maxillary width, palatal height, maxillary arch perimeter, angulation of the upper first molar, and intermolar width. The mean palatal suture opening was 2.85 ± 0.62 mm (p < 0.0001). Nasal width increased 1.28 ± 0.64 mm and maxillary width 2.79 ± 1.48 mm (p < 0.0001). In contrast, palatal height was reduced 0.65 ± 0.64 mm (p < 0.0001). Regarding arch perimeter, the radicular perimeter increased 2.89 ± 1.80 mm, while the coronal perimeter increased 3.42 ± 2.09 mm (p < 0.0001). Molar angulation increased 5.62 ± 3.20° for the right molar and 4.74 ± 2.22° for the left molar (p < 0.0001). Intermolar width increased 5.21 ± 1.55 mm (p < 0.0001). Treatment with Hyrax produced a significant opening in the mean palatal suture. Also, a significant increase in nasal width, maxillary width, arch perimeter, molar angulation, and intermolar width, and a decrease in palatal height, were observed.
Bio-Inspired Fault Diagnosis for Aircraft Fuel Pumps Using a Cloud-Edge System
Authors: Miao Yang , Li Yantang , Pan Jun , Liu Zhen , Liu Lei , Wang Zeng , Wang Zijing
Published: December 2023

The fuel pump serves as the central component of the aircraft fuel system, necessitating real-time data acquisition for monitoring purposes. As the number of sensors increases, there is a substantial rise in data volume, leading to a simultaneous increase in computational processing for traditional Prognostics and Health Management methods while computational efficiency decreases. In response to this challenge, a novel health monitoring approach for aircraft fuel pumps is proposed based on the collaborative utilization of cloud-edge resources. This approach enables efficient cooperation among the sensor side, edge side, and cloud side to achieve timely fault warnings and accurate fault classification for fuel pumps. Within this method, anomaly judgment tasks are allocated to the edge side, and an anomaly judgment method that integrates the 3σ threshold and “3/5 strategy” is devised. Additionally, a fault diagnosis algorithm, founded on a convolutional auto-encoder, is formulated in the cloud to discern various fault types and severities. Comparative results demonstrate that, in contrast to long short-term memory networks, convolutional neural networks, extreme learning machines, and support vector machines, the proposed method yields improvements in accuracy of 4.35%, 6.40%, 17.65%, and 19.35%, respectively. Consequently, it is evident that the proposed method exhibits notable efficacy in the condition monitoring of aircraft fuel pumps.
Characterization of Pulmonary Bacteriobiota in Critically Ill Patients in Southern Peru through Next-Generation Sequencing Technology
Authors: Quispe-Medina Katherine , Pacheco-Aranibar Jani , Mamani-Ruelas Angel , Gamez-Bernabé Carlos , Zapana-Begazo Rosemary , Paz-Aliaga Ivan , Villanueva Salas Jose , Bernabé-Ortiz Julio C.
Published: December 2023

Sequence variation in the 16S gene is widely used to characterize diverse microbial communities. This was the first pilot study carried out in our region where the pulmonary microbiota of critically ill patients was investigated and analyzed, with the aim of finding a specific profile for these patients that can be used as a diagnostic marker. An study of critical patients mechanically ventilated for non-respiratory indications, in a polyvalent intensive care unit, was carried out; samplee were extracted by endotracheal aspiration and subsequently the microbiota was characterized through Next-Generation Sequencing Technology (NGS). The predominant phyla among the critically ill patients were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidata. In the surviving patients group, the predominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidata and Firmicutes, in the group of deceased patients thy were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidata. We found a decrease in commensal bacteria in deceased patients and a progressive increase in in-hospital germs.
EF-Hand-Binding Secreted Protein Hdh-SMP5 Regulates Shell Biomineralization and Responses to Stress in Pacific Abalone, Haliotis discus hannai
Authors: Hanif Md Abu , Han Ji Do , Kim Soo Cheol , Hossen Shaharior , Kho Kang Hee
Published: December 2023

The development of a shell is a complex calcium metabolic process involving shell matrix proteins (SMPs). In this study, we describe the isolation, characterization, and expression of SMP5 and investigate its potential regulatory role in the shell biomineralization of Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai. The full-length Hdh-SMP5 cDNA contains 685 bp and encodes a polypeptide of 134 amino acids. Structurally, the Hdh-SMP5 protein belongs to the EF-hand-binding superfamily, which possesses three EF-hand Ca2+-binding regions and is rich in aspartic acid. The distinct clustering patterns in the phylogenetic tree indicate that the amino acid composition and structure of this protein may vary among different SMPs. During early development, significantly higher expression was observed in the trochophore and veliger stages. Hdh-SMP5 was also upregulated during shell biomineralization in Pacific abalone. Long periods of starvation cause Hdh-SMP5 expression to decrease. Furthermore, Hdh-SMP5 expression was observed to be significantly higher under thermal stress at temperatures of 15, 30, and 25 °C for durations of 6 h, 12 h, and 48 h, respectively. Our study is the first to characterize Hdh-SMP5 comprehensively and analyze its expression to elucidate its dynamic roles in ontogenetic development, shell biomineralization, and the response to starvation and thermal stress.
Optimizing Hardware Resource Utilization for Accelerating the NTRU-KEM Algorithm
Authors: Lee Yongseok , Youn Jonghee , Nam Kevin , Oh Hyunyoung , Paek Yunheung
Published: December 2023

This paper focuses on enhancing the performance of the Nth-degree truncated-polynomial ring units key encapsulation mechanism (NTRU-KEM) algorithm, which ensures post-quantum resistance in the field of key establishment cryptography. The NTRU-KEM, while robust, suffers from increased storage and computational demands compared to classical cryptography, leading to significant memory and performance overheads. In environments with limited resources, the negative impacts of these overheads are more noticeable, leading researchers to investigate ways to speed up processes while also ensuring they are efficient in terms of area utilization. To address this, our research carefully examines the detailed functions of the NTRU-KEM algorithm, adopting a software/hardware co-design approach. This approach allows for customized computation, adapting to the varying requirements of operational timings and iterations. The key contribution is the development of a novel hardware acceleration technique focused on optimizing bus utilization. This technique enables parallel processing of multiple sub-functions, enhancing the overall efficiency of the system. Furthermore, we introduce a unique integrated register array that significantly reduces the spatial footprint of the design by merging multiple registers within the accelerator. In experiments conducted, the results of our work were found to be remarkable, with a time-area efficiency achieved that surpasses previous work by an average of 25.37 times. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of our optimization in accelerating the NTRU-KEM algorithm.
Accuracy of Age Estimation Using Three Dental Age Estimation Methods in a Young, Large, and Multiethnic Patient Sample
Authors: Willmann Claire , Fernandez De Grado Gabriel , Kolb Céline , Raul Jean-Sébastien , Musset Anne-Marie , Gros Catherine-Isabelle , Offner Damien
Published: December 2023

European countries have become host countries for migrants and unaccompanied minors. However, many migrants arrive without identity documents. Many methods exist to estimate age; among them, several methods using dental age have been proposed. Our objective was to evaluate the accuracy of biological age determination in a multiethnic sample using dental age estimated using three methods: Nolla, Demirjian, and the London Atlas. Orthopantomograms collected for 324 patients of various ethnicities aged from 4 to 20 years old were included. Then, for each orthopantomogram, a blind trained examiner used the three methods of age estimation. For each method, the estimated mean age was greater than the real mean age (p < 0.0001). The accuracy after 18 years old with a 1-year margin was under 50%. Demirjian’s method gave a less accurate estimated age than Nolla’s method (p < 0.0001) or the London Atlas (p < 0.001). The most accurate methods were those of Nolla and the London Atlas, with average absolute deviations of 1.3 and 1.2 years, respectively. Demirjian’s method was much less accurate, with a deviation of around 2 years. The evaluated methods are unable to provide reliable information to determine if an individual is a minor.
The Effect of Laser Irradiation to Surfaces of Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Fabrication Resin Blocks Coated with a Silane Coupling Agent on Bond Strength between the Resin Blocks and Composite Resin
Authors: Ohno Hiroshi , Suzuki Masaya , Shinkai Koichi
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of laser irradiation to computer-aided design/computer-aided fabrication (CAD/CAM) resin blocks coated with a silane coupling agent on the bond strength between resin blocks and composite resin. The CAD/CAM resin blocks used in this study were Cerasmart 300 (GC) and Vita Enamic (Vita); they were cut into plates and then subjected to a series of treatments. After processing with a silane coupling agent, treatment with a semiconductor laser was performed at 3.0, 5.0, and 7.0 W, followed by bonding procedures. The control group included those exposed to silane and bonded without laser application. After bonding, a mold with a simulated cavity was formed on the specimen and filled with flowable composite resin, and they were stored for 24 h or stressed by thermal cycling for subsequent testing that assessed the shear bond strength (n = 10). The results revealed that the bond strength was significantly enhanced by laser irradiation after applying a silane coupling agent (p < 0.03), whereas significant increase was not detected between the materials (p > 0.05). Particularly, 7 W laser irradiation had a significant increase on the bond strength between the composite resin and Cerasmart block after thermal cycling (p = 0.009). The SBS of the composite resin to CAD/CAM resin blocks was significantly enhanced by laser irradiation after silane coupling agent application.
SiamMAN: Siamese Multi-Phase Aware Network for Real-Time Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Tracking
Authors: Liu Faxue , Wang Xuan , Chen Qiqi , Liu Jinghong , Liu Chenglong
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we address aerial tracking tasks by designing multi-phase aware networks to obtain rich long-range dependencies. For aerial tracking tasks, the existing methods are prone to tracking drift in scenarios with high demand for multi-layer long-range feature dependencies such as viewpoint change caused by the characteristics of the UAV shooting perspective, low resolution, etc. In contrast to the previous works that only used multi-scale feature fusion to obtain contextual information, we designed a new architecture to adapt the characteristics of different levels of features in challenging scenarios to adaptively integrate regional features and the corresponding global dependencies information. Specifically, for the proposed tracker (SiamMAN), we first propose a two-stage aware neck (TAN), where first a cascaded splitting encoder (CSE) is used to obtain the distributed long-range relevance among the sub-branches by the splitting of feature channels, and then a multi-level contextual decoder (MCD) is used to achieve further global dependency fusion. Finally, we design the response map context encoder (RCE) utilizing long-range contextual information in backpropagation to accomplish pixel-level updating for the deeper features and better balance the semantic and spatial information. Several experiments on well-known tracking benchmarks illustrate that the proposed method outperforms SOTA trackers, which results from the effective utilization of the proposed multi-phase aware network for different levels of features.
Let’s Get Digital: ICT Training Needs in Pre-Service Language Teaching
Authors: Hughes Stephen Pearse , Corral-Robles Silvia , Ortega-Martín José Luis
Published: December 2023

During the last five years, language teaching in Europe has been heavily influenced by two major occurrences. On the one hand, the outbreak of COVID-19 forced teachers to extensively adapt many of their teaching practices to the digital world; this major paradigm shift is likely to have continued repercussions post-pandemic in terms of methodology and use of resources. At the same time, the publication of an updated version of the Common European Framework, commonly known as the Companion Volume focuses our attention on the real-life communicative needs of language users. The Companion Volume emphasizes digital and online communication processes throughout the development of language skills, and this focus inevitably translates into changes in national and regional curricula for language education. The present study investigates the degree to which future teachers are prepared for this new reality and explores emerging digital training needs among pre-service teachers. The investigation obtains quantitative and qualitative data from 30 pre-service teachers who have completed postgraduate studies in language education, which included a stage of school-based teaching practice. Results indicate that while pre-service language teachers have a positive view of ICT and moderate levels of general digital competence, they feel additional specific and in-depth preparation is required within their initial training.
Development of a High-Precision and Lightweight Detector and Dataset for Construction-Related Vehicles
Authors: Liu Wenjin , Zhang Shudong , Zhou Lijuan , Luo Ning , Xu Min
Published: December 2023

Effective vehicle detection plays a crucial role in various applications in cities, including traffic management, urban planning, vehicle transport, and surveillance systems. However, existing vehicle detection methods suffer from low recognition accuracy, high computational costs, and excessive parameters. To address these challenges, this paper proposed a high-precision and lightweight detector along with a new dataset for construction-related vehicles. The dataset comprises 8425 images across 13 different categories of vehicles. The detector was based on a modified version of the You Only Look Once (YOLOv4) algorithm. DenseNet was utilized as the backbone to optimize feature transmission and reuse, thereby improving detection accuracy and reducing computational costs. Additionally, the detector employed depth-wise separable convolutions to optimize the model structure, specifically focusing on the lightweight neck and head components. Furthermore, H-swish was used to enhance non-linear feature extraction. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed detector achieves a mean average precision (mAP) of 96.95% on the provided dataset, signifying a 4.03% improvement over the original YOLOv4. The computational cost and parameter count of the detector were 26.09GFLops and 16.08 MB, respectively. The proposed detector not only achieves lower computational costs but also provides higher detection when compared to YOLOv4 and other state-of-the-art detectors.
High Production of Nattokinase via Fed-Batch Fermentation of the γ-PGA-Deficient Strain of Bacillus licheniformis
Authors: Li Xin , Yang Jing , Liu Jun , Zhang Xiaohui , Wu Wei , Yan Dazhong , Miao Lihong , Cai Dongbo , Ma Xin , Chen Shouwen
Published: December 2023

During the production of nattokinase (NK) by Bacillus species, certain by-products such as poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) are simultaneously synthesized. The impact of γ-PGA synthesis on NK production remains unclear. In this study, we knocked out the pgsC gene, a component of the γ-PGA synthetase cluster (pgsBCA), and constructed a novel recombinant strain, Bacillus licheniformis BL11. Next, we compared the fed-batch fermentation profiles of BL11 and its parental strain BL10, conducted transcriptional analysis, and measured intracellular ATP content. We also optimized glucose-feeding strategies under varying oxygen supply conditions. Our results indicated that the utilization rates of glucose and soybean meal were both improved in the pgsC-deficient strain BL11, and NK activity was enhanced. Furthermore, the transcriptional levels of genes involved in glycolysis and the TCA cycle were relatively upregulated in BL11. The maximal NK activity reached 2522.2 FU/mL at 54 h of fermentation using a constant glucose-feeding rate of 5.0 g/(L·h) under high oxygen supply conditions. The newly developed recombinant strain B. licheniformis BL11, along with the optimized feeding strategy, shows promise for large-scale NK production.
Novel Low-Pass Two-Dimensional Mittag–Leffler Filter and Its Application in Image Processing
Authors: Petráš Ivo
Published: December 2023

This paper presents an innovative Mittag–Leffler two-dimensional filter and its application in image processing. The proposed filter leverages the utilization of a Mittag–Leffler function within the probability density function. It introduces three adjustable filter parameters that enable the manipulation of the curve shape and the filter’s forgetting factor. Moreover, a two-dimensional Mittag–Leffler distribution was defined and used for the first time in an image filter. By conducting a comparative analysis against conventional filtering techniques, the paper showcases the distinct advantages of the proposed filter through illustrative examples. Additionally, the paper provides detailed implementation explanations and presents the Matlab function corresponding to the proposed two-dimensional filter.
Alkaline Hydrolysis of Waste Acrylic Fibers Using the Micro-Water Method and Its Application in Drilling Fluid Gel Systems
Authors: Long Wenjun , Wei Zhongjin , Zhou Fengshan , Li Shaohua , Yin Kang , Zhao Yu , Yu Siting , Qi Hang
Published: December 2023

Filtrate reducer is a drilling fluid additive that can effectively control the filtration loss of drilling fluid to ensure the safe and efficient exploitation of oilfields. It is the most widely used treatment agent in oilfields. Due to its moderate conditions and controllable procedure, alkaline hydrolysis of high-purity waste polyacrylonitrile has been utilized for decades to produce filtrate reducer on a large scale in oilfields. However, the issues of long hydrolysis time, high viscosity of semi-finished products, high drying cost, and tail gas pollution have constrained the development of the industry. In this study, low-purity waste acrylic fiber was first separated and purified using high-temperature hydroplastization, and the hydrolyzed product was obtained using alkaline hydrolysis with the micro-water method, which was called MW−HPAN. The hydrolysis reaction was characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis, and the elemental analysis showed a hydrolysis degree of 73.21%. The experimental results showed that after aging at 180 °C for 16 h, the filtration volume of the freshwater base slurry with 0.30% dosage and 4% brine base slurry with 1.20% dosage was 12.7 mL and 18.5 mL, respectively. The microstructure and particle size analysis of the drilling fluid gel system showed that MW−HPAN could prevent the agglomeration of clay and maintain a reasonable particle size distribution even under the combined deteriorating effect of high temperature and inorganic cations, thus forming a dense filter cake and achieving a low filtrate volume of the drilling fluid gel system. Compared with similar commercially available products, MW−HPAN has better resistance to temperature and salt in drilling fluid gel systems, and the novel preparation method is promising to be extended to practical production.
Encapsulation of Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Khip) Extract in Carbomer Based Emulgel for Its Enhanced Antioxidant Effects and Its In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Masood Shamaila , Arshad Muhammad Sohail , Khan Haji Muhammad Shoaib , Begum M. Yasmin , Khan Kashif ur Rehman
Published: December 2023

Background: The use of natural products in skin care has been valued for their tremendous therapeutic benefits since ancient times. The current study was aimed at exploring the Leptadenia pyrotechnica plant extract and development of a stable emulgel loaded with the same extract to assess its cosmeceutical potentials. Methodology: A stable emulgel loaded with methanolic plant extract along with its control gel was prepared by homogenization. The antioxidant potential of extracts prepared in different solvents (methanol MLP, ethanol ELP, n-hexane nLP, ethyl acetate EALP, and petroleum ether PLP) was determined by DPPH scavenging activity. The presence of phytochemicals was confirmed by total phenolic and flavonoid content analysis (TPC/TFC). HPLC was used for quantification of bioactive components. FTIR analysis was performed for confirmation of functional groups. SPF was calculated via spectroscopic analysis for extract, control gel, and extract loaded emulgel. Stability studies included physical evaluation, pH, conductivity, spreadability, and rheological testing of both control and test emulgels at different temperatures, i.e., 8 °C ± 1, 25 °C ± 1, 40 °C ± 1, 40 °C ± 1 with RH of 75% for a period of 90 days. Results: DPPH radical scavenging activity showed the highest antioxidant activity of 85.5% ± 2.78 for MLP. TPC and TFC were also found to be highest for the methanolic fraction, i.e., 190.98 ± 0.40 mgGAE/g and 128.28 ± 2.64 mgQE/g, respectively. The SPF of methanolic extract, placebo gel, and LPEG was 13.43 ± 0.46, 2.37 ± 0.33, and 7.28 ± 0.56, respectively. HPLC assay confirmed the presence of catechin, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, and sinapinic acid. Rheological analysis showed that formulation has pseudo-plastic flow behavior. Other stability tests also revealed that prepared emulgel is a stable one. Conclusion: A stable emulgel loaded with Leptadenia pyrotechnica plant extract was successfully prepared and characterized for its cosmetic effects.
Influence of Density Ratios on Richtmyer–Meshkov Instability with Non-Equilibrium Effects in the Reshock Process
Authors: Yang Tao , Lin Chuandong , Li Demei , Lai Huilin
Published: December 2023

The Richtmyer–Meshkov instability in a two-component system during the reshock process for various density ratios is studied through the discrete Boltzmann method. Detailed investigations are conducted on both hydrodynamic and thermodynamic non-equilibrium behaviors. Specifically, the analysis focuses on the density gradient, viscous stress tensor, heat flux strength, thermodynamic non-equilibrium intensity, and thermodynamic non-equilibrium area. It is interesting to observe the complex variations to non-equilibrium quantities with the changing shock front, rarefaction wave, transverse wave, and material interface. Physically, the non-equilibrium area is extended as the perturbed material interface grows after the passing of the shock wave or secondary impact. Moreover, the global non-equilibrium manifestation decreases when the transmitted shock front and transverse waves leave or when the reflected rarefaction wave weakens. Additionally, the global thermodynamic non-equilibrium effect is enhanced as the physical gradients or non-equilibrium area increase. Finally, the local non-equilibrium effect decreases when the fluid structure gradually disappears under the action of dissipation/diffusion.
The Evaluation and Management of Coronary Artery Disease in the Lung Transplant Patient
Authors: Serrao Gregory , Vinayak Manish , Nicolas Johny , Subramaniam Varsha , Lai Ashton C. , Laskey Daniel , Kini Annapoorna , Seethamraju Harish , Scheinin Scott
Published: December 2023

Lung transplantation can greatly improve quality of life and extend survival in those with end-stage lung disease. In order to derive the maximal benefit from such a procedure, patients must be carefully selected and be otherwise healthy enough to survive a high-risk surgery and sometimes prolonged immunosuppressive therapy following surgery. Patients therefore must be critically assessed prior to being listed for transplantation with close attention paid towards assessment of cardiovascular health and operative risk. One of the biggest dictators of this is coronary artery disease. In this review article, we discuss the assessment and management of coronary artery disease in the potential lung transplant candidate.
Level of Disability after Total Hip Replacement in Patients with Some COMT Gene Polymorphism
Authors: Jurewicz Alina , Dziedziejko Violetta , Rać Monika , Białecka Marta , Safranow Krzysztof , Kurzawski Mateusz , Malinowski Damian , Bosiacki Mateusz , Leźnicka Katarzyna , Bohatyrewicz Andrzej , Białecka Monika , Droździk Marek , Machoy-Mokrzyńska Anna
Published: December 2023

Background: The COMT gene encodes the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase, which is a key modulator of dopaminergic and adrenergic neurotransmission. Hip osteoarthritis is accompanied by reduced mobility and some level of disability. In our study, we analyzed the association between some COMT gene polymorphisms and reduced mobility in patients after total hip replacement (THR). Methods: The operative procedures were performed on 195 patients with symptomatic and radiologically advanced hip osteoarthritis. In the postoperative follow-up, we assessed hip function with the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the degree of disability with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). These procedures were repeated three times at defined intervals (one week, six weeks, and six months) after the total hip replacement. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. SNPs in the COMT genes rs4680:A>G, rs6269:A>G, rs4633:C>T, and rs4818:C>G were genotyped. Results: Our findings suggest an association between COMT gene variability and the level of disability measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) in patients after total hip replacement (THR). Conclusions: A higher number of COMT G alleles (rs4818) is an independent factor in a significant reduction in disability degree at both one week and six months after total hip replacement (THR), regardless of age or gender.
Switching Vedolizumab from IV to SC Injection in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients with Active Disease: Real-World Experience from a German IBD Cohort
Authors: Kubesch Alica , Kruse Nina , Jungheim Florian , Balaban Ümniye , Stratmann Katharina , Sprinzl Kathrin , Dienethal Antje , Krause Thomas , Zeuzem Stefan , Blumenstein Irina
Published: December 2023

Background: Vedolizumab (VDZ) for subcutaneous (SC) injection was approved for use in Europe in 2020 and the US in 2023. Promising efficacy and tolerability have been proven in pivotal trials. However, real-world data on the SC use of VDZ, especially in patients with active disease, are still lacking. We aimed to determine treatment persistence and the drug’s efficacy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients with active disease in comparison to patients in clinical remission. Methods: Patients treated for IBD in a tertiary care center from July 2020 to December 2021 were included in this study. Clinical and biochemical parameters and data on treatment adherence were collected. VDZ trough levels and disease activity before and after the switch from intravenous (IV) to SC injections were monitored during routine checkups and were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were followed up until week 20. Results: Eighty-two patients were included in the study. Of them, 35 patients had active disease (35/82 = 43%) at the time of the switch and 47 patients (47/82 = 57%) were in remission. In total, 10 patients experienced switch failure, 5 were switched back to IV VDZ, and 5 were swapped to a different biologic agent. We observed an increase in VDZ trough levels from the switch to week 8 and from the switch to week 20 in the remission group. Vedolizumab trough levels of 7.4, 51.4, and 33.45 ug/mL at the switch, week 8, and week 20 were identified to discriminate between remission and disease activity in our cohort. There was no new safety signal detected during the study period. Conclusions: The switch from IV to SC VDZ proved to be efficient, safe, and even capable of reducing residual disease activity.
Prognostic Implication of Intestinal Wall Edema in Patients with Aortic Stenosis Receiving Trans-Catheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Akao Kousuke , Imamura Teruhiko , Tanaka Shuhei , Onoda Hiroshi , Ushijima Ryuichi , Sobajima Mitsuo , Fukuda Nobuyuki , Ueno Hiroshi , Kinugawa Koichiro
Published: December 2023

Background: A recently proposed mechanism, the intestinal–cardiovascular relationship, serves as a framework to elucidate the interplay between these two systems. In our investigation, we assessed the prognostic implications of colon wall thickness, a marker correlated with intestinal congestion and dysfunction, in patients diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods: Patients diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR at our institution during the period spanning 2015 to 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. As part of the institutional protocol, patients underwent abdominal computed tomography upon admission, preceding TAVR. Our analysis aimed to assess the influence of colon wall thickness on the occurrence of either all-cause mortality or readmission due to heart failure within a two-year period. Results: A total of 345 patients were included. The median age was 85 (82, 88) years, and 99 patients were male. Baseline colon wall thickness was distributed widely, with a median value of 2.2 (2.0, 2.5) mm. Patients with thicker colon walls tended to have lower pulmonary artery pulsatility index values, indicating more impaired right ventricular function and more advanced malnutrition. A thicker colon wall was independently associated with 2-year death or heart failure readmission with a hazard ratio of 2.02 (95% confidence interval 1.01–14.07), adjusted for hemoglobin, age, and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels (p = 0.049), and significantly stratified the primary endpoint at a cutoff of 2.7 mm (25% versus 10%, p = 0.005). Conclusions: Our initial observation revealed that a thicker baseline colon wall correlated with increased rates of mid-term mortality and readmission due to heart failure subsequent to TAVR. Developing a comprehensive understanding of the underlying causality necessitates further in-depth investigations through subsequent studies.
Neurosensory Deficits of the Mandibular Nerve Following Extraction of Impacted Lower Third Molars—A Retrospective Study
Authors: Rieder Marcus , Remschmidt Bernhard , Schrempf Vera , Schwaiger Matthäus , Jakse Norbert , Kirnbauer Barbara
Published: December 2023

Background: Neurosensory deficits are one of the major complications after impacted lower third molar extraction leading to an impaired patient’s quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of neurosensory deficits after lower third molar extraction and compare it radiologically to the corresponding position of the inferior alveolar nerve. Methods: In a retrospective study, all patients who underwent impacted lower third molar extraction between January and December 2019 were compiled. Therefore, clinical data as well as preoperative radiological imaging were assessed. Results: In total, 418 patients who underwent lower third molar extractions (n = 555) were included in this study. Of these, 33 (5.9%) had short-term (i.e., within the initial 7 postoperative days) and 12 (1.3%) long-term (i.e., persisting after 12 months) neurosensory deficits documented. The inferior alveolar nerve position in relation to the tooth roots showed apical position in 27%, buccal position in 30.8%, lingual position in 35.4%, and interradicular position in 6.9%. Conclusions: A statistically significant increased incidence of neurosensory deficits occurs when the inferior alveolar nerve is directly positioned lingually to the tooth roots (p = 0.01).
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback in Adults with a Spinal Cord Injury: A Laboratory Framework and Case Series
Authors: Schoffl Jacob , Arora Mohit , Pozzato Ilaria , McBain Candice , Rodrigues Dianah , Vafa Elham , Middleton James , Davis Glen M. , Gustin Sylvia Maria , Bourke John , Kifley Annette , Krassioukov Andrei V. , Cameron Ian D. , Craig Ashley
Published: December 2023

Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-F) is a neurocardiac self-regulation therapy that aims to regulate cardiac autonomic nervous system activity and improve cardiac balance. Despite benefits in various clinical populations, no study has reported the effects of HRV-F in adults with a spinal cord injury (SCI). This article provides an overview of a neuropsychophysiological laboratory framework and reports the impact of an HRV-F training program on two adults with chronic SCI (T1 AIS A and T3 AIS C) with different degrees of remaining cardiac autonomic function. The HRV-F intervention involved 10 weeks of face-to-face and telehealth sessions with daily HRV-F home practice. Physiological (HRV, blood pressure variability (BPV), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS)), and self-reported assessments (Fatigue Severity Scale, Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, Appraisal of Disability and Participation Scale, EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale) were conducted at baseline and 10 weeks. Participants also completed weekly diaries capturing mood, anxiety, pain, sleep quality, fatigue, and adverse events. Results showed some improvement in HRV, BPV, and BRS. Additionally, participants self-reported some improvements in mood, fatigue, pain, quality of life, and self-perception. A 10-week HRV-F intervention was feasible in two participants with chronic SCI, warranting further investigation into its autonomic and psychosocial effects.
Simulating How Freshwater Diversions Impact Salinity Regimes in an Estuarine System
Authors: Linhoss Anna , Mickle Paul , Osorio Raúl J.
Published: December 2023

The Bonnet Carré Spillway is a large flood control structure that diverts Mississippi River floodwaters into Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi Sound to prevent flooding in southern Louisiana and New Orleans. When operating at full capacity, the Spillway releases water at a rate of 7080 m3/s. Spillway openings regularly last a month or more. The enormous amount of freshwater that is diverted through the Spillway impacts salinity and nutrients in the Mississippi Sound. The objective of this research is to use a hydrodynamic model to simulate the impact of Bonnet Carré Spillway openings on the salinity of the Mississippi Sound over multiple years. Specifically, four hypothetical simulations of Spillway openings are compared to simulations during the same time when the Spillway is closed. The results show by how much, for how long, and where salinity is impacted in the estuarine system. The maximum difference in salinity at any given location over the mapped dates between the non-opening and hypothetical opening scenarios varies between 22 and 30 in each year. Differences in salinity between the opening and non-opening scenarios begin to decline in the study area approximately 18 days after Spillway closure. Decreases in salinity in Lake Borgne persist over a year. The Bonnet Carré Spillway affects salinity mostly in Lake Borgne and along an east/west ribbon that embraces the Mississippi coastline. Decreases in salinity caused by Spillway openings are seen up to 200 km east of the Spillway. These results are important for planning management strategies for estuarine resources during Spillway openings.
Quantitative Electroencephalography Markers for an Accurate Diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia: A Spectral Power Ratio Approach
Authors: Chang Jinwon , Chang Chul
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second most common form of presenile dementia; however, its diagnosis has been poorly investigated. Previous attempts to diagnose FTD using quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) have yielded inconsistent results in both spectral and functional connectivity analyses. This study aimed to introduce an accurate qEEG marker that could be used to diagnose FTD and other neurological abnormalities. Materials and Methods: We used open-access electroencephalography data from OpenNeuro to investigate the power ratio between the frontal and temporal lobes in the resting state of 23 patients with FTD and 29 healthy controls. Spectral data were extracted using a fast Fourier transform in the delta (0.5 ≤ 4 Hz), theta (4 ≤ 8 Hz), alpha (8–13 Hz), beta (>13–30 Hz), and gamma (>30–45 Hz) bands. Results: We found that the spectral power ratio between the frontal and temporal lobes is a promising qEEG marker of FTD. Frontal (F)-theta/temporal (T)-alpha, F-alpha/T-theta, F-theta/F-alpha, and T-beta/T-gamma showed a consistently high discrimination score for the diagnosis of FTD for different parameters and referencing methods. Conclusions: The study findings can serve as reference for future research focused on diagnosing FTD and other neurological anomalies.
The Effects of Pre-Season and Relationships with Physical, Physiological, Body Composition, and Load Markers: A Case Study Comparing Starters versus Non-Starters from an Elite Female Professional Soccer Team
Authors: Oliveira Rafael , Brito João Paulo , Fernandes Renato , Morgans Ryland , Alves Susana , Santos Fernando J. , Pinto Paula , Espada Mário C.
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives: Research on female soccer players that analyzes playing status is scarce and has previously only examined load monitoring, while other markers, such as physical (i.e., strength, power, and agility), physiological (i.e., maximal oxygen uptake), and body composition (i.e., body fat mass, fat-free mass, body water, and phase angle) markers, warrant further investigation. Thus, the study aims were to (a) compare physical, physiological, body composition, and load markers between starters and non-starters; (b) compare measurements pre- and post-training intervention (five weeks); and (c) analyze any relationships between physical, physiological, body composition, and load markers in an elite female soccer team. Materials and Methods: Fourteen first-team players participated in the study (age 23.29 ± 3.19 years, weight 59.14 ± 6.87 kg, height 1.66 ± 0.08 m). Several physical (n = 15), physiological (n = 1), body composition (n = 11), and load markers (n = 14) were collected. In addition, participants were sub-divided into starters (n = 7) and non-starters (n = 7). Results: No differences were revealed between starters and non-starters in any of the examined variables. Moreover, following the training intervention, a significantly lower value was found for total body water/fat-free mass ratio (p = 0.043; ES = 0.582). In addition, there were several correlations detected between load and physical/physiological markers (n = 28); load and body composition markers (n = 6); physical/physiological and body composition markers (n = 34); and physical and physiological markers (n = 42). Conclusions: In conclusion, only a slight tendency of higher load values for starters than non-starters was observed. In addition, no differences in physical, physiological, and body composition markers were found between starters and non-starters, possibly suggesting that five weeks were not enough to improve such variables. Finally, the present results provide novel information assessing the effects of the pre-season in elite female Portuguese soccer players and contribute to a better understanding of the associations between different types of measurements.
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy and Evaluation of the Visual Evoked Potentials: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Tsoumanis Periklis , Kitsouli Aikaterini , Stefanou Christos , Papathanakos Georgios , Stefanou Stefanos , Tepelenis Kostas , Zikidis Hercules , Tsoumani Afroditi , Zafeiropoulos Paraskevas , Kitsoulis Panagiotis , Kanavaros Panagiotis
Published: December 2023

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterised by the progressive demyelination of peripheral nerves, resulting in motor and sensory deficits. While much research has focused on clinical and electrophysiological aspects of CIDP, there is an emerging interest in exploring its impact on the visual system through visual evoked potentials (VEPs). This comprehensive review synthesises existing literature on VEP findings in CIDP patients, shedding light on their potential diagnostic and prognostic value. The review thoroughly examines studies spanning the last two decades, exploring VEP abnormalities in CIDP patients. Notably, VEP studies have consistently revealed prolonged latencies and reduced amplitudes in CIDP patients compared to healthy controls. These alterations in VEP parameters suggest that the demyelinating process extends beyond the peripheral nervous system to affect the central nervous system, particularly the optic nerve and its connections. The correlation between VEP abnormalities and clinical manifestations of CIDP, such as visual impairment and sensory deficits, underscores the clinical relevance of VEP assessment in CIDP management. Furthermore, this review addresses the potential utility of VEPs in aiding CIDP diagnosis and monitoring disease progression. VEP abnormalities may serve as valuable biomarkers for disease activity, helping clinicians make timely therapeutic decisions. Moreover, this review discusses the limitations and challenges associated with VEP assessment in CIDP, including variability in recording techniques and the need for standardised protocols. In conclusion, this review highlights the evolving role of VEPs as a non-invasive tool in CIDP evaluation. The consistent VEP abnormalities observed in CIDP patients suggest the involvement of the central nervous system in this demyelinating disorder. As our understanding of CIDP and its pathophysiology continues to evolve, further research in this area may lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and monitoring strategies, ultimately enhancing the clinical management of CIDP patients.
The Multipurpose Usage of Diffusion-Weighted MRI in Rectal Cancer
Authors: Yacheva Aneta , Dardanov Dragomir , Zlatareva Dora
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives: Colorectal cancer is the third most common oncological disease worldwide. The standard treatment of locally advanced rectal tumors is neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy in combination with surgical resection. The choice of specific treatment algorithm is highly dependent on MRI findings. The aim of this study is to show the potential role of ADC measurements in rectal cancer and their usage in different clinical scenarios. Materials and Methods: A total of 135 patients had rectal MRI evaluation. Seventy-five (56%) had histologically proven rectal adenocarcinoma and sixty (44%) were evaluated as rectal disease-free. An ADC measurement in the most prominent region of interest was obtained for all patients. Eighteen patients (24% of the rectal cancer group) had a second MRI after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with comparison of the ADC values at the same region of interest as previously measured. Results: Rectal cancer ADC values were found to be significantly lower than the ones in the control group (p < 0.001). A statistically significant correlation was found when ADC values in rectal tumors of different T stages were compared (p = 0.039)—those with higher T stage as in locally advanced disease showed lower ADC values. Patients with extramural vascular invasion showed significantly lower ADC values (p = 0.01). There was a significant increase in ADC values after treatment (p < 0.001), and a negative correlation was observed (r = −0.6572; p = 0.004)—tumors with low initial ADC values showed a higher increase in ADC. Conclusions: ADC measurements have a complementary role in the assessment of rectal cancer and have the potential to predict the response to chemoradiotherapy and improve the planning of proper treatment strategies.