bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Random Lasing for Bimodal Imaging and Detection of Tumor
Authors: Gayathri R. , Suchand Sandeep C. S. , Vijayan C. , Murukeshan V. M.
Published: November 2023

The interaction of light with biological tissues is an intriguing area of research that has led to the development of numerous techniques and technologies. The randomness inherent in biological tissues can trap light through multiple scattering events and provide optical feedback to generate random lasing emission. The emerging random lasing signals carry sensitive information about the scattering dynamics of the medium, which can help in identifying abnormalities in tissues, while simultaneously functioning as an illumination source for imaging. The early detection and imaging of tumor regions are crucial for the successful treatment of cancer, which is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. In this paper, a bimodal spectroscopic and imaging system, capable of identifying and imaging tumor polyps as small as 1 mm2, is proposed and illustrated using a phantom sample for the early diagnosis of tumor growth. The far-field imaging capabilities of the developed system can enable non-contact in vivo inspections. The integration of random lasing principles with sensing and imaging modalities has the potential to provide an efficient, minimally invasive, and cost-effective means of early detection and treatment of various diseases, including cancer.
Design of a Facile Antifouling Sensor Based on the Synergy between an Antibody and Phase-Transited BSA
Authors: Wang Siqi , Dong Xinru , Li Jialu , Liu Jialei , Ruan Yifei , Xia Yinqiang
Published: November 2023

Nonspecific adsorption has always been a critical challenge for sensor detection; thus, an efficient and facile approach for fabricating antifouling sensors is highly desirable. Here, we developed an antifouling coating on sensor surfaces, conveniently made with a simple drip of phase-transited BSA (PTB) followed by a modification with a peanut allergen antibody, which unexpectedly provides synergistic antifouling properties in sensors. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate the surface evenness. Optimizations in terms of PTB modification time and concentrations were performed using surface plasmon resonance by measuring protein resistance capabilities. Compared to bare Au surfaces, the PTB-modified surfaces exhibited low adsorption against BSA (<10 ng/cm2) and good resistance against lysozyme (Lyz). After immobilizing antibodies, the antifouling performance of the sensor coatings had an obvious enhancement, with almost no BSA adsorption and low lysozyme adsorption. The target recognition was also analyzed to verify the good sensing performance of the antifouling sensor. This understanding of antibody synergy provides suggestions for the development of antifouling sensors.
Exploring Successful Cognitive Aging: Insights Regarding Brain Structure, Function, and Demographics
Authors: Xu Xinze , Lin Lan , Wu Shuicai , Sun Shen
Published: November 2023

In the realm of cognitive science, the phenomenon of “successful cognitive aging” stands as a hallmark of individuals who exhibit cognitive abilities surpassing those of their age-matched counterparts. However, it is paramount to underscore a significant gap in the current research, which is marked by a paucity of comprehensive inquiries that deploy substantial sample sizes to methodically investigate the cerebral biomarkers and contributory elements underpinning this cognitive success. It is within this context that our present study emerges, harnessing data derived from the UK Biobank. In this study, a highly selective cohort of 1060 individuals aged 65 and above was meticulously curated from a larger pool of 17,072 subjects. The selection process was guided by their striking cognitive resilience, ascertained via rigorous evaluation encompassing both generic and specific cognitive assessments, compared to their peers within the same age stratum. Notably, the cognitive abilities of the chosen participants closely aligned with the cognitive acumen commonly observed in middle-aged individuals. Our study leveraged a comprehensive array of neuroimaging-derived metrics, obtained from three Tesla MRI scans (T1-weighted images, dMRI, and resting-state fMRI). The metrics included image-derived phenotypes (IDPs) that addressed grey matter morphology, the strength of brain network connectivity, and the microstructural attributes of white matter. Statistical analyses were performed employing ANOVA, Mann–Whitney U tests, and chi-square tests to evaluate the distinctive aspects of IDPs pertinent to the domain of successful cognitive aging. Furthermore, these analyses aimed to elucidate lifestyle practices that potentially underpin the maintenance of cognitive acumen throughout the aging process. Our findings unveiled a robust and compelling association between heightened cognitive aptitude and the integrity of white matter structures within the brain. Furthermore, individuals who exhibited successful cognitive aging demonstrated markedly enhanced activity in the cerebral regions responsible for auditory perception, voluntary motor control, memory retention, and emotional regulation. These advantageous cognitive attributes were mirrored in the health-related lifestyle choices of the surveyed cohort, characterized by elevated educational attainment, a lower incidence of smoking, and a penchant for moderate alcohol consumption. Moreover, they displayed superior grip strength and enhanced walking speeds. Collectively, these findings furnish valuable insights into the multifaceted determinants of successful cognitive aging, encompassing both neurobiological constituents and lifestyle practices. Such comprehensive comprehension significantly contributes to the broader discourse on aging, thereby establishing a solid foundation for the formulation of targeted interventions aimed at fostering cognitive well-being among aging populations.
Cell Replacement Therapy for Brain Repair: Recent Progress and Remaining Challenges for Treating Parkinson’s Disease and Cortical Injury
Authors: Harary Paul M. , Jgamadze Dennis , Kim Jaeha , Wolf John A. , Song Hongjun , Ming Guo-li , Cullen D. Kacy , Chen H. Isaac
Published: November 2023

Neural transplantation represents a promising approach to repairing damaged brain circuitry. Cellular grafts have been shown to promote functional recovery through “bystander effects” and other indirect mechanisms. However, extensive brain lesions may require direct neuronal replacement to achieve meaningful restoration of function. While fetal cortical grafts have been shown to integrate with the host brain and appear to develop appropriate functional attributes, the significant ethical concerns and limited availability of this tissue severely hamper clinical translation. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cells and tissues represent a more readily scalable alternative. Significant progress has recently been made in developing protocols for generating a wide range of neural cell types in vitro. Here, we discuss recent progress in neural transplantation approaches for two conditions with distinct design needs: Parkinson’s disease and cortical injury. We discuss the current status and future application of injections of dopaminergic cells for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease as well as the use of structured grafts such as brain organoids for cortical repair.
Brain Pathways in LIS1-Associated Lissencephaly Revealed by Diffusion MRI Tractography
Authors: Ortug Alpen , Valli Briana , Alatorre Warren José Luis , Shiohama Tadashi , van der Kouwe Andre , Takahashi Emi
Published: November 2023

Lissencephaly (LIS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder with severe symptoms caused by abnormal neuronal migration during cortical development. It is caused by both genetic and non-genetic factors. Despite frequent studies about the cortex, comprehensive elucidation of structural abnormalities and their effects on the white matter is limited. The main objective of this study is to analyze abnormal neuronal migration pathways and white matter fiber organization in LIS1-associated LIS using diffusion MRI (dMRI) tractography. For this purpose, slabs of brain specimens with LIS (n = 3) and age and sex-matched controls (n = 4) were scanned with 3T dMRI. Our high-resolution ex vivo dMRI successfully identified common abnormalities across the samples. The results revealed an abnormal increase in radially oriented subcortical fibers likely associated with radial migration pathways and u-fibers and a decrease in association fibers in all LIS specimens.
Deliberative Democracy and Incompatibilities of Choice Norms
Authors: Nurmi Hannu
Published: November 2023

Deliberative democracy aims at reaching collective decisions through mechanisms that involve flexible opinions, variable alternative sets and information gathering in the process of decision making as opposed to exogenously fixed alternative sets and preference rankings. Deliberative democracy includes elements derived from bargaining and negotiation. Among its virtues, some proponents of deliberative democracy have included the possibility that several important negative results of the theory of voting can be avoided. The basic stratagem is to dismiss the universal domain condition typically assumed in social choice results. Thus, the validity of the results escaped from is obviously not in question. The position taken in this paper is that, while in some respects plausible, the escape argument is based on a too narrow view of the incompatibility results of the social choice theory. Some fundamental paradoxes remain beyond the reach of the deliberative techniques and are even exacerbated by them. That said, the deliberative approach can certainly be adopted for making voting alternatives more meaningful to those involved.
The Relationship between Physical Activity and Psychosocial Well-Being during and after COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Donizzetti Anna Rosa
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic was an extremely critical event that had a major impact on the physical and mental health of the world’s population. The aim of the present work is to investigate whether physical activity plays a protective role in well-being both during the lockdown and afterwards, also assessing the role played by self-efficacy and perception of the risk of contracting COVID-19, as well as past behavior. To this end, two studies were conducted, the first close to lockdown (N = 1061; 76.3% females; mean age = 37.3—range: 18–80) and the second 2 years later (N = 562; 71.0% females; mean age = 33.2—range: 18–76). Descriptive and correlational analyses were performed, along with structural equation modelling. The results confirm the hypothesis of a positive impact of physical activity on emotional well-being alone during lockdown and on more general psychosocial well-being 2 years later. This result showed that physical activity during the pandemic represented an avoidance strategy from the psychological distress that COVID-19 was generating, whereas 2 years later, it represents a proactive strategy aimed at generating a positive mental health condition. These results provide a better understanding of the role physical activity plays in well-being by representing a resource for protecting as well as promoting the mental health of individuals.
Analytical Hierarchical Process as a Multicriteria Decision Tool in Material Selection for Prefabricated Wood Buildings
Authors: Cabral Matheus R. , Blanchet Pierre
Published: November 2023

The popularity of prefabricated wooden buildings is increasing in North America, but choosing suitable materials for these structures can be complicated. This can lead to problems like financial losses, production delays, and lower quality. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to use the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) decision-making tool to rank the criteria for material selection for prefabricated wood buildings in Canada and the United States. The methodology involved surveys experts in the prefabricated wood construction industry from Canada and the United States. The data obtained from the questionnaires utilized for the AHP analysis were modeled using R programming language. The results revealed that for structural materials, the top five subcriteria were safety and security of building occupants (0.234), location, shape, and height of the building (0.218), comfort, satisfaction, and well-being of the building (0.155), occupant health (0.121), and availability of materials (0.098). For selecting envelope materials, the top five subcriteria were comfort, satisfaction, and well-being of the building (0.252), safety and security of building occupants (0.206), location, shape, and height of the building (0.178), occupant health (0.132), and availability of materials (0.078).
Study on the Mechanical Properties of MiC Formworks with Different Material Components
Authors: Wang Qiong , Yang Dan , Chen Dong
Published: November 2023

Modular integrated construction (MiC) is a new type of assembled building structure system that consists of prefabricated concrete modules connected using post-cast concrete. To reduce material consumption and realize casting without supporting molds, thin and lightweight concrete formworks (MiC formworks) with a thickness of 30 mm are installed as part of the shear wall. Due to the thinness, concrete pouring tends to cause MiC formwork cracking, mold rising, and other problems. Its stress performance and damage mechanism are not clear. For this reason, three groups of MiC formworks with different material composition types are designed. The static load test is carried out in a graded partition loading mode, and parametric analysis is combined with numerical simulation to systematically study the influence of different material components on the mechanical properties of MiC formworks. The results show that the front cracks of the MiC formworks are mainly distributed under the truss tendons, and the back cracks are mainly distributed in the span position of the adjacent truss tendons. These cracks both occur along the span direction of the MiC formworks. Increasing the concrete strength has a significant effect on improving the load-bearing capacity of MiC formworks, while incorporating steel fibers can significantly improve its deformation and crack resistance. Parametric analysis showed that the steel fiber admixture exhibited limited improvements in the cracking resistance of the panels as the concrete matrix grade increased. The research results provide a practical basis for optimizing the production process of MiC formworks.
An Automated Prefabricated Facade Layout Definition for Residential Building Renovation
Authors: Iturralde Kepa , Das Samanti , Srinivasaragavan Aravind , Bock Thomas , Holst Christoph
Published: November 2023

The rising global energy demand has made it essential to reduce energy consumption in the residential building stock. Adding a new insulating envelope with Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) onto the existing buildings’ facade is one way to achieve zero energy consumption in residential buildings. The ENSNARE project aims to semi-automate this process by using prefabricated facade modules and developing new building data acquisition techniques. Prior to this research project, an analysis was carried out and several research gaps were identified. One of the obstacles to using prefabricated modules with RES is that the layout needs to be drawn and adjusted during different phases of the project. That is time-consuming. For this reason, this article describes two new solutions: (1) automated drafting of the optimized layout of prefabricated modules of the facade and the number of solar panels based on the existing residential building model, and (2) automated adjustment of the layout depending on the phase of the renovation project and the accuracy of the measurements in each step. The proposed semi-automated approach has the potential to significantly reduce the time used in drafting the layout of the prefabricated modules, which benefits the whole renovation process, contributing to a more sustainable future for the residential building stock.
Crack Analysis of Textile Reinforced Concrete Using Automated Crack Evaluation via Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Dahlhoff Annette , Raupach Michael
Published: November 2023

Detecting and measuring cracks during laboratory experiments to characterize material behavior is an important task in building materials research. In this context, the evaluation of crack distribution is emphasized, including crack widths. Contact-free, optical 2D/3D-measuring Digital Image Correlation systems are used to analyze the full-field deformation of the surface. To examine the parameters affecting crack analysis through this measurement mode, a parameter study was conducted analyzing carbon textile-reinforced concrete tensile strength tests. For this purpose, facet size, facet overlap, and the threshold for crack identification based on major strain calculations in the evaluation were varied. The novelty lies in the in-depth exploration of these parameters to enhance crack analysis accuracy. To facilitate this, an automated crack evaluation tool (ACE) was developed and validated through tensile tests. The results of this paper provide evidence of the key parameters that influence crack analysis in textile reinforced concrete and contribute valuable guidance on optimum setting parameters.
Countermeasures for the Transformation of Migrant Workers to Industrial Workers in the Construction Industry Based on Evolutionary Game Theory
Authors: Guo Feng , Guo Meiting , Li Yuanyuan , Gu Jianglin
Published: November 2023

With the rapid development of new construction methods, China’s construction industry is facing the transformation challenges of industrialization and informationization. However, migrant workers are characterized by high mobility, low education, and poor skills in China’s national conditions, which can no longer meet the requirements of operations. The transformation of the low-level manual migrant workers in the construction industry to high-level skilled industrial workers is inevitable. In order to explore how to better achieve the transformation of construction workers, evolutionary game research with construction unit and labor company as the subjects was carried out. Three types of assumptions were introduced into the constructed evolutionary game model: cooperation mechanism, spillover effect, and incentive mechanism (CSI). Simulation experiments and analysis of the model were finally conducted. The results of the game analysis finally show: (1) a higher initial proportion of selected transformed industrial workers; (2) a fair benefit concession from the construction unit to the labor company; (3) a lower revenue spillover effect; (4) that a higher level of regulation and incentives are conducive to the evolutionary game to converge to the desired state at a faster rate. The findings provide ideas for improving the labor system in China’s construction industry and lay the foundation for solving the labor specialization problem of new construction methods.
Quantitative Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging: Is There a Prognostic Role in Noninvasively Predicting the Histopathologic Type of Uveal Melanomas?
Authors: Foti Pietro Valerio , Inì Corrado , Broggi Giuseppe , Farina Renato , Palmucci Stefano , Spatola Corrado , Lo Greco Maria Chiara , David Emanuele , Caltabiano Rosario , Puzzo Lidia , Russo Andrea , Longo Antonio , Avitabile Teresio , Basile Antonio
Published: November 2023

Histopathologically, uveal melanomas (UMs) can be classified as spindle cell, mixed cell and epithelioid cell type, with the latter having a more severe prognosis. The aim of our study was to assess the correlation between the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and the histologic type of UMs in order to verify the role of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) as a noninvasive prognostic marker. A total of 26 patients with UMs who had undergone MRI and subsequent primary enucleation were retrospectively selected. The ADC of the tumor was compared with the histologic type. The data were compared using both one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (assessing the three histologic types separately) and the independent t-test (dichotomizing histologic subtypes as epithelioid versus non-epithelioid). Histologic type was present as follows: the epithelioid cell was n = 4, and the spindle cell was n = 11, the mixed cell type was n = 11. The mean ADC was 1.06 ± 0.24 × 10−3 mm2/s in the epithelioid cells, 0.98 ± 0.19 × 10−3 mm2/s in the spindle cells and 0.96 ± 0.26 × 10−3 mm2/s in the mixed cell type. No significant difference in the mean ADC value of the histopathologic subtypes was found, either when assessing the three histologic types separately (p = 0.76) or after dichotomizing the histologic subtypes as epithelioid and non-epithelioid (p = 0.82). DWI-ADC is not accurate enough to distinguish histologic types of UMs.
Musashi-1 Is a Novel Immunohistochemical Marker of Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Lung
Authors: Izaki Yu , Amatya Vishwa Jeet , Kambara Takahiro , Kushitani Kei , Miyata Yoshihiro , Okada Morihito , Takeshima Yukio
Published: November 2023

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) have recently been grouped as lung neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). Because these lung NECs are clinically malignant and their treatment strategies differ from those of non-SCLC, the quality of diagnosis has a significant prognostic impact. The diagnosis of LCNEC requires positive immunohistochemical staining with chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and CD56, along with a morphological diagnosis, and insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1) has been proposed as an additional marker but is still not an ideal or better marker. We investigated Musashi-1 as a novel immunohistochemical marker in 42 patients with SCLCs and 44 with LCNECs who underwent lung resection between 1998 and 2020 at our institution. We found Musashi-1 expression in 98% (41/42) SCLC and in 90% (40/44) LCNEC. These findings were similar to CD56 expression and superior to synaptophysin, chromogranin A, and INSM1. Musashi-1 also tended to show more diffuse and intense staining, especially in LCNEC, with more cases staining > 10% than any other existing markers (Musashi-1, 77%; INSM1, 45%; chromogranin A, 34%; synaptophysin, 41%; and CD56, 66%). In conclusion, we identified Musashi-1 as a novel immunohistochemical staining marker to aid in the diagnosis of lung NEC.
A Review of Recent Advances in Computer-Aided Detection Methods Using Hyperspectral Imaging Engineering to Detect Skin Cancer
Authors: Huang Hung-Yi , Hsiao Yu-Ping , Karmakar Riya , Mukundan Arvind , Chaudhary Pramod , Hsieh Shang-Chin , Wang Hsiang-Chen
Published: November 2023

Skin cancer, a malignant neoplasm originating from skin cell types including keratinocytes, melanocytes, and sweat glands, comprises three primary forms: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and malignant melanoma (MM). BCC and SCC, while constituting the most prevalent categories of skin cancer, are generally considered less aggressive compared to MM. Notably, MM possesses a greater capacity for invasiveness, enabling infiltration into adjacent tissues and dissemination via both the circulatory and lymphatic systems. Risk factors associated with skin cancer encompass ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, fair skin complexion, a history of sunburn incidents, genetic predisposition, immunosuppressive conditions, and exposure to environmental carcinogens. Early detection of skin cancer is of paramount importance to optimize treatment outcomes and preclude the progression of disease, either locally or to distant sites. In pursuit of this objective, numerous computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems have been developed. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI), distinguished by its capacity to capture information spanning the electromagnetic spectrum, surpasses conventional RGB imaging, which relies solely on three color channels. Consequently, this study offers a comprehensive exploration of recent CAD investigations pertaining to skin cancer detection and diagnosis utilizing HSI, emphasizing diagnostic performance parameters such as sensitivity and specificity.
Oligonucleotide-Based Therapeutics for STAT3 Targeting in Cancer—Drug Carriers Matter
Authors: Molenda Sara , Sikorska Agata , Florczak Anna , Lorenc Patryk , Dams-Kozlowska Hanna
Published: November 2023

High expression and phosphorylation of signal transducer and transcription activator 3 (STAT3) are correlated with progression and poor prognosis in various types of cancer. The constitutive activation of STAT3 in cancer affects processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. The importance of STAT3 in cancer makes it a potential therapeutic target. Various methods of directly and indirectly blocking STAT3 activity at different steps of the STAT3 pathway have been investigated. However, the outcome has been limited, mainly by the number of upstream proteins that can reactivate STAT3 or the relatively low specificity of the inhibitors. A new branch of molecules with significant therapeutic potential has emerged thanks to recent developments in the regulatory function of non-coding nucleic acids. Oligonucleotide-based therapeutics can silence target transcripts or edit genes, leading to the modification of gene expression profiles, causing cell death or restoring cell function. Moreover, they can reach untreatable targets, such as transcription factors. This review briefly describes oligonucleotide-based therapeutics that found application to target STAT3 activity in cancer. Additionally, this review comprehensively summarizes how the inhibition of STAT3 activity by nucleic acid-based therapeutics such as siRNA, shRNA, ASO, and ODN-decoy affected the therapy of different types of cancer in preclinical and clinical studies. Moreover, due to some limitations of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics, the importance of carriers that can deliver nucleic acid molecules to affect the STAT3 in cancer cells and cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME) was pointed out. Combining a high specificity of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics toward their targets and functionalized nanoparticles toward cell type can generate very efficient formulations.
Modulating Growth Factor Receptor Signaling to Promote Corneal Epithelial Homeostasis
Authors: Tarvestad-Laise Kate E. , Ceresa Brian P.
Published: November 2023

The corneal epithelium is the first anatomical barrier between the environment and the cornea; it is critical for proper light refraction onto the retina and prevents pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses) from entering the immune-privileged eye. Trauma to the highly innervated corneal epithelium is extremely painful and if not resolved quickly or properly, can lead to infection and ultimately blindness. The healthy eye produces its own growth factors and is continuously bathed in tear fluid that contains these proteins and other nutrients to maintain the rapid turnover and homeostasis of the ocular surface. In this article, we review the roles of growth factors in corneal epithelial homeostasis and regeneration and some of the limitations to their use therapeutically.
Stefin B Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation via AMPK/mTOR Signalling
Authors: Trstenjak-Prebanda Mojca , Biasizzo Monika , Dolinar Klemen , Pirkmajer Sergej , Turk Boris , Brault Veronique , Herault Yann , Kopitar-Jerala Nataša
Published: November 2023

Stefin B (cystatin B) is an inhibitor of lysosomal and nuclear cysteine cathepsins. The gene for stefin B is located on human chromosome 21 and its expression is upregulated in the brains of individuals with Down syndrome. Biallelic loss-of-function mutations in the stefin B gene lead to Unverricht–Lundborg disease-progressive myoclonus epilepsy type 1 (EPM1) in humans. In our past study, we demonstrated that mice lacking stefin B were significantly more sensitive to sepsis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and secreted higher levels of interleukin 1-β (IL-1β) due to increased inflammasome activation in bone marrow-derived macrophages. Here, we report lower interleukin 1-β processing and caspase-11 expression in bone marrow-derived macrophages prepared from mice that have an additional copy of the stefin B gene. Increased expression of stefin B downregulated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and lowered the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation in macrophages. We determined higher AMP-activated kinase phosphorylation and downregulation of mTOR activity in stefin B trisomic macrophages—macrophages with increased stefin B expression. Our study showed that increased stefin B expression downregulated mitochondrial ROS generation and increased autophagy. The present work contributes to a better understanding of the role of stefin B in regulation of autophagy and inflammasome activation in macrophages and could help to develop new treatments.
HDAC1-Mediated lncRNA Stimulatory Factor of Follicular Development to Inhibit the Apoptosis of Granulosa Cells and Regulate Sexual Maturity through miR-202-3p-COX1 Axis
Authors: Zhou Xiaofeng , He Yingting , Quan Hongyan , Pan Xiangchun , Zhou Yinqi , Zhang Zhe , Yuan Xiaolong , Li Jiaqi
Published: November 2023

Abnormal sexual maturity exhibits significant detrimental effects on adult health outcomes, and previous studies have indicated that targeting histone acetylation might serve as a potential therapeutic approach to regulate sexual maturity. However, the mechanisms that account for it remain to be further elucidated. Using the mouse model, we showed that Trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, downregulated the protein level of Hdac1 in ovaries to promote the apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs), and thus arrested follicular development and delayed sexual maturity. Using porcine GCs as a cell model, a novel sexual maturity-associated lncRNA, which was named as the stimulatory factor of follicular development (SFFD), transcribed from mitochondrion and mediated by HDAC1, was identified using RNA sequencing. Mechanistically, HDAC1 knockdown significantly reduced the H3K27ac level at the −953/−661 region of SFFD to epigenetically inhibit its transcription. SFFD knockdown released miR-202-3p to reduce the expression of cyclooxygenase 1 (COX1), an essential rate-limited enzyme involved in prostaglandin synthesis. This reduction inhibited the proliferation and secretion of 17β-estradiol (E2) while promoting the apoptosis of GCs. Consequently, follicular development was arrested and sexual maturity was delayed. Taken together, HDAC1 knockdown-mediated SFFD downregulation promoted the apoptosis of GCs through the miR-202-3p-COX1 axis and lead to delayed sexual maturity. Our findings reveal a novel regulatory network modulated by HDAC1, and HDAC1-mediated SFFD may be a promising new therapeutic target to treat delayed sexual maturity.
Cognitive Coping Strategies among Inpatient Adolescents with Depression and Psychiatric Comorbidity
Authors: Mihailescu Ilinca , Efrim-Budisteanu Magdalena , Andrei Lucia Emanuela , Buică Alexandra Mariana , Moise Mihaela , Nicolau Ingrid Georgiana , Iotu Alexandra Diana , Grădilă Adriana Petruța , Costea Teodora , Priseceanu Agnes Maria , Rad Florina
Published: November 2023

The aim of the present study is to describe and measure the cognitive emotion regulation strategies of inpatient adolescents with clinical depression, aged 13–18, and to analyse these coping strategies in relation to different comorbidities of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Methods: There were 112 adolescents with MDD who were admitted to hospital and 78 healthy adolescents included in the study. The Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) was used to assess nine specific cognitive coping strategies. A cognitive coping style model for depression in adolescents was described by analysing the differences between the two groups. The CERQ scores in MDD participants, grouped by comorbidity, were also assessed. Results: Adolescents with MDD had significantly higher scores for Self-Blame and Catastrophising strategies, and significantly lower scores for Positive Refocusing, Refocusing on Planning, and Positive Reappraisal. Adolescents with MDD and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) traits had significantly higher scores for Rumination, Catastrophising, and Blaming Others than adolescents with MDD and anxiety or with no comorbidity. Conclusions: Clinical depression in adolescents is associated with a cognitive profile that consists of an increased use of maladaptive coping styles and low employment of adaptive strategies. Early identification can contribute to the development of specific, individualised prevention and intervention programmes, while further longitudinal studies are necessary to adequately measure the outcome of these interventions.
Minimal Mechanisms Responsible for the Dispersive Behavior of the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Mamidi Kartheek , Mathew Vincent
Published: November 2023

An attempt has been made to explore the relative contributions of moisture feedback processes on tropical intraseasonal oscillation or Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO). We focused on moisture feedback processes, including evaporation wind feedback (EWF) and moisture convergence feedback (MCF), which integrate the mechanisms of convective interactions into the tropical atmosphere. The dynamical framework considered here is a moisture-coupled, single-layer linear shallow-water model on an equatorial beta-plane with zonal momentum damping. With this approach, we aimed to recognize the minimal physical mechanisms responsible for the existence of the essential dispersive characteristics of the MJO, including its eastward propagation (k>0), the planetary-scale (small zonal wavenumbers) instability, and the slow phase speed of about ≈5 m/s. Furthermore, we extended our study to determine each feedback mechanism’s influence on the simulated eastward dispersive mode. Our model emphasized that the MJO-like eastward mode is a possible outcome of the combined effect of moisture feedback processes without requiring additional complex mechanisms such as cloud radiative feedback and boundary layer dynamics. The results substantiate the importance of EWF as a primary energy source for developing an eastward moisture mode with a planter-scale instability. The eastward moisture mode exhibits the highest growth rate at the largest wavelengths and is also sensitive to the strength of the EWF, showing a significant increase in the growth rate with the increasing strength of the EWF; however, the eastward moisture mode remains unstable at planetary-scale wavelengths. Moreover, our model endorses that the MCF alone could not produce instability without surface fluxes, although it has a significant role in developing deep convection. It was found that the MCF exhibits a damping mechanism by regulating the frequency and growth rate of the eastward moisture mode at shorter wavelengths.
Analyzing Pore Evolution Characteristics in Cementitious Materials Using a Plane Distribution Model
Authors: Yuan Yezhen , He Zhe , Niu Kaimin , Tian Bo , Chen Liangliang , Bai Wei , Zheng Shaopeng , Yu Guoman
Published: November 2023

This research aims to analyze the distribution and evolution of pores within the planar structure of cement-based materials. Utilizing digital imaging methods, a model for pore plane distribution was established, and the evolutionary patterns of both total pore numbers and varying pore sizes in cement-based materials were investigated. The research introduced an innovative experimental method for analyzing pore distribution within cement-based planar structures. Additionally, a hybrid method was proposed, combining automated image binarization thresholding with manual comparative analysis, thereby enhancing the feasibility of comparative research. Pores were categorized into four distinct sizes: tiny pores (5–200 μm), small pores (200–500 μm), medium pores (500–1000 μm), and large pores (>1000 μm). Areas with apertures <5 μm were classified as dense areas. The findings indicated that the overall number of pores in cement-based materials increased due to the influence of styrene butadiene latex additives. However, at a 15% dosage, the rate of pore formation reached an inflection point, confirming that various factors, such as styrene butadiene latex, air bubbles, and the cement-based material itself, collectively influenced pore formation. The research also demonstrated that styrene butadiene latex affected the four categorized pore sizes differently. Importantly, a higher latex dosage did not necessarily lead to a proportional increase in pore content. Pore content was influenced by multiple factors and exhibited different distribution patterns. The number of micropores, although relatively small, gradually increased with higher latex dosages, while small and medium pores generally showed an upward trend. At a 10% latex dosage, both small and medium pores reached a turning point in their rate of increase. Large pores also exhibited a general increase, peaking at a latex dosage of 10%. It was confirmed that both the total pore volume and the content of micropores were critical factors in determining the mechanical properties of cementitious materials. Higher porosity and micropore content generally weakened mechanical performance. However, at a small latex dosage, there was an improvement in flexural strength. When the latex dosage reached 15%, the total pore and micropore content declined, resulting in a balanced increase in flexural strength and a mitigated decline in compressive strength. This study offers valuable insights into the evolution of total pore volume and the content of pores of various sizes, providing a theoretical basis for the meticulous selection of additive types and dosages from a microscopic perspective.
Recovery of Neglected Species with Cloud Water Micro Condense Capacity as a Response to Climate Change: The Case of Sclerophyllous Boxwoods of Buxus balearica Lam. in the Southern Spanish Mediterranean
Authors: Hernández-Bermejo J. Esteban , Labarca-Rojas Yalbeiry , Herrera-Molina Francisca , Quero José L. , Hernández-Clemente Rocío
Published: November 2023

Understanding the survival needs of neglected or underutilized species (NUS) in agroforestry can offer valuable insights to mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss. This paper analyses the habitat heterogeneity of Buxus balearica populations (palaeorelict of the Mediterranean Basin) using a methodology that integrates four approaches: ecological profiling, multivariate analysis, and the clustering of populations according to environmental variables and suitability. The habitat analysis was conducted on 240 occurrence points, integrating open-source databases and germplasm collection field work. Results reveal that the distribution of B. balearica in the south of the Iberian Peninsula is mainly conditioned by thermal variations, the humidity regime, and microtopography, which makes it very vulnerable to current and future climate change scenarios. The analysis of habitat heterogeneity demonstrates its capacity to estimate genetic diversity, which provides a solid basis for future research and conservation actions. The rapid extinction process of these boxwoods is evident by comparing the suitability model under different climate scenarios. There is an urgent need to improve the current status of the species and associated landscapes, considering B. balearica as an underutilized species, and establishing a sound management plan to reinforce its populations and protect its natural habitat.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings Corresponding to Vasculitis as Defined via [18F]FDG Positron Emission Tomography or Ultrasound
Authors: Hemmig Andrea K. , Rottenburger Christof , Aschwanden Markus , Berger Christoph T. , Kyburz Diego , Pradella Maurice , Staub Daniel , Imfeld Stephan , Sommer Gregor , Daikeler Thomas
Published: November 2023

Background: We sought to investigate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters that correspond to vasculitis observed via [18F]FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and ultrasound in patients with large-vessel giant cell arteritis (LV-GCA). Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of patients diagnosed with LV-GCA. Patients were selected if MRI, PET/CT, and vascular ultrasound were performed at the time of LV-GCA diagnosis. Imaging findings in vessel segments (axillary segment per side, thoracic aorta) assessed using at least two methods were compared. Vessel wall thickening, oedema, and contrast agent enhancement were each assessed via MRI. Results: Twelve patients with newly diagnosed LV-GCA were included (seven females, 58%; median age 72.1, IQR 65.5–74.2 years). The MRI results showed mural thickening in 9/24 axillary artery segments. All but 1 segment showed concomitant oedema, and additional contrast enhancement was found in 3/9 segments. In total, 8 of these 9 segments corresponded to vasculitic findings in the respective segments as observed via PET/CT, and 2/9 corresponded to vasculitis in the respective ultrasound images. If MRI was performed more than 6 days after starting prednisone treatment, thickening and oedema were seen in only 1/24 segments, which was also pathologic according to ultrasound findings but not those obtained via PET/CT. Four patients had mural thickening, oedema, and contrast enhancement in the aorta, among whom three patients also had vasculitic findings observed via PET/CT. Isolated mural thickening in one patient corresponded to a negative PET/CT result. Conclusions: In the MRI results, mural thickening due to oedema corresponded to vasculitic PET/CT findings but not vasculitic ultrasound findings. The duration of steroid treatment may reduce the sensitivity of MRI.
Automatized Detection of Periodontal Bone Loss on Periapical Radiographs by Vision Transformer Networks
Authors: Dujic Helena , Meyer Ole , Hoss Patrick , Wölfle Uta Christine , Wülk Annika , Meusburger Theresa , Meier Leon , Gruhn Volker , Hesenius Marc , Hickel Reinhard , Kühnisch Jan
Published: November 2023

Several artificial intelligence-based models have been presented for the detection of periodontal bone loss (PBL), mostly using convolutional neural networks, which are the state of the art in deep learning. Given the emerging breakthrough of transformer networks in computer vision, we aimed to evaluate various models for automatized PBL detection. An image data set of 21,819 anonymized periapical radiographs from the upper/lower and anterior/posterior regions was assessed by calibrated dentists according to PBL. Five vision transformer networks (ViT-base/ViT-large from Google, BEiT-base/BEiT-large from Microsoft, DeiT-base from Facebook/Meta) were utilized and evaluated. Accuracy (ACC), sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive/negative predictive value (PPV/NPV) and area under the ROC curve (AUC) were statistically determined. The overall diagnostic ACC and AUC values ranged from 83.4 to 85.2% and 0.899 to 0.918 for all evaluated transformer networks, respectively. Differences in diagnostic performance were evident for lower (ACC 94.1–96.7%; AUC 0.944–0.970) and upper anterior (86.7–90.2%; 0.948–0.958) and lower (85.6–87.2%; 0.913–0.937) and upper posterior teeth (78.1–81.0%; 0.851–0.875). In this study, only minor differences among the tested networks were detected for PBL detection. To increase the diagnostic performance and to support the clinical use of such networks, further optimisations with larger and manually annotated image data sets are needed.
Assessing the Efficacy of AI Segmentation in Diagnostics of Nine Supernumerary Teeth in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Mladenovic Rasa , Arsic Zoran , Velickovic Stefan , Paunovic Milan
Published: November 2023

We present a very rare case of a child with nine supernumerary teeth to analyze the potential, benefits, and limitations of artificial intelligence, as well as two commercial tools for tooth segmentation. Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly finding applications in dentistry today, particularly in radiography. Special attention is given to models based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) and their application in automatic segmentation of the oral cavity and tooth structures. The integration of AI is gaining increasing attention, and the automation of the detection and localization of supernumerary teeth can accelerate the treatment planning process. Despite advancements in 3D segmentation techniques, relying on trained professionals remains crucial. Therefore, human expertise should remain key, and AI should be seen as a support rather than a replacement. Generally, a comprehensive tool that can satisfy all clinical needs in terms of supernumerary teeth and their segmentation is not yet available, so it is necessary to incorporate multiple tools into practice.
Clinicopathological Significances of Peritumoral Budding in Colorectal Cancer: A Detailed Analysis Based on Mucinous and Micropapillary Pattern
Authors: Pyo Jung-Soo , Kim Nae Yu , Min Kyueng-Whan , Kang Dong-Wook
Published: November 2023

The present study aimed to evaluate the correlations between peritumoral tumor budding (PTB) and the clinicopathological characteristics of colorectal cancer (CRC) according to histological components. The PTBs were investigated and divided into high and low groups. The clinicopathological significance and prognostic implications of PTB in CRC were evaluated. High PTB was found in 104 of 266 CRCs (39.1%). High PTB was significantly correlated with left-sided tumors, lymphatic invasion, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and high pTNM stage. However, there was no significant correlation between PTB and the other clinicopathological characteristics. PTB was significantly higher in CRCs without the mucinous component than those with the mucinous component (p = 0.008). However, there was no significant difference between CRCs with and without the micropapillary pattern (p = 0.123). Patients with high PTB had worse recurrence-free survival than those with low PTB (p = 0.031). In the subgroup analysis based on histological components, a significant correlation between PTB and recurrence-free survival was found in CRC with a micropapillary pattern but not in those without a micropapillary pattern (p = 0.010 and p = 0.178, respectively). These findings indicate that high PTB is significantly correlated with aggressive tumor behaviors and worse survival in patients with CRC. However, the prognostic implications of PTB can differ according to histological components.
Tumor Heterogeneity of Breast Cancer Assessed with Computed Tomography Texture Analysis: Association with Disease-Free Survival and Clinicopathological Prognostic Factor
Authors: Yoo Hyeongyu , Cho Kyu Ran , Song Sung Eun , Cho Yongwon , Jung Seung Pil , Sung Kihoon
Published: November 2023

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, and computed tomography texture analysis (CTTA), which reflects the tumor heterogeneity, may predict the prognosis. We investigated the usefulness of CTTA for the prediction of disease-free survival (DFS) and prognostic factors in patients with invasive breast cancer. A total of 256 consecutive women who underwent preoperative chest CT and surgery in our institution were included. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the relationship between textural features and DFS. Logistic regression analysis was used to reveal the relationship between textural features and prognostic factors. Of 256 patients, 21 (8.2%) had disease recurrence over a median follow-up of 60 months. For the prediction of shorter DFS, higher histological grade (hazard ratio [HR], 6.12; p < 0.001) and lymphovascular invasion (HR, 2.93; p = 0.029) showed significance, as well as textural features such as lower mean attenuation (HR, 4.71; p = 0.003) and higher entropy (HR, 2.77; p = 0.036). Lower mean attenuation showed a correlation with higher tumor size, and higher entropy showed correlations with higher tumor size and Ki-67. In conclusion, CTTA-derived textural features can be used as a noninvasive imaging biomarker to predict shorter DFS and prognostic factors in patients with invasive breast cancer.