bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Dental Pulp Stem Cell Proliferation and Odontogenic Differentiation with Protein Phosphatase 1-Disrupting Peptide: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Kobrock Anna , Matos Bárbara , Patrício Daniela , Grenho Liliana , Howl John , Fardilha Margarida , Gomes Pedro S.
Published: July 2024

The reparative and regenerative capabilities of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are crucial for responding to pulp injuries, with protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) playing a significant role in regulating cellular functions pertinent to tissue healing. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore the effects of a novel cell-penetrating peptide Modified Sperm Stop 1-MSS1, that disrupts PP1, on the proliferation and odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs. Employing MSS1 as a bioportide, DPSCs were cultured and characterized for metabolic activity, cell proliferation, and cell morphology alongside the odontogenic differentiation through gene expression and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity analysis. MSS1 exposure induced early DPSC proliferation, upregulated genes related to odontogenic differentiation, and increased ALP activity. Markers associated with early differentiation events were induced at early culture time points and those associated with matrix mineralization were upregulated at mid-culture stages. This investigation is the first to document the potential of a PP1-disrupting bioportide in modulating DPSC functionality, suggesting a promising avenue for enhancing dental tissue regeneration and repair.
Microbiota and Resveratrol: How Are They Linked to Osteoporosis?
Authors: Meyer Christine , Brockmueller Aranka , Ruiz de Porras Vicenç , Shakibaei Mehdi
Published: July 2024

Osteoporosis (OP), which is characterized by a decrease in bone density and increased susceptibility to fractures, is closely linked to the gut microbiota (GM). It is increasingly realized that the GM plays a key role in the maintenance of the functioning of multiple organs, including bone, by producing bioactive metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Consequently, imbalances in the GM, referred to as dysbiosis, have been identified with a significant reduction in beneficial metabolites, such as decreased SCFA associated with increased chronic inflammatory processes, including the activation of NF-κB at the epigenetic level, which is recognized as the main cause of many chronic diseases, including OP. Furthermore, regular or long-term medications such as antibiotics and many non-antibiotics such as proton pump inhibitors, chemotherapy, and NSAIDs, have been found to contribute to the development of dysbiosis, highlighting an urgent need for new treatment approaches. A promising preventive and adjuvant approach is to combat dysbiosis with natural polyphenols such as resveratrol, which have prebiotic functions and ensure an optimal microenvironment for beneficial GM. Resveratrol offers a range of benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, analgesic, and prebiotic effects. In particular, the GM has been shown to convert resveratrol, into highly metabolically active molecules with even more potent beneficial properties, supporting a synergistic polyphenol–GM axis. This review addresses the question of how the GM can enhance the effects of resveratrol and how resveratrol, as an epigenetic modulator, can promote the growth and diversity of beneficial GM, thus providing important insights for the prevention and co-treatment of OP.
Research on the Evaluation of Baijiu Flavor Quality Based on Intelligent Sensory Technology Combined with Machine Learning
Authors: Aliya  , Liu Shi , Zhang Danni , Cao Yufa , Sun Jinyuan , Jiang Shui , Liu Yuan
Published: July 2024

Baijiu, one of the world’s six major distilled spirits, has an extremely rich flavor profile, which increases the complexity of its flavor quality evaluation. This study employed an electronic nose (E-nose) and electronic tongue (E-tongue) to detect 42 types of strong-aroma Baijiu. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was performed based on the different production origins, alcohol content, and grades. Twelve trained Baijiu evaluators participated in the quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) of the Baijiu samples. By integrating characteristic values from the intelligent sensory detection data and combining them with the human sensory evaluation results, machine learning was used to establish a multi-submodel-based flavor quality prediction model and classification model for Baijiu. The results showed that different Baijiu samples could be well distinguished, with a prediction model R2 of 0.9994 and classification model accuracy of 100%. This study provides support for the establishment of a flavor quality evaluation system for Baijiu.
Small Municipalities in the Amazon under the Risk of Future Climate Change
Authors: de Souza Everaldo B. , Silva Brenda C. S. , Serra Emilene M. F. , Ruiz Melgris J. Becerra , Cunha Alan C. , Souza Paulo J. P. O. , Pezzi Luciano P. , da Rocha Edson J. P. , Sousa Adriano M. L. , Silva João de Athaydes , do Carmo Alexandre M. C. , Ferreira Douglas B. S. , Lima Aline M. M. , dos Santos Flavio A. A , Moraes Bergson C. , Ruivo Maria de L. P. , Toledo Peter M. , Ambrizzi Tercio
Published: July 2024

The focus of this work is on small municipalities (population below 50 thousand inhabitants) that cover around 87% of the territory of the Brazilian Legal Amazon (BLA). Based on a comprehensive integrated analysis approach using the three components hazard (climate extremes from CMIP6 future scenarios), exposure (directly affected population), and vulnerability (subdimensions of susceptibility and coping/adaptive capacity by using multidimensional indicators), the latter two using current datasets provided by the official Census IBGE 2022, we document a quantitative assessment of the risk R of natural disasters in the BLA region. We evidenced a worrying and imminent intensification of the curve of R in most Amazonian municipalities over the next two 25-year periods. The overall results of the highest proportions of R (total municipalities affected) pointed out the Amazonas, Roraima, Pará, and Maranhão as the main states, presenting projected categories of R high in the near future (2015 to 2039) and very high in the far future (2040 to 2064). The detailed assessment of the susceptibility and coping/adaptive capacity allowed us to elucidate the principal indicators that aggravate the degree of vulnerability: economy, the precariousness of urban infrastructure, medical services, communication, and urban mobility, whose combined factors, unfortunately, reveal a widespread poverty profile along the small Amazonian municipalities. Our scientific findings can assist decision makers in targeted strategies planning and public policies to minimize and mitigate ongoing and future climate change.
An Atypical Case of Extrapulmonary Sarcoidosis with Severe Hypercalcemia as Initial Presentation, Successfully Treated with Glucocorticoids
Authors: Mittal Sushmita , Pogorzelski Karolina , Huxel Christopher , Siva Chokkalingam , Rao Deepthi
Published: July 2024

Background: Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disease that is histologically characterized by non-caseating granulomas in one or more organs. Although hypercalcemia is commonly seen in sarcoidosis, clinically significant hypercalcemia as the initial presentation of sarcoidosis is exceedingly rare. Long-standing hypercalcemia can lead to several complications and needs to be adequately managed to prevent irreversible damage. Currently, there are no standard treatment guidelines for sarcoidosis-induced hypercalcemia, although glucocorticoids have often been used as first-line therapy. Case Report: We describe a 55-year-old male patient who presented with dull right upper quadrant abdominal pain and a 30-pound weight loss over one month. He was found to have severe hypercalcemia, which was treated with intravenous (IV) normal saline and intramuscular calcitonin. Imaging studies revealed hypodense lesions throughout the bilateral hepatic lobes, spleen, and bilateral kidneys, with no pathologic mediastinal, hilar, supraclavicular, or axillary lymphadenopathy or pulmonary parenchymal disease. A splenic biopsy confirmed extrapulmonary sarcoidosis. After initial discharge, the patient was re-admitted weeks later for severe hypercalcemia, which was successfully treated with the initiation of prednisone. Conclusions: In this report, we present an atypical case of isolated extrapulmonary sarcoidosis with severe hypercalcemia as the initial presentation, successfully treated with steroids.
Time-to-Treatment Delays and Their Prognostic Implications in Pharyngeal Cancer—An Exploratory Analysis in Western Romania
Authors: Kiș Andreea Mihaela , Buzatu Roxana , Chisavu Lazar , Poenaru Marioara , Borza Claudia , Iftode Andrada , Sarau Oana Silvana , Dehelean Cristina Adriana , Ardelean Simona
Published: July 2024

Background: Diagnosis and treatment for pharyngeal cancer are decisive in determining prognosis. Diagnosis delays are frequent, representing a significant cause of avoidable mortality, and an important factor in subpar survival across the continuous HNC care delivery. Methods: The present study represents a retrospective analysis of medical records from Western Romania, which included 180 patients, to evaluate the impact of time-to-treatment delay on patients diagnosed with pharyngeal cancer. The data analyses were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method R (version 3.6.3) packages, including tidyverse, final-fit, mcgv, survival, stringdist, janitor, and Hmisc. Results: The mean days from diagnosis until the end of treatment were higher for the nasopharynx group. Cox regression analysis regarding diagnosis to treatment duration categories showed an increased risk mortality by 3.11 times (95%CI: 1.51–6.41, p = 0.0021) with a Harrell’s C-index of 0.638 (95%CI: 0.552–0.723). The hypopharynx and oropharynx locations increased risk mortality by 4.59 (95%CI: 1.55–13.55) and 5.49 times (95%CI: 1.79–16.81) compared to the nasopharynx location. Conclusions: The findings of this study led to the conclusion that it seems there is a trend of mortality risk for oropharynx and hypopharynx cancers due to delays in the time to treatment over 70 days, standing as a basis for further research as there is an imperative need for prospective multicenter studies.
Interface Engineering Induced N, P-Doped Carbon-Shell-Encapsulated FeP/NiP2/Ni5P4/NiP Nanoparticles for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Ting , Zhong Jianguo , Gao Wei , Wang Yuxin
Published: July 2024

Modifying the electronic structure of a catalyst through interface engineering is an effective strategy to enhance its activity in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Interface engineering is a viable strategy to enhance the catalytic activity of transition metal phosphides (TMPs) in the HER process. The interface-engineered FeP/NiP2/Ni5P4/NiP multi-metallic phosphide nanoparticles confined in a N, P-doped carbon matrix was developed by a simple one-step low-temperature phosphorization treatment, which only requires 72 and 155 mV to receive the current density of 10 mA/cm2 in acid and alkaline electrolyte, respectively. This enhanced performance can be primarily attributed to the heterointerface of FeP/NiP2/Ni5P4/NiP multi-metallic phosphides, which promotes electron redistribution and optimizes the adsorption/desorption strength of H* on the active sites. Furthermore, the N, P-doped carbon framework that encapsulates the nanoparticles inhibits their aggregation, leading to an increased availability of active sites throughout the reaction. The results of this study open up a straightforward and innovative approach to developing high-performance catalysts for hydrogen production.
Cold Spray Technology and Its Application in the Manufacturing of Metal Matrix Composite Materials with Carbon-Based Reinforcements
Authors: Dai Sheng , Cui Mengchao , Li Jiahui , Zhang Meng
Published: July 2024

Cold spray technology, as an emerging surface engineering technique, effectively prepares hard coatings by high-speed projection of powder materials onto substrates at relatively low temperatures. The principal advantage of this technology lies in its ability to rapidly deposit coatings without significantly altering the properties of the substrate or powder materials. Carbon-based materials, especially carbides and diamond, etc., are renowned for their exceptional hardness and thermal stability, which make them indispensable in industrial applications requiring materials with high wear resistance and durability at elevated temperatures. This review elucidates the fundamental principles of cold spray technology, the key components of the equipment, and the properties and applications of hard coatings. The equipment involved primarily includes spray guns, powder feeders, and gas heaters, while the properties of the coatings, such as mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and tribological performance, are discussed in detail. Moreover, the application of this technology in preparing metal matrix composite (MMC) materials with carbon-based reinforcements, including tungsten carbide, boron carbide, titanium carbide, and diamond, are particularly emphasized, showcasing its potential to enhance the performance of tools and components. Finally, this article outlines the challenges and prospects faced by cold spray technology, highlighting the importance of material innovation and process optimization. This review provides researchers in the fields of materials science and engineering with a comprehensive perspective on the application of cold spray technology in MMC materials with carbon-based reinforcements to drive significant improvements in coating performance and broaden the scope of its industrial applications.
Intelligent Recognition of Tool Wear with Artificial Intelligence Agent
Authors: Gao Jiaming , Qiao Han , Zhang Yilei
Published: July 2024

Tool wear, closely linked to operational efficiency and economic viability, must be detected and managed promptly to prevent significant losses. Traditional methods for tool wear detection, though somewhat effective, often lack precision and require extensive manual effort. Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), especially through deep learning, have significantly progressed, providing enhanced performance when combined with tool wear management systems. Recent developments have seen a notable increase in the use of AI agents that utilise large language models (LLMs) for specific tasks, indicating a shift towards their integration into manufacturing processes. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the latest advancements in AI-driven tool wear recognition and explores the integration of AI agents in manufacturing. It highlights the LLMS and the various types of AI agents that enhance AI’s autonomous capabilities, discusses the potential benefits, and examines the challenges of this integrative approach. Finally, it outlines future research directions in this rapidly evolving field.
The Green Lubricant Coatings Deposited by Physical Vapor Deposition for Demanding Tribological Applications: A Review
Authors: Kong Fanlin , Luan Jing , Xie Fuxiang , Zhang Zhijie , Evaristo Manuel , Cavaleiro Albano
Published: July 2024

The emergence of nanotechnology and surface engineering techniques provides new opportunities for designing self-lubricant coatings with enhanced properties. In recent years, green coating technologies have played a vital role in environmental preservation. This article mainly reviews five typical types of self-lubricant coatings including MoN coatings, VN coatings, WN coatings and TMN (Transition Metal Nitride) soft-metal coatings, and DLC (Diamond-like Carbon) with lubricant agents deposited by PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) for the demanding tribological applications, which is the latest research into the green lubricant coatings. Furthermore, it is of great significance for designing the green self-lubricant coatings to adapt the demanding tribological applications to meet the industrial requirements.
Preparation of Hollow Silica Nanoparticles with Polyacrylic Acid and Their Moisture Sorption Properties
Authors: Wen Quanyue , Ishii Kento , Fuji Masayoshi
Published: July 2024

Hollow silica nanoparticles (HSNPs) have hygroscopic properties because of their high specific surface area and surface hydroxyl groups. However, compared with other hygroscopic materials, their hygroscopic properties are relatively weak, which limits the further application of HSNPs. One feasible method to enhance their hygroscopic properties is by combining highly hygroscopic materials with hollow silica nanoparticles. To take advantage of the high hygroscopicity of polyacrylic acid (PAA) when combined with the high specific surface area of the hollow particles, PAA was coated on the inner and outer surfaces of the silica shell of the nanoparticles in this study to prepare hollow nanoparticles with a PAA/silica/PAA multilayer structure. The size of the PAA/silica/PAA multi-layer nanoparticles is about 85 nm, and the shell thickness is 25 nm. The specific surface area of the multi-layer nanoparticles is 58 m2/g. The water vapor adsorption capacity of multi-layer structure hollow nanoparticles was increased by 160% compared with the HSNPs (increased from 45.9 cm3/m2 to 109.1 cm3/m2). Meanwhile, at the same content of PAA, the PAA/silica/PAA-structured particles will adsorb 9% more water vapor than the PAA/silica-structured particles. This indicates that the high specific surface area structure of the hollow particles will enhance the adsorption ability of PAA toward water vapor. This novel structure of PAA-HSNPs is expected to be used as a humidity-regulating material for filler in environmental and architectural applications.
Copper Alloying Improves the Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion Resistance of Pipeline Steel
Authors: Liu Qingjian , Li Pei , Wu Baihong , Wei Yulong , Jiang Huifang , Shen Junjie , Liang Qingwen
Published: July 2024

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) has long been a critical issue due to its potential to cause severe damage to equipment and the associated risk of operational failures, leading to significant financial losses. This study investigates the resistance to MIC caused by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in four types of pipeline steel materials, which are soon to be introduced to the market. Two of these materials have been alloyed with copper during the metallurgical process. The uniform corrosion rates of the copper-alloyed materials were found to be 0.012 ± 0.002 mm/y, 0.060 ± 0.01 mm/y, and 0.010 ± 0.001 mm/y under test conditions of 25 °C, 40 °C, and 60 °C, respectively. In contrast, the unalloyed steels exhibited corrosion rates of 0.370 ± 0.033 mm/y, 0.060 ± 0.01 mm/y, and 0.378 ± 0.032 mm/y, respectively. The data indicate that the copper-alloyed materials demonstrate superior resistance to MIC, as confirmed by corrosion morphology, weight loss measurements, and electrochemical data. These findings suggest that copper alloying can significantly enhance the MIC resistance of steel materials, offering a promising direction for future material development.
Effect of Silver Vanadate Nanowires Addition on Structural and Morphological Properties of Dental Porcelain Prepared from Economic Raw Materials
Authors: Sakhkhane Badr Eddine , Mureșan-Pop Marieta , Barbu-Tudoran Lucian , Lovász Tamás , Bizo Liliana
Published: July 2024

In addition to many materials, silver vanadate (AgVO3) has gained interest due to its antimicrobial properties, which opens up the potential for use as an antibacterial agent for biomedical applications. This work aimed to study the effect of AgVO3 addition on the structural and morphological properties of a developed dental porcelain (DP) prepared from natural raw materials. AgVO3 nanowires, prepared by the coprecipitation method, were added in different amounts (1, 3, and 5 wt.%) to a DP mass with the initial composition of 80 wt.% feldspar, 15 wt.% quartz, and 5 wt.% kaolin, obtained by sintering the mixture at 1300 °C. The structural and morphological properties of AgVO3 and DP were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed the formation of α-AgVO3 nanowires coated with semispherical metallic silver nanoparticles. Moreover, α-AgVO3 additions do not influence the structural and morphological properties of DP, with the presence of Ag and V clearly identified in the DP with the α-AgVO3 addition. Our findings highlight the potential of this novel material for use in various dental applications. Future studies need to establish the antibacterial properties of the prepared dental material.
Critical Challenges in the Anodizing Process of Aluminium–Silicon Cast Alloys—A Review
Authors: Razzouk Emel , Koncz-Horváth Dániel , Török Tamás I.
Published: July 2024

The microstructure of the substrate plays a crucial role in the anodizing process. Anodizing cast aluminum alloys is quite challenging due to the higher levels of alloying elements present compared to pure aluminum. Elements such as silicon, iron, and copper significantly impact the growth and quality of the anodic layer. Additionally, anodizing parameters such as electrolyte composition, current density, and temperature are critical in determining the morphology and thickness of the anodic film. The casting process, surface condition, and post-treatment also affect the properties of the anodic layer. Optimizing these parameters is essential to achieve a durable and high-quality anodic layer. This work aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various factors affecting the anodizing of cast aluminum alloys and the properties of the anodic layer, including its thickness, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance.
A Locally Advanced NSCLC Patient Harboring a Rare KIF13A-RET Fusion Benefited from Pralsetinib: A Case Report
Authors: Chang Zenghao , Zhu Tengfei , Jiang Hao , Ou Wei , Wang Siyu
Published: July 2024

The application of adjuvant treatment has significantly enhanced the survival of patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) carrying driver gene mutations. However, adjuvant-targeted therapy remains controversial for some NSCLC patients carrying rare gene mutations such as RET, as there is currently a lack of confirmed randomized controlled trials demonstrating efficacy. In this report, we describe the case of a 58-year-old man with stage IIIA NSCLC who underwent complete lobectomy with selective lymph node dissection. Postoperative next-generation sequencing revealed that the patient harbored a rare KIF13A-RET fusion. The patient elected to receive adjuvant treatment with pralsetinib monotherapy and underwent serial circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) monitoring after surgery. During follow-up, despite experiencing dose reduction and irregular medication adherence, the patient still achieved a satisfactory disease-free survival (DFS) of 27 months. Furthermore, ctDNA predicted tumor recurrence 4 months earlier than imaging techniques. The addition of bevacizumab to the original regimen upon recurrence continued to be beneficial. Pralsetinib demonstrated promising efficacy as adjuvant therapy, while ctDNA analysis offered a valuable tool for early detection of tumor recurrence. By leveraging targeted therapies and innovative monitoring techniques, we aim to improve outcomes and quality of life for NSCLC patients in the future.
Quality of ChatGPT-Generated Therapy Recommendations for Breast Cancer Treatment in Gynecology
Authors: Stalp Jan Lennart , Denecke Agnieszka , Jentschke Matthias , Hillemanns Peter , Klapdor Rüdiger
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing medical workflows, with self-learning systems like ChatGPT showing promise in therapy recommendations. Our study evaluated ChatGPT’s performance in suggesting treatments for 30 breast cancer cases. AI’s role in healthcare is expanding, particularly with tools like ChatGPT becoming accessible. However, understanding its limitations is vital for safe implementation. Material and Methods: We used 30 breast cancer cases from our medical board, assessing ChatGPT’s suggestions. The input was standardized, incorporating relevant patient details and treatment options. ChatGPT’s output was evaluated by oncologists based on a given questionnaire. Results: Treatment recommendations by ChatGPT were overall rated sufficient with minor limitations by the oncologists. The HER2 treatment category was the best-rated therapy option, with the most accurate recommendations. Primary cases received more accurate recommendations, especially regarding chemotherapy. Conclusions: While ChatGPT demonstrated potential, difficulties were shown in intricate cases and postoperative scenarios. Challenges arose in offering chronological treatment sequences and partially lacked precision. Refining inputs, addressing ethical intricacies, and ensuring chronological treatment suggestions are essential. Ongoing research is vital to improving AI’s accuracy, balancing AI-driven suggestions with expert insights and ensuring safe and reliable AI integration into patient care.
Frailty as an Independent Predictor of Adverse Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Direct Myocardial Revascularization
Authors: Krivoshapova Kristina , Tsygankova Daria , Bazdyrev Evgeny , Barbarash Olga
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and anamnestic characteristics of frail patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and to evaluate the role of frailty in the development of complications and adverse outcomes in the perioperative period and early survival period after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Material and methods: The study included 387 patients admitted to the clinic for a scheduled primary CABG. A seven-item questionnaire, “PRISMA-7”, was used to identify frail elderly patients before the procedure. We divided the study sample into two groups, taking into account the results of the survey: patients without frailty, n0 = 300 (77.5%), and patients with frailty, n1 = 87 (22.5%). The anamnestic and laboratory data, outcome of the surgical intervention, perioperative and early complications, and adverse outcomes were analyzed. Results: We detected frailty in 22.5% of the patients with CAD before the procedure. According to the anamnestic data and paraclinical and intraoperative findings, the groups of patients with and without frailty were comparable. The differences were revealed in the intraoperative and early postoperative periods of CABG. Thus, postoperative rhythm disturbances (19.5% vs. 10.5%, p = 0.025, V = 0.115, respectively) and transient ischemic attacks/stroke (5.7% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.031, V = 0.122, respectively) occurred significantly more often among the frail patients. There were no significant differences between the groups in the frequency of other intraoperative and early postoperative complications. In the group of frail patients, four fatal outcomes due to early postoperative ischemia were recorded, and among patients without frailty, one fatal outcome was recorded (4.5% vs. 0.3%, p = 0.010, V = 0.156, respectively). At the 1-year follow-up visit, the presence of frailty in history served as a predictor of mortality (11.5% vs. 0.6%, p ˂ 0.001, V = 0.290, respectively). Conclusion: The presence of frailty can be used as an independent predictor of an unfavorable prognosis in patients with CAD, both in the perioperative and early survival period after CABG. It should be taken into account during surgical risk assessment.
Pulmonary Actinomycosis in a 65-Year-Old Female with Poor Oral Dentition
Authors: Yi Sha , Ghimire Rabindra , Sporn Thomas A. , Sutton Ann T. , Lebron Figueroa Dora A. , Markantonis John E.
Published: July 2024

Pulmonary actinomycosis is an uncommon clinical entity that can be challenging to diagnose due to its non-specific symptomatology. Misdiagnosis and delayed treatment may result in invasive procedures and extended antimicrobial treatment courses. We report a case involving a 65-year-old female with poor oral dentition admitted for acute respiratory failure subsequently found to have a left-sided pleural effusion and perihepatic abscess formation. Cytopathology examination and microbiology studies confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary actinomycosis.
Brain and Ventricle Volume Alterations in Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Determined by Artificial Intelligence-Based MRI Volumetry
Authors: Bendella Zeynep , Purrer Veronika , Haase Robert , Zülow Stefan , Kindler Christine , Borger Valerie , Banat Mohammed , Dorn Franziska , Wüllner Ullrich , Radbruch Alexander , Schmeel Frederic Carsten
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to employ artificial intelligence (AI)-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain volumetry to potentially distinguish between idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (CG) by evaluating cortical, subcortical, and ventricular volumes. Additionally, correlations between the measured brain and ventricle volumes and two established semi-quantitative radiologic markers for iNPH were examined. An IRB-approved retrospective analysis was conducted on 123 age- and sex-matched subjects (41 iNPH, 41 AD, and 41 controls), with all of the iNPH patients undergoing routine clinical brain MRI prior to ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation. Automated AI-based determination of different cortical and subcortical brain and ventricular volumes in mL, as well as calculation of population-based normalized percentiles according to an embedded database, was performed; the CE-certified software mdbrain v4.4.1 or above was used with a standardized T1-weighted 3D magnetization-prepared rapid gradient echo (MPRAGE) sequence. Measured brain volumes and percentiles were analyzed for between-group differences and correlated with semi-quantitative measurements of the Evans’ index and corpus callosal angle: iNPH patients exhibited ventricular enlargement and changes in gray and white matter compared to AD patients and controls, with the most significant differences observed in total ventricular volume (+67%) and the lateral (+68%), third (+38%), and fourth (+31%) ventricles compared to controls. Global ventriculomegaly and marked white matter reduction with concomitant preservation of gray matter compared to AD and CG were characteristic of iNPH, whereas global and frontoparietally accentuated gray matter reductions were characteristic of AD. Evans’ index and corpus callosal angle differed significantly between the three groups and moderately correlated with the lateral ventricular volumes in iNPH patients [Evans’ index (r > 0.83, p ≤ 0.001), corpus callosal angle (r < −0.74, p ≤ 0.001)]. AI-based MRI volumetry in iNPH patients revealed global ventricular enlargement and focal brain atrophy, which, in contrast to healthy controls and AD patients, primarily involved the supratentorial white matter and was marked temporomesially and in the midbrain, while largely preserving gray matter. Integrating AI volumetry in conjunction with traditional radiologic measures could enhance iNPH identification and differentiation, potentially improving patient management and therapy response assessment.
Analysis of Tomographic Images of a Catastrophic Gas Embolism during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Frydrych Marta , Łukaszewski Marceli , Nelke Kamil , Janeczek Maciej , Małyszek Agata , Nienartowicz Jan , Gogolewski Grzegorz , Dobrzyński Maciej
Published: July 2024

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a commonly performed minimally invasive procedure. Air embolism in a patient undergoing ERCP is relatively rare, accounting for approximately 2–3% of procedures performed, and a catastrophic air embolism is even rarer. Symptoms of air embolism can come from the cardiopulmonary and nervous system. It is important to remember this in the differential diagnosis of complications of ERCP, as early detection is crucial. In the case presented here, the diagnostic CT scan performed immediately after the incident brings awareness of how massive an air embolism can be. The CT results showed gas bubbles entering both the superior and inferior vena cava. The presence of air has been captured in the bile ducts, duodenum wall, heart, femoral veins and intracranially. Risk factors for this complication include previous biliary surgeries, the presence of prostheses and stents, cholangitis, liver tumors and anatomical anomalies such as hepatobiliary fistulas, as well as intrahepatic and extrahepatic anatomical leaks. As gas embolism is associated with serious health consequences, knowledge of the problem and adequate preparation may reduce the occurrence of the problem. Attention should be paid to basic and easily obtainable precautions when performing the procedure, such as the patient’s hemodynamic status, adequate hydration and positioning during the procedure.
The Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Risk Stratification of Patients with Acute Myocarditis
Authors: Popa Alexandra , Cionca Carmen , Agoston Renata , Rusu Flaviu , Tarcau Bogdan Mihai , Negru Andra , Orzan Rares Ilie , Agoston-Coldea Lucia
Published: July 2024

Background: Cardiac magnetic resonance (cMRI) is often used to diagnose acute myocarditis (AM). It is also performed after 6 months to monitor myocardial involvement. However, the clinical and predictive relevance of the 6-month cMRI is uncertain. Objective: We used cMRI to assess the morphology and heart function of patients with AM, the correlation between left ventricular remodeling and biomarkers of heart dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis, and the involvement of myocardial fibrosis initially and 6 months after the acute episode. Materials and methods: We conducted a prospective study of 90 patients with the clinical suspicion of AM, where cMRI was performed within the first week after symptom onset and repeated after 6 months. Results: Non-ischemic late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was present in 88 (97.7%) patients and mainly involved the septum and inferior wall. cMRI at 6 months was associated with significantly reduced abnormalities of segmental kinetics (p < 0.001), myocardial edema (p < 0.001), presence of LGE (p < 0.05) and LGE mass (p < 0.01), native T1 mapping (p < 0.001), and presence of pericardial collection (p ≤ 0.001). At 6 months, signs of myocardial edema appeared in 34.4% of patients, and a complete cure (absence of edema and LGE) was found in 8.8% of patients. LGE disappeared in 15.2% of patients, and the mean number of myocardial segments involved decreased from 46% to 30%, remaining unchanged in 13% of patients. Patients with LGE without edema had a more severe prognostic condition than those with persistent edema. Patients with increased LGE extension on the control cMRI had a worse prognosis than those with modified or low LGE. The most significant independent predictive parameters for major cardiovascular events (MACEs) were LGE mass (adjusted OR = 1.27 [1.11–1.99], p < 0.001), myocardial edema (OR = 1.70 [1.14–209.3], p < 0.001), and prolonged native T1 (OR = 0.97 [0.88–3.06], p < 0.001). The mid-wall model of LGE and the presence of edema-free LGE were MACE-independent predictors. Conclusions: LGE, myocardial edema, and prolonged native T1 were predictors of MACEs. LGE does not necessarily mean constituted fibrosis in the presence of edema and may disappear over time. LGE without edema could represent fibrosis, whereas the persistence of edema represents active inflammation and could be associated with the residual chance of complete recovery. cMRI should be performed in all patients with AM at 6 months to evaluate progress and prognosis.
Recommender Systems for Teachers: A Systematic Literature Review of Recent (2011–2023) Research
Authors: Siafis Vissarion , Rangoussi Maria , Psaromiligkos Yannis
Published: July 2024

Recommender Systems (RSs) have recently emerged as a practical solution to the information overload problem users face when searching for digital content. In general, RSs provide their respective users with specialized advice and guidance in order to make informed decisions on the selection of suitable digital content. This paper is a systematic literature review of recent (2011–2023) publications on RSs designed and developed in the context of education to support teachers in particular—one of the target groups least frequently addressed by existing RSs. A body of 61 journal papers is selected and analyzed to answer research questions focusing on experimental studies that include RS evaluation and report evaluation results. This review is expected to help teachers in better exploiting RS technology as well as new researchers/developers in this field in better designing and developing RSs for the benefit of teachers. An interesting result obtained through this study is that the recent employment of machine learning algorithms for the generation of recommendations has brought about significant RS quality and performance improvements in terms of recommendation accuracy, personalization and timeliness.
Empowering University Lecturers in the Digital Age: Exploring the Factors Influencing the Use of Digital Technologies in Higher Education
Authors: Azanza Garazi , Korres Oihane , Paños-Castro Jessica , Petchamé Josep
Published: July 2024

In an era where digital technologies (DTs) are reshaping educational delivery methods, university lecturers’ ability and willingness to integrate these innovations into their teaching practices are increasingly important. This study, conducted from October 2022 to February 2023, aims to examine the impact of attitude and training on university lecturers’ self-efficacy in using DTs and to assess the influence of self-efficacy on their interest in using DTs. A total of 294 university lecturers participated in the study and completed a questionnaire assessing their perception of DTs as a didactic tool, attitude towards the use of virtual classrooms, perceived self-efficacy, and interest in the use of DTs, and training in the use of DTs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and multiple linear regressions to explore the relationships between study variables. The results indicated that positive attitudes and suitable training were positively associated with higher self-efficacy. Moreover, high levels of self-efficacy were found to be aligned with an interest in using DTs. These findings shed light on key factors that can effectively encourage the successful adoption of DTs among lecturers.
Fast Screening Algorithm for Satellites Based on Multi-Constellation System
Authors: Zhou Weidong , Wu Zhiqiang
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes a fast satellite screening algorithm aimed at the problem of balancing between positioning accuracy and system computing efficiency in a multi-constellation system environment under the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The algorithm constructs an observation model based on a positioning error for the larger number of satellites under a multi-constellation. The space region is divided based on elevation and azimuth angles to implement the screening algorithm for the solution of the point to be determined. An analysis of the experimental data shows that the average GDOP value of this scheme is 1.835, and the position error of the point to be determined is controlled within 2.5 m when the cut-off altitude angle is 5° and the screening ratio is more than 70%.
Timed Automata-Based Strategy for Controlling Drone Access to Critical Zones: A UPPAAL Modeling Approach
Authors: Krichen Moez
Published: July 2024

Controlling access to critical zones by drones is crucial for ensuring safety and efficient operations in various applications. In this research, we propose a strategy for controlling the access of a set of drones to a critical zone using timed automata and UPPAAL. UPPAAL is a model checker and simulator for real-time systems, which allows for the modeling, simulation, and verification of timed automata. Our system consists of six drones, a controller, and a buffer, all modeled as timed automata. We present a formal model capturing the behavior and interactions of these components, considering the constraints of allowing only one drone in the critical zone at a time. Timed automata are a powerful formalism for modeling and analyzing real-time systems, as they can capture the temporal aspects of system behavior. The advantages of using timed automata include the ability to model time-critical systems, analyze safety and liveness properties, and verify the correctness of the system. We design a strategy that involves signaling the approaching drones, preventing collisions, and ensuring orderly access to the critical zone. We utilize UPPAAL for simulating and verifying the system, including the evaluation of properties such as validation properties, safety properties, liveness properties, and absence of deadlocks. However, a limitation of timed automata is that they can become complex and difficult to model for large-scale systems, and the analysis can be computationally expensive as the number of components and behaviors increases. Through simulations and formal verification, we demonstrate the effectiveness and correctness of our proposed strategy. The results highlight the ability of timed automata and UPPAAL to provide reliable and rigorous analysis of drone access control systems. Our research contributes to the development of robust and safe strategies for managing drone operations in critical zones.
OccTr: A Two-Stage BEV Fusion Network for Temporal Object Detection
Authors: Fu Qifang , Yu Xinyi , Ou Linlin
Published: July 2024

Temporal fusion approaches are critical for 3D visual perception tasks in IOV (Internet of Vehicles), but they often rely on intermediate representations without fully utilizing position information from the previous frame’s detection results, which cannot compensate for the lack of depth information in visual data. In this work, we propose a novel framework called OccTr (Occupancy Transformer) that combines two temporal cues, intermediate representation and back-end representation, via occupancy map to enhance temporal fusion in object detection task. OccTr leverages attention mechanisms to perform both intermediate and back-end temporal fusion by incorporating intermediate BEV (bird’s-eye view) features and back-end prediction results of the detector. Our two-stage framework includes occupancy map generation and cross-attention feature fusion. In stage one, the prediction results are converted into occupancy grid map format to generate back-end representation. In stage two, the high-resolution occupancy maps are fused with BEV features using cross-attention layers. This fused temporal cue provides a strong prior for the temporal detection process. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our method in improving detection performance, achieving an NDS (nuScenes Detection Score) metric score of 37.35% on the nuScenes test set, which is 1.94 points higher than the baseline.
A Lightweight Detection Algorithm for Surface Defects in Small-Sized Bearings
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Song Zhaoyu , Abdullahi Hauwa Suleiman , Gao Shangbing , Zhang Haiyan , Zhou Liguo , Li Yazhou
Published: July 2024

Background: To address issues in current deep learning models for detecting defects on industrial bearing surfaces, such as large parameter sizes and low precision in identifying small defects, we propose a lightweight detection algorithm for small-sized bearing appearance defects. Methods: First, we introduce a large separable convolution attention module on the spatial pyramid pooling fusion module. The deep convolutional layer with large convolutional kernels effectively captures more extensive context information of small-sized bearing defects while reducing the computation burden and learns attention weights to adaptively select the importance of input features. Secondly, we integrate the SimAM (simple attention mechanism) into the model without increasing the original network parameters, thereby augmenting the capacity to extract small-sized features and enhancing the model’s feature fusion capability. Finally, utilizing SIoU (Scylla IoU) as the regression loss and Soft-NMS (soft non-max suppression) for handling redundant boxes strengthens the model’s capacity to identify overlapping areas. Results: Experimental results demonstrate that our improved YOLOv8n model, sized at 6.5 MB, outperforms the baseline in terms of precision, recall, and mAP (mean average precision), with FPS (frames per second) of 146.7 (f/s), significantly enhancing bearing defect recognition for industrial applications.
Ecological Impact of American Chestnut Hybrid Restoration on Invertebrate Communities Above- and Belowground
Authors: Reed Jaq , Hausler Evan , Levinson Abigail , Horton Jonathan , Willett Denis S. , Filgueiras Camila C.
Published: July 2024

The cross-hybridization of American chestnut (Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh.) with Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima Bl.) is a promising strategy for restoring a blight-resistant strain of this keystone species to the Appalachian mountains. To assess the ecological impacts of hybridization on invertebrate communities, we conducted a study across chestnut plots with varying degrees of hybridization (75%, 94%, or 100% American chestnut). Our findings indicate American chestnut hybridization impacted invertebrate communities above- and belowground. Aboveground insect community composition, insect herbivory, gall infestation, and belowground invertebrate diversity were all altered. While some of these differences could be explained by different growth habits or environmental differences, stark differences in Asian chestnut gall wasp infestation (Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu.) suggest a genetic component. These results suggest that chestnut hybridization, and particularly expanded restoration efforts using chestnut hybrids, could impact invertebrate communities above- and belowground in addition to pest dynamics. Understanding these effects is crucial for successful chestnut restoration and ecosystem management.
Characterization of Functional Ingredients Extracted with Ethanol Solvents from Ponkan (Citrus reticulata) By-Products Using the Microwave Vacuum Drying Method Combined with Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction
Authors: Chang Yu-Wei , Chen Yen-Ling , Park Sung Hoon , Yap Encarnacion Emilia S. , Sung Wen-Chieh
Published: July 2024

For this study, microwave vacuum drying (MVD) was combined with ultrasound-assisted extraction to compare the effects of different ethanol volumes on ponkan extract and to evaluate the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total ascorbic acid content (TAAC). High-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA) was used to analyze the flavanone contents and antioxidant activity of ponkan (Citrus reticulata) peels. The experimental results showed that the TPC and TFC increase with ethanol volume. Ethanol extraction (75%) showed significant advantages by increasing the TPC to 17.48 mg GAE/g (DW) and the TFC to 2.96 mg QE/g (DW) of ponkan extract and also exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. The TAAC improved along with increased water content. Water extraction showed the highest content (13.07 mg VitC/100 g, DW). The hesperidin content analyzed by HPLC-PDA was 102.95–622.57 mg/100 g (DW), which was the highest among the flavanones. Then, the ethanol insoluble residue extracts were taken from the pectin with four different solvents, evaluating TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity. The TPC, TFC, and antioxidant capacity of pectin are significantly lower than those of the peels. Combining MVD and 75% ethanol with ultrasound-assisted extraction in the pre-treatment process can effectively eliminate polyphenols, flavonoids, and other compounds, thus enabling the extraction of high-methoxyl pectin. The total dietary fiber (TDF) content of MVD ponkan by-products was 25.83%. Ponkan by-products have the potential for the future development of functional foods and supplements.