bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hop Tropicalization: Chemical Compositions of Varieties Grown under Organic and Conventional Systems in Subtropical Conditions
Authors: Fortuna Gabriel Cássia , Neves Caio Scardini , Campos Olivia Pak , Gomes Jordany Aparecida Oliveira , Silva Júlio César Rodrigues Lopes , Souza Amauri Alves , Funari Cristiano Soleo de , Marques Márcia Ortiz Mayo , Bonfim Filipe Pereira Giardini
Published: July 2023

The interest in the production of hops in Brazil, motivated by the third position in the world ranking of beer producers and the growth of the craft brewery business, justifies the intensification of studies into its adaptation to local growing conditions. Due to the high internal demand, the aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical profiles of hop varieties grown in subtropical conditions under different cropping systems. Studies that promote the expansion of cultivation areas in distinct climate conditions and ensure quality are very important. A randomized block design was adopted with a 2 × 5 subdivided plot. The main factor was the cropping system (organic and conventional), and the secondary factor was the hop variety (Columbus, Chinook, Nugget, Cascade and Hallertau Mittelfrüeh), with four blocks and four plants per plot. The quality parameters monitored in this work were the contents of alpha and beta acids, and xanthohumol in the inflorescences of hops, as well as the relative composition of their essential oils. The variations in the chemical profiles of essential oils showed differences between some varieties, and the different compositions and levels resulting from the two cropping systems show that management and cultural practices can influence the aromatic characteristics of hops; in total, 23 compounds were found. The terpene fraction represented 79.67% of the oil in Hallertau and 93.63% in Cascade, with myrcene being the main compound. The levels of bitter acids and xanthohumol did not differ statistically as a function of the treatments. This study contributes the first records of the chemical profiles of hops grown in subtropical conditions in Brazil, in general, the Nugget variety had the highest qualitative potential
Genomics and Biotechnology Empower Plant Science Research
Authors: Liang Yufan , Chen Fei , Xue Jia-Yu
Published: July 2023

Genomics and biotechnology play crucial roles in biological research, rapidly propelling the field of plant science [...]
Evolution Characteristics and Causes—An Analysis of Urban Catering Cluster Spatial Structure
Authors: Ma Dongling , Liu Baoze , Huang Qingji , Zhang Qian
Published: July 2023

Studying the development characteristics of the urban catering industry holds significant importance for understanding the spatial patterns of cities. In this manuscript, according to the characteristics of the distribution of catering points and based on catering point of interest (POI) data of 106 cities in China in 2016 and 2022, we propose the Natural Nearest Neighbor Single Branch Model (NNSBM) to identify catering points by adaptive clustering, which improves the efficiency of identifying catering clusters. Subsequently, a catering spatial structure division model is constructed to classify the spatial structure of catering clusters into 3 major categories and 17 subcategories, and the evolution pattern of urban catering clusters is analyzed. In addition, based on the population density raster data, a bivariate spatial autocorrelation model is employed to analyze the complex relationship between the distribution of urban catering clusters and population density, revealing the distinctive characteristics of urban catering cluster evolution. The results showed that (1) In the initial stage of catering cluster formation, catering activities tend to gather first in a specific area of the city, giving rise to the main catering cluster. However, as the catering industry progresses, the phenomenon of “central fading” occurs within the main catering cluster. (2) The overall trend of the catering spatial structure of most cities showed an evolution toward low primacy–high concentration (Lp-Hc), and cities at different stages of catering capacity exhibited different evolution characteristics of catering clusters. (3) The influence of population density on catering distribution was staged, with a varying impact on cities with different types of catering spatial structures.
Hyperandrogenism and Its Possible Effects on Endometrial Receptivity: A Review
Authors: Yusuf Allia Najmie Muhammad , Amri Mohd Fariz , Ugusman Azizah , Hamid Adila A. , Wahab Norhazlina Abdul , Mokhtar Mohd Helmy
Published: July 2023

Endometrial receptivity is a state of the endometrium defined by its readiness for embryo implantation. When the receptivity of the endometrium is impaired due to hyperandrogenism or androgen excess, this condition can lead to pregnancy loss or infertility. Hyperandrogenism encompasses a wide range of clinical manifestations, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), idiopathic hirsutism, hirsutism and hyperandrogaenemia, non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, acanthosis nigricans (HAIR-AN), ovarian or adrenal androgen-secreting neoplasms, Cushing’s syndrome, and hyperprolactinaemia. Recurrent miscarriages have been shown to be closely related to elevated testosterone levels, which alter the endometrial milieu so that it is less favourable for embryo implantation. There are mechanisms for endometrial receptivity that are affected by excess androgen. The HOXA gene, aVβ3 integrin, CDK signalling pathway, MECA-79, and MAGEA-11 were the genes and proteins affect endometrial receptivity in the presence of a hyperandrogenic state. In this review, we would like to explore the other manifestations of androgen excess focusing on causes other than PCOS and learn possible mechanisms of endometrial receptivity behind androgen excess leading to pregnancy loss or infertility.
Biocompatible Chitosan Films Containing Acetic Acid Manifested Potent Antiviral Activity against Enveloped and Non-Enveloped Viruses
Authors: Cano-Vicent Alba , Tuñón-Molina Alberto , Martí Miguel , Serrano-Aroca Ángel
Published: July 2023

Chitosan films were prepared by solvent casting using an acetic acid-based solution. The films that were developed contained 15.49% of acetic acid solution (10% v/v) and showed biocompatibility in vitro in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells and potent antiviral activity against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. The results showed up to 99.98% and 99.92% viral inactivation against the phi 6 enveloped bacteriophage and MS2 non-enveloped bacteriophage, respectively, suggesting that this chitosan/acetic acid film is a promising material for biomedical applications that require biodegradable broad-spectrum antiviral materials.
The Combined Metabolically Oriented Effect of Fucoidan from the Brown Alga Saccharina cichorioides and Its Carboxymethylated Derivative with 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose on Human Melanoma Cells
Authors: Malyarenko Olesya S. , Usoltseva Roza V. , Silchenko Artem S. , Zueva Anastasiya O. , Ermakova Svetlana P.
Published: July 2023

Melanoma is the most aggressive and treatment-resistant form of skin cancer. It is phenotypically characterized by aerobic glycolysis that provides higher proliferative rates and resistance to cell death. The glycolysis regulation in melanoma cells by means of effective metabolic modifiers represents a promising therapeutic opportunity. This work aimed to assess the metabolically oriented effect and mechanism of action of fucoidan from the brown alga Saccharina cichorioides (ScF) and its carboxymethylated derivative (ScFCM) in combination with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) on the proliferation and colony formation of human melanoma cell lines SK-MEL-28, SK-MEL-5, and RPMI-7951. The metabolic profile of melanoma cells was determined by the glucose uptake and Lactate-GloTM assays. The effect of 2-DG, ScF, ScFCM, and their combination on the proliferation, colony formation, and activity of glycolytic enzymes was assessed by the MTS, soft agar, and Western blot methods, respectively. When applied separately, 2-DG (IC50 at 72 h = 8.7 mM), ScF (IC50 at 72 h > 800 µg/mL), and ScFCM (IC50 at 72 h = 573.9 μg/mL) inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of SK-MEL-28 cells to varying degrees. ScF or ScFCM enhanced the inhibiting effect of 2-DG at low, non-toxic concentrations via the downregulation of Glut 1, Hexokinase II, PKM2, LDHA, and pyruvate dehydrogenase activities. The obtained results emphasize the potential of the use of 2-DG in combination with algal fucoidan or its derivative as metabolic modifiers for inhibition of melanoma SK-MEL-28 cell proliferation.
A Density Functional Theory (DFT) Perspective on Optical Absorption of Modified Graphene Interacting with the Main Amino Acids of Spider Silk
Authors: Jiménez-González Ali Fransuani , Ramírez-de-Arellano Juan Manuel , Magaña Solís Luis Fernando
Published: July 2023

We investigated the possible adsorption of each of the main building blocks of spider silk: alanine, glycine, leucine, and proline. This knowledge could help develop new biocompatible materials and favors the creation of new biosensors. We used ab initio density functional theory methods to study the variations in the optical absorption, reflectivity, and band structure of a modified graphene surface interacting with these four molecules. Four modification cases were considered: graphene with vacancies at 5.55% and fluorine, nitrogen, or oxygen doping, also at 5.55%. We found that, among the cases considered, graphene with vacancies is the best candidate to develop optical biosensors to detect C=O amide and differentiate glycine and leucine from alanine and proline in the visible spectrum region. Finally, from the projected density of states, the main changes occur at deep energies. Thus, all modified graphene’s electronic energy band structure undergoes only tiny changes when interacting with amino acids.
Ocular Vascular Diseases: From Retinal Immune Privilege to Inflammation
Authors: Wang Xudong , Wang Tianxi , Lam Enton , Alvarez David , Sun Ye
Published: July 2023

The eye is an immune privileged tissue that insulates the visual system from local and systemic immune provocation to preserve homeostatic functions of highly specialized retinal neural cells. If immune privilege is breached, immune stimuli will invade the eye and subsequently trigger acute inflammatory responses. Local resident microglia become active and release numerous immunological factors to protect the integrity of retinal neural cells. Although acute inflammatory responses are necessary to control and eradicate insults to the eye, chronic inflammation can cause retinal tissue damage and cell dysfunction, leading to ocular disease and vision loss. In this review, we summarized features of immune privilege in the retina and the key inflammatory responses, factors, and intracellular pathways activated when retinal immune privilege fails, as well as a highlight of the recent clinical and research advances in ocular immunity and ocular vascular diseases including retinopathy of prematurity, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
Gating of β-Barrel Protein Pores, Porins, and Channels: An Old Problem with New Facets
Authors: Mayse Lauren A. , Movileanu Liviu
Published: July 2023

β barrels are ubiquitous proteins in the outer membranes of mitochondria, chloroplasts, and Gram-negative bacteria. These transmembrane proteins (TMPs) execute a wide variety of tasks. For example, they can serve as transporters, receptors, membrane-bound enzymes, as well as adhesion, structural, and signaling elements. In addition, multimeric β barrels are common structural scaffolds among many pore-forming toxins. Significant progress has been made in understanding the functional, structural, biochemical, and biophysical features of these robust and versatile proteins. One frequently encountered fundamental trait of all β barrels is their voltage-dependent gating. This process consists of reversible or permanent conformational transitions between a large-conductance, highly permeable open state and a low-conductance, solute-restrictive closed state. Several intrinsic molecular mechanisms and environmental factors modulate this universal property of β barrels. This review article outlines the typical signatures of voltage-dependent gating. Moreover, we discuss recent developments leading to a better qualitative understanding of the closure dynamics of these TMPs.
Metadata Standard for Continuous Preservation, Discovery, and Reuse of Research Data in Repositories by Higher Education Institutions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mosha Neema Florence , Ngulube Patrick
Published: July 2023

This systematic review synthesised existing research papers that explore the available metadata standards to enable researchers to preserve, discover, and reuse research data in repositories. This review provides a broad overview of certain aspects that must be taken into consideration when creating and assessing metadata standards to enhance research data preservation discoverability and reusability strategies. Research papers on metadata standards, research data preservation, discovery and reuse, and repositories published between January 2003 and April 2023 were reviewed from a total of five databases. The review retrieved 1597 papers, and 13 papers were selected in this review. We revealed 13 research articles that explained the creation and application of metadata standards to enhance preservation, discovery, and reuse of research data in repositories. Among them, eight presented the three main types of metadata, descriptive, structural, and administrative, to enable the preservation of research data in data repositories. We noted limited evidence on how these metadata standards can be used to enhance the discovery and reuse of research data in repositories to enable the preservation, discovery, and reuse of research data in repositories. No reviews indicated specific higher education institutions employing metadata standards for the research data created by their researchers. Repository designs and a lack of expertise and technology know-how were among the challenges identified from the reviewed papers. The review has the potential to influence professional practice and decision-making by stakeholders, including researchers, students, librarians, information communication technologists, data managers, private and public organisations, intermediaries, research institutions, and non-profit organizations.
Novel Methodology for Localizing and Studying Insect Dorsal Rim Area Morphology in 2D and 3D
Authors: Jie Vun Wen , Miettinen Arttu , Baird Emily
Published: July 2023

Polarized light-based navigation in insects is facilitated by a polarization-sensitive part of the eye, the dorsal rim area (DRA). Existing methods to study the anatomy of the DRA are destructive and time-consuming. We presented a novel method for DRA localization, dissection, and measurement using 3D volumetric images from X-ray micro-computed tomography in combination with 2D photographs. Applying the method on size-polymorphic buff-tailed bumblebees, Bombus terrestris, we found that the DRA was easily obtainable from photographs of the dorsal eye region. Allometric analysis of the DRA in relation to body size in B. terrestris showed that it increased with the body size but not at the same rate. By localizing the DRA of individual bumblebees, we could also perform individual-level descriptions and inter-individual comparisons between the ommatidial structures (lens, crystalline cones, rhabdoms) of three different eye regions (DRA, non-DRA, proximate to DRA). One feature distinct to the bumblebee DRA was the smaller dimension of the crystalline cones in comparison to other regions of the eye. Using our novel methodology, we provide the first individual-level description of DRA ommatidial features and a comparison of how the DRA varies with body size in bumblebees.
Impact of Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair on Left Atrial Strain and Atrial Fibrillation Progression
Authors: Romano Letizia Rosa , Scalzi Giuseppe , Malizia Biagio , Aquila Iolanda , Polimeni Alberto , Indolfi Ciro , Curcio Antonio
Published: July 2023

Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) currently represents a valuable therapeutic option for patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) considered at high surgical risk. Besides symptoms and left ventricular (LV) echocardiographic improvements upon TEER, it has been postulated that left atrial (LA) function plays a prognostic role. The aims of our study were to evaluate LA changes after TEER, measured by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography analysis (2D-STE), their association with atrial fibrillation (AF) occurrence, and relative arrhythmic burden. We considered in a single-center study 109 patients affected by symptomatic severe MR undergoing TEER from February 2015 to April 2022. By 2D-STE, LA reservoir (R_s), conduct (D_s), and contractile (C_s) strains were assessed along with four-chamber emptying fraction (LAEF-4CH) before, 1, 6, and 12 months following TEER. Statistical analysis for comparison among baseline, and follow-ups after TEER was carried out by ANOVA, MANOVA, and linear regression. Successful TEER significantly improved LV dimensions and LA performances, as indicated by all strain components, and LAEF-4CH after 1 year. Strikingly, a significant reduction in arrhythmic burden was observed, since only one case of subclinical AF detected by a previously implanted cardiac electronic device was found in the cohort of sinus rhythm patients (n = 48) undergone TEER; in addition, ventricular rate was reduced in the AF cohort (n = 61) compared to baseline, together with few episodes of nonsustained ventricular tachycardias (5/61, 8.2%) after MR improvement. Overall, TEER was associated with improved cardiac performance, LA function amelioration, and reduced arrhythmic burden.
Sex-Related Differences in Proximal Neck Anatomy and Their Consequences in Patients after EVAR: A Matched Cohort Analysis
Authors: Özdemir-van Brunschot Denise Michelle Danielle , Holzhey David , Botsios Spiridon
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Studies comparing male and female patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms have shown that female patients are generally older and more often experience postoperative complications after endovascular and open repair. There are also indications that female patients have more extensive neck pathologies and that they more often have postoperative complications related to proximal neck pathology. Material and methods: This retrospective study describes all consecutive female patients who underwent EVAR between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2021. Propensity-score matching was used to obtain a matched control male cohort. Propensity scores were generated with the following anatomic parameters: infrarenal and suprarenal angulation, proximal and distal neck diameter and neck length. 1 Female patient was matched with 3 male patients. Results: A total of 160 patients were included, namely 120 male patients and 40 female patients. Due to matching, there were no significant differences regarding infrarenal and suprarenal angulation and proximal and distal neck diameter and length. All-cause and aneurysm-related mortality were comparable (p = 0.19 and p = 0.98). The necessity of neck-related secondary procedures was significantly higher in female patients (p = 0.02). In the multivariate analysis, the female sex was a significant predictor of endoleak type IA within 30 days. However, there was no significant association between intraoperative endoleak type IA and endoleak type IA at the end of follow-up. Conclusions: This study suggests that there was a higher initial incidence of endoleak type IA in female patients, despite thematched preoperative anatomic parameter. Due to the relatively low number of included female patients, conclusions should be drawn carefully.
Pain Management and Functional Recovery after Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) Block for Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial
Authors: Domagalska Małgorzata , Ciftci Bahadir , Reysner Tomasz , Kolasiński Jerzy , Wieczorowska-Tobis Katarzyna , Kowalski Grzegorz
Published: July 2023

Background: The immediate postoperative period after total hip arthroplasty can be associated with significant pain. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of pericapsular nerve block on pain management and functional recovery after total hip arthroplasty. Methods: This prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 489 adult patients scheduled for total hip arthroplasty, ASA 1–2, operated under spinal analgesia. Participants were assigned to receive either a pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block with 20 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine or a sham block. Results: The primary outcome measure was the postoperative NRS score in motion. The secondary outcomes were cumulative opioid consumption, the time to the first opioid, and functional recovery. Demographic characteristics were similar in both groups. Intraoperative pain scores were significantly lower in patients who received the PENG block than in the control group (p < 0.0001). Also, the time to the first opioid was considerably longer in the PENG group (p < 0.0001). Additionally, 24% of PENG patients did not require opioids (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The pericapsular nerve group showed significantly decreased opioid consumption and improved functional recovery. Pericapsular nerve group block improved pain management and postoperative functional recovery following total hip arthroplasty.
The Urinary Concentration of Trefoil Factor 3 (TFF3) in the Term and Preterm Neonates
Authors: Kamianowska Monika , Rybi-Szumińska Agnieszka , Kamianowska Aleksandra , Maciejczyk Mateusz , Sołomianko Katarzyna , Koput Alicja , Wasilewska Anna
Published: July 2023

Background: Distinguishing between a pathologic state and renal development is important in neonatology. Because the assessment of serum creatinine in neonates is not reliable, better biomarkers are needed. Trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) is proposed as a biomarker of kidney injury. The study aimed to assess its urinary concentration in healthy term and stable preterm neonates. Material and methods: The study included 80 term and 20 preterm neonates born in the Department of Perinatology of the University Clinical Hospital in Bialystok. Urine was obtained from the term neonates on the 1st day of life and from the preterm neonates on the 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd day of life. The urinary concentration of TFF3 was determined using a commercially available immunoassay and was normalized for the urinary creatinine concentration (cr.). Results: The values of TFF3/cr. were higher in the preterm than in the term neonates (p < 0.05) (median (Q1–Q3): 1486.85 (614.92–3559.18) and 317.29 (68.07–671.40) ng/mg cr.). They did not differ in the subsequent days of the preterm neonates’ lives. The ROC curve for TFF3/cr. in the preterm and term neonates showed AUC = 0.751 (cut-off value = 1684.25 ng/mg cr.). Conclusions: Prematurity is associated with higher urinary excretion of TFF3. Male gender is associated with an increased urinary TFF3 excretion in term neonates.
How to Choose the Optimal Starting Dose of Clomiphene Citrate (50 or 100 mg per Day) for a First Cycle of Ovulation Induction in Anovulatory PCOS Women?
Authors: Huyghe Lucie , Robin Camille , Dumont Agathe , Decanter Christine , Kyheng Maeva , Dewailly Didier , Catteau-Jonard Sophie , Robin Geoffroy
Published: July 2023

Research question: Clomiphene citrate (CC) is one of the first-line treatments for ovulation induction in women with anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, nearly 1 out of 2 women is resistant to 50 mg/day of CC. The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical, biological, and/or ultrasound factors that may predict the resistance to 50 mg/day of CC in the first cycle of treatment in women with anovulatory PCOS. This would make it possible to identify PCOS patients to whom the dose of 100 mg/day would be offered as of the first cycle. Design: A retrospective and monocentric study was conducted on 283 women with anovulatory PCOS who required the use of ovulation induction with CC (903 cycles). Results: During the first cycle of treatment, 104 patients (36.8%) were resistant to 50 mg/day of CC. Univariate regression analysis showed that patients who resisted 50 mg/day of CC had significantly higher BMI, waist circumference, serum levels of AMH, total testosterone, Δ4-androstenedione, 17-OHP, and insulin (p < 0.05), compared to patients ovulating with this dose. Serum levels of SHBG were significantly lower in patients resistant to 50 mg/day (p < 0.05). After multivariate analysis, only AMH and SHBG remained statistically significant (p = 0.01 and p = 0.001, respectively). However, areas under the ROC curves were weak (0.59 and 0.68, respectively). Conclusion: AMH and SHBG are the only two parameters significantly associated with the risk of resistance to 50 mg/day of CC. However, no satisfactory thresholds have been established to predict resistance to 50 mg CC.
The Expanding Utility of Robotic-Assisted Flap Harvest in Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Roy Nikita , Alessandro Christopher J. , Ibelli Taylor J. , Akhavan Arya A. , Sharaf Jake M. , Rabinovitch David , Henderson Peter W. , Yao Alice
Published: July 2023

The expansion of robotic surgery has led to developments in robotic-assisted breast reconstruction techniques. Specifically, robotic flap harvest is being evaluated to help maximize operative reliability and reduce donor site morbidity without compromising flap success. Many publications are feasibility studies or technical descriptions; few cohort analyses exist. This systematic review aims to characterize trends in robotic autologous breast reconstruction and provide a summative analysis of their results. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science to evaluate robot use in breast reconstruction. Studies dated from 2006 to 2022 were identified and analyzed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Full-text, peer-reviewed, English-language, and human subject studies were included. Non-breast reconstruction articles, commentary, expert opinion, editor’s letter, and duplicate studies were excluded. A total of 17 full-text articles were analyzed. The two robotic breast procedures identified were the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and the latissimus dorsi (LD) flap. Results showed comparable complication rates and increased operative times compared to NSQIP data on their corresponding open techniques. Additional findings reported in studies included patient reported outcomes, incision lengths, and downward trends in operative time with consecutive procedures. The available data in the literature confirms that robotic surgery is a promising alternative to traditional open methods of breast reconstruction following mastectomy.
The Impact of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction on Respiratory Adverse Events in Cardiac Surgery Patients—An Observational Prospective Single-Center Study
Authors: Braksator Marta , Jachymek Magdalena , Witkiewicz Karina , Witkiewicz Wojciech , Peregud-Pogorzelska Małgorzata , Kotfis Katarzyna , Kaźmierczak Jarosław , Brykczyński Mirosław
Published: July 2023

Background: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LV DD) is the most dominant cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) worldwide. This pathological condition may contribute to postcapillary pulmonary hypertension (pcPH) development. Hypoxemia, often observed in pcPH, may significantly negatively impact the course of hospitalization in patients after cardiac surgery. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of LV DD on the frequency of postoperative respiratory adverse events (RAE) in patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG). Methods: The left ventricular (LV) diastolic function was assessed in 56 consecutive patients admitted for CABG. We investigated the relationship between LV DD and postoperative respiratory adverse events (RAE) in groups with normal LV diastolic function and LV DD stage I, II, and III. Results: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction stage I was observed in 11 patients (19.6%) and LV DD stage II or III in 19 patients (33.9%). Arterial blood partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) to the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) index during postoperative mechanical ventilation was significantly lower in LV DD stage II or III than in the group with normal LV diastolic function. Patients with DD stage II or III had a higher occurrence of postoperative pneumonia than the group with normal LV diastolic function. Conclusions: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is widespread in cardiac surgery patients and is an independent risk factor for lower minimal PaO2/FiO2 index during mechanical ventilation and higher occurrence of pneumonia.
Jacob Disease, Osteochondroma of the Coronoid Process, Coronoid Process Hyperplasia or Langenbeck Disease: The Big Jumble. Comment on Raccampo et al. Jacob’s Disease: Case Series, Extensive Literature Review and Classification Proposal. J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12, 938
Authors: Mattei Léa , Raoul Gwénaël , Schlund Matthias , Nicot Romain
Published: July 2023

We read the article by Raccampo et al., about Jacob disease and their ambiguous definition of the condition [...]
Ethanol Enhances Endothelial Rigidity by Targeting VE-Cadherin—Implications for Acute Aortic Dissection
Authors: Mulorz Joscha , Ibing Wiebke , Cappallo Melanie , Braß Sönke Maximilian , Takeuchi Kiku , Raaz Uwe , Schellinger Isabel Nahal , Krott Kim Jürgen , Schelzig Hubert , Aubin Hug , Oberhuber Alexander , Elvers Margitta , Wagenhäuser Markus Udo
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is caused by an endothelial entry tear followed by intimomedial delamination of the outer layers of the vessel wall. The established risk factors include hypertension and smoking. Another rising candidate risk factor is excessive alcohol consumption. This experimental study explores the effects of nicotine (Nic), angiotensin II (Ang II), and ethanol (EtOH) on human aortic endothelial cells (hAoEC). (2) Methods: HAoECs were exposed to Nic, Ang II, and EtOH at different dose levels. Cell migration was studied using the scratch assay and live-cell imaging. The metabolic viability and permeability capacity was investigated using the water-soluble tetrazolium (WST)-1 assay and an in vitro vascular permeability assay. Cell adherence was studied by utilizing the hanging drop assay. The transcriptional and protein level changes were analyzed by RT-qPCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry for major junctional complexing proteins. (3) Results: We observed reduced metabolic viability following Ang II and EtOH exposure vs. control. Further, cell adherence was enhanced by EtOH exposure prior to trituration and by all risk factors after trituration, which correlated with the increased gene and protein expression of VE-cadherin upon EtOH exposure. The cell migration capacity was reduced upon EtOH exposure vs. controls. (4) Conclusion: Marked functional changes were observed upon exposure to established and potential risk factors for AAD development in hAoECs. Our findings advocate for an enhanced mechanical rigidity in hAoECs in response to the three substances studied, which in turn might increase endothelial rigidity, suggesting a novel mechanism for developing an endothelial entry tear due to reduced deformability in response to increased shear and pulsatile stress.
Subclinical Dysfunction of Left Atrial Compliance after Cryoballoon versus Radiofrequency Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Pilichowska-Paszkiet Ewa , Sikorska Agnieszka , Kowalik Ilona , Smarż Krzysztof , Sikora-Frąc Małgorzata , Baran Jakub , Piotrowski Roman , Kryński Tomasz , Kułakowski Piotr , Zaborska Beata
Published: July 2023

It has been suggested that cryoballoon (CB) ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) may lead to more extensive left atrial (LA) injury than radiofrequency (RF) ablation; however, results are conflicting. We sought to address this issue using modern echocardiographic techniques estimating the LA function after successful CB and RF ablation for PAF. A total of 90 patients (66% males, mean age 57 ± 10 years) successfully treated (no AF recurrences confirmed in serial 4–7 day ECG Holter monitoring) with RF (51%) or CB (49%) ablation for PAF were retrospectively studied. Echocardiography with speckle tracking (STE) was performed before and 12 months after the procedure. The peak longitudinal LA strain (LAS) and strain rate (LASR) during the reservoir (r), conduit (cd), and contraction (ct) phases were measured in sinus rhythm. Analysis of covariance was applied to compare changes in the echocardiographic parameters over time with the baseline measurements as covariance and the type of ablation as the factor. The parallelism of the slopes of the covariance was tested. The LA diameter decreased (38.3 ± 4.1 mm vs. 36.8 ± 3.6 mm, p < 0.001) in the whole study group at 12 months after ablation. The LASRr and LASRcd increased (1.1 ± 0.3 s−¹ vs. 1.3 ± 0.3 s−¹, p < 0.001 and 1.1 ± 0.3 s−¹ vs. 1.2 ± 0.3 s−¹, p < 0.001, respectively) whereas other LA strain parameters remained unchanged in the whole study group at 12 months after ablation. In the analysis of LA function at 12 months after the procedure regarding the mode of ablation, the worsening of parameters reflecting LA compliance was observed in patients with better pre-served baseline values in the CB ablation subgroup. For baseline LAScd >28%, the difference ΔCB − ΔRF was −7.6 (11.7; −3.4), p < 0.001, and for baseline LAScd >16%, ΔCB − ΔRF was −1.8 (−3.2; −0.4), p = 0.014. The traditional Doppler-derived parameter e′ showed the same trend—for baseline e′ ≥12 cm/s, ΔCB − ΔRF was −1.7 (−2.8; −0.6), p = 0.003. We conclude that worsening of parameters reflecting LA compliance was observed 12 months after CB ablation compared to RF ablation for PAF in patients who underwent a successful procedure and had better-preserved baseline LA function. This might suggest subclinical dysfunction of LA after the CB ablation procedure. The clinical significance of these findings warrants further investigations.
A Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Adult Subjects: The Relationship between Phase Angle and Body Cell Mass
Authors: Cimmino Fabiano , Petrella Lidia , Cavaliere Gina , Ambrosio Katia , Trinchese Giovanna , Monda Vincenzo , D’Angelo Margherita , Di Giacomo Cristiana , Sacconi Alessandro , Messina Giovanni , Mollica Maria Pina , Catapano Angela
Published: July 2023

The correct assessment of body composition is essential for an accurate diagnostic evaluation of nutritional status. The body mass index (BMI) is the most widely adopted indicator for evaluating undernutrition, overweight, and obesity, but it is unsuitable for differentiating changes in body composition. In recent times, bioelectrical impedance analyses (BIA) have been proven as a more accurate procedure for the assessment of body composition. Furthermore, the efficiency of bioelectrical impedance vector analyses, as an indicator of nutritional status and hydration, has been demonstrated. By applying a bioimpedance analysis, it is possible to detect fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM), phase angle, and body cell mass (BCM). It is important to point out that phase angle and BCM are strongly associated with health status. The aim of this research was to examine body composition and the association between the phase angle and BCM in 87 subjects (14 males and 73 females), aged between 23 and 54 years, with BMIs ranging from 17.0 to 32.0 kg/m2, according to sex. The BMI results revealed that the majority of the assessed subjects were within the normal range and had a normal percentage of FM. Our data indicate that a direct relation exists between phase angle and cellular health and that these values increase almost linearly. Consequently, a high phase angle may be related to increased BCM values.
Distribution of HPV Types in Tumor Tissue from Non-Vaccinated Women with Cervical Cancer in Norway
Authors: Sørbye Sveinung Wergeland , Falang Bente Marie , Antonsen Mona
Published: July 2023

Background: Understanding the distribution of HPV types in cervical cancer cases is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of HPV screening and vaccination in reducing cervical cancer burden. This study aimed to assess genotype prevalence in the pre-vaccine era among 178 cervical cancer cases detected during a 20-year screening period in Northern Norway and compare the potential efficacy of HPV vaccines in preventing cervical cancer. Methods: A total of 181 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples from non-vaccinated women diagnosed with cervical cancer between 1995 and 2015 in Troms and Finnmark, Norway, were analyzed using a 45-type HPV DNA test. The results were compared to a 7-type HPV mRNA test targeting oncogenic types included in the nonavalent HPV vaccine. Results: Invalid HPV test results were observed in 1.7% (3/181) of the samples and were subsequently excluded from further analysis. Among the remaining cases, 92.7% (165/178) tested positive for HPV using any test combination. HPV DNA was detected in 159 cases (89.3%), while HPV mRNA was detected in 149 cases (83.7%). The most prevalent HPV types were 16 and 18, responsible for 70.8% of the cases, with the nonavalent vaccine types accounting for 86.6% of cases. HPV 35 was identified in eight cases (4.5%). Conclusion: The bivalent/quadrivalent HPV vaccines have the potential to prevent 76.4% (126/165) of HPV-positive cervical cancer cases, while the nonavalent vaccine could prevent 93.3% (154/165) of cases. Tailoring screening strategies to target HPV types with the highest oncogenic potential may improve cervical cancer detection and enable targeted interventions for high-risk individuals. The use of a 7-type HPV mRNA test holds promise as an advantageous approach.
Computational Oil-Slick Hub for Offshore Petroleum Studies
Authors: Ebecken Nelson F. F. , de Miranda Fernando Pellon , Landau Luiz , Beisl Carlos , Silva Patrícia M. , Cunha Gerson , Lopes Maria Célia Santos , Dias Lucas Moreira , Carvalho Gustavo de Araújo
Published: July 2023

The paper introduces the Oil-Slick Hub (OSH), a computational platform to facilitate the data visualization of a large database of petroleum signatures observed on the surface of the ocean with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) measurements. This Internet platform offers an information search and retrieval system of a database resulting from >20 years of scientific projects that interpreted ~15 thousand offshore mineral oil “slicks”: natural oil “seeps” versus operational oil “spills”. Such a Digital Mega-Collection Database consists of satellite images and oil-slick polygons identified in the Gulf of Mexico (GMex) and the Brazilian Continental Margin (BCM). A series of attributes describing the interpreted slicks are also included, along with technical reports and scientific papers. Two experiments illustrate the use of the OSH to facilitate the selection of data subsets from the mega collection (GMex variables and BCM samples), in which artificial intelligence techniques—machine learning (ML)—classify slicks into seeps or spills. The GMex variable dataset was analyzed with simple linear discriminant analyses (LDAs), and a three-fold accuracy performance pattern was observed: (i) the least accurate subset (~65%) solely used acquisition aspects (e.g., acquisition beam mode, date, and time, satellite name, etc.); (ii) the best results (>90%) were achieved with the inclusion of location attributes (i.e., latitude, longitude, and bathymetry); and (iii) moderate performances (~70%) were reached using only morphological information (e.g., area, perimeter, perimeter to area ratio, etc.). The BCM sample dataset was analyzed with six traditional ML methods, namely naive Bayes (NB), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), decision trees (DT), random forests (RF), support vector machines (SVM), and artificial neural networks (ANN), and the most effective algorithms per sample subsets were: (i) RF (86.8%) for Campos, Santos, and Ceará Basins; (ii) NB (87.2%) for Campos with Santos Basins; (iii) SVM (86.9%) for Campos with Ceará Basins; and (iv) SVM (87.8%) for only Campos Basin. The OSH can assist in different concerns (general public, social, economic, political, ecological, and scientific) related to petroleum exploration and production activities, serving as an important aid in discovering new offshore exploratory frontiers, avoiding legal penalties on oil-seep events, supporting oceanic monitoring systems, and providing valuable information to environmental studies.
The State of the Hydrographic Survey and Assessment of the Potentially Risky Region for Navigation Safety
Authors: Golub Medvešek Ivana , Šoda Joško , Karin Ivan , Maljković Mislav
Published: July 2023

The hydrographic survey is an important technology for improving maritime safety, especially in coastal waters. The accuracy of nautical charts and navigation publications is known to be directly related to hydrographic survey data. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the status of a hydrographic survey by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) regions and identify the potentially risky IHO region for navigation safety. The fundamental step was to obtain the qualitative and quantitative data of the survey. Then, the presented analysis includes investigating the possible relationships between survey status and geographical characteristics by IHO regions. Considering that coastline length and sea surface data have not been calculated by regions, a quantum geographic information system was used to extract data. Using the presented methodology, the case study analyzes the data of stranded ships from 2010 to 2021 by IHO regions, estimates coastline length and sea surface by regions, and establishes the relationships between the coastline length, sea surface, and stranded ships. The results point out the need for improvement in the state of the hydrographic survey in almost all IHO regions and show a correlation between the sea surface and an adequate survey, as well as the coastline length and stranded ships. Hence, this research indicates the possibility of rationalizing the distribution of the IHO region concerning the sea surface and coastline length.
Scenario-Based Hazard Assessment of Local Tsunami for Coastal Areas: A Case Study of Xiamen City, Fujian Province, China
Authors: Chen Zhaoning , Qi Wenwen , Xu Chong
Published: July 2023

In this study, three worst-case credible tsunamigenic scenarios (Mw8.0) from Xiamen fault 1 (XF 1), Xiamen fault 2 (XF 2) and Xiamen fault 3 (XF 3) located off the coast of Xiamen were selected to assess the local tsunami hazard for Xiamen city, Fujian province, China. The GeoClaw model was utilized to compute the propagation and inundation of the tsunami for each scenario. The simulation results show that local tsunamis from XF 1–3 hit Xiamen within 1.5 h of earthquakes. The highest level of tsunami hazard in Xiamen is level II, which corresponds to an inundation depth ranging from 1.2 to 3.0 m. The areas with tsunami hazard level II in each scenario are primarily concentrated in the coastal areas of southern Haicang district and eastern Siming district, which are in the primary propagation direction of the tsunami. Since XF 2 and XF 3 are aligned almost parallel to the coastline of Xiamen, local tsunamis from XF 2 and XF 3 could cause more serious hazards to the coastal areas of Xiamen city. This work provides a typical case for researchers to understand the local tsunami hazard assessment for coastal cities. The research results can provide scientific references for the development of tsunami hazard assessment and early warning systems for coastal cities in southeastern China.
Revisited Surgical Anatomy of the Left Colonic Angle for Tailored Carcinologic Colectomy: A Review
Authors: Belhadjamor Roukaya , Manceau Gilles , Menahem Benjamin , Sabbagh Charles , Alves Arnaud
Published: July 2023

Purpose: Although several types of surgical procedure have been advocated to date, the optimal resection of the left colonic angle in cancer treatment remains controversial. Located at the border of the transverse and descending colons, the anatomy of the left colonic angle is complex and characterized by numerous anatomic variations. Recent advances in preoperative (three-dimensional CT angiography with colonography) and/or intraoperative (indocyanine green staining) imaging have allowed for a better identification of these variations. Methods: We performed a methodological review of studies assessing the anatomical variations of the left colic artery. Results: While the left colonic angle is classically vascularized by branches of the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, an accessory middle colonic artery has been identified from 6 % to 36% of cases, respectively, leading to their classification of five types. In the absence of a left colic artery, this artery becomes predominant. In parallel to the variations in the venous drainage of the left colonic angle, which has been classified into four types, new lymphatic drainage routes have also been identified via this accessory artery and the inferior mesenteric vein. Conclusions: Collectively, these newly obtained findings plead for preoperative identification in cases of cancer of the left colonic angle and a surgical strategy adapted to these anatomical variations.
Research on the Evolution Characteristics and Dynamic Simulation of Habitat Quality in the Southwest Mountainous Urban Agglomeration from 1990 to 2030
Authors: Ma Taquan , Liu Rui , Li Zheng , Ma Tongtu
Published: July 2023

In the context of promoting high-quality development of mountainous urban areas, it is of great significance to explore the evolutionary trajectory of habitat quality in the future based on policy-driven backgrounds, particularly for the protection of the Western mountainous ecosystem. This study takes the Chongqing metropolitan area, a typical southwestern mountainous city, as the study area. Based on land use data from 1990 to 2020, the study combines the InVEST and PLUS models, considering the constraints imposed by urban construction planning and ecological control policies, to investigate the spatiotemporal variations of habitat quality from 1990 to 2030. The findings are as follows: (1) From 1990 to 2020, there was a significant decrease in cultivated land area in the study area, while forestland and unused land showed a declining trend. Conversely, built-up land, grassland, and water bodies exhibited an increasing trend. In the land use simulation for 2030, under the scenarios of natural growth and ecological protection, the cultivated land area further decreased, while forestland and grassland received a certain degree of protection. In the scenario of development, a large amount of cultivated land was converted into built-up land. (2) From 1990 to 2030, significant overall habitat quality changes were observed among different regions within the study area. Except for Nanchuan District and Qijiang District, other administrative regions experienced a certain degree of decline in habitat quality. The distribution of habitat quality exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity. The low-value habitat areas were centered in the middle of the metropolitan area and gradually expanded outward. The high-value habitat areas were concentrated in the study area, including the Huaying Mountain range and other mountainous ecological corridor regions. (3) Habitat quality in the study area showed a decreasing trend with an increasing slope gradient. With the development of urbanization, habitat quality degradation gradually spread to high-altitude and steep-slope areas. (4) The expansion of built-up land is the main cause of habitat degradation in the study area. From 1990 to 2030, against the background of development strategies in the study area, the expansion of built-up land encroached upon cultivated land and forestland. In the habitat quality prediction for 2030, habitat degradation in the region will continue to intensify. This study provides scientific references and the basis for promoting regional sustainable land use and ecological conservation.