bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF A NANO-TiO2 COMPOSITE PHOTOCATALYST SUPPORTED BY NATURAL QUARTZ
Authors: WANG XINRU , WANG XUAN , DING HAO , MA RUIXIN , TU YU , LI WEI
Published: March 2023

The goal of this paper is to improve the technical level of preparing composite photocatalysts with SiO2-supported nano-TiO2, expand the selection range of SiO2 carriers, reduce expenses and understand the influence of SiO2 crystallization behavior. Natural quartz (Q/SiO2) powder was used as a carrier to prepare a Q/SiO2-TiO2 composite photocatalyst by hydrolyzing a butyl titanate solution and performing high-temperature calcination of the hydrolysate. The performance, morphology, structure and mechanism were tested and characterized. In addition, the as-prepared photocatalyst was compared with other amorphous SiO2 carrier composite photocatalysts. The results showed that the Q/SiO2 surface of Q/SiO2-TiO2 contained a uniform load of TiO2 with a 26.98% proportion. Anatase-type TiO2 was mainly present, and the size was 5–10[Formula: see text]nm. Moreover, Q/SiO2 and TiO2 were firmly combined in the form of Si–O–Ti bonds between the interfaces. The degradation rate of Q/SiO2-TiO2 to methyl orange solution was 99.59% under UV irradiation for 60[Formula: see text]min, which was equivalent to that of pure nano-TiO2. The degradation performance remained stable after four cycles. Compared with other amorphous SiO2 carriers, Q/SiO2 exhibited a higher load of TiO2. Furthermore, Q/SiO2 played a more significant role in inhibiting the phase transition of TiO2 to rutile and improving the photocatalytic performance.
A Geometrical Approach to Evaluate the Adversarial Robustness of Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Wang Yang , Dong Bo , Xu Ke , Piao Haiyin , Ding Yufei , Yin Baocai , Yang Xin
Published: March 2023

Deep neural networks (DNNs) are widely used for computer vision tasks. However, it has been shown that deep models are vulnerable to adversarial attacks—that is, their performances drop when imperceptible perturbations are made to the original inputs, which may further degrade the following visual tasks or introduce new problems such as data and privacy security. Hence, metrics for evaluating the robustness of deep models against adversarial attacks are desired. However, previous metrics are mainly proposed for evaluating the adversarial robustness of shallow networks on the small-scale datasets. Although the Cross Lipschitz Extreme Value for nEtwork Robustness (CLEVER) metric has been proposed for large-scale datasets (e.g., the ImageNet dataset), it is computationally expensive and its performance relies on a tractable number of samples. In this article, we propose the Adversarial Converging Time Score (ACTS), an attack-dependent metric that quantifies the adversarial robustness of a DNN on a specific input. Our key observation is that local neighborhoods on a DNN’s output surface would have different shapes given different inputs. Hence, given different inputs, it requires different time for converging to an adversarial sample. Based on this geometry meaning, the ACTS measures the converging time as an adversarial robustness metric. We validate the effectiveness and generalization of the proposed ACTS metric against different adversarial attacks on the large-scale ImageNet dataset using state-of-the-art deep networks. Extensive experiments show that our ACTS metric is an efficient and effective adversarial metric over the previous CLEVER metric.
Voltage-Dependent First-Principles Simulation of Insertion of Chloride Ions into Al/Al2O3 Interfaces Using the Quantum Continuum Approximation
Authors: Campbell Quinn
Published: March 2023

Experiments have shown that pitting corrosion can develop in aluminum surfaces at potentials > − 0.5 V relative to the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE). Until recently, the onset of pitting corrosion in aluminum has not been rigorously explored at an atomistic scale because of the difficulty of incorporating a voltage into density functional theory (DFT) calculations. We introduce the Quantum Continuum Approximation (QCA) which self-consistently couples explicit DFT calculations of the metal-insulator and insulator-solution interfaces to continuum Poisson-Boltzmann electrostatic distributions describing the bulk of the insulating region. By decreasing the number of atoms necessary to explicitly simulate with DFT by an order of magnitude, QCA makes the first-principles prediction of the voltage of realistic electrochemical interfaces feasible. After developing this technique, we apply QCA to predict the formation energy of chloride atoms inserting into oxygen vacancies in Al(111)/α-Al2O3 (0001) interfaces as a function of applied voltage. We predict that chloride insertion is only favorable in systems with a grain boundary in the Al2O3 for voltages > − 0.2 V (SHE). Our results roughly agree with the experimentally demonstrated onset of corrosion, demonstrating QCA’s utility in modeling realistic electrochemical systems at reasonable computational cost.
TNFSF15 and MIA Variant Associated with Immunotherapy and Prognostic Evaluation in Esophageal Cancer
Authors: You Jun , Bian Jiaojiao , Chen Jian , Xia Tianqin , Deng Ailu , Zhang Ming , Liao YiChen , Wen Huling , Xu Zhengmin
Published: March 2023

Background. Esophageal cancer (ESCA) is a common gastrointestinal tumor, and China is one of the regions with a high incidence. Tumor immune-related cells play important roles in the tumorigenesis and development of ESCA. However, the role of tumor immune-related genes in the development of ESCA has not been established. Methods. In this study, weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to analyze ESCA gene expression using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Gene expression was associated with clinical traits, and modules related to CD8+T cells, dendritic cells, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) were obtained. Results. The GO analysis showed that inflammatory chemotaxis networks were activated by cell chemotaxis, chemokine activity, and chemokine binding receptor. Three hub genes (IL17C, TNFSF15, and MIA) related to tumor immunity and metastasis were identified by WGCNA, and the abnormal expression of each hub gene in ESCA has a poor prognosis, especially in patients with high expression (

P
<
0.05

). The risk assessment analysis also showed that tumor stage was positively correlated with tumor risk in ESCA (

P
<
0.05

). Therefore, more than 50 pairs of tumor tissues from the T1–T3 stages with different degrees of differentiation and paracancerous tissues were selected to confirm the expression of the three genes using RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence (IF). The infiltration of CD8+ T cells in tumor tissues was lower than that in normal tissues. According to the RT-qPCR, the expressions of IL17 C, TNFSF15, and MIA in moderately and poorly differentiated tissues were significantly higher than those in normal tissues (

P
<
0.05

). In contrast, their expressions were decreased in high differentiated tissues (

P
<
0.05

). Furthermore, IL17C, TNFSF15, and MIA were all positively correlated with immune checkpoint PD-1; TNFSF15 and MIA were also positively correlated with CTLA4, TIGIT, and CD96. Conclusion. In summary, IL17C, TNFSF15, and MIA may act as biomarkers for prognosis in moderately and poorly differentiated ESCAs, and they may be used as predictive genes of immunotherapy associated with CD8+ T cell and Tregs invasion in ESCAs.
Ethnicity Disparities in the Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control Rates of Hypertension in China
Authors: Yang Yanan , He Kunlin , Zhang Yuewen , Wu Xiuming , Chen Weizhong , Gu Dongqing , Zeng Ziqian
Published: March 2023

Objectives. Previous studies reported that there were disparities in hypertension management among different ethnic groups, and this study aimed to systematically determine the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rates of hypertension in multiple Chinese ethnic groups. Methods. We searched Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science for articles up to 25 October, 2022. The pooled prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rates of hypertension were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The heterogeneity of estimates among studies was assessed by the Cochran Q test and I2 statistic. Meta-regression analyses were conducted to identify the factors influencing the heterogeneity of the pooled prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rate of hypertension. Results. In total, 45 publications including 193,788 cases and 587,826 subjects were eligible for the analyses. The lowest prevalence was found in the Han group (27.0%), and the highest prevalence was in the Mongolian population (39.8%). The awareness rates ranged from 24.4% to 58.0% in the four ethnic groups. Both the highest treatment and control rates were found in the Mongolian population (50.6% and 16.0%, respectively), whereas the Yi group had the lowest control rate (8.0%). In addition, the study year, the mean age of subjects, mean body mass index of subjects, tobacco use (%), alcohol use (%), residence (urban%), and education (primary school%) had varied effects on heterogeneity. Conclusions. These findings highlight the disparities in prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rates of hypertension in a different ethnic population of China, which could provide suggestions for making targeted prevention measures.
Construction of a Prognostic Model for Predicting Colorectal Cancer Prognosis and Response to Immunotherapy Based on Cuproptosis-Associated lncRNAs
Authors: Yang Yi , Wang Xiaoli , Lu Jin , Dong Zhiyong , Hu Ruixiang , Chen Wenhui , Hu Songhao , Lu Guanhua , Huang Biao , Dong Shiliang , Wang Lu , Wang Cunchuan
Published: March 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and highly lethal gastrointestinal malignancy. Immunotherapy has shown positive efficacy in the treatment of CRC; however, only a minority of patients benefit from immunotherapy. The aim of this study is to construct a cuproptosis-related lncRNA (CRLs) risk score model to predict the prognosis and immune infiltration of CRC patients. Firstly, we synthetically analyzed 19 cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) from CRC samples derived from the TCGA and obtained 33 CRLs that were significantly associated with prognosis. Next, we defined three cuproptosis modification patterns via consensus clustering analysis (C1, C2, and C3). Further analysis showed that there were significant differences in the abundance of B cells, NK cells, fibroblasts, monocytes, CD8+ cells, bone marrow dendritic cells, and cytotoxic lymphocytes in different clusters. In addition, the LASSO regression screened out 6 individual CRLs (AC009315.1, PLS3-AS1, ZEB1-AS1, AC007608.3, AC010789.2, and AC010207.1) closely related to the prognosis of CRC. We found that the low-risk group had better survival prognoses in patients. Furthermore, the high-risk group had lower immune scores and exhibited lower CD8+ T cell infiltration. Moreover, the low-risk group had lower immune exclusion, immune dysfunction and TIDE scores than the high-risk group. Interestingly, the lncRNAs in our risk model were positively associated with most immune checkpoints. CD274 (PD-L1), CTLA4, and HAVCR2 (TIM3) were positively correlated with risk scores. Moreover, MSI-H patients had lower risk scores than MSI-L patients, and IPS scores were significantly higher in the low CRLs score group. In conclusion, we constructed a novel risk score model with6 lncRNAs related to cuproptosis, which may be a potential biomarker for evaluating the prognosis and immune treatment for CRC.
Postoperative Complication and Reoperation Rates Following Resection of Soft Tissue vs. Bone Malignancies Based on Anatomic Location in the Inpatient Setting
Authors: Ballatori Alexander M. , Shahrestani Shane , Ton Andy , Chen Xiao T. , Yamout Tarek , Gettleman Brandon S. , Heckmann Nathanael D. , Menendez Lawrence R. , Christ Alexander B.
Published: March 2023

Introduction. Surgical excisions of upper and lower extremity malignancies are increasing annually, due in part to the rising incidence of sarcomas. The purpose of this study is to compare readmissions, reoperation rate, and complications following surgical excision of soft/connective tissue vs bone malignancies of the upper and lower extremities. Methods. The Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) was queried from 2016-2017 to conduct a retrospective analysis of 16,435 patients diagnosed with malignant neoplasms of the long bone (ULLB, n = 1,433) and soft tissue (ULST, n = 2,049) of the upper limb and malignant neoplasms of the long bone (LLLB, n = 5,422) and soft tissue (LLST, n = 7,531) of the lower limb. Patients who underwent surgical excision of their neoplasms were included. Binomial multivariate logistic regression was used to compare complications, nonelective readmission rates, and reoperation rates between the two groups at 30 and 90 days. Results. Average age of the ULST group was 61.88, with 36% female. Average age of the ULLB group was 44.97, with 41.90% female. Average age of the LLST group was 60.96, with 46.90% female. Average age of the LLLB group was 43.09, with 42.60% female. The ULST group had lower odds of readmission within 30 days

p
=
0.263

, which became significant within 90 days of surgery

p
=
0.045

. The LLST group had significantly higher odds of infection, reoperation within 30 to 90 days of the index surgery compared to the LLLB group

p
<
0.0001

. The LLST group had significantly lower odds of readmission within 30

p
=
0.04

and 90 days

p
=
0.015

of the index surgery. Conclusion. Patients in the ULST group had significantly lower odds of 90-day readmission compared to the ULLB group. There were also significantly lower odds of 30- and 90-day readmission in the LLST group compared to the LLLB group. However, the LLST group had significantly higher odds of infection and reoperation within 30 and 90 days compared to the LLLB group.
Serum Level of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Thrombotic Type Are Predictive of Cognitive Impairment in the Acute Period of Ischemic Strokes Patients
Authors: Havlovska Yaroslava Yu. , Lytvynenko Nataliya V. , Shkodina Anastasiia D.
Published: March 2023

40–70% of patients after a stroke, including a mild one, may experience cognitive impairment. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a significant role in the pathogenesis and rehabilitation of ischemic stroke and also affects the patients’ recovery prognosis. An association between cognitive impairment in the poststroke period and lower peripheral BDNF levels is known, but the prognostic significance of serum BDNF levels and clinical characteristics for the risk of developing cognitive impairment in the acute period remains uncertain. We conducted a prospective cohort study of patients in the acute phase of ischemic stroke. Clinical examination, assessment of neurological status, neuropsychological testing, and laboratory analyzes were performed on patients at 1 and 14 days after ischemic stroke. The state of cognitive functions was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination scale. Quantification of BDNF in blood serum was performed by solid-phaseenzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that within 14 days after an acute ischemic stroke, we found a decrease in the clinical severity of patients compared to 1 day of the onset of the disease before the start of treatment and a significant decrease in the level of BDNF in the blood serum of patients with ischemic stroke both on the first and on the 14th day. However, during the 2 weeks of the acute period, no significant changes were detected, despite the general improvement of the clinical condition. In our study, cognitive impairment was found in almost half of the patients on the first day of ischemic stroke, and there was no significant reduction in this prevalence over 2 weeks. We found that a low level of BDNF and a thrombotic subtype of ischemic stroke can be risk factors for cognitive impairment in the acute period, which can be useful in planning treatment and rehabilitation measures.
Multiobjective Optimization and Machine Learning Algorithms for Forecasting the 3E Performance of a Concentrated Photovoltaic-Thermoelectric System
Authors: Alghamdi Hisham , Maduabuchi Chika , Yusuf Aminu , Al-Dahidi Sameer , Albaker Abdullah , Alatawi Ibrahim , Alsenani Theyab R. , Alsafran Ahmed S. , AlAqil Mohammed , Alkhedher Mohammad
Published: March 2023

Previous theoretical research efforts which were validated by experimental findings demonstrated the thermo-economic benefits of the hybrid concentrated photovoltaic-thermoelectric (CPV-TE) system over the stand-alone CPV. However, the operating conditions and TE material properties for maximum CPV-TE performance may differ from those required in a standalone thermoelectric module (TEM). For instance, a high-performing TEM requires TE materials with high Seebeck coefficients and electrical conductivities, and at the same time, low thermal conductivities (

k

). Although it is difficult to attain these ideal conditions without complex material engineering, the low

k

implies a high thermal resistance and temperature difference across the TEM which raises the PV backplate’s temperature in a hybrid CPV-TE operation. The increased PV temperature may reduce the overall system’s thermodynamic performance. To understand this phenomenon, a study is needed to guide researchers in choosing the best TE material for an optimal operation of a CPV-TE system. However, no prior research effort has been made to this effect. One method of finding the optimum TE material property is to parametrically vary one or more transport parameters until an optimum point is determined. However, this method is time-consuming and inefficient since a global optimum may not be found, especially when large incremental step sizes are used. This study provides a better way to solve this problem by using a multiobjective optimization genetic algorithm (MOGA) which is fast and reliable and ensures that the global optimum is obtained. After the optimization has been conducted, the best performing conditions for maximum CPV-TE energy, exergy, and environmental (3E) performance are selected using the technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) decision algorithm. Finally, the optimization workflow is deployed for 7000 test cases generated from 10 features using the optimal machine learning (ML) algorithm. The result of the optimization chosen by the TOPSIS decision-making method generated an output power, exergy efficiency, and CO2 saving of 44.6 W, 18.3%, and 0.17 g/day, respectively. Furthermore, among other ML algorithms, the Gaussian process regression was the most accurate in learning the CPV-TE performance dataset, although it required more computational effort than some algorithms like the linear regression model.
Development and Simulation of a Fast Delay Cancellation Algorithm for Digital Multimedia Network Communication
Authors: Li Jinxia , Lu Liwei
Published: March 2023

The digital multimedia network data traffic is huge, and many end devices are applied to the digital multimedia network; therefore, the digital media network communication delay transmission must be analysed in order to improve the performance of the digital multimedia network communication transmission. Due to the presence of a large number of data packets in the communication network used, some random delays in data can occur during use. Conventional data transmission methods rely solely on extended data storage capacity to achieve this, making it difficult to achieve intelligent scheduling, resulting in delays and optimized performance degradation during communication data transmission. The aim of this paper is to enhance the communication quality of digital multimedia networks by developing an algorithmic model that rapidly mitigates communication delays. The proposed approach employs a delay cancellation algorithm in a network predictive control system. Simulation techniques are utilized to simulate and compensate for delays in multimedia communication networks. The efficacy of the network control strategy is demonstrated through simulation tests on a large-scale multimedia network communication system. The research findings indicate that the network control prediction model and elimination algorithm can substantially reduce the packet loss rate and quickly eliminate communication delays in digital multimedia networks.
A Novel Coating of Orthodontic Archwires with Chlorhexidine Hexametaphosphate Nanoparticles
Authors: Al-Fadhily Zahraa Mohammed , Abdul-Hadi Mehdi
Published: March 2023

Statement of the Problem. The use of orthodontic fixed appliances may adversely affect oral health leading to demineralizing lesions and the development of gingival problems. Aims of the Study. The study aimed to coat orthodontic archwires with chlorhexidine hexametaphosphate nanoparticles (CHX-HMP NPs) and to evaluate the elusion of CHX from CHX-HMP NPs. Materials and Methods. A solution of CHX-HMP nanoparticles with an overall concentration of 5 mM for both CHX and HMP was prepared, characterized (using atomic force microscope and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy), and used to coat orthodontic stainless steel (SSW) and NiTi archwires (NiTiW). The coated segments were characterized (using scanning electron microscopy SEM with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry and field emission SEM) and subjected to the elusion assessment. Results. After having their composition validated, the average size of the CHX-HMP NPs was assessed to be 51.21 nm, and the analysis revealed that the particles had both chlorine and phosphorus. After 30 minutes in the coating solution, NPs deposited on the surface of the SSW and NiTiW. A continuous release of soluble CHX in artificial saliva was detected from both SSW and NiTiW as long as the experiment lasted for 28 days without reaching a plateau. However, the release from coated NiTiW was significantly more than coated SSW at 7, 14, and 28 days. While at day 21, the release from coated SSW was slightly greater than that from the coated NiTiW. Conclusion. Orthodontic stainless steel and NiTi archwires can be successfully coated with CHX-HMP NPs and give sustained release of CHX along the examined period.
Primitive Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells Are Highly Susceptible to Gliomagenic Transformation
Authors: Zamler Daniel B. , Hu Jian
Published: March 2023

Glioblastoma is the most deadly and common primary tumor of the central nervous system. Heterogeneity in the disease causes complications from diagnosis to treatment. It has long been suggested that a stem cell and/or progenitor population may be the origin of this disease and provide the underlying heterogeneity. However, which population precisely is the cell of origin, or whether there is only one cell of origin, has remained elusive. Previous studies have shown that, with proper combinations of oncogene expression and tumor suppressor loss, three cell types have the potential to transform into glioma—neural stem cells (NSC), oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPC), and astrocytes. In a newly published article in Cancer Research, Verma and colleagues make a convincing argument through elegant animal work that an intermediate progenitor cell population, primitive OPCs, has higher tumorigenic potential than the NSCs or OPCs. This study helps rectify the controversy around which cell populations are the most sensitive to transformation in gliomagenesis.

See related article by Verma et al., p. 890
The Enduring Effects of COVID for Cancer Care: Learning from Real-Life Clinical Practice
Authors: Broom Alex , Williams Veazey Leah , Kenny Katherine , Harper Imogen , Peterie Michelle , Page Alexander , Cort Nicole , Durling Jennifer , Lipp Eric S. , Tan Aaron C. , Walsh Kyle M. , Hanks Brent A. , Johnson Margaret , Van Swearingen Amanda E.D. , Anders Carey K. , Ashley David M. , Khasraw Mustafa
Published: March 2023

For three years, COVID-19 has circulated among our communities and around the world, fundamentally changing social interactions, health care systems, and service delivery. For people living with (and receiving treatment for) cancer, pandemic conditions presented significant additional hurdles in an already unstable and shifting environment, including disrupted personal contact with care providers, interrupted access to clinical trials, distanced therapeutic encounters, multiple immune vulnerabilities, and new forms of financial precarity. In a 2020 perspective in this journal, we examined how COVID-19 was reshaping cancer care in the early stages of the pandemic and how these changes might endure into the future. Three years later, and in light of a series of interviews with patients and their caregivers from the United States and Australia conducted during the pandemic, we return to consider the potential legacy effects of the pandemic on cancer care. While some challenges to care provision and survivorship were unforeseen, others accentuated and amplified existing problems experienced by patients, caregivers, and health care providers. Both are likely to have enduring effects in the “post-pandemic” world, raising the importance of focusing on lessons that can be learned for the future.
Interdependence of SS18-SSX–driven YAP1 and β-Catenin Activation in Synovial Sarcoma
Authors: Isfort Ilka , Berthold Ruth , Heinst Lorena , Wardelmann Eva , Larsson Olle , Trautmann Marcel , Hartmann Wolfgang
Published: March 2023

Synovial sarcoma, a rare malignant soft tissue tumor, is characterized by a specific chromosomal translocation t(X;18). The resulting chimeric SS18-SSX fusion protein drives synovial sarcoma pathogenesis by integrating into the BAF complex and dysregulating gene transcription. Because previous functional analyses revealed a connection between SS18-SSX and the activity of the transcriptional coregulators YAP1/TAZ and β-catenin, respectively, this study examined a potential interdependence between these essential effector proteins in synovial sarcoma. In a large cohort of synovial sarcoma tissue specimens, IHC analyses revealed a substantial subset of synovial sarcoma with concurrent nuclear accumulation of YAP1/TAZ and β-catenin. In vitro, small-molecule inhibitor treatment, RNAi-mediated knockdown, and vector-based overexpression assays demonstrated that YAP1, TAZ, and β-catenin transcriptional activity is not only stimulated by the SS18-SSX fusion protein, but that they also mutually enhance each other's activation. These analyses showed the highest cooperative effect with overexpression of YAP1 in combination with β-catenin. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments detected nuclear interactions between YAP1, β-catenin, and the SS18-SSX fusion protein, the latter being an integral part of the BAF complex. Disruption of BAF complex assembly affected the coregulation of YAP1 and β-catenin, indicating that this chromatin remodeling complex plays a crucial role for interdependent YAP1 and β-catenin activation in synovial sarcoma cells.

Implications:

This study provides deeper insights into synovial sarcoma tumor biology demonstrating a mutual dependence between YAP1/TAZ and β-catenin transcriptional activity and a complex interplay with the SS18-SSX fusion protein within the BAF complex.
Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Italian Multicentric Retrospective Analysis of Patient Profiles and Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Mannino Maria , Piccerillo Alfredo , Dika Emi , Vaccari Sabina , Quaglino Pietro , Rubatto Marco , Longo Caterina , Borsari Stefania , Pellacani Giovanni , Fargnoli Maria Concetta , Caponio Chiara , Argenziano Giuseppe , Briatico Giulia , Bianchi Luca , Di Raimondo Cosimo , Calzavara Pinton Pier Giacomo , Zalaudek Iris , Di Stefani Alessandro , Peris Ketty
Published: March 2023

Background: Advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (aCSCC) represents an area of unmet clinical need, with no standardized treatments until the recent approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Objectives: The aim of the study was to describe clinical characteristics and therapeutic strategies of a real-life Italian cohort of aCSCC patients managed at the beginning of cemiplimab approval as compassionate use in Italy. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was performed by 10 Italian centers in the period January 1, 2018–May 31, 2020. Patients aged ≥18 years and diagnosed with aCSCC (locally aCSCC and metastatic CSCC) were eligible for the study. Analysis of patients’ characteristics and treatment strategies was performed. Results: 239 patients were initially recruited in the study: 19 patients were excluded due to incomplete data collection, yielding a final cohort of 220 patients, of which 191 and 220 were included for patients’ clinical characteristics and therapeutic intervention analysis, respectively. Median age at the time of diagnosis was 81 years (range: 72–86); nodal metastases were detected in 64/220 (29%) patients, and distant metastatic spread was reported in 33/220 (15%) patients. Most of our patients referred chronic occupational and/or recreational sun exposure, experienced ≥1 sunburn during their lifetime, never wore hats or used photoprotective filters, and presented with signs of cumulative sun damage (solar lentigines and/or actinic keratosis). Majority of our cohort received at least one intervention directed to the primary tumor (n = 212, 96.3%); surgery and radiotherapy were the most common therapeutic choices. Immunotherapy was administered to a small number of patients as compassionate use, especially in the metastatic setting. Conclusions: Our study outlines the complex and heterogeneous clinical and therapeutic landscape of aCSCC patients at the beginning of ICI era, highlighting the need of a standardized care for this fragile and high-need patient population.
Efficacy of Intravenous Immunoglobulins against Chronic Lymphocytic Inflammation with Pontine Perivascular Enhancement Responsive to Steroids: A Case Report
Authors: Tsuchida Takumi , Ura Shigehisa , Yabe Ichiro
Published: March 2023

Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that predominantly affects the brainstem. Apart from corticosteroids, there are few reported treatment options for CLIPPERS, and there is no standard therapy. A 77-year-old man presented with diplopia that had persisted for 5 months. Dysarthria and numbness of the distal right upper extremity and right lips were also observed. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a hyperintense area around the brainstem. Symptoms were relieved immediately following intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) administration. However, after gradual tapering of oral prednisolone to 5 mg/day, the symptoms relapsed, and brain imaging revealed that the condition had worsened. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) were administered for recurrence, with no clinical improvement. After each IVMP treatment, the patient recovered promptly. Based on the patient’s symptoms and characteristic MRI findings, exclusion of other diseases, and the significant efficacy of corticosteroids, he was diagnosed with CLIPPERS. There was no recurrence at a maintenance prednisolone dose of 8 mg/day. IVIg had a poor effect on the acute phase of CLIPPERS symptoms. Compared with other immunosuppressants, IVIg is less effective in suppressing the relapse of CLIPPERS.
Accuracy of Observer-Rated Measurement Scales for Depression Assessment in Patients with Major Neurocognitive Disorders Residing in Long-Term Care Centers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Toulouse Élodie , Carrier Daphnée , Villemure Marie-Pier , Roy-Desruisseaux Jessika , Rochefort Christian M.
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Depression is often under-detected in long-term care (LTC) patients with major neurocognitive disorders (MNCD) and is associated with important morbidity, mortality, and costs. Observer-rated outcome measures (ObsROMs) could help resolve this problematic; however, evidence on their accuracy is scattered in the literature. This systematic review aimed at summarizing this evidence. Methods: A literature search was conducted in 7 databases using keywords, MeSHs, and bibliographic searches. We included studies published before January 2022 and reporting on the accuracy of a depression ObsROM used in LTC patients with MNCD. Data extraction, analysis, synthesis, and study methodological quality assessments were done by two authors, and discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Results: Among 9,660 articles retrieved, 8 studies reporting on 11 depression measures were included. Scales were classified as patient-reported outcome measures used as Obs­ROMs or true ObsROMs. Among the first category, the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD) and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) performed best (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.73–0.87), although both presented with low positive predictive values and high negative predictive values. Among the second category, the Nursing Homes Short Depression Inventory (NH-SDI) performed best, with an AUC of 0.93 and ≥85% sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. Conclusion: The CSDD and MADRS may be useful to rule out depression in LTC patients with MNCD, whereas the NH-SDI may be useful to rule in and out depression within this same population. Before recommending their use, adequately powered studies to further examine their accuracy in different contexts are necessary.
Idiopathic Acroosteolysis: A Novel Cutaneous Sign Can Help Identify the Condition Early
Authors: Shrestha Samir , Regmi Bashant , Pathak Raksha , Kroumpouzos George
Published: March 2023

Acroosteolysis (AO) is a rare condition characterized by resorption of the distal phalanges of the fingers and/or toes. It can be familial, idiopathic (IAO), occupational, or secondary. Other authors suggest a classification into primary (genetic disorders, lysosomal storage disorders) or secondary AO. Various skin and nail changes have been reported in this condition. However, the cutaneous change on the affected digit(s)/toe(s) during the natural course of AO has been poorly documented. A 5-year-old girl presented with a 3-month history of a distinct transverse boundary between normal skin proximally and affected crusted skin overlying osteolysis distally (“split” sign) on the plantar surface of the third toe. This boundary gradually elongated circumferentially to involve the dorsal surface. The mother gave a similar history of a delimitation line on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th toes of the right foot with durations of 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively, that disappeared before she noticed a shortening of those toes. X-rays revealed partial resorption of the terminal phalanx of the third toe and several lytic changes in the middle and terminal phalanx of the second, fourth, and fifth toes. The clinical features, radiology findings, and a workup that helped rule out conditions associated with AO (secondary AO) helped establish the diagnosis of IAO in our patient. This case study highlights that the natural course of IAO includes distinct skin findings, such as the “split” sign that we describe. This sign can help identify the condition early.
Primary Ovarian Neuroendocrine Carcinoid Tumor Arising in a Mature Cystic Teratoma
Authors: Lee Eunhyun , Park Minjeong
Published: March 2023

Primary ovarian neuroendocrine carcinoid tumors are extremely rare. However, their clinical course is good, and hence, fertility-sparing surgery is a feasible treatment option in cases of unilateral localized lesions. In this report, we present the case of a 20-year-old nulliparous woman who was diagnosed as having a primary ovarian neuroendocrine carcinoid tumor arising from a mature cystic teratoma. She underwent laparoscopic right ovarian cystectomy, and her postoperative recovery was uneventful. The patient has been under close observation over a 1-year follow-up period and has shown no evidence of tumor recurrence.
A Randomized Controlled Trial: Examining the Impact of the Novel Double Setup Endotracheal Tube on the Success Rates of Awake Fiber-Optic Orotracheal Intubation
Authors: Chen Changlin , Li Ming , Yu Qingbo , Zuo Youbo , Lin Jingyan , Li Jinsui , Shi Zuan
Published: March 2023

Background: Advancing the endotracheal tube (ETT) over a flexible bronchoscope (FB) during awake fiber-optic intubation (AFOI) is often impeded. Various maneuvers and tracheal tubes designed to overcome this obstruction may also be unsuccessful or costly. Objective: The current study aimed to assess how the novel double configuration ETT affected AFOI success rates on the first attempt. Methods: A randomized controlled experiment including 40 individuals receiving awake fiber-optic orotracheal intubation was performed in a 1:1 ratio with a single ETT railroaded with its bevel posteriorly (ST) or railroading with a double setup ETT (DT) over a flexible videoscope (FVS) for tracheal intubation. The number of intubation attempts, time spent intubating, and adverse events were examined and compared between the two groups. Results: Twenty patients received a single ETT railroaded with the bevel posteriorly, and 20 patients received railroading with the double setup ETT during AFOI. Intubation on the first attempt was significantly greater in the DT group (90%) than in the ST group (35%). The intubation time was considerably shorter for the DT group (12.8 [7.8–16.9] s) when compared with the ST group (27.9 [16.3–91.0] s). Five patients were intubated by the alternative technique after failure to intubate for several attempts, and 3 cases were found to have a crease in the FVS after intubation in group ST. During topical anesthetic, three individuals in each group experienced transient oxygen desaturation. Conclusions: Our study discovered that the novel double setup tube could significantly improve the intubation success rate on the first attempt during AFOI for patients with challenging airway when a strategy based on a reduced gap between ETT and FB could not be applied.
Patients with Limited Life Expectancy Are Biopsied for Keratinocyte Cancers at Similar Frequency to Healthy Patients
Authors: Chen Henry W , Coias Jennifer , Walker Amanda M. , Prasad Smriti , Ma Liqiao , Hynan Linda S , Jacobe Heidi
Published: March 2023

Background: In many fields of medicine, guidelines recommend reduced cancer screening in patients of advanced age with limited life expectancy (LLE). In dermatology, there are currently no guidelines for adjusted evaluation and management practices of keratinocyte cancer (KC) in patients with LLE. Little is known regarding evaluation and management patterns and frequency of biopsies in these patients. Objective: We sought to determine if dermatology providers biopsy LLE patients with similar frequency to their age-matched peers and quantify frequency of associated complications. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of evaluations for skin cancer quantified by skin biopsy frequency at the North Texas Veterans Affairs Health System dermatology clinic for 3,062 patients between 2005 and 2009, including a 5-year follow-up period. Life expectancy was quantified by the validated Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) with a Deyo adaptation. Results: There was no significant difference in biopsy frequency of KC in LLE versus non-LLE patients in most age-controlled groups, with increased biopsy frequency in LLE patients in the 65–74 age category (p = 0.02). There was also an increased risk of complications from biopsy in the 75–84 (many comorbidities subgroup: RR = 3.27, p = 0.002; some comorbidities subgroup: RR = 2.26, p = 0.048) and 65–74 (many comorbidities subgroup: RR = 1.52, p = 0.004) age groups when compared to age-matched healthy controls. Conclusion: Biopsy frequency is similar or increased in patients with LLE compared with age-matched controls, with increased frequency of complications. Further studies are needed to understand the underlying factors driving these practice patterns.
Berlin Bowel Bothers: Might Adolf Hitler’s Gut Problems Have Been Parkinson-Related?
Authors: Beckers Milan , Koehler Peter J. , Wanten Geert J.A. , Bloem Bastiaan R.
Published: March 2023

It has been argued that Adolf Hitler (1889–1945) had Parkinson’s disease. He also experienced several gastrointestinal symptoms, for which various explanations have been sought, both contemporaneously and by later authors. In this Historical Note, a possible relationship between Hitler’s Parkinson’s disease and his gastrointestinal symptoms is explored. Specifically, we posit the hypothesis that Hitler may have suffered from small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), thus providing an early example of SIBO occurring as a prodromal Parkinson’s disease symptom.
Eco-friendly management of the flea beetle, Podagrica species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) with Artemisia annua L. seed extract
Authors: Ojiako Frank Onyemaobi , Ahuchaogu Christopher Emeka , Okere Samuel Echezona , Nwaokeneme Brendan Chigozie
Published: March 2023

Okra, grown and consumed in every ecological zone, is amongst the most sort after fruit vegetable crops in Nigeria. The crop is often infested by diverse field insect pests, especially the flea beetle Podagrica species, which impinges on its growth and productivity. The application of synthetic pesticides has been the generic insect pest control measure due to its touted effectiveness. These synthetics, however, has safety concerns which include; hazard to human health, amplification of toxins in the food chain, pest resurgence, domestic animals and human poisoning, environmental pollution, insect resistance, natural enemies destruction; springs, wells, rivers, and underground water contamination. Stakeholders are advocating an alternative management approach that is sustainable with less negative social and environmental impact. This study, therefore, compared the insecticidal efficacy of Artemisia annua (source of the antimalarial artemisinin) seed extract in comparison with Cypermethrin 10 EC, a synthetic insecticide, in controlling Podagrica species, the major field insect pests of okra. The trial was set out in a 7 x 4 factorial arrangement integrated into a randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. Cypermethrin 10 E.C was tested at 0.25 ml, 0.50 ml, and 0.70 ml/100 ml of water, while Artemisia annua extract was applied at 1.00 ml, 2.00 ml, and 3.00 ml/100 ml of water respectively. The control for both treatments was designated 0.0 ml. Data on leaf damage and flea beetle abundance were carried out from 4-10 weeks after planting (WAP) whilst the pods’ weight was measured at maturity. The result shows that i) the concentrations of Artemisia extract and Cypermethrin sprayed provided comparable protection to okra against the flea beetle; ii) the yield of okra (pod weight) does not vary between Artemisia annua extract and Cypermethrin treated plots; and iii) flea beetle infestations vary with okra developmental stages.
Silica extract from Malang beach sand via leaching and sol-gel methods
Authors: Sumari Sumari , Asrori Muhammad Roy , Prakasa Yana Fajar , Baharintasari Dinar Rachmadika , Santoso Aman
Published: March 2023

Many silica minerals are found in beach sands. One of its beach sands is in Bajul Mati beach sand which contains high silica. The silica can be extracted using existing methods, but it is less environmentally friendly. In this research, the extracting process of silica from the sand of Bajul Mati beach (South of Java-Indonesia) has been carried out through a method that is low-cost and more environmentally friendly. The purpose of this study was to characterize extracted silica with instrumentation results and economic analysis. The method of extracting silica from beach sand was via leaching and sol-gel methods: i) leaching with 7M HCl,ii) the formation of clear sodium silicate solution (Na2O.SiO2),iii) sol-gel: sodium silicate solution titrated with oxalic acid (H2C2O4) 1 M until pH 6 was obtained and silicite Si(OH)4 was formed, and iv) characterization with X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with economic analysis. The result showed that extracted silica has a cristobalite structure based on XRD analysis. The purity of silica (% Wt Si) reached 93.9% based on XRF analysis. FTIR analysis has identified silanol, siloxic, and siloxane groups. The SEM analysis shows that silica (SiO2) particles tend to form agglomerations about ∼1 μm. In addition, economic analysis results showed that this method will support implementation in the future, so silica has been produced by this developed method.
Novel DV-hop algorithm-based machines learning technics for node localization in rang-free wireless sensor networks
Authors: Liouane Oumaima , Femmam Smain , Bakir Toufik , Ben Abdelali Abdessalem
Published: March 2023

Localization is a critical concern in many wireless sensor network (WSN) applications. Furthermore, correct information regarding the geographic placements of nodes (sensors) is critical for making the collected data valuable and relevant. Because of their benefits, such as simplicity and acceptable accuracy, the based connectivity algorithms attempt to localize multi-hop WSN. However, due to environmental factors, the precision of localisation may be rather low. This publication describes an Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) technique for minimizing localization error in range-free WSN. In this paper, we propose a Cascade Extreme Learning Machine (Cascade-ELM) to increase localization accuracy in Range-Free WSNs. We tested the proposed approaches in a variety of multi-hop WSN scenarios. Our research focused on an isotropic and irregular environment. The simulation results show that the proposed Cascade-ELM algorithm considerably improves localization accuracy when compared to previous algorithms derived from smart computing approaches. When compared to previous work, isotropic environments show improved localization results.