bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paediatric HeartMate 3™, the Uneventful 22-Month Journey to Transplantation of a 14-Year-Old-Patient—Time for Prolonged LVAD Support in Children?
Authors: Haselmann Clemens , Budäus Sonja , Zellner Michael , Cesnjevar Robert , Schweiger Martin
Published: September 2024

We report on a 14-year-old patient who was supported for nearly two years with an ic-LVAD and managed to complete his journey to transplantation without a single complication. Although mechanical assist device support is available for children up to 20 kg in body weight, availability is limited to paracorporeal devices. Intracorporal (ic) left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) for infants in the suitable weight class are a viable option as a bridge-to-transplant, where they make up more than 50% of transplant candidates in their category. A teenager with 59 kg body weight was newly diagnosed with DCM and listed for heart transplantation. After initially being on VA-ECMO, an Abbott HeartMate 3 LVAD with postoperative temporary RVAD support was initialised. RV-support was maintained for 10 days. The further postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged on day 98. He was seen regularly in the outpatient department and integrated into school routine again, following the extensive training of his classmates and the responsible school staff. After a total of 672 days on support, he was successfully transplanted. There were no unplanned admissions, thrombotic nor bleeding events, as well as no driveline infection, even though the patient participated in sport classes at school.
Asthma and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Overlap in a Sample of Older American Indian Adults: The Strong Heart Study
Authors: Wu Huimin , Rhoades Dorothy A. , Reese Jessica A. , Jones Kellie R.
Published: September 2024

Study Objectives: Our study aimed to investigate the association between asthma and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in American Indian communities, a historically underrepresented population in clinical research with a high prevalence of asthma and OSA risk factors like smoking and obesity. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data retrieved from the Strong Heart Study cohort. Participants who attended both the Asthma Sub-study and the Sleep Heart Health Study around the same time were compared for active asthma diagnosis, OSA diagnosis, and potential risk factors for asthma and OSA. The association between asthma and OSA was then evaluated. Results: Among the 2480 participants who attended the Strong Heart Study Phase III exam, 123 participated in both the Asthma Sub-study and the Sleep Heart Health Study. Of these, 13 were diagnosed with OSA, with 4 having moderate to severe OSA. There was no statistically significant difference in OSA prevalence between the active asthma group and the non-active asthma group (former asthma or no asthma) (9.6% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.63). Additionally, body mass index did not differ significantly between participants with both active asthma and OSA and those without active asthma, OSA, or both. OSA diagnosis was significantly associated with male sex (Odds Ratio [OR] 9.2 [1.85–45.87], p = 0.007) and body mass index (OR 1.1 [1.02–1.26], p = 0.016) but not with age or a diagnosis of active asthma. Conclusions: In this American Indian cohort, no significant difference in OSA prevalence was observed between participants with and without active asthma, contradicting previous studies. Further research is needed to explore the underlying reasons for this discrepancy.
A Routine Coronary Angiography before Carotid Endarterectomy as an Example of Interdisciplinary Work: The Immediate Results of the Surgery
Authors: Sumin Alexey N. , Shcheglova Anna V. , Adyakova Olesya V. , Fedorova Darina N. , Yakovlev Denis D. , Svinolupova Natalia A. , Kabanova Svetlana V. , Malysheva Anastasia V. , Karachenko Marina Yu , Kashtalap Vasily V. , Barbarash Olga L.
Published: September 2024

The aim: to evaluate the incidence of obstructive lesions of the coronary arteries during routine coronary angiography (CAG) before carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and the incidence of perioperative complications. Materials and Methods: We examined a continuous sample of 498 patients before CEA who underwent an invasive evaluation of the coronary bed during CAG. Depending on the hemodynamic significance of coronary artery lesions, the patients were divided into three groups: group I—obstructive coronary artery disease (≥70%) (n = 309, 62.0%); group II—non-obstructive lesions of the coronary arteries (<70%) (n = 118, 23.7%); group III—intact coronary arteries (n = 71, 14.3%). The groups were compared with each other according to the data of the preoperative examination (clinical and anamnestic parameters, laboratory data and results of echocardiography), as well as according to the immediate results of the operation. In the hospital period, adverse cardiovascular events were assessed: death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF/AFL) and combined endpoint. Results: The groups differed significantly in the presence of symptoms of angina pectoris, myocardial infarction and myocardial revascularization procedures in their medical history and in the presence of chronic ischemia of the lower extremities. However, in the group of intact coronary arteries, the symptoms of angina were in 14.1% of patients, and a history of myocardial infarction was in 12.7%. Myocardial revascularization before CEA or simultaneously with it was performed in 43.0% of patients. As a result, it was possible to reduce the number of perioperative cardiac complications (mortality 0.7%, perioperative myocardial infarction 1.96%). Conclusions: The high incidence of obstructive lesions in the coronary arteries in our patients and the minimum number of perioperative complications favor routine CAG before CEA.
Mid-Term Clinical and Radiographic Results of Complex Hip Revision Arthroplasty Based on 3D Life-Sized Model: A Prospective Case Series
Authors: La Camera Francesco , Di Matteo Vincenzo , Pisano Alessandro , Guazzoni Edoardo , Favazzi Carlo Maria , Chiappetta Katia , Morenghi Emanuela , Grappiolo Guido , Loppini Mattia
Published: September 2024

Background: The pre-operative three-dimensional (3D) assessment of acetabular bone defects may not be evaluated properly with conventional radiographic and computed tomography images. This paper reports mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of complex revision total hip arthroplasty (r-THA) based on a 3D life-sized printed model. Methods: Patients who underwent r-THA for septic or aseptic acetabular loosening with acetabular defects Paprosky types IIc, IIIa, and IIIb between 2019 and 2021 were included. The outcomes of the study were to determine clinical and radiographic assessment outcomes at the time of the last follow-up. Results: 25 patients with mean age of 62.9 ± 10.8 (18–83) years old were included. The mean Harris hip score improved from 34.8 ± 8.1 pre-operative to 81.6 ± 10.4 points (p < 0.001). The mean visual analog scale decreased from 6.7 ± 1.4 points pre-operative to 2.4 ± 1.0 points (p < 0.001). The mean limb length discrepancy improved from −2.0 ± 1.2 cm pre-operative to −0.6 ± 0.6 cm (p < 0.001). The mean vertical position of the center of rotation (COR) changed from 3.5 ± 1.7 cm pre-operative to 2.0 ± 0.7 cm (p < 0.05). The mean horizontal COR changed from 3.9 ± 1.5 cm pre-operative to 3.2 ± 0.5 cm (p < 0.05). The mean acetabular component abduction angle changed from 59.7° ± 29.6° pre-operative to 46° ± 3.9 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A three-dimensional-printed model provides an effective connection between the pre-operative bone defects’ evaluation and the intraoperative findings, enabling surgeons to select optimal surgical strategies.
Methods of Using a Manual Defibrillator during Simultaneous Cardiac Arrest in Two Patients—Analysis of the Actions of Emergency Medical Response Teams during the Championships in Emergency Medicine
Authors: Ćwiertnia Michał , Dutka Mieczysław , Szlagor Michał , Stasicki Arkadiusz , Białoń Piotr , Kudłacik Beata , Hajduga Maciej B. , Mikulska Monika , Majewski Mateusz , Nadolny Klaudiusz , Jaskiewicz Filip , Bobiński Rafał , Kawecki Marek , Ilczak Tomasz
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Conducting advanced resuscitation requires medical personnel to carry out appropriately coordinated actions. Certain difficulties arise when it becomes necessary to conduct cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on two patients at the same time. The aim of this paper was to assess the actions of teams participating in emergency medicine championships in tasks related to simultaneous cardiac arrests in two patients. Methods: The study was conducted on the basis of an analysis of assessment cards for tasks carried out during the ‘International Winter Championships in Emergency Medicine’. Three-person medical response teams (MRTs), with the support of two people, had the task of conducting advanced resuscitation on an adult and child simultaneously. The tasks were prepared and developed by European Resuscitation Council (ERC) instructors. Results: The study showed that teams used four methods of checking heart rhythm and performing defibrillation during CPR—using paddles only, using paddles and self-adhesive electrodes, using paddles and a three-lead ECG and using two pairs of self-adhesive electrodes. Teams performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation using paddles and a three-lead ECG performed significantly more actions incorrectly than other teams—in part due to the fact that they incorrectly interpreted which patient’s heart rhythm was displayed on the defibrillator screen. The effectiveness of the remaining methods was similar for most of the actions. The CPR method using two pairs of electrodes enabled personal safety to be maintained to the significantly highest percentage during defibrillation. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the need to conduct CPR on two patients at the same time, irrespective of the method used, caused MRT members considerable difficulties in correctly conducting some of the actions. The method of assessing heart rhythm using paddles and a three-lead ECG should not be used. The study showed that the optimal method of CPR in use appears to be the method using two pairs of adhesive electrodes—it provided, among other things, the significantly highest percentage of safely conducted defibrillation.
Immediate Implantation with Autologous Mineralized Dentin Graft versus Deproteinized Bovine Bone as Space-Filling Substitute in Maxillary Anterior Zone: Retrospective Radiological and Clinical Study
Authors: Cinar Ihsan Caglar , Zboun Mohammed , Saglanmak Alper , Mijiritsky Eitan
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Various bone substitutes have been recommended to augment the horizontal gap following immediate implantation. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of an autogenous mineralized dentin graft or a deproteinized bovine bone in horizontal gap augmentation following immediate implant placement in the maxillary anterior region. Methods: A total of 110 patients underwent tooth extraction followed by immediate implant placement. The patients were divided into two groups. The first group received an autogenous mineralized dentin graft (the test group) while the second group received a deproteinized bovine bone (the control group) to augment the horizontal gap. Preoperative (T0), immediate postoperative (T1), and 1-year postoperative (T2) cone beam computed tomography scans were taken from all the patients. Linear measurements were recorded 1 mm (R1) and 5 mm (R2) points apical to the implant platform at both T1 and T2 time intervals. Pink Esthetic Scores and prosthetic complications were evaluated as well. Results: There were 57 patients with a mean age of 45.42 ± 9.86 (range 24–63 years) selected as the test group and 53 patients with a mean age of 40.28 ± 11.69 (range 20–63 years) as the control group. The mean reduction in the buccal bone plate at R1 was 6.39 ± 3.78% in the test group and 6.99 ± 5.01% in the control group (p > 0.05). The mean reduction in the buccal bone plate at R2 was 5.46 ± 4.98% in the test group and 6.77 ± 7.60% in the control group (p < 0.05). The PES and prosthetic-related complications were shown to be negligible between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The efficiency of using an autogenous mineralized dentin graft for horizontal gap augmentation showed similar results in comparison to using a deproteinized bovine bone in relation to buccolingual socket reduction following immediate implantation.
The Surgical Outcomes of Modified Intraocular Lens Suturing with Forceps-Assisted Haptics Extraction: A Clinical and Basic Evaluation
Authors: Sotani Yasuyuki , Imai Hisanori , Kishi Maya , Yamada Hiroko , Matsumiya Wataru , Miki Akiko , Kusuhara Sentaro , Nakamura Makoto
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Postoperative intraocular lens (IOL) tilt is a risk associated with IOL scleral fixation. However, the cause of IOL tilt during IOL suturing remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the surgical outcomes of a modified IOL suturing technique and investigate the factors contributing to postoperative IOL tilt and decentration. Methods: We included 25 eyes of 22 patients who underwent IOL suturing between April 2018 and February 2020. A modified IOL suturing technique that decreased the need for intraocular suture manipulation was used. Factors contributing to IOL tilt and decentration were investigated using an intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) system. Results: The mean postoperative best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.15 ± 0.45 to −0.02 ± 0.19 (p = 0.02). The mean IOL tilt angle at the last visit after surgery was 1.84 ± 1.28 degrees. The present study reveals that the distance of the scleral puncture site from the corneal limbus had a stronger effect on IOL tilt; meanwhile, the suture position of the haptics had a greater effect on IOL decentration. Conclusions: The modified IOL suturing technique, which avoids intraocular suture handling, had favorable surgical outcomes with improved postoperative visual acuity and controlled IOL tilt and decentration. Accurate surgical techniques and careful measurement of distances during surgery are crucial for preventing postoperative IOL tilt and decentration.
Bio-Based Polyurethane Composites from Macauba Kernel Oil: Part 1, Matrix Synthesis from Glycerol-Based Polyol
Authors: Andrade Breves Rodolfo , Ajiola Daniel , de Vasconcelos Vieira Lopes Roseany , Quirino Rafael L. , Colin Baptiste , Petrissans Anelie , Petrissans Mathieu , Sales Maria José Araújo
Published: September 2024

Polyurethanes are the result of a reaction between an isocyanate and a polyol. The large variety of possible reagents creates many possible polyurethanes to be made, such as soft foams, rigid foams, coatings, and adhesives. This polymer is one of the most produced and consumed polymers in the world with an ever-increasing demand. Despite its usual petrochemical nature, research on bio-based polyurethanes flourishes due to the ease in creating bio-based polyols. This work covers the synthesis of a novel macauba kernel oil polyol by the epoxidation of the oil, followed by a ring-opening reaction of the epoxide with glycerol, used for the preparation of polyurethane foams using different NCO/OH ratios. The FTIR and H1 results confirm the formation of the epoxide and polyol, and the polymers in all NCO/OH ratios were confirmed by FTIR, showing great similarities between the samples, especially PU 1.0 and PU 1.2. Despite the TGs showing close behaviors for the three samples, their DTGs showed great difference between the samples, with PU 1.0 presenting a regular PU DTG profile with three degradation peaks while the other two sample presented five degradation peaks, indicating a higher crosslinking density in them.
Effect of High Fiber Content on Properties and Performance of CFRTP Composites
Authors: Ziaee Saeed , Kerr-Anderson Eric , Johnson Aaron , Eastep David , Abdel-Magid Beckry
Published: September 2024

Continuously reinforced thermoplastic composites are widely used in structural applications due to their toughness, light weight, and shorter process cycle. Moreover, they provide flexibility in design and material selection. Unlike thermoset composites, continuous fiber content to maximize mechanical properties in thermoplastic composites has not been well investigated. In this paper, three thermoplastic systems are investigated to study the optimum content of continuous fiber reinforcement. These systems include carbon fiber/polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), glass fiber/PPS, and glass fiber/high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Tapes were made at several fiber contents, and samples were compression molded and tested using thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), tensile, 3-point flexure, and short-beam shear tests. Results revealed that higher fiber content led to an increase in the glass transition and melt transition temperatures of the polymer. Some mechanical properties increased with fiber content and then began to decrease upon further addition of fibers, while other properties, such as ductility and interfacial bond strength, decreased with more reinforcement. Furthermore, the optimum fiber contents to maximize mechanical properties are different for different properties and different materials.
Natural Rubber Latex Wastes from Balloon Production as Valuable Source of Raw Material: Processing, Physico-Mechanical Properties, and Structure
Authors: Kędzia Jacek , Haponiuk Józef , Formela Krzysztof
Published: September 2024

This study explores the potential for recycling natural rubber (NR) latex waste from balloon production through the devulcanization and revulcanization processes. The mechanical devulcanization of colored latex balloon waste was conducted, followed by revulcanization using a sulfur-based system. The reclaimed rubber’s properties, including crosslink density, tensile strength, and abrasion resistance, were compared with those of virgin NR. The results demonstrate that the reclaimed rubber maintains a crosslink density close to that of virgin NR. Hardness and abrasion resistance were comparable, indicating successful material recovery. Structural analyses, including FTIR and SEM microscopy, revealed that the devulcanization process effectively allowed for successful revulcanization. This study concludes that NR latex waste can be effectively recycled and reused in rubber composite formulations, offering a sustainable approach to waste management in the rubber industry and contributing to developing eco-friendly materials. In the context of this research, integrating advanced chemical and physical methods, such as solubility parameter calculations and enhanced devulcanization techniques, could further optimize the devulcanization process. These methods quantitatively enhance the efficiency of material recovery, offering a path to more sustainable recycling practices. The findings suggest that combining such advanced methodologies could significantly improve recycled NR latex’s overall performance and applicability in industrial applications.
Rapamycin’s Impact on Age-Related Macular Degeneration—A Systematic Review and Hormesis Perspective
Authors: Wigestrand Knut Sandok , Gupta Santosh , Sharma Kulbhushan , Petrovski Goran
Published: September 2024

Background: Pre-clinical studies related to the use of rapamycin (Sirolimus®), a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have shown improved therapeutic outcomes. However, knowledge of its dose–effect relationship in humans with AMD has been limited and requires further investigation. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of Sirolimus® for treatment of AMD in humans and determine the dose range for its application in the eye. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials databases were searched for original clinical studies examining the effects of Sirolimus® on outcomes linked to AMD in humans. This review has been registered in the PROSPERO database. Results: Only four studies were found to satisfy the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were analyzed in this systematic review in a narrative way. The dose range of rapamycin in the limited number of studies appears to be toxic to the retina. Conclusion: Future studies should focus on establishing the optimal low-dose range of Sirolimus® that effectively induces autophagy without causing retinal toxicity, as current data indicate a potential therapeutic window that remains underexplored. Specifically, longitudinal, controlled studies with larger, heterogeneous patient populations are necessary to determine the precise dosing that balances efficacy and safety in treating AMD.
Regeneration of Critical Calvarial Bone Defects Using Bovine Xenograft, Magnesium-Enriched Bovine Xenograft and Autologous Dentin in Rats: Micro-CT, Gene Expression and Immunohistochemical Analysis
Authors: Čandrlić Marija , Jerbić Radetić Ana Terezija , Omrčen Hrvoje , Franović Barbara , Batičić Lara , Gulić Tamara , Čaljkušić-Mance Tea , Zoričić Cvek Sanja , Malešić Lucija , Perić Kačarević Željka , Cvijanović Peloza Olga
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of autologous dentin (AD), bovine xenograft (BX) and magnesium-enriched bovine xenograft (BX + Mg) in the healing of critical cranial bone defects (CCBDs) in rats. Eighty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: BX, BX + Mg, AD and the control group (no intervention). Eight mm CCBDs were created and treated with the respective biomaterials. Healing was assessed 7, 15, 21 and 30 days after surgery by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemical analysis. Micro-CT analysis showed that AD had the highest bone volume and the least amount of residual biomaterial at day 30, indicating robust bone formation and efficient resorption. BX + Mg showed significant bone volume but had more residual biomaterial compared to AD. RT-PCR showed that the expression of osteocalcin (OC), the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANK) and sclerostin (SOST), was highest in the AD group at day 21 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at day 15, indicating increased osteogenesis and angiogenesis in the AD group. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed intense BMP-2/4 and SMAD-1/5/8 expression in the AD group, indicating osteoinductive properties. The favorable gene expression profile and biocompatibility of AD and BX + Mg make them promising candidates for clinical applications in bone tissue engineering. Further research is required to fully exploit their potential in regenerative surgery.
Concordance of HER2 Expression in Paired Primary and Metastatic Sites of Endometrial Serous Carcinoma and the Effect of Intratumoral Heterogeneity
Authors: Yap Francis Hong Xin , Wilson Yancey , Peverall Joanne , Amanuel Benhur , Allanson Ben , Ruba Sukeerat
Published: September 2024

Primary endometrial serous carcinoma, known for its aggressive nature and poor prognosis, shares similarities with breast and gastric cancers in terms of potential HER2 overexpression as a therapeutic target. Assessing HER expression is complicated by tumor heterogeneity and discrepancies between primary and metastatic sites. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed HER amplification and expression in 16 pairs of primary endometrial serous carcinoma resections and corresponding metastases. HER2 status was determined using immunohistochemistry (IHC), with criteria based on the percentage and intensity of tumor cell staining. Confirmatory techniques, such as dual in situ hybridization (DISH) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), were also employed. This study reports on the concordance rates and the presence and pattern of HER2 heterogeneity. Our results showed an 87.5% concordance rate in HER2 amplification status between primary and metastatic sites, with 33% of cases scored as 2+ being amplified. Heterogeneity was observed in 100% of amplified cases and 95% of non-amplified cases on in situ testing, with variations in heterogeneity patterns between techniques. In conclusion, our findings emphasize the importance of testing both primary and metastatic sites or recurrences, with a concordance rate of 87.5%. In addition, a review of the literature and combining the results showed a concordance rate of up to 68%. The presence and pattern of heterogeneity, particularly in cases of mosaic or clustered heterogeneity in the primary tumor, may serve as reliable indicators of concordance, predicting a non-amplified HER2 status in corresponding metastases.
Estimation of Source Range and Location Using Ship-Radiated Noise Measured by Two Vertical Line Arrays with a Feed-Forward Neural Network
Authors: Jo Moon Ju , Choi Jee Woong , Han Dong-Gyun
Published: September 2024

Machine learning-based source range estimation is a promising method for enhancing the performance of tracking both the dynamic and static positions of targets in the underwater acoustic environment using extensive training data. This study constructed a machine learning model for source range estimation using ship-radiated noise recorded by two vertical line arrays (VLAs) during the Shallow-water Acoustic Variability Experiment (SAVEX-15), employing the Sample Covariance Matrix (SCM) and the Generalized Cross Correlation (GCC) as input features. A feed-forward neural network (FNN) was used to train the model on the acoustic characteristics of the source at various distances, and the range estimation results indicated that the SCM outperformed the GCC with lower error rates. Additionally, array tilt correction using the array invariant-based method improved range estimation accuracy. The impact of the training data composition corresponding to the bottom depth variation between the source and receivers on range estimation performance was also discussed. Furthermore, the estimated ranges from the two VLA locations were applied to localization using trilateration. Our results confirm that the SCM is the more appropriate feature for the FNN-based source range estimation model compared with the GCC and imply that ocean environment variability should be considered in developing a general-purpose machine learning model for underwater acoustics.
Thermodynamic Analysis of a Marine Diesel Engine Waste Heat-Assisted Cogeneration Power Plant Modified with Regeneration Onboard a Ship
Authors: Kepekci Haydar , Ezgi Cuneyt
Published: September 2024

The objective of this study is to perform a thermodynamic analysis on a marine diesel engine waste heat-assisted cogeneration power plant modified with regeneration onboard a ship. The proposed system utilizes the waste heat from the main engine jacket water and exhaust gases to generate electricity and heat, thereby reducing the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The methodology includes varying different turbine inlet pressures, extraction pressures, and fractions of steam extracted from the turbine to evaluate their effects on the efficiency, utilization factor, transformation energy equivalent factor, process heat rate, electrical power output, saved fuel flow rate, saved fuel cost, and reduced CO2 emissions. The analysis demonstrates that the proposed system can achieve an efficiency of 48.18% and utilization factor of 86.36%, savings of up to 57.325 kg/h in fuel, 65.606 USD/h in fuel costs, and 180.576 kg/h in CO2 emissions per unit mass flow rate through a steam turbine onboard a ship.
Five New Species of Wood-Decaying Brown-Rot Fungi within Postiaceae (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) from Xinjiang, Northwest China
Authors: Xu Tai-Min , Wu Dong-Mei , Gao Neng , Zeng Long , Xu Yi-Hua , Fan Xiang-Ping , Sun Yi-Fei , Cui Bao-Kai
Published: September 2024

Brown-rot fungi are an important group of wood-decaying fungi, but there has been limited research on the species diversity of brown-rot fungi in Xinjiang, China. During an investigation of brown-rot fungi in Xinjiang, from July 2018 to July 2023, five new species belonging to the family Postiaceae were discovered based on morphological and molecular evidence. Amaropostia altaiensis is characterized by a conchate pileus, circular pores (5–8 per mm), and growing on Populus. Amaropostia tianshanensis is characterized by a flabelliform-to-conchate pileus, angular pores (5–6 per mm), and growing on Picfea. Cyanosporus latisporus is characterized by a hirsute and dark greyish blue pileal surface with fresh, larger pores (3–6 per mm) and broad basidiospores (4.3–5.9 × 1.4–2 µm). Cyanosporus tianshanensis is characterized by a smooth and white-to-cream pileal surface with fresh, smaller pores (6–9 per mm). Osteina altaiensis is characterized by a light mouse-grey-to-honey-yellow pileal surface, smaller pores (4–6 per mm), and slightly wide basidiospores (5–6 × 1.7–2.2 µm). Each of these five new species form independent lineages in phylogenetic analyses based on the seven gene loci (ITS + nLSU + nSSU + mtSSU + TEF1 + RPB1 + RPB2). This research enriches the diversity of brown-rot fungi species, while also demonstrating the substantial discovery potential and research value of brown-rot fungi in Xinjiang.
Populist Leaders as Gatekeepers: André Ventura Uses News to Legitimize the Discourse
Authors: Baptista João Pedro , Gradim Anabela , Fonseca Daniela
Published: September 2024

This study explores the role of populist leaders as gatekeepers on social media, seeking to understand how André Ventura, president of Chega!, uses news to legitimize his political discourse. The methodology involved collecting 90 tweets containing legacy media news features, posted by Ventura on the social media platform X. These tweets cover key political events such as the resignation of Portugal’s Prime Minister, the dissolution of the Portuguese Parliament, and European elections. Quantitative analysis using Voyant Tools identified key terms related to Ventura’s ideological stance, while Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) examined how these terms support his political narrative. The findings reveal a strategic use of news to promote themes like nationalism, immigration control, corruption and social dichotomy between “us” and “them”. Ventura’s tweets leverage news headlines to enhance his persuasive appeal, acting as heuristic shortcuts to reinforce his political messages. This study highlights the relevance of understanding social media’s role in promoting populism and suggests avenues for future research, including comparative analyses of other populist leaders and the impact of these narratives on voter behavior and perceptions.
Pregnenolone 16-Alpha Carbonitrile, an Agonist of Rodent Pregnane X Receptor, Regulates Testosterone Biosynthesis in Rodent Leydig Cells
Authors: Salamat Julia M. , Ayala Elizabeth M. , Huang Chen-Che J. , Wilbanks Frank S. , Knight Rachel C. , Akingbemi Benson T. , Pondugula Satyanarayana R.
Published: September 2024

Leydig cells (LCs) in the testes produce the male sex hormone testosterone (T). Several xenobiotics, including clinical drugs, supplements, and environmental chemicals, are known to disrupt T homeostasis. Notably, some of these xenobiotics are known to activate the pregnane X receptor (PXR), a ligand-dependent nuclear receptor. However, it is currently unknown whether PXR is expressed in LCs and whether PXR activation alters T synthesis in rodent LCs. Therefore, in this study, we sought to determine whether PXR is expressed in rodent LCs and whether pregnenolone 16-alpha carbonitrile (PCN), the prototype agonist of rodent PXR, regulates T biosynthesis in rodent LCs. Hormonal as well as protein and gene expression analyses were conducted in rat primary LCs and MA-10 mouse Leydig cells. Results showed that PXR was expressed at the mRNA and protein level in both rat primary LCs and MA-10 cells. Incubation of rat primary LCs with PCN resulted in a significant decrease in T secretion. This PCN-induced decrease in T secretion was associated with decreased protein expression of key steroidogenic enzymes such as 3β-HSD and CYP17A1. RNA-seq results from MA-10 cells showed that PCN down-regulated the transcripts of steroidogenic enzymes and proteins involved in the T synthesis pathway. Together, these results suggest that PCN, an agonist of rodent PXR, can regulate T biosynthesis in rodent LCs by down-regulating the expression of the steroidogenic enzymes involved in T biosynthesis. Our results are significant as they provide a potential novel mechanism for disruption of testosterone homeostasis by a variety of xenobiotics.
The InterVision Framework: An Enhanced Fine-Tuning Deep Learning Strategy for Auto-Segmentation in Head and Neck
Authors: Choi Byongsu , Beltran Chris J. , Yoo Sang Kyun , Kwon Na Hye , Kim Jin Sung , Park Justin Chunjoo
Published: September 2024

Adaptive radiotherapy (ART) workflows are increasingly adopted to achieve dose escalation and tissue sparing under dynamic anatomical conditions. However, recontouring and time constraints hinder the implementation of real-time ART workflows. Various auto-segmentation methods, including deformable image registration, atlas-based segmentation, and deep learning-based segmentation (DLS), have been developed to address these challenges. Despite the potential of DLS methods, clinical implementation remains difficult due to the need for large, high-quality datasets to ensure model generalizability. This study introduces an InterVision framework for segmentation. The InterVision framework can interpolate or create intermediate visuals between existing images to generate specific patient characteristics. The InterVision model is trained in two steps: (1) generating a general model using the dataset, and (2) tuning the general model using the dataset generated from the InterVision framework. The InterVision framework generates intermediate images between existing patient image slides using deformable vectors, effectively capturing unique patient characteristics. By creating a more comprehensive dataset that reflects these individual characteristics, the InterVision model demonstrates the ability to produce more accurate contours compared to general models. Models are evaluated using the volumetric dice similarity coefficient (VDSC) and the Hausdorff distance 95% (HD95%) for 18 structures in 20 test patients. As a result, the Dice score was 0.81 ± 0.05 for the general model, 0.82 ± 0.04 for the general fine-tuning model, and 0.85 ± 0.03 for the InterVision model. The Hausdorff distance was 3.06 ± 1.13 for the general model, 2.81 ± 0.77 for the general fine-tuning model, and 2.52 ± 0.50 for the InterVision model. The InterVision model showed the best performance compared to the general model. The InterVision framework presents a versatile approach adaptable to various tasks where prior information is accessible, such as in ART settings. This capability is particularly valuable for accurately predicting complex organs and targets that pose challenges for traditional deep learning algorithms.
Enhancing Patient Comprehension in Skull-Base Meningioma Surgery through 3D Volumetric Reconstructions: A Cost-Effective Approach
Authors: Ungureanu Gheorghe , Serban Larisa-Nicoleta , Beni Lehel , Florian Stefan-Ioan
Published: September 2024

Background: Understanding complex neurosurgical procedures and diseases, such as skull-base meningiomas, is challenging for patients due to the intricate anatomy and the involvement of critical neurovascular structures. Enhanced patient comprehension is crucial for satisfaction and improved clinical outcomes. Patient-specific 3D models have demonstrated benefits in patient education, though they are costly and time-intensive to produce. This study investigates whether the use of 3D volumetric reconstructions with anatomical segmentation, widely available via neuronavigation software, can improve patients’ understanding of skull-base meningiomas, surgical procedures, and potential complications. Materials and Methods: This study included twenty patients with skull-base meningiomas. Three-dimensional volume reconstructions and anatomical segmentations were created using preoperative MRI sequences with neuronavigation software. These reconstructions were used during patient consultations where a surgeon explained key aspects of the disease, the surgical intervention, and potential complications. A questionnaire assessed the patients’ perceptions of the utility of these 3D reconstructions. Results: The majority of patients (75%) found the 3D volumetric reconstructions and anatomical segmentations to be more beneficial than MRI images for understanding their disease. Similarly, 75% reported improved comprehension of the surgical approach, and 85% felt that the reconstructions enhanced their understanding of potential surgical complications. Overall, 65% of patients considered the 3D reconstructions valuable in medical consultations. Conclusions: Our study indicates that using accessible, cost-effective, and non-time-consuming 3D volumetric reconstructions with anatomical segmentation enhances patient understanding of skull-base meningiomas. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings, compare these reconstructions with physical 3D models and virtual reality models, and evaluate their impact on patient anxiety regarding the surgical procedure.
Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Land Use Changes in the Yellow River Basin from 1990 to 2021 and Future Predictions
Authors: Cheng Yali , Chen Yangbo
Published: September 2024

Studying spatial and temporal characteristics of land use changes and the driving factors in the Yellow River Basin as well as simulating and predicting future land use is crucial for resource management, ecological protection, and regional sustainable development in the Yellow River Basin. Based on the China Land Cover Dataset (CLCD) of the Yellow River Basin from 1990 to 2021, this study employs various methods such as the Mann–Kendall test and sliding t-test, land use dynamics, the land use transfer matrix, the standard deviation ellipse, the center of gravity migration model, and a geographic detector to explore the spatial and temporal characteristics of land use changes and driving forces in the Yellow River Basin over the past 30 years. Additionally, the study predicts land use types in the study area for the year of 2030 by using the Future Land Use Simulation (FLUS) model. The results show the following: (1) From 1990 to 2021, the area of forest, grassland, water, and impervious surfaces increased significantly, while the area of cropland, shrub, barren land, and wetlands decreased significantly. The most actively changing land use types are cropland, grassland, barren land, and impervious surfaces. (2) The center of gravity for shrub and impervious surfaces shifted westward, while wetlands showed a trend of obvious concentrated distribution, and the remaining land use types exhibited stable directional distributions. (3) Economic factors had a stronger driving effect on land use changes than topographic and climatic factors. The land use changes in the Yellow River Basin are influenced by the coordinated driving forces of multiple factors. (4) In 2030, the main land use types in the Yellow River Basin are still expected to be cropland, grassland, and forest. However, there will be a significant expansion of impervious surfaces and forest land, with substantial encroachment on cropland and grassland.
Nanoheterogeneity in Protic and Aprotic Alkylimidazolium Bistriflimide Ionic Liquids
Authors: Magsumov Timur I. , Sedov Igor A.
Published: September 2024

Many ionic liquids, including alkylimidazolium salts, form a nanoheterogeneous structure with polar and apolar domains in their liquid phase. Using molecular dynamics simulations, the influence of the structure of the cations of a series of aprotic ([CnC1Im][TFSI], [CnCnIm][TFSI]) and protic ([HCnIm][TFSI]) alkylimidazolium bistrilimides on the domain structure of their liquid phase was studied. The characteristic sizes of domains and the extent of domain segregation in different liquids have been compared. It has been shown that the latter, but not the former, is a key factor determining the magnitude of the Gibbs free energy of cavity formation in nanostructured ionic liquids, which in turn governs their solvation properties.
Advanced Queueing and Location-Allocation Strategies for Sustainable Food Supply Chain
Authors: Paksaz Amirmohammad , Zareian Beinabadi Hanieh , Moradi Babak , Mousapour Mamoudan Mobina , Aghsami Amir
Published: September 2024

Background: This study presents an integrated multi-product, multi-period queuing location-allocation model for a sustainable, three-level food supply chain involving farmlands, facilities, and markets. The model employs M/M/C/K queuing systems to optimize the transportation of goods, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. A mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) approach is used to identify optimal facility locations while maximizing profitability, minimizing driver waiting times, and reducing environmental impact. Methods: The grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA), a meta-heuristic algorithm inspired by the behavior of grasshopper swarms, is utilized to solve the model on a large scale. Numerical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model, particularly in solving large-scale problems where traditional methods like GAMS fall short. Results: The results indicate that the proposed model, utilizing the grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA), effectively addresses complex and large-scale food supply chain problems. Compared to GAMS, GOA achieved similar outcomes with minimal differences in key metrics such as profitability (with a gap ranging from 0.097% to 1.11%), environmental impact (0.172% to 1.83%), and waiting time (less than 0.027%). In large-scale scenarios, GOA significantly reduced processing times, ranging from 20.45 to 64.78 s. The optimization of processing facility locations within the supply chain, based on this model, led to improved balance between cost (up to $74.2 million), environmental impact (122,112 hazardous units), and waiting time (down to 11.75 h). Sensitivity analysis further demonstrated that increases in truck arrival rates and product value had a significant impact on improving supply chain performance.
The Utilization of Carbonated Steel Slag as a Supplementary Cementitious Material in Cement
Authors: Liu Xinyue , Wu Pengfei , Liu Xiaoming , Zhang Zengqi , Ai Xianbin
Published: September 2024

Carbon emission reduction and steel slag (SS) treatment are challenges in the steel industry. The accelerated carbonation of SS and carbonated steel slag (CSS) as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in cement can achieve both large-scale utilization of SS and CO2 emission reduction, which is conducive to low-carbon sustainable development. This paper presents the utilization status of CSS. The accelerated carbonation route and its effects on the properties of CSS are described. The carbonation reaction of SS leads to a decrease in the average density, an increase in the specific surface area, a refinement of the pore structure, and the precipitation of different forms of calcium carbonate on the CSS surface. Carbonation can increase the specific surface area of CSS by about 24–80%. The literature review revealed that the CO2 uptake of CSS is 2–27 g/100 g SS. The effects of using CSS as an SCM in cement on the mechanical properties, workability, volume stability, durability, environmental performance, hydration kinetics, and microstructure of the materials are also analyzed and evaluated. Under certain conditions, CSS has a positive effect on cement hydration, which can improve the mechanical properties, workability, bulk stability, and sulfate resistance of SS cement mortar. Meanwhile, SS carbonation inhibits the leaching of heavy metal ions from the solid matrix. The application of CSS mainly focuses on material strength, with less attention being given to durability and environmental performance. The challenges and prospects for the large-scale utilization of CSS in the cement and concrete industry are described.
Geometric Modeling and Error Propagation Analysis of an Over-Constrained Spindle Head with Kinematic Interactions
Authors: Shen Yifeng , Tang Tengfei , Fang Hanliang
Published: September 2024

This study presents a comprehensive geometric modeling and error propagation analysis for a 3-degrees-of-freedom spindle head, focusing on an over-constrained parallel mechanism. Four geometric error models are established for the over-constrained spindle head, each considering different combinations of constraint wrenches. A set of sensitivity indices is formulated to evaluate the effectiveness of these models. Comparative sensitivity analysis suggests that a model incorporating all constraint wrenches is suitable for error propagation analysis. Two error propagation indices are introduced to quantify the impact of the geometric source errors on the position and orientation of an individual limb structure. The coupled error propagation indices account for the kinematic interactions among limb structures, allowing for a detailed analysis of the spindle head’s terminal accuracy. The relative deviations of error propagation indices are utilized to assess the quantitative impact of kinematic interactions on the geometric errors of an individual limb structure. Furthermore, this study analyzes the cumulative effects of kinematic errors from three limb structures to reflect the influence of kinematic interactions on the terminal accuracy of the spindle head. The findings indicate that geometric errors of the limbs in such an over-constrained spindle head are mutually compensatory, reducing linear and angular errors and enhancing the spindle head’s terminal accuracy.
Efficient Visual-Aware Fashion Recommendation Using Compressed Node Features and Graph-Based Learning
Authors: Malhi Umar Subhan , Zhou Junfeng , Rasool Abdur , Siddeeq Shahbaz
Published: September 2024

In fashion e-commerce, predicting item compatibility using visual features remains a significant challenge. Current recommendation systems often struggle to incorporate high-dimensional visual data into graph-based learning models effectively. This limitation presents a substantial opportunity to enhance the precision and effectiveness of fashion recommendations. In this paper, we present the Visual-aware Graph Convolutional Network (VAGCN). This novel framework helps improve how visual features can be incorporated into graph-based learning systems for fashion item compatibility predictions. The VAGCN framework employs a deep-stacked autoencoder to convert the input image’s high-dimensional raw CNN visual features into more manageable low-dimensional representations. In addition to improving feature representation, the GCN can also reason more intelligently about predictions, which would not be possible without this compression. The GCN encoder processes nodes in the graph to capture structural and feature correlation. Following the GCN encoder, the refined embeddings are input to a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) to calculate compatibility scores. The approach extends to using neighborhood information only during the testing phase to help with training efficiency and generalizability in practical scenarios, a key characteristic of our model. By leveraging its ability to capture latent visual features and neighborhood-based learning, VAGCN thoroughly investigates item compatibility across various categories. This method significantly improves predictive accuracy, consistently outperforming existing benchmarks. These contributions tackle significant scalability and computational efficiency challenges, showcasing the potential transformation of recommendation systems through enhanced feature representation, paving the way for further innovations in the fashion domain.