bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous Orofacial Movements at Writhing and Fidgety General Movements Age in Preterm and Full-Term Infants
Authors: Morais Regina Donnamaria , Goulart Ana Lucia , Kopelman Benjamin Israel
Published: August 2022

Background: As general spontaneous movements at the writhing and fidgety ages have been important for the early identification of neurodevelopmental impairment of both full-term and preterm infants, the knowledge of the spontaneous orofacial movements at these ages also seems to be important for the diagnosis of oral function, particularly in preterm infants. Therefore, we decided to first classify preterm and full-term infants according to general movements ages, and then to record, describe, compare, and discuss their spontaneous orofacial movements. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 51 preterm infants (born between 28 and 36 weeks) and 43 full-term infants who were classified at the writhing and fidgety ages of Prechtl’s method of general movements assessment. Their spontaneous orofacial movements were recorded on video, and The Observer XT software (Noldus) was used to record the quantitative values of the movements. Results: Poor repertoires of writhing movements were more frequent in the preterm infants (90.9%) compared to full-term ones (57.9%). Positive fidgety movements were observed in 100% of both preterm and full-term infants. Oral movements were similar for both preterm and full-term infants, regardless of their movement stage. Conclusion: All spontaneous orofacial movements were present both in preterm and full-term infants, albeit with higher frequency, intensity, and variability at fidgety age.
Editorial to Special Issue
Authors: Kwiatkowski Sebastian
Published: August 2022

The definition of preeclampsia has been subject to dramatic changes over the past twenty years [...]
Experiences of a Regional Quality Improvement Collaborative to Reduce Unplanned Extubations in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Nelson Melissa U. , Pinheiro Joaquim M. B. , Afzal Bushra , Meyers Jeffrey M.
Published: August 2022

Background: Unplanned extubations (UEs) occur frequently in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). These events can be associated with serious short-term and long-term morbidities and increased healthcare costs. Most quality improvement (QI) initiatives focused on UE prevention have concentrated efforts within individual NICUs. Methods: We formed a regional QI collaborative involving the four regional perinatal center (RPC) NICUs in upstate New York to reduce UEs. The collaborative promoted shared learning and targeted interventions specific to UE classification at each center. Results: There were 1167 UEs overall during the four-year project. Following implementation of one or more PDSA cycles, the combined UE rate decreased by 32% from 3.7 to 2.5 per 100 ventilator days across the collaborative. A special cause variation was observed for the subtype of UEs involving removed endotracheal tubes (rETTs), but not for dislodged endotracheal tubes (dETTs). The center-specific UE rates varied; only two centers observed significant improvement. Conclusions: A collaborative approach promoted knowledge sharing and fostered an overall improvement, although the individual centers’ successes varied. Frequent communication and shared learning experiences benefited all the participants, but local care practices and varying degrees of QI experience affected each center’s ability to successfully implement potentially better practices to prevent UEs.
Classifying Integrated Signature Molecules in Macrophages of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Periodontal Disease: An Omics-Based Study
Authors: Sao Prachi , Chand Yamini , Al-Keridis Lamya Ahmed , Saeed Mohd , Alshammari Nawaf , Singh Sachidanand
Published: August 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and periodontal disease (PD) are chronic inflammatory diseases that are globally prevalent, and pose a public health concern. The search for a potential mechanism linking PD to RA and OA continues, as it could play a significant role in disease prevention and treatment. Recent studies have linked RA, OA, and PD to Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG), a periodontal bacterium, through a similar dysregulation in an inflammatory mechanism. This study aimed to identify potential gene signatures that could assist in early diagnosis as well as gain insight into the molecular mechanisms of these diseases. The expression data sets with the series IDs GSE97779, GSE123492, and GSE24897 for macrophages of RA, OA synovium, and PG stimulated macrophages (PG-SM), respectively, were retrieved and screened for differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The 72 common DEGs among RA, OA, and PG-SM were further subjected to gene–gene correlation analysis. A GeneMANIA interaction network of the 47 highly correlated DEGs comprises 53 nodes and 271 edges. Network centrality analysis identified 15 hub genes, 6 of which are DEGs (API5, ATE1, CCNG1, EHD1, RIN2, and STK39). Additionally, two significantly up-regulated non-hub genes (IER3 and RGS16) showed interactions with hub genes. Functional enrichment analysis of the genes showed that “apoptotic regulation” and “inflammasomes” were among the major pathways. These eight genes can serve as important signatures/targets, and provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of PG-induced RA, OA, and PD.
Nitric Oxide Synthesis Metabolites—As Potential Markers in Chronic Kidney Disease in Children
Authors: Piechowicz Joanna , Gamian Andrzej , Chukwu Ositadima , Polak-Jonkisz Dorota
Published: August 2022

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule for many physiological and pathological processes. Diseases associated with abnormal NO synthesis include cardiovascular diseases, insulin-dependent diabetes, or chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of the paper was to evaluate NO synthesis metabolites, i.e., asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), dimethylamine (DMA), arginine, citrulline in plasma of patients with different severity of CKD and to seek possible links between these parameters and the development of this disease. Forty-eight CKD children and thirty-three age-matched controls were examined. Patients were divided into groups depending on the CKD stages (Group II-stage II, Group III-stage III, Group IV-stage IV, and Group RRT children on dialysis). To determine the concentrations of the above-mentioned metabolites in plasma liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used. There were significant differences observed in levels of ADMA, SDMA, DMA, and citrulline between control vis CKD groups (p values ranging from <0.001 to 0.029). Plasma arginine concentration was also higher in CKD patients compared to the control group but statistically insignificant. ADMA levels in CKD children were statistically significantly higher in relation to particular stages of CKD (RRT vis II stage of CKD: p = 0.01; RRT vis III-IV stages of CKD: p < 0.046). Citrulline levels in CKD children were statistically significantly higher in RRT group vis control (p < 0.001). Children with CKD develop disturbances in most metabolites of NO synthesis. Dialysis children treated show the greatest disturbances of plasma ADMA and citrulline levels. ADMA seems to be a good indicator of the gradual progression of the CKD, which is proved by the negative correlation with eGFR.
Influence of Aesthetic Archwire Coatings on Bacterial Adhesion
Authors: Słonik Krzysztof , Mikulewicz Marcin , Sarul Michał
Published: August 2022

Bacterial biofilm plays a key role in the development of complications in orthodontic treatment in the form of caries or periodontal disease. The coating of orthodontic archwires can affect their mechanical properties and their bactericidal properties. In connection with the growing interest in aesthetic archwires, it was examined whether aesthetic archwire coatings contribute to the reduction of bacterial adhesion. Based on the available literature, a review was conducted on the basis of the risk of bias (RoB) assessment and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) analysis. The study took into account the results of research on different aesthetic archwire coatings. The analysis shows that there is a lack of homogeneity in the research results. The data on the different aesthetic coatings are inconclusive. On the basis of the data collected, it is impossible to determine whether aesthetic coatings reduce bacterial adhesion. Further studies, standardised in terms of research methods and statistical analysis, are needed to definitively establish whether aesthetic coatings influence bacterial adhesion.
Effect of Cu Coating on Microstructure and Properties of Al/Steel Welding–Brazing Joints Obtained by Cold Metal Transfer (CMT)
Authors: Zhang Chao , Wu Mingfang , Pu Juan , Shan Qi , Sun Yubo , Wang Shuiqing , Hermann Seseke Koyro Ulrich Georg
Published: August 2022

Adding alloy elements to develop excellent properties in Al alloy/steel welding–brazing joints to realize lightweight vehicle structures has become a feasible task. Here, CMT welding–brazing was used to realize the reliable connection of Al/steel with a Cu coating. Al alloy/steel welding–brazing joints with different thicknesses of Cu coating were designed to study the influence of Cu on microstructure composition, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Then, the action rule of the Cu element on the interfacial microstructure evolution was clarified. The results showed that the appropriate Cu coating could effectively inhibit the reaction of Al and Fe and reduce the thickness of interfacial brittle intermetallic compounds (IMCs). Moreover, Cu could react with Al, Fe and Si to promote the formation of the τ5-Al7.2(Cu,Fe)1.8Si phase and control the formation of the brittle θ-Fe(Al,Si)3 phase, which improved the toughness of IMCs. When the thickness of the Cu coating on the surface of steel was 10 μm, the tensile strength of the Al alloy/steel CMT welding–brazing joint reached a maximum of 138.7 MPa and the corrosion resistance of the joint reached the optimum level. However, when the thickness of the Cu coating increased to 20 μm, the IMCs’ thickness at the interface of the joint reached the minimum, but Cu reacted with Al to form a brittle Al2Cu phase under the higher Cu content, which deteriorated the tensile strength and corrosion resistance of joints. This work will provide an experimental and theoretical basis for developing good properties in Al/Cu-coating/steel welding joints.
Decision-Making for Typical Pavement Structure Based on Life-Cycle Economic Evaluation and Key Performance Indicators
Authors: Zhang Ming , Wang Chong , Fan Lulu , Yi Junyan
Published: August 2022

The economy and rationality of the typical structural scheme for asphalt pavement are directly related to the formation of its service target. Based on the original highway asphalt pavement structure in Jilin Province, the evaluation index system was established by the research of the literature, investigation and Delphi method, and the results of expert consultation were tested by indicators such as enthusiasm, authority and coordination. The Kendall coordination coefficient was 0.803, indicating a strong degree of evaluation consistency. Then, using the finite element method and pavement economic analysis method, the key parameters of pavement structure asphalt, pavement design performance and economy are calculated. Finally, the key indicators in the pavement design process are quantified by using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and gray relational theory, the weight of each key indicator and the correlation degree of the pavement structure are calculated, and pavement structure 1 is determined to be the best solution. The results show that a decision model for typical structural types of asphalt pavement can be established by using an improved gray relational analytic hierarchy process. In this study, the decision-making model can quickly and conveniently determine the most suitable typical pavement structure, the selected structures are checked, and the calculation results meet the requirements of the specification. However, given the limited reference cases, the proposed pavement structure decision-making method needs to be verified and improved through more practical applications.
Tetrahydroxyquinone: A Suitable Coating for Ferrofluids Used in Magnetic Hyperthermia
Authors: González Ana G. , Casillas Norberto , López Zaira , Cervantes Oscar , Knauth Peter , Hernández-Gutiérrez Rodolfo , Topete-Camacho Antonio , Rosales Saray , Quintero Luis H. , Paz José A. , Flores Ximena , Cano Mario E.
Published: August 2022

In this work, tetrahydroxyquinone (THQ) was used for the first time to coat iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) and to carry out in vitro experiments in magnetic hyperthermia. Synthesis by co-precipitation resulted in spherical IONPs with a core diameter of 13 ± 3 nm and covered by a 0.5 nm thick coat of THQ, which provided them with a reasonably good zeta potential of ζ = −28 ± 2 mV at pH = 7.3, and thus colloidal stability. The magnetic properties of the THQ-coated IONPs are promising: the low coercive field of Hc = 7 Oe, the high magnetic saturation of Ms = 70.5 emu/g and the low blocking temperature of Tb = 273 K indicate superparamagnetic characteristics at room temperature. Additionally, a high specific absorption rate SAR = 135 W/g (at 300 Oe and 530 kHz) was determined. Cell biological experiments using the human cell line HT-29 evidenced negligible cytotoxicity up to 2 mg/mL. Magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) assays demonstrated fast and reliable heating and reduced the metabolic activity of the cells to 42% upon reaching 42 °C within 15 min. The production of ROS by THQ-coated IONPs could not be detected, which may indicate a reduction in the undesired side effects caused by oxidative stress. Considering these good physicochemical and cell biological properties, this ferrofluid is a promising candidate for the initiation of in vivo experiments for cancer treatment by MHT in murine models.
Preparation and Properties of Novel Modified Waterborne Polyurethane Acrylate
Authors: Luo Qinghong , Wen Xinyu , Xu Ruijie , Liu Zhu , Xiang Hongping , Li Zhiquan , Liu Xiaoxuan
Published: August 2022

A series of novel modified waterborne polyurethane acrylate (WPU-EA) emulsions were prepared with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), polycarbonate diol, 2,2-bis-hydroxymethyl-propionic acid (DMPA), 1,4-butanediol (BDO), epoxy acrylate (EA), and pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA). The structure of WPU-EA was confirmed by FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The effects of different dosages of epoxy acrylate on the cured film were investigated by tensile properties, dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicate that with increasing content of epoxy acrylate, the average particle size of the emulsion gradually increases. With the rise in epoxy acrylate concentration from 0%, 3.0%, 6.0% to 9.0%, the gel fraction of the cured film increases from 83.7%, 92.5%, 93.0% to 93.6%, respectively, and the glass transition temperature rises from 90.3 °C, 107.5 °C, 141.9 °C to 146.6 °C. The tensile strength and the thermal stability of the cured film increases, and the elongation at break decreases. Moreover, the WPU-EA emulsions were sprayed on polycarbonate sheets and exhibited the advantages of high hardness, better gloss and good adhesion, which is promising for the application of plastic coatings.
Strengthening, Corrosion and Protection of High-Temperature Structural Materials
Authors: Zhang Yingyi
Published: August 2022

This Special Issue presents a series of research papers and reviews about the second-phase enhancement, surface coating technology, high-temperature corrosion, wear, erosion, and protection of high-temperature structural materials. The effects of alloying and surface coating technology on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and oxidation resistance of materials were systematically introduced. In addition, this Special Issue also summarizes the strengthening mechanism of the second relatively refractory metal alloy and carbonized ceramic materials, compares the advantages and disadvantages of different surface coating technologies, and analyzes the oxidation behavior and failure mechanism of the coating in order to provide valuable research references for related fields.
Anticorrosion Performance of Magnesium Hydroxide Coatings on Steel Substrates
Authors: Merachtsaki Domna , Toliopoulos Ilias , Peleka Efrosini , Zouboulis Anastasios
Published: August 2022

Sewerage systems consist of several different parts, components and materials. Many of them are metallic structures, such as pumps, valves, ladders and wells, which are necessary for the proper operation of wastewater transport systems. Wastewater pipelines can be a highly corrosive environment, mainly due to the presence of biogenic sulfuric acid. In the present study, seven magnesium hydroxide and one magnesium oxide materials were used as protective coatings applied onto the surface of certain stainless steel and mild steel specimens against sulfuric acid corrosion. The coated specimens were subjected to accelerated sulfuric acid spraying tests and their behavior was evaluated by using optical observation, mass measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. According to the results, the coating prepared from a magnesium hydroxide powder with relatively low specific surface area and smaller particle size was optimal for the protection of the examined steel specimens.
Numerical Study of Growth Rate and Purge Time in the AlN Pulsed MOCVD Process
Authors: Lin Wei-Jie , Chen Jyh-Chen
Published: August 2022

The relationship between the purge time and the overall growth rate in pulsed injection metal–organic chemical vapor deposition with different V/III ratios is studied by numerical analysis. The transport behavior of TMAl and TMAlNH3 during the process is studied to understand the effect of the adductive reaction. The results show that, as the V/III ratio increases, there is a significant reduction in the average growth rate per cycle, without the addition of a purging H2 pulse between the III and V pulses, due to stronger adductive reaction. The adductive reaction can be reduced by inserting a purging pulse of pure H2 between the III and V pulses, but there is a decrease in the overall growth rate due to the longer cycle time. At smaller V/III ratios, the growth rate decreases with increasing purge times, since the gain in reducing the adductive reaction is offset by the detrimental effect of extending the cycle time. The degree of reduction in the adductive reaction is higher for larger V/III ratios. When the benefit of reducing the adductive reaction overcomes the deficiency of the extending cycle time, a remarkable enhancement of the growth rate can be obtained at high V/III ratios by inserting a pure H2 purge pulse between the III and V pulses. A higher overall growth rate can be achieved at higher V/III ratios by choosing an appropriate purge time.
Spectral-Luminescent Properties of ZrO2-Y2O3-Pr2O3 Crystals
Authors: Borik Mikhail , Kulebyakin Alexey , Larina Nataliya , Lomonova Elena , Morozov Dmitry , Myzina Valentina , Ryabochkina Polina , Tabachkova Nataliya
Published: August 2022

We studied the spectral-luminescent properties of (ZrO2)0.805(Y2O3)0.188(Pr2O3)0.007 and (ZrO2)0.802(Y2O3)0.195(Pr2O3)0.003 crystals grown by directional melt crystallization in a cold skull. Analysis of the absorption spectra of the crystals suggested the presence of Pr3+ and Pr4+ ions. Measurement of the relative intensities of the luminescence bands corresponding to the 3P0 → 3H4,5, 3P0 → 3F2,3,4, 3P1 → 3H5 and 1D2 → 3H4 optical transitions of the Pr3+ ions, and analysis of luminescence extinction kinetics for the 3P0 and 1D2 levels of the Pr3+ ions, suggests the presence of cross-relaxation (1D2 → 1G4) → (3H4 → 3F4) of the Pr3+ ions in the ZrO2-Y2O3-Pr2O3 crystals.
Characterization of (B4C+Ti) Hybrid Reinforced Mg and AZ91D Composites
Authors: Chen Shilong , Wang Meng , Sun Lin , Yao Yantao
Published: August 2022

Ceramic hybrid particulate reinforced magnesium matrix composites have attracted much attention in recent years, owing to their light weight, high specific strength and stiffness, excellent wear and damping properties, and have very wide popularization and application prospects in the automotive and aerospace fields. A simple and novel technique, in situ reactive infiltration technique, was utilized to prepare (B4C+Ti) hybrid reinforced Mg and AZ91D composites. The microstructure, produced phases, wear, compression and bending performance were characterized and analyzed in depth. The results showed that extending the holding time for preparing the composites and magnesium alloy as the matrix were both beneficial for the generation of interpenetrating networks within the composites, which means more sufficient and complete in situ reactions between B4C and Ti particles. More sufficient and complete reactions facilitate stronger interfacial bonding, leading to an improvement of the wear, compression and bending performance of the composites. The wear mechanisms for both kinds of composites were abrasive and delamination wear. (B4C+Ti)/AZ91D composites exhibit better compression performance and this can be attributed to the microstructure of the composites and work-hardening and softening during compression.
The Screening and COnsensus Based on Practices and Evidence (SCOPE) Program Results of a Survey on Daily Practice Patterns for Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer—A Swiss Perspective in the Context of an International Viewpoint
Authors: Siebenhüner Alexander R. , Lo Presti Giorgia , Helbling Daniel , Szturz Petr , Astaras Christoforos , Buccella Yannick , De Dosso Sara
Published: August 2022

In Switzerland, physicians do not have national guidelines for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patient care and utilize international versions for management recommendations. Moreover, information about adherence to these guidelines and real-world practice patterns in Switzerland or other countries is lacking. The Screening and COnsensus based on Practices and Evidence (SCOPE) program were designed by an international expert panel of gastrointestinal oncologists to gather real-world insights in the current clinical setting to manage patients with mCRC who have received prior treatment. We sought to understand general practice patterns, the influence of molecular diagnostics (e.g., testing for KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, and MSI), tumor sidedness, and patient-centric factors on treatment selection utilizing in-person surveys and three hypothetical patient case scenarios. Here, we describe and evaluate the Swiss data from the SCOPE program within the context of an international viewpoint and discuss the findings of our analysis. In general, we find that the real-world clinical decisions of Swiss physicians (SWI) closely follow international (INT) recommendations and guidelines, largely paralleling their regional and international counterparts in using the two approved treatments in the third- and fourth-line settings, namely trifluridine-tipiracil and regorafenib. Finally, our data suggest a tendency toward the use of trifluridine-tipiracil (SWI: 79%; INT: 66%) over regorafenib (SWI: 18%; INT: 18%) as the preferred third-line treatment choice in mCRC patients regardless of KRAS status.
Unveiling the Genetic Diversity of Declining Population of the Harvest Mouse Micromys minutus in Italy
Authors: Mori Emiliano , Viviano Andrea , Mazzotti Stefano , Sogliani Davide , Bini Alessandro , Baratti Mariella
Published: August 2022

The Italian peninsula represented one of the main glacial refugia during climatic oscillations of the Pleistocene, currently being a biodiversity hotspot. In this work, we analysed for the first time the genetic diversity of harvest mouse populations in Italy, and we compared them with those of the rest of Eurasia. Mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene was amplified from 12 samples from throughout the Italian range. We recorded a very low genetic diversity, in line with the rest of the harvest mouse range. In the comparative phylogenetic tree, Northern Italy samples clustered together as a sister group of the rest of Europe, whereas those from Central Italy clustered with Central Europe samples. Harvest mice have recently conquered Southern Europe, i.e., possibly at the start of the Holocene. The global genetic homogeneity might be due to accidental human-mediated introductions or to the sharp decline of the habitat of the harvest mouse, which may in turn have caused severe bottlenecks in the populations of this small rodent.
Assessment of Left Atrial Structure and Function by Echocardiography in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Ji Mengmeng , He Lin , Gao Lang , Lin Yixia , Xie Mingxing , Li Yuman
Published: August 2022

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia with significant morbidity and mortality. Exacerbated by the aging population, the prevalence of AF is gradually increasing. Accurate evaluation of structure and function of left atrium (LA) has important prognostic significance in patients with AF. Echocardiography is the imaging technique of first choice to assess LA structure and function due to its better availability, accessibility and safety over cardiac computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize the recent research progress of evaluating LA size by three-dimensional echocardiography and LA function by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in predicting the occurrence and recurrence of AF and determining the risk of stroke in AF. In addition, we summarized the role of traditional echocardiography in detecting AF patients that are at high risk of heart failure or cardiovascular death.
Early Diagnosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on Histopathological Images Using Deep and Hybrid Learning Approaches
Authors: Fati Suliman Mohamed , Senan Ebrahim Mohammed , Javed Yasir
Published: August 2022

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common head and neck cancer types, which is ranked the seventh most common cancer. As OSCC is a histological tumor, histopathological images are the gold diagnosis standard. However, such diagnosis takes a long time and high-efficiency human experience due to tumor heterogeneity. Thus, artificial intelligence techniques help doctors and experts to make an accurate diagnosis. This study aimed to achieve satisfactory results for the early diagnosis of OSCC by applying hybrid techniques based on fused features. The first proposed method is based on a hybrid method of CNN models (AlexNet and ResNet-18) and the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. This method achieved superior results in diagnosing the OSCC data set. The second proposed method is based on the hybrid features extracted by CNN models (AlexNet and ResNet-18) combined with the color, texture, and shape features extracted using the fuzzy color histogram (FCH), discrete wavelet transform (DWT), local binary pattern (LBP), and gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) algorithms. Because of the high dimensionality of the data set features, the principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm was applied to reduce the dimensionality and send it to the artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm to diagnose it with promising accuracy. All the proposed systems achieved superior results in histological image diagnosis of OSCC, the ANN network based on the hybrid features using AlexNet, DWT, LBP, FCH, and GLCM achieved an accuracy of 99.1%, specificity of 99.61%, sensitivity of 99.5%, precision of 99.71%, and AUC of 99.52%.
A Maternally Inherited Rare Case with Chromoanagenesis-Related Complex Chromosomal Rearrangements and De Novo Microdeletions
Authors: Yen Jui-Hung , Chu Shao-Yin , Chen Yann-Jang , Su Yi-Chieh , Chien Chun-Ching , Weng Chun-Ying , Chen Pei-Yi
Published: August 2022

Chromoanagenesis is a phenomenon of highly complex rearrangements involving the massive genomic shattering and reconstitution of chromosomes that has had a great impact on cancer biology and congenital anomalies. Complex chromosomal rearrangements (CCRs) are structural alterations involving three or more chromosomal breakpoints between at least two chromosomes. Here, we present a 3-year-old boy exhibiting multiple congenital malformations and developmental delay. The cytogenetic analysis found a highly complex CCR inherited from the mother involving four chromosomes and five breakpoints due to forming four derivative chromosomes (2, 3, 6 and 11). FISH analysis identified an ultrarare derivative chromosome 11 containing three parts that connected the 11q telomere to partial 6q and 3q fragments. We postulate that this derivative chromosome 11 is associated with chromoanagenesis-like phenomena by which DNA repair can result in a cooccurrence of inter-chromosomal translocations. Additionally, chromosome microarray studies revealed that the child has one subtle maternal-inherited deletion at 6p12.1 and two de novo deletions at 6q14.1 and 6q16.1~6q16.3. Here, we present a familial CCR case with rare rearranged chromosomal structures and the use of multiple molecular techniques to delineate these genomic alterations. We suggest that chromoanagenesis may be a possible mechanism involved in the repair and reconstitution of these rearrangements with evidence for increasing genomic imbalances such as additional deletions in this case.
Mucinous Borderline Tumor Associated with Mesonephric-like Proliferation: Further Evidence for a Possible New Origin of Ovarian Mucinous Neoplasms
Authors: Zhang Jie , Dong Yuling , Zhou Xiaoqiu , Finkelman Brian S. , Xing Deyin
Published: August 2022

Some ovarian mucinous tumors are thought to originate from Brenner tumors and teratomas; however, data are limited on what could be the origin for the remaining tumors. We report a new case of ovarian mucinous borderline tumor/atypical proliferative mucinous tumor (MBT/APMT) co-existing with a mesonephric-like proliferation (MLP)/mesonephric-like hyperplasia (MLH). The patient was a 58-year-old woman who presented with a pelvic mass and abdominal pain. Pathology demonstrated an 11 cm MBT/APMT in the left ovary. In addition, the tumor contained one focal area (<1% of total tumor volume) of MLP/hyperplasia adjacent to, or intimately admixed with, mucinous epithelium, with an immunophenotype of diffuse Pax8 and Gata3 expression and negative TTF-1, ER, and PR staining. Pax8 was also weakly positive in the MBT/APMT component. Some mesonephric-like glands partially exhibited gastrointestinal-type mucinous metaplasia/differentiation. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based Sanger sequencing demonstrated that a KRAS G12V mutation was present in both MLP/MLH and MBT/APMT components, providing further evidence to support their clonal relationship. We previously reported a series of similar cases and demonstrated a novel association between MLP, mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma and ovarian mucinous tumor. It is conceivable that benign MLPs may have ability to differentiate to lineage-specific mucinous lesions, and, as such, they may serve as a possible new origin of some ovarian mucinous neoplasms; in particular, Pax8-positive tumors. The current case provides additional evidence to support this theory.
Circulating microRNAs as Biomarkers of Hepatic Fibrosis in Schistosomiasis Japonica Patients in the Philippines
Authors: Tabios Ian Kim B. , Sato Marcello Otake , Tantengco Ourlad Alzeus Gaddi , Fornillos Raffy Jay C. , Kirinoki Masashi , Sato Megumi , Rojo Raniv D. , Fontanilla Ian Kendrich C. , Chigusa Yuichi , Medina Paul Mark B. , Kikuchi Mihoko , Leonardo Lydia R.
Published: August 2022

Host-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) play important regulatory roles in schistosomiasis-induced hepatic fibrosis. This study analyzed selected serum miRNAs among Filipino schistosomiasis japonica patients with ultrasound (US)-detectable hepatic fibrosis. A prospective cohort study design with convenience sampling was employed from 2017 to 2019. The study sites were eight endemic barangays in Leyte, Philippines. Eligible chronic schistosomiasis patients with varying severities of hepatic fibrosis were enrolled in the cohort and serially examined at 6, 12, and 24 months from baseline. Baseline serum miR-146a-5p, let-7a-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-122-5p, miR-93-5p, and miR200b-3p were measured using RT-qPCR. A total of 136 chronic schistosomiasis patients were included in this prospective cohort study. Approximately, 42.6% had no fibrosis, 22.8% had mild fibrosis, and 34.6% had severe fibrosis at baseline The serum levels of the antifibrotic miR-146a (p < 0.0001), miR-150 (p = 0.0058), and let-7a (p < 0.0001) were significantly lower in patients with hepatic fibrosis while the profibrotic miR-93 (p = 0.0024) was elevated. miR-146a-5p (AUC = 0.90, 95% CI [0.84, 0.96], p < 0.0001) has the most promising potential to differentiate patients with (n = 78) versus without (n = 58) hepatic fibrosis. The baseline level of serum miR-146-5p was significantly different in patients with progressive fibrosis (n = 17) compared to those who never developed fibrosis (n = 30, p < 0.01) or those who had fibrosis reversal (n = 20, p < 0.01) after 24 months. These findings demonstrate the potential utility of serum miRNAs, particularly of miR-146a, as a supplementary tool for assessing hepatic fibrosis in chronic schistosomiasis japonica patients.
A Mini-Review Regarding the Clinical Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Following Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing (PGT)-Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Approach
Authors: Doroftei Bogdan , Ilie Ovidiu-Dumitru , Anton Nicoleta , Armeanu Theodora , Ilea Ciprian
Published: August 2022

Background: PGT-based NGS revolutionized the field of reproductive medicine, becoming an integrated component within current assisted reproductive technology (ART) protocols. Methods: We searched the literature published in the last half a decade in four databases (PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge, ScienceDirect, and Scopus) between 2018 and 2022. Results: A total of 1388 articles were filtered, from which 60 met, initially, the eligibility criteria, but only 42 were included (≥100 patients/couples—62,465 patients and 6628 couples in total) in the present mini-review. In total, forty-two (70.0%) reported reproductive outcomes, while eighteen (30.0%) had distinct objectives. Furthermore, n = 1, 1.66% of the studies focused on PGT, n = 1, 1.66% on pre-implantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M), n = 3, 5.0% on pre-implantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements (PGT-SR) and n = 55, 91.66% on pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A). Conclusions: PGT using NGS proved to be an excellent companion that folds within the current ascending tendency among couples that require specialty care. We strongly encourage future studies to provide a systematic overview expanded at a larger scale on the role of the PGT-NGS.
Detecting Endotracheal Tube and Carina on Portable Supine Chest Radiographs Using One-Stage Detector with a Coarse-to-Fine Attention
Authors: Mao Liang-Kai , Huang Min-Hsin , Lai Chao-Han , Sun Yung-Nien , Chen Chi-Yeh
Published: August 2022

In intensive care units (ICUs), after endotracheal intubation, the position of the endotracheal tube (ETT) should be checked to avoid complications. The malposition can be detected by the distance between the ETT tip and the Carina (ETT–Carina distance). However, it struggles with a limited performance for two major problems, i.e., occlusion by external machine, and the posture and machine of taking chest radiographs. While previous studies addressed these problems, they always suffered from the requirements of manual intervention. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to locate the ETT tip and the Carina more accurately for detecting the malposition without manual intervention. The proposed architecture is composed of FCOS: Fully Convolutional One-Stage Object Detection, an attention mechanism named Coarse-to-Fine Attention (CTFA), and a segmentation branch. Moreover, a post-process algorithm is adopted to select the final location of the ETT tip and the Carina. Three metrics were used to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. With the dataset provided by National Cheng Kung University Hospital, the accuracy of the malposition detected by the proposed method achieves 88.82% and the ETT–Carina distance errors are less than 5.333±6.240 mm.
Dietary Patterns and Blood Biochemical and Metabolic Parameters in an Italian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Cecchini Marta , Urbano Teresa , Lasagni Daniela , De Luca Tiziana , Malavolti Marcella , Baraldi Claudia , Grioni Sara , Agnoli Claudia , Sieri Sabina , Santachiara Annalisa , Pertinhez Thelma A. , Fustinoni Silvia , Baricchi Roberto , Vinceti Marco , Filippini Tommaso
Published: August 2022

Diet has long been identified as a major determinant of cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. In this study, we assess the relation between adherence to different dietary patterns and biochemical and metabolic parameters as well as the 10-year risk of major cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in a community of blood donors in Northern Italy. We assess their adherence to four dietary patterns, namely, the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, the Mediterranean diet through the Greek and Italian Mediterranean Indices (GMI and IMI) and the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). We then assess their association with blood parameters and the 10-year risk of major CVD using a spline regression model. We found an inverse association between the DASH and MIND diets and total and LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride and HDL cholesterol values for the Mediterranean diets (IMI and GMI). Additionally, according to our sex-stratified analyses, men who have greater adherence to dietary patterns have a decreased risk of major CVD for all patterns. The results suggest that greater adherence to dietary patterns positively influences blood biochemical and metabolic parameters, thus reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and delaying the use of drug treatments.
Leadership and Managerial Skills in Dentistry: Characteristics and Challenges Based on a Preliminary Case Study
Authors: Antoniadou Maria
Published: August 2022

Dentistry is changing rapidly in a dynamic and challenging mode and is incorporating digital technology, communication, and managerial skills for profitable enterprises. On the new dental horizon, the profession requires engaging and inspiring role models and leaders. Ιdentifying and developing human soft skills can improve quality issues and guarantee a sustainable dental business. The concept of leadership is a very complex and multidimensional phenomenon as observed from the current literature. In different commercial environments, there has been a huge discussion on the specific characteristics of an effective leader. In dentistry, the subject needs further investigation. This article aims to bring up the importance of dental leadership and highlights the need of identifying dental leaders committed to excellency. It also challenges the need for educational shift on dental leadership management. Finally, it aims to support and develop educational transformations based on positive preliminary data observed by incorporating a new, relevant subject in the dental curriculum.
Preliminary Clinical Validation of a Drone-Based Delivery System in Urban Scenarios Using a Smart Capsule for Blood
Authors: Niglio Fabrizio , Comite Paola , Cannas Andrea , Pirri Angela , Tortora Giuseppe
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we report on the validation of an autonomous drone-based delivery system equipped with a smart capsule for the transportation of blood products in urban areas. The influence of some thermo-mechanical parameters, such as altitude, acceleration/deceleration, external temperature and humidity, on the specimens’ integrity were analyzed. The comparison of the results carried out by hemolytic tests, performed systematically on samples before and after each drone flight, clearly demonstrated that the integrity of blood is preserved and no adverse effects took place during the transport; these results can be addressed to the smart-capsule properties, which allows integrating real-time quality monitoring and control of the temperature experienced by blood products and mechanical vibrations. In addition, we demonstrated this transport system reduces the delivery time considerably. A risk analysis (i.e., HFMEA) was applied to all delivery processes to assess possible criticalities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a drone-based delivery system of blood products in an urban area has been validated to be employed in a future clinical scenario.
Ladderpath Approach: How Tinkering and Reuse Increase Complexity and Information
Authors: Liu Yu , Di Zengru , Gerlee Philip
Published: August 2022

The notion of information and complexity are important concepts in many scientific fields such as molecular biology, evolutionary theory and exobiology. Many measures of these quantities are either difficult to compute, rely on the statistical notion of information, or can only be applied to strings. Based on assembly theory, we propose the notion of a ladderpath, which describes how an object can be decomposed into hierarchical structures using repetitive elements. From the ladderpath, two measures naturally emerge: the ladderpath-index and the order-index, which represent two axes of complexity. We show how the ladderpath approach can be applied to both strings and spatial patterns and argue that all systems that undergo evolution can be described as ladderpaths. Further, we discuss possible applications to human language and the origin of life. The ladderpath approach provides an alternative characterization of the information that is contained in a single object (or a system) and could aid in our understanding of evolving systems and the origin of life in particular.
On the Eigenvalues of the Fermionic Angular Eigenfunctions in the Kerr Metric
Authors: Batic Davide , Karim Suzan Hamad Abdul , Nowakowski Marek
Published: August 2022

In view of a result recently published in the context of the deformation theory of linear Hamiltonian systems, we reconsider the eigenvalue problem associated with the angular equation arising after the separation of the Dirac equation in the Kerr metric, and we show how a quasilinear first order PDE for the angular eigenvalues can be derived efficiently. We also prove that it is not possible to obtain an ordinary differential equation for the eigenvalues when the role of the independent variable is played by the particle energy or the black hole mass. Finally, we construct new perturbative expansions for the eigenvalues in the Kerr case and obtain an asymptotic formula for the eigenvalues in the case of a Kerr naked singularity.
A Novel Deep Transfer Learning Method for Intelligent Fault Diagnosis Based on Variational Mode Decomposition and Efficient Channel Attention
Authors: Liu Caiming , Zheng Xiaorong , Bao Zhengyi , He Zhiwei , Gao Mingyu , Song Wenlong
Published: August 2022

In recent years, deep learning has been applied to intelligent fault diagnosis and has achieved great success. However, the fault diagnosis method of deep learning assumes that the training dataset and the test dataset are obtained under the same operating conditions. This condition can hardly be met in real application scenarios. Additionally, signal preprocessing technology also has an important influence on intelligent fault diagnosis. How to effectively relate signal preprocessing to a transfer diagnostic model is a challenge. To solve the above problems, we propose a novel deep transfer learning method for intelligent fault diagnosis based on Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) and Efficient Channel Attention (ECA). In the proposed method, the VMD adaptively matches the optimal center frequency and finite bandwidth of each mode to achieve effective separation of signals. To fuse the mode features more effectively after VMD decomposition, ECA is used to learn channel attention. The experimental results show that the proposed signal preprocessing and feature fusion module can increase the accuracy and generality of the transfer diagnostic model. Moreover, we comprehensively analyze and compare our method with state-of-the-art methods at different noise levels, and the results show that our proposed method has better robustness and generalization performance.
Catastrophe Theory Applied to Neuropsychological Data: Nonlinear Effects of Depression on Financial Capacity in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Authors: Stamovlasis Dimitrios , Giannouli Vaitsa , Vaiopoulou Julie , Tsolaki Magda
Published: August 2022

Financial incapacity is one of the cognitive deficits observed in amnestic mild cognitive impairment and dementia, while the combined interference of depression remains unexplored. The objective of this research is to investigate and propose a nonlinear model that explains empirical data better than ordinary linear ones and elucidates the role of depression. Four hundred eighteen (418) participants with a diagnosis of amnestic MCI with varying levels of depression were examined with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), the Functional Rating Scale for Symptoms of Dementia (FRSSD), and the Legal Capacity for Property Law Transactions Assessment Scale (LCPLTAS). Cusp catastrophe analysis was applied to the data, which suggested that the nonlinear model was superior to the linear and logistic alternatives, demonstrating depression contributes to a bifurcation effect. Depressive symptomatology induces nonlinear effects, that is, beyond a threshold value sudden decline in financial capacity is observed. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Spatial Variation in Educational Quality in Colombia Based on the Phenomena of Agglomeration and Academic Segregation
Authors: Castro-Aristizabal Geovanny , Giménez-Esteban Gregorio , Arango-Londoño David , Moreno-Cediel Esteban , Castillo-Caicedo Maribel
Published: August 2022

This study seeks to measure the degree of agglomeration of educational quality in Colombia, based on the nonsocialization of the population that exhibits low educational quality, with the population that exhibits high educational quality, and thus determine how such agglomeration affects the phenomenon of academic segregation. To this end, we perform a spatial analysis of the educational quality in Colombia and of variables that may influence the phenomenon of educational agglomeration. The level of agglomeration in educational quality in Colombia is demonstrated by the calculation of the Moran’s Index, in which a result of 0.62 was obtained. High educational quality is concentrated in the Andean region, while low educational quality is agglomerated in the periphery of the country, in areas such as the Pacific region. A spatial regression model was carried out to measure the dependence of municipalities on their neighbors, and to determine the main socio-economic factors affecting the phenomenon of educational agglomeration in Colombia, finding that living conditions, unsatisfied basic needs and fiscal transparency all have an impact on the educational quality of the municipalities. It is also found that the number of homicides in the municipalities does not seem to have a significant relationship with education.