bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of tissue displacement in edentulous arches among three‐dimensional files obtained through different impression‐making methods: A retrospective study
Authors: Choi Ha Eun , Kim Sumin , Moon Hong Seok , Oh Kyung Chul
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To retrospectively compare and analyze differences in tissue displacement of edentulous arches among three‐dimensional (3D) files obtained using various impression‐making techniques.

Materials and Methods

Fourteen patients who underwent prosthodontic treatment for edentulous arches at Yonsei University Dental Hospital between June 2020 and April 2023 were included in the study. Three types of 3D files were used for the evaluation of each arch: a 3D scan file of a definitive cast (Group DEF), a preliminary cast (Group PRE), and an intraoral scan file (Group IOS). The files were superimposed on a reference 3D scan file of the definitive cast group through best‐fit matching using metrology software. Seventeen measurement points (MP1‐4, RC1‐6, TB1‐2, and PPS1‐5 for the maxilla and RP1‐2, RC1‐7, BS1‐4, and LS1‐4 for the mandible) were selected for both the maxillary (n = 13) and mandibular arches (n = 6). The deviation considering the direction (DD) between the three groups and the absolute deviation (AD) between the three groups were recorded. Kruskal–Wallis and post‐hoc Mann–Whitney tests were used for statistical analyses (α = 0.05 and α = 0.0167, respectively).

Results

Concerning the DD values, at the RC4 point of the maxillary arch, Group PRE exhibited significantly higher values than Groups IOS (p = 0.006) and DEF (p < 0.001), and at the RC5 point of the maxillary arch, Group IOS exhibited significantly lower values than Groups PRE (p = 0.016) and DEF (p < 0.001). Group IOS showed significantly lower DD values in the mandibular arch than Group DEF at the RP2 and RC3 points (p < 0.167). The AD values in Groups PRE and IOS significantly differed from those in Group DEF (all p < 0.001) at all measurement points but did not exhibit significant differences between each other (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Different impression‐making methods yielded different amounts of tissue displacement. The tendency of 3D files regarding tissue displacement varied at certain residual ridge crest areas and retromolar pad areas. The absolute amount of tissue displacement observed in the intraoral scan data was comparable to that observed in the preliminary casts.
Effects of gelatin concentration, adding temperature and mixing rate on texture and quality characteristics of model gels
Authors: Dalabasmaz Sevim , Melayim Mehmet Erhan , Konar Nevzat
Published: September 2023

In this study, the effects of gelatin concentrations (GC) (5.0–10.0 g/100 g), mixing rate (MR) (100–1100 rpm), and gelatin addition temperature (GAT) (55, 60, and 65°C) were investigated on the main textural and various physicochemical properties of model gels (n = 72) prepared using sucrose and glucose syrup (40–42 DE). Considering the p‐value of the F‐statistic calculated by analysis of variance and the 5% significance level, the production parameters and their interactions had a significant effect on the quality parameters. The influence of the production parameters GC, MR, and GAT, and the interaction of these parameters, GC * MR, GC * GAT, MR * GAT, and GC * MR * GAT of the model gels on the quality characteristic were expressed by converting the Type III SS values into percent values. When all quality characteristics were considered together, MR was the most influential with a score of 58%. PCAmix, a combination of factorial analysis with PCA, was used to visualize the correlations between the production parameters and the quality characteristics of the modeled gels. A great influence was observed between MR and moisture content, color properties, and texture parameters, except springiness. A moderate effect of GC and a minor effect of GAT could be characterized. With the 2D‐map of observations, the model gels could be clearly divided into two groups according to the MRs. In accordance with the observations diagram of PCAmix, the similarity dendrogram of AHC also formed two clusters, one cluster for the samples with MR 100 and 200 rpm and one cluster for the samples with MR 500 and 1100 rpm.
Predictors of clinical trajectories of patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis. An external validation of the PREDICT study
Authors: Pompili Enrico , Baldassarre Maurizio , Bedogni Giorgio , Zaccherini Giacomo , Iannone Giulia , De Venuto Clara , Pratelli Dario , Palmese Francesco , Domenicali Marco , Caraceni Paolo
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

The PREDICT study recently showed that acutely decompensated (AD) patients with cirrhosis can present three different clinical phenotypes in the 90 days after admission: (1) pre‐ACLF, developing acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF); (2) unstable decompensated cirrhosis (UDC), being re‐admitted for AD without ACLF and (3) stable decompensated cirrhosis (SDC), not presenting readmission or ACLF. This study aimed to externally validate the existence of these three distinct trajectories and to identify predictors for the occurrence of each trajectory.

Methods

Baseline data, 3‐month ACLF and readmission incidence and 1‐year survival were analysed in a prospective cohort of patients admitted for AD. A multinomial multivariable model was used to evaluate the association between baseline features and clinical trajectories.

Results

Of the 311 patients enrolled, 55% met the criteria for SDC, 18% for UDC and 27% for pre‐ACLF, presenting a significantly different 1‐year mortality: pre‐ACLF 65%, UDC 46%, SDC 21% (p < .001). The presence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) was associated with UDC (p = .043), while the absence of ascites to SDC (p = .017). Among laboratory parameters, an increase in MELD‐Na (p = .001) and C‐reactive protein (p = .009) and a decrease in haemoglobin (p = .004) and albumin (p = .008) levels were associated with pre‐ACLF.

Conclusion

The present study confirms that AD patients have three different clinical trajectories with different mortality rates. Besides the severity of cirrhosis, the association with C‐reactive protein supports the predominant role of systemic inflammation in ACLF pathophysiology. Finally, HE is associated with the UDC phenotype highlighting the need for better management of this complication after discharge.
Effects of a new selective β3‐adrenoceptor agonist, vibegron, on bladder and urethral function in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Togo Mio , Kitta Takeya , Chiba Hiroki , Higuchi Madoka , Kusakabe Naohisa , Ouchi Mifuka , Abe‐Takahashi Yui , Kakizaki Hidehiro , Shinohara Nobuo
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Parkinson's disease caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons induces not only motor dysfunction but also lower urinary tract dysfunction. Patients with Parkinson's disease have recently been reported to experience both urge urinary incontinence (overactive bladder) and stress urinary incontinence, the latter of which occurs when the pressure of the bladder exceeds that of the urethra. Vibegron is a highly selective novel β3‐adrenoceptor agonist approved for the treatment of overactive bladder. However, how β3‐adrenoceptor agonists affect urethral function remains unclear. In a clinical report, the urethral function of patients with Parkinson's disease was shown to be degraded. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of vibegron on lower urinary tract activity in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.

Methods

In a rat model of Parkinson's disease induced by unilateral 6‐hydroxydopamine injection into the substantia nigra pars compacta, we examined the effects of vibegron on bladder and urethral activity.

Results

Cystometric analysis revealed that, compared with vehicle injection, intravenous injection of 3 mg/kg vibegron significantly increased the inter‐contraction interval (p < .05) and reduced voiding pressure (p < .01). However, no significant effects on urethral function were observed.

Conclusions

The results of the present study provide corroborating evidence that bladder dysfunction is suppressed by the administration of vibegron in Parkinson's disease model rats, confirming that vibegron is effective for treating overactive bladder without further worsening urethral function. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of β3‐adrenoceptor agonists.
Atypical TDP‐43 proteinopathy clinically presenting with progressive nonfluent aphasia: A case report
Authors: Suzuki Yuki , Adachi Tadashi , Yoshida Kentaro , Taneda Kenta , Sakuwa Mayuko , Hasegawa Masato , Hanajima Ritsuko
Published: September 2023

Progressive nonfluent aphasia (PNFA) is a form of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) caused by tau and transactive response DNA‐binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43) accumulation. Here we report the autopsy findings of a 64‐year‐old right‐handed man with an atypical TDP‐43 proteinopathy who presented with difficulties with speech, verbal paraphasia, and dysphagia that progressed over the 36 months prior to his death. He did not show pyramidal tract signs until his death. At autopsy, macroscopic brain examination revealed atrophy of the left dominant precentral, superior, and middle frontal gyri and discoloration of the putamen. Spongiform change and neuronal loss were severe on the cortical surfaces of the precentral, superior frontal, and middle frontal gyri and the temporal tip. Immunostaining with anti‐phosphorylated TDP‐43 revealed neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions and long and short dystrophic neurites in the frontal cortex, predominantly in layers II, V, and VI of the temporal tip, amygdala, and transentorhinal cortex. Immunoblot analysis of the sarkosyl‐insoluble fractions showed hyperphosphorylated TDP‐43 bands at 45 kDa and phosphorylated C‐terminal fragments at approximately 25 kDa. The pathological distribution and immunoblot band pattern differ from the major TDP‐43 subtype and therefore may represent a new FTLD‐TDP phenotype.
Safety and efficacy of topical nitric oxide‐releasing berdazimer gel for molluscum contagiosum clearance: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Pera Calvi Izabela , R. Marques Isabela , Cruz Sara A. , Mesquita Yasmin Luz Lima , Padrao Eduardo M. H. , Souza Rafaela M. , Brown Andrew , Caçador Danielle G. V. , Poppe Lidia M. , Lopes Almeida Gomes Lais
Published: September 2023

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a contagious infection that, although benign, can become an aesthetic burden and lead to other opportunistic infections, secondary dermatitis, and self‐isolation. Currently, several treatment options are available for MC, including the newly investigated nitric oxide‐releasing berdazimer gel, leading this review to evaluate randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing berdazimer gel with a vehicle for treating MC. The meta‐analysis included three reports and four RCT involving 1854 patients, with 1106 (59.6%) randomized to receive berdazimer. Our findings suggest that berdazimer is effective in the management of MC lesions, but the increased clearance of lesions and reduction of scarring must be weighed against the potential for topical adverse effects, particularly when considering the use of this therapy in pediatric patients.
OEM‐servicizing with a multiusecycle product: Model analysis and insights
Authors: Gao Yinshi (Agnes) , Bansal Saurabh , Guide V. Daniel R.
Published: September 2023

Customers of many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in business‐to‐business markets today demand product servicizing in which instead of buying the product from the OEM they buy the use of a product during a lease. During the lease, (i) the customer uses the product and returns it to the OEM after the use reaches a specific level, (ii) the OEM remanufactures the product in a costly process and sends it back to the customer, and this usecycle is repeated multiple times. The lease terms typically involve a use‐based payment. While a greater product use by a customer brings a larger revenue to the OEM, it also increases the remanufacturing cost incurred by the OEM. We investigate this trade‐off using an analytical model for a contract that is used extensively in industry. For the case of homogeneous customers with a common use rate of the product, we optimize lease payment terms and identify market and product‐remanufacturing characteristics for which the OEM should servicize the product instead of selling it. We show that an OEM should not servicize a product when the customers' use rate exceeds a threshold. This is because, beyond this threshold, the remanufacturing cost increases disproportionably, exceeding the higher usage‐based revenue. Subsequently, we consider a market with two segments with different use rates. We consider two servicizing modes: (i) servicize both market segments or (ii) selectively servicize only one segment and sell the product to the other segment, and the default mode of selling in both segments. We develop optimal lease payment terms for these use‐based servicizing modes, identify thresholds of product and market characteristics for the optimality of these modes. Finally, we extend the results to a market with more than two segments and compare the environmental impacts of the servicizing or sell decision. Numerical results informed by empirical data show that the OEM's loss of profit from choosing a suboptimal servicizing/sell decision can be significant.
Monitoring strategy of COVID‐19 vaccination in dialysis patients based on a multiplex immunodot method: The CovidDial study
Authors: Debelle Frédéric , Nguyen Vo Thanh Phuong , Boitquin Laurence , Guillen‐Anaya Miguel‐Ange , Gankam Fabrice , Declèves Anne‐Emilie ,   the CoviDial study group
Published: September 2023

Introduction

COVID‐19 vaccine was demonstrated to be effective in dialysis patients, but boosters are mandatory due to a rapid waning of anti‐spike antibodies. A vaccination strategy based on immunologic response might be useful to maintain a favorable risk–benefit balance in this vulnerable population.

Methods

CoviDial is an observational prospective study enrolling 121 dialysis patients to receive a 3‐dose mRNA‐1273 vaccine according to a uniform schedule. At baseline, months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12, anti‐spike antibodies against four epitopes (S1, S2, ECD‐S1 + S2, RBD) were monitored with a multiplex immunodot enzymatic assay. Potential correlation between initial serologic response and subsequent COVID‐19 infection was then assessed.

Results

Overall, 96.2% and 96.8% of patients had anti‐RBD antibodies at 3 and 12 months, respectively. All antibodies titers significantly decreased at month 6 compared to month 3. Booster vaccine induced a robust serologic response at month 9, but with a waning 3 months later, particularly for anti‐S2 (37.2 ± 3.3 vs. 61.3 ± 3.0, p < 0.0001) and anti‐S1 + S2 antibodies (68.4 ± 3.3 vs. 88.4 ± 2.3, p = 0.0015). Fifteen patients were later tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2. At month 3, mean titers of anti‐RBD, anti‐S1 + S2, and anti‐S2 antibodies were lower in the subsequent SARS‐CoV‐2 infected cohort (71.57 ± 9.01 vs. 85.79 ± 2.61, p = 0.0131; 41.07 ± 7.96 vs. 61.68 ± 3.56, p = 0.0237; 13.79 ± 5.03 vs. 39.70 ± 3.86, p = 0.0096; respectively).

Conclusion

Three doses of mRNA‐1273 vaccine induce a robust but time‐limited immunologic response in dialysis patients. Lower anti‐spike antibodies titers after initial vaccination are associated with a higher risk to subsequently contract SARS‐CoV‐2, even beyond 6 months.
Demographically adjusted Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test norms in a Swedish and Norwegian cohort aged 49–77 years and comparison with North American norms
Authors: Öhman Fredrik , Eckerström Marie , Hessen Erik , Espenes Jacob , Eliassen Ingvild V. , Lorentzen Ingrid M. , Stålhammar Jacob , Kettunen Petronella , Schöll Michael , Fladby Tormod , Wallin Anders , Kirsebom Bjørn‐Eivind
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT) is one of the most commonly used neuropsychological tests in Sweden and Norway. However, no publications provide normative data for this population. The objective of this study was to present demographically adjusted norms for a Swedish and Norwegian population and to evaluate these in an independent comparison group.

Methods

The RCFT was administrated to 344 healthy controls recruited from the Swedish Gothenburg MCI study, the Norwegian Dementia Disease Initiation study, and the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study. Age ranged from 49 to 77 years (mean = 62.4 years, SD = 5.0 years), and education ranged from 6 to 24 years (mean = 13.3 years, SD = 3.0 years). Using a regression‐based procedure, we investigated the effects of age, sex, and years of education on test performance. We compared and evaluated our Swedish and Norwegian norms with North American norms in an independent comparison group of 145 individuals.

Results

In healthy controls, age and education were associated with performance on the RCFT. When comparing normative RCFT performance in an independent comparison group, North American norms generally overestimated immediate and delayed recall performance. In contrast, our Swedish and Norwegian norms appear to better take into account factors of age and education.

Conclusions

We presented demographically adjusted norms for the RCFT in a Swedish and Norwegian sample. This is the first normative study of the RCFT that presents normative data for this population. In addition, we showed that North American norms might produce inaccurate normative estimations in an independent comparison group.
The use of a “horizontal centrifugation protocol” to prepare autologous platelet‐rich fibrin membranes for corneal reconstruction surgery in dogs with complicated corneal ulcerations: A case series
Authors: Baadsgaard Bruun Louise , Waskiw Hardon Tommy A. , Havnsøe Krogh Anne K. , Qvortup Klaus , Heegaard Steffen , Thuri Kristensen Annemarie , Henriksen Michala de Linde
Published: September 2023

Objective

The purpose of this case series was to describe the effect of autologous PRF membrane for corneal reconstruction surgery in dogs. PRF membranes made from two healthy dogs unrelated to the current case series were used for PRF histologic analyses.

Animals

Seven dogs with complicated corneal ulcerations.

Procedure

A complete ophthalmic examination, hematology, and fibrinogen analysis were performed pre‐surgery. A PRF clot was made from autologous blood in a serum tube after centrifugation in a horizontal Bio‐PRF® Centrifuge at 700 × g for 8 min. The PRF clot was processed in a PRF‐Box® into a PRF membrane. The PRF membrane was sutured to the corneal ulcer bed. Each dog had a follow‐up at days 5–7, 12–14, and 30–40 post‐surgery. A final long‐term follow‐up was performed as well.

Results

A positive outcome with healing and a “good” quality PRF membrane was seen in six out of seven dogs. One dog had a fibrinogen level below normal range and the PRF membrane was of “poor” quality. This dog developed a descemetocele 13 days post‐surgery and needed rescue surgery. Mean healing time for all dogs was 9 ± 5.5 days. Minimal scarring, corneal pigmentation, and vascularization were observed at the final long‐term follow‐up 288 ± 44 days post‐surgery.

Conclusion

PRF membrane was successful as graft material for corneal ulceration reconstruction surgery. Low fibrinogen appeared to have negative effect on the quality of the PRF membrane, showing the importance for the surgeon to evaluate the quality of the PRF membrane prior to surgery.
Coaxial Nozzle-Assisted Embedded 3D Printing of Single-Layered Channels Within a Yield-Stress Matrix Bath
Authors: Raymond Lily , Hua Weijian , Valentin Naima , Coulter Ryan , Bandala Erick , Leong Kaitlin , Okaikoi Jada , Jin Yifei
Published: September 2023

Creating multilayered channels for mimicking human blood vessels in thick tissues is the main challenge to overcome in organ biofabrication. Current three-dimensional (3D) printing strategies cannot effectively manufacture hollow channels with multiple layers. This study aims to propose a coaxial nozzle-assisted embedded 3D printing method in which core–shell filaments can be formed in a yield-stress matrix bath by extruding different ink materials through the corresponding channels. The materials selected for the core ink, shell ink, and matrix bath are Pluronic F127 (F127) and calcium chloride (CaCl2), sodium alginate (NaAlg), and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and nanoclay, respectively. After crosslinking the matrix bath and shell, the core layer made from the sacrificial ink (F127) is removed to generate a single-layered, hollow channel. In this work, the effects of ink material properties and operating conditions on core–shell filament formation have been systematically studied. The rheological and mechanical properties of the yield-stress matrix bath have been characterized as well. A thick tissue-like structure with embedded single-layered, hollow channels has been successfully printed for demonstration. Since it is feasible to design coaxial nozzles with a core–shell–shell architecture, the proposed method is technically extendable to create double-layered channels within a cellular tissue construct, accurately mimicking human blood vascular networks in thick tissues in the future.
Fifty-Five Prompt Questions for Identifying Social Impacts of Engineered Products
Authors: Mattson Christopher A. , Geilman Thomas B. , Cook-Wright Joshua F. , Mabey Christopher S. , Dahlin Eric , Salmon John L.
Published: September 2023

This article introduces 55 prompt questions that can be used by design teams to consider the social impacts of the engineered products they develop. These 55 questions were developed by a team of engineers and social scientists to help design teams consider the wide range of social impacts that can result from their design decisions. After their development, these 55 questions were tested in a controlled experiment involving 12 design teams. Given a 1-h period of time, 6 control teams were asked to identify many social impacts within each of the 11 social impact categories identified by Rainock et al. (2018, The Social Impacts of Products: A Review, Impact Assess. Project Appraisal, 36, pp. 230241), while 6 treatment groups were asked to do the same while using the 55 questions as prompts to the ideation session. Considering all 1079 social impacts identified by the teams combined and using 99% confidence intervals, the analysis of the data shows that the 55 questions cause teams to more evenly identify high-quality, high-variety, high-novelty impacts across all 11 social impact categories during an ideation session, as opposed to focusing too heavily on a subset of impact categories. The questions (treatment) do this without reducing the quantity, quality, or novelty of impacts identified, compared to the control group. In addition, using a 90% confidence interval, the 55 questions cause teams to more evenly identify impacts when low quality, low variety, and low novelty are not filtered out. As a point of interest, the case where low quality and low variety impacts are removed – but low novelty impacts are not – the treatment draws the same conclusion but with only 85% confidence.
Enhancing the Performance of a Rooftop Solar Chimney Through Flow Disturbers
Authors: Zamora Blas
Published: September 2023

Enhancing the performance of passive solar chimneys constitutes a key point for successful applications in bioclimatic architecture. Present work assesses applications of several kinds of flow disturbers in a rooftop solar chimney, under isoflux heating and windless conditions, and including surface radiative effects. Systematic numerical calculations are conducted aiming a comprehensive analysis, by means of a low-Reynolds turbulence model, being the range of Rayleigh number considered 2.170 × 1012 − 2.170 × 1013. Effect of different geometrical parameters is analyzed, although main attention is posed on the influence of disturbers elements on the thermohydraulic behavior of the established airflow, for obtaining best performance conditions. Some obstacles cause a clear decrease in the efficiency of the system, but given disturbers appropriately located produce valuable enhancements in the thermal or dynamic efficiency. Insertion of intermediate plates proves to be the best option, achieving maximum increases of even approximately 50% in the ventilation capacity.
Blistering instability during capillary thinning of solutions of homo- and associative polymers
Authors: Subbotin Andrey V. , Semenov Alexander N.
Published: September 2023

A linear stability analysis is carried out for viscoelastic filaments (formed by an unentangled polymer solution) during capillary thinning in the regime of unfolded polymer coils taking into account the relative motion of the solvent and the polymer. The conditions for the onset of filament instability with respect to axisymmetric modulation of its surface are found. The analysis is valid for relatively fast processes occurring at times shorter than the characteristic thinning time. It is shown that the growth rate of such pearling instability is determined by the osmotic modulus of the solution and the degree of orientation of macromolecules. In the case of nonassociative polymers, the instability develops (with the growth rate exceeding the rate of filament thinning) when the longitudinal length of stretched polymer chains exceeds the diameter of the filament. The theory is also applicable to soft gels and associative polymer solutions with very long relaxation times. The predictions of the theory are in agreement with experimental data.
Structure of Fluctuations in the Edge Plasma of a Stellarator in Modes with Transport Transitions
Authors: Vasil’kov D. G. , Skvortsova N. N. , Kharchev N. K.
Published: September 2023

The evolution of fluctuating signals from electrostatic and magnetic probes and reflectometry on the L-2M stellarator is presented. The L-2M facility is a quasi-stationary toroidal magnetic trap in which plasma is generated and heated by high-power pulsed microwave radiation. Pulses with transitions to improved confinement modes accompanied by an increase in energy, increase in plasma density, and restructuring of the peripheral electric field, were analyzed. Spectral analysis of signals is carried out using Fourier analysis and various wavelets. The possible influence of magnetohydrodynamic and kinetic instabilities on the development of transient processes is considered.
Erratum to: The World’s Largest Bauxite-Bearing Province, Fouta Djallon–Mandingo (West Africa). Part 4: a Zoning Mechanism in Laterite Bauxite-Bearing Weathering Crust
Authors: Makarova M. A. , Mamedov V. I. , Boeva N. M. , Shipilova E. S. , Vnuchkov D. A. , Bortnikov N. S.
Published: September 2023

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1075701523360023
Advances in the care of breast cancer survivors
Authors: Cathcart-Rake Elizabeth J , Tevaarwerk Amye J , Haddad Tufia C , D’Andre Stacy D , Ruddy Kathryn J
Published: September 2023

Breast cancer survivors may experience significant after effects from diagnoses of breast cancer and cancer directed therapies. This review synthesizes the evidence about optimal management of the sequelae of a diagnosis of breast cancer. It describes the side effects of chemotherapy and endocrine therapy and evidence based strategies for management of such effects, with particular attention to effects of therapies with curative intent. It includes strategies to promote health and wellness among breast cancer survivors, along with data to support the use of integrative oncology strategies. In addition, this review examines models of survivorship care and ways in which digital tools may facilitate communication between clinicians and patients. The strategies outlined in this review are paramount to supporting breast cancer survivors’ quality of life.
Assessing the methane mitigation potential of Canadian red seaweeds using in vitro batch culture
Authors: Terry Stephanie A , Garcia Vicky , Beauchemin Karen A
Published: September 2023

Seven red Canadian seaweeds ( Callophyllis flabellulata, Graciliariopsis verrucosa, Mastocarpus papillatus, Mazzaella splendens, Mazzaella japonica, Palmaria mollis, and Prionitis lanceolata) and a positive control ( Asparagopsis taxiformis) were selected to evaluate their chemical and elemental composition and their effects on in vitro fermentation and methane (CH4) production in an alfalfa hay or barley straw diet. The in vitro batch culture was conducted as a completely randomised design with a control (alfalfa hay or barley straw) and seven increasing concentrations of seaweed. Chemical and elemental composition varied greatly across seaweed genera. Increasing supplementation of A. taxiformis linearly decreased ( P < 0.001) dry matter disappearance (DMD) and gas production (GP; mL, mL/g DMD) with CH4 production eliminated ( P < 0.001) at 1.0% inclusion of A. taxiformis in both diets. Inclusion of Mastocarpus papillatus, Mazzaella japonica, Mazzaella splendens, Palmaria mollis, and Prionitis lanceolata increased ( P ≤ 0.05) GP (mL/g DMD) at 0.5% and 1.0% in alfalfa diets. Graciliariopsis verrucosa linearly decreased ( P = 0.01) CH4 production (mL/g DMD) in the straw diet, but no doses were different compared to the control. In conclusion, the Canadian red seaweeds examined in this study did not exhibit anti-methanogenic potential when incubated with alfalfa hay or barley straw.
How consistent are citizen science data sources, an exploratory study using free automated image recognition apps for woody plant identification
Authors: Anyomi Kenneth
Published: September 2023

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence have led to an upsurge in automated image recognition phone apps. This has increased public involvement in the collection, identification (ID), and analysis of biological data. While this is good for the field of biological data monitoring and biodiversity conservation, it is not clear how consistent IDs are from different apps. The goal of this exploratory work is to verify the accuracy and consistency in plant species identification from two widely used and free apps, i.e., PlantNet and iNaturalist apps. This work was conducted by scanning leaf samples along Bruce Trail in the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve as well as from the Royal Botanical Gardens arboretum, both in Hamilton, Ontario. Results show over 90% consistency in the identification of woody plants at the level of genus. At the species level, the PlantNet app demonstrated 79% accuracy (i.e., 79 out of 100 species correctly identified), while the iNaturalist app demonstrated 44% accuracy. Enhancing species representation in the database for Southern Ontario might help particularly species in the families Betulaceae, Rosaceae, and Pinaceae. Complementary use of the apps is recommended as a cautionary measure to reduce the likelihood of error in species-level woody plant identification as well as using apps in conjunction with field guide.
Effect of oral versus parenteral vitamin D3 supplementation on nuclear factor-κB and platelet aggregation in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Habiba Esraa , Ali Samia , Ghanem Yehia , Sharaki Ola , Hewedy Wafaa
Published: September 2023

Platelet hyperactivity is one of the key factors implicated in the development and progression of diabetic vascular complications. Activated platelets mediate leukocyte recruitment that further enhances inflammatory responses in vascular wall ultimately resulting in atherosclerotic complications. Since vitamin D insufficiency is highly prevalent in diabetics, we aimed to evaluate the effect of three dosage forms of vitamin D supplementation on lipid profile, NF-κB, platelet aggregation, and platelet calcium content in type 2 diabetic patients. Type 2 diabetic patients were randomized to receive daily (4000 IU/day) or weekly (50 000 IU/week) oral vitamin D3 for 3 months. Another group received a single parenteral dose (300 000 IU) of vitamin D3, whereas the control group received their antidiabetic drug(s) alone. Serum 25(OH)D, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, NF-κB, and platelet aggregation were measured at the beginning and 3 months after vitamin D supplementation. Platelet calcium content was evaluated by measuring the fluorescence intensity of Rhod-2-stained platelets by confocal fluorescence microscopy. Results showed that serum 25(OH)D3 levels significantly increased in all vitamin D3-treated groups. However, the mean level for parenteral treated group was significantly lower than oral-treated groups. Oral and parenteral treatment were also able to decrease NF-κB level, platelet aggregation, and platelet calcium content. However, both oral doses of vitamin D3 were superior to the single parenteral dose. In conclusion, restoring normal levels of vitamin D is an important determinant to maintain normal platelet function and reduce inflammation. Nevertheless, further long-term studies are still needed.
Full NLO QCD predictions for Higgs-pair production in the 2-Higgs-doublet model
Authors: Baglio J. , Campanario F. , Glaus S. , Mühlleitner M. , Ronca J. , Spira M.
Published: September 2023

After the discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012 at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the study of its properties still leaves room for an extended Higgs sector with more than one Higgs boson. 2-Higgs doublet models (2HDMs) are well-motivated extensions of the Standard Model (SM) with five physical Higgs bosons: two CP-even states h and H, one CP-odd state A, and two charged states $$H^\pm _{}$$

H

±

. In this letter, we present the calculation of the full next-to-leading order (NLO) QCD corrections to hH and AA production at the LHC in the 2HDM at small values of the ratio of the vacuum expectation values, $$\tan \beta $$

tan
β

, including the exact top-mass dependence everywhere in the calculation. Using techniques applied in the NLO QCD SM Higgs pair production calculation, we present results for the total cross section as well as for the Higgs-pair-mass distribution at the LHC. We also provide the top-quark scale and scheme uncertainties which are found to be sizeable.
Twisted hypersurfaces family with a space-like axis in Minkowski 4-space
Authors: Güler Erhan
Published: September 2023

We present an exploration of helical or twisted hypersurfaces family denoted as [Formula: see text], which are dependent on three parameters and possess a space-like axis in the Minkowski 4-space [Formula: see text]. We provide an in-depth analysis of the fundamental forms, Gauss map, and shape operator associated with [Formula: see text]. We establish a framework for defining the curvatures of any given family using the Cayley–Hamilton theorem. By applying this theorem, we derive the specific curvatures of the hypersurface under consideration. Furthermore, we investigate the conditions under which the curvatures of [Formula: see text] satisfy the umbilical conditions. Lastly, we examine the Laplacian of hypersurfaces family in [Formula: see text], shedding light on its important properties.
MASK CLASSIFICATION SEGMENTATION METHOD BASED ON GROUPED CONVOLUTION AND SPATIAL PYRAMIDAL CONVOLUTION MODEL FOR THYROID CANCER IDENTIFICATION
Authors: WANG LINPING , LIN XI , ZHANG ZUOBING , LIN JINRONG , YANG TAO , ZHANG XIAODONG
Published: September 2023

Ultrasound plays different roles in the whole process of thyroid cancer management. With the advancement of ultrasound imaging technology and diagnostic level, it is gradually becoming an irreplaceable role in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer. However, the diagnosis of thyroid cancer by means of sonographic features is subjective and highly dependent on the operator’s experience and knowledge. To avoid unnecessary puncture biopsies, alleviate anxiety and improve diagnostic efficiency, in this paper, we utilize a purely convolutional model with a pyramid structure strategy to extract sonographic features at different scales. Combined with a per-pixel classification segmentation method, which is different from the previous mainstream, it is used for the intelligent recognition of thyroid cancer. Finally, the experimental results show that our radiologists achieve better performance than five mainstream segmentation methods in four metrics (Sensitivity, Jarccard, Dice, ASD) on the thyroid cancer dataset. It provides the possibility to help radiologists to overcome diagnostic subjectivity and obtain accurate, reproducible and more objective diagnostic results.
DECENT WORK AND INNOVATIVE WORK BEHAVIOUR: THE MEDIATING ROLES OF ORGANISATIONAL LEARNING AND WORK ENGAGEMENT
Authors: SANHOKWE HAMFREY , CHINYAMURINDI WILLIE T. , MUZURURA JOE
Published: September 2023

The idea that innovations enable organisations to enjoy adaptive, competitive, and generative advantages has become widely accepted. This recognition has seen many low and middle-income countries (LMICs) add innovation policy to their national policy frameworks. However, most LMICs continue to experience economic stagnation and low productivity growth amid calls for deeper theoretical and practical examination of what could foster and sustain innovative work behaviour (IWB) in such settings. The study developed and tested a conditional mediation model explaining the activation of IWB with a focus on the central role of decent work. A time-lagged study design informed data collection from two probability samples. Employees self-reported using previously validated measures of the constructs in use. The study used covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) to test the mediation model. Decent work had significant, positive relationships with organisational learning and work engagement. Organisational learning and work engagement were positively and significantly associated with IWB. Work engagement and organisational learning mediated the effect of decent work on IWB. The results provide complementary insights into how decent work may transform into IWB. Leadership seeking to better harness the innovative capabilities resident in their organisations should develop and nurture enterprise-wide, healthy workplaces anchored on the tenets of decent work. The modelled capabilities are learnable, and hence developable. We discuss the study implications and limitations.
RE-CONCEPTUALISING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHARED LEADERSHIP AND PROJECT SUCCESS: TESTING A MODERATED-MEDIATION MODEL USING PLS APPROACH
Authors: SHAH MUHAMMAD SANAULLAH , AHMAD IFZAL , ULLAH MEHFOOZ , KHAN ASADULLAH
Published: September 2023

This study explores the impact of shared leadership on project success through the role of organisational innovativeness (OI) as mediator and knowledge sharing as moderator. Data were collected from a sample of 202 project directors, engineers and managers working in project-based organisations across Pakistan through a structured questionnaire. The target sample was approached through LinkedIn. Partial least structure equation modelling technique was used for the data analysis. The study finds a significant positive association between shared leadership and project success. The mediating role of OI between shared leadership and project success was also supported by the results. However, knowledge sharing did not mediate the relationship between shared leadership and project success. The findings of this study imply that shared leadership shows an imperative role in dealing with complex situations and critical decision-making circumstances that arise during the project execution directly as well as through the intervening mechanism of OI towards project success. This study significantly contributes to facilitating academician and researchers to further investigate the role of human factors toward project success. In addition, this study has significant implications for practitioners in facilitating them to increase the chances of project success in an efficient manner.
Information Security of the National Economy Based on an Effective Data Control Method
Authors: Krasnobayev Victor , Yanko Alina , Hlushko Alina
Published: September 2023

Research directed at strengthening the security of the national economy of the state in the information sphere is based on ensuring operational (fast-acting) reliability, confidentiality, integrity and availability of state information resources, information with limited access, in particular, circulating at economic information infrastructure facilities in the context of information and hybrid wars. The essence of scientific research is to increase the speed (performance) and reliability of computer systems of processing economic data due to the development and implementation of methods of control, diagnosis and correction of errors of the non-positional number system, the so-called system of residual classes (SRC). Prospects for further research are aimed at formulating the concept of development of reliable computer systems for real-time data processing in SRC used in the modern economy.
How Should We Assess the Endometrium of Infertile Patients? What Does the Future Look Like?
Authors: Sean Sokteang , Tran Chloe , Ou Pichetra , Ouk Chanpisey , de Ziegler Dominique
Published: September 2023

Attempts at assessing endometrial receptivity through its transcriptomic signature have unfortunately failed. On the contrary, RCTs have indicated that the period of receptivity is fairly wide, lasting 48–72 hours. Today, the ultimate challenge is to optimize hormonal preparation for frozen embryo transfers (FETs). Recent data have provided compelling evidence that vaginal progesterone provides insufficient plasma levels of progesterone in a large fraction of patients, which leads to lower live birth rates and increased risks of miscarriage. The most efficient option consists in delivering injectable progesterone, or opting for a combo approach associating vaginal and injectable progesterone.
Adaptation of a PEMFC Reference Electrode to PEMWE: Possibilities and Limitations
Authors: Bühre Lena V. , McLeod Alexander J. , Trinke Patrick , Bensmann Boris , Benecke Mareike , Herrera Omar E. , Mérida Walter , Hanke-Rauschenbach Richard
Published: September 2023

This work presents a platinum wire micro-reference electrode suitable for recording in-operando individual electrochemical impedance spectra of both the anode and the cathode in a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer. The setup enables the protonic membrane potential to be accessed outside the active area. The reference electrode allows for the analysis of kinetic parameters for anode and cathode reactions separately. However, the exact location of the measured membrane potential is unknown due to a potentially asymmetric potential distribution, which makes the calculation of exact kinetic parameters non-trivial. Qualitative analyses of the potential distribution behavior over temperature, cell compression, and current density are shown.
Early-life sodium deprivation programs long-term changes in ingestive behaviors and energy expenditure in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Ziegler Alisha A. , Lawton Samuel B. R. , Grobe Connie C. , Reho John J. , Freudinger Bonnie P. , Burnett Colin M. L. , Nakagawa Pablo , Grobe Justin L. , Segar Jeffrey L.
Published: September 2023

Postnatal growth failure remains a significant problem for infants born prematurely, despite aggressive efforts to improve perinatal nutrition. Though often dysregulated in early life when children are born preterm, sodium (Na) homeostasis is vital to achieve optimal growth. We hypothesize that insufficient Na supply in this critical period contributes to growth restriction and programmed risks for cardiometabolic disease in later adulthood. Thus, we sought to ascertain the effects of prolonged versus early-life Na depletion on weight gain, body composition, food and water intake behaviors, and energy expenditure in C57BL/6J mice. In one study, mice were provided a low (0.04%)- or normal/high (0.30%)-Na diet between 3 and 18 wk of age. Na-restricted mice demonstrated delayed growth and elevated basal metabolic rate. In a second study, mice were provided 0.04% or 0.30% Na diet between 3 and 6 wk of age and then returned to standard (0.15%)-Na diet through the end of the study. Na-restricted mice exhibited growth delays that quickly caught up on return to standard diet. Between 6 and 18 wk of age, previously restricted mice exhibited sustained, programmed changes in feeding behaviors, reductions in total food intake, and increases in water intake and aerobic energy expenditure while maintaining normal body composition. Although having no effect in control mice, administration of the ganglionic blocker hexamethonium abolished the programmed increase in basal metabolic rate in previously restricted mice. Together these data indicate that early-life Na restriction can cause programmed changes in ingestive behaviors, autonomic function, and energy expenditure that persist well into adulthood.
Associations between Longer Leukocyte Telomere Length and Increased Lung Cancer Risk among Never Smokers in Urban China
Authors: Wong Jason Y.Y. , Shu Xiao-Ou , Hu Wei , Blechter Batel , Shi Jianxin , Wang Kevin , Cawthon Richard , Cai Qiuyin , Yang Gong , Rahman Mohammad L. , Ji Bu-tian , Gao Yutang , Zheng Wei , Rothman Nathaniel , Lan Qing
Published: September 2023

Background:

The complex relationship between measured leukocyte telomere length (LTL), genetically predicted LTL (gTL), and carcinogenesis is exemplified by lung cancer. We previously reported associations between longer pre-diagnostic LTL, gTL, and increased lung cancer risk among European and East Asian populations. However, we had limited statistical power to examine the associations among never smokers by gender and histology.

Methods:

To investigate further, we conducted nested case–control analyses on an expanded sample of never smokers from the prospective Shanghai Women's Health Studies (798 cases and 792 controls) and Shanghai Men's Health Studies (161 cases and 162 controls). We broke the case–control matching and used multivariable unconditional logistic regression models to estimate the ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of incident lung cancer and adenocarcinoma (LUAD), in relation to LTL measured using quantitative PCR and gTL determined using a polygenic score. In addition, we conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) using MR-PRESSO.

Results:

We found striking dose–response relationships between longer LTL and gTL, and increased lung cancer risk among never-smoking women (P trendLTL = 4×10−6; P trendgTL = 3×10−4). Similarly, among never-smoking men, longer measured LTL was associated with over triple the risk compared with those with the shortest (OR, 3.48; 95% CI, 1.85–6.57). The overall results were similar for LUAD among women and men. MR analyses supported causal associations with LUAD among women (OR1 SD gTL, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.03–1.37; P = 0.03).

Conclusions:

Longer pre-diagnostic LTL is associated with increased lung cancer risk among never smokers.

Impact:

Our findings firmly support the role of longer telomeres in lung carcinogenesis.
TABLE 2 from Accelerating Cancer Histopathology Workflows with Chemical Imaging and Machine Learning
Authors: Falahkheirkhah Kianoush , Mukherjee Sudipta S. , Gupta Sounak , Herrera-Hernandez Loren , McCarthy Michael R. , Jimenez Rafael E. , Cheville John C. , Bhargava Rohit
Published: September 2023

Pathologists review results from the survey for calculation of interobserver agreement for each domain using Fleiss’ kappa for 95% confidence interval
Supplementary Table 2 from Accelerating Cancer Histopathology Workflows with Chemical Imaging and Machine Learning
Authors: Falahkheirkhah Kianoush , Mukherjee Sudipta S. , Gupta Sounak , Herrera-Hernandez Loren , McCarthy Michael R. , Jimenez Rafael E. , Cheville John C. , Bhargava Rohit
Published: September 2023

Unpaired t-tests between the different grades and histologic classes of importance showing statistically significant differences of lipid droplet density distributions.
Supplementary Table 1 from Accelerating Cancer Histopathology Workflows with Chemical Imaging and Machine Learning
Authors: Falahkheirkhah Kianoush , Mukherjee Sudipta S. , Gupta Sounak , Herrera-Hernandez Loren , McCarthy Michael R. , Jimenez Rafael E. , Cheville John C. , Bhargava Rohit
Published: September 2023

One-way ANOVA table for comparison between the 4 groups showing statistically significant difference of lipid droplet density for at least one group from others.