bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioaccessibility and Genoprotective Effect of Melanoidins Obtained from Common and Soft Bread Crusts: Relationship between Melanoidins and Their Bioactivity
Authors: Temiño Virginia , Gerardi Gisela , Cavia-Saiz Monica , Diaz-Morales Noelia , Muñiz Pilar , Salazar Gonzalo
Published: August 2023

Bread crust constitutes an important by-product of the bakery industry, and its utilization for the isolation of melanoidins to be used as a functional ingredient can enhance its added value and contribute to health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioaccessibility, bioactivity, and genoprotective effect of melanoidins derived from bread crust. Bioaccessibility was assessed in gastric, intestinal digestion, and colonic fermentation fractions. The results revealed a relationship between bioaccessible melanoidins and their type (common or soft bread). No cytotoxicity effects were observed for bioaccessible fractions, as assessed by MTT and RTA methods, and they did not affect the distribution of E-cadherin in Caco-2 cells, confirming their ability to maintain membrane integrity. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that the gastrointestinal and colonic fermentation fractions successfully transported across the intestinal barrier, without affecting cell permeability, and showed antioxidant activity on the basolateral side of the cell monolayer. Remarkably, both fractions displayed a significant genoprotective effect in Caco-2 cells. Our findings provide crucial insights into the relationship between the melanoidins and their bioactivity and genoprotective effect. These results demonstrated the potential of bioaccessible melanoidins as valuable bioactive compounds for the development of functional foods, without showing toxic effects on gastrointestinal cells.
In Pursuit of the “Real” Nigeria/n through the Archives of Heinemann’s African Writers Series
Authors: Walsh Sue
Published: August 2023

This paper will depart from the premise that with the Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe as its flagship author, exemplar and editorial adviser, Heinemann Educational Books, which aimed to represent Africa and Africans through its African Writers Series (AWS) had a tendency to privilege and prioritise realist literary expressions coming out of Africa. This, combined with the fact that the series was published by an educational company looking for a way to market its product in an environment that did not yet have a place for African writers when it was first launched, might also be regarded as having fostered a tendency within the publishing house to treat the works submitted to it more as socio-historical documents than as works of literary fiction and to lead to their framing in anthropological terms. The paper will investigate the precise terms in which this takes place in two case studies of some of the archival material relating to Heinemann’s interest in representing Northern Nigeria and Nigerians in the early years of the series, and it will investigate the consequences and implications of a drive towards producing a series that could be marketed as representative.
Ethical and Forensic Issues in the Medico-Legal and Psychological Assessment of Women Asylum Seekers
Authors: Tullio Valeria , La Spina Corinne , Guadagnino Daniela , Albano Giuseppe Davide , Zerbo Stefania , Argo Antonina
Published: August 2023

Asylum-seeking migrants represent a vulnerable segment of the population, and among them, women constitute an even more vulnerable group. Most of these women and girls have been exposed to threats, coercion, and violence of many kinds, including rape, forced prostitution, harassment, sexual slavery, forced marriage and pregnancy, female genital mutilation/excision, and/or other violations of their rights (e.g., deprivation of education, prohibition to work, etc.). The perpetrators of the violence from which they flee are often their own families, partners, and even institutional figures who should be in charge of their protection (such as police officers). In the process for the acceptance/rejection of an asylum application, the forensic and psychological certification can make the difference between successful and unsuccessful applications, as it can support the credibility of the asylum seeker through an assessment of the degree of compatibility between the story told and the diagnostic and forensic evidence. This is why constant and renewed reflection on the ethical, forensic, and methodological issues surrounding medico-legal and psychological certification is essential. This article aims to propose some reflections on these issues, starting from the experience of the inward healthcare service dedicated to Migrant Victims of Maltreatment, Torture, and Female Genital Mutilation operating since 2018 at the Institute of Forensic Medicine of the University Hospital of Palermo.
Clinically Preferred Videolaryngoscopes in Airway Management: An Updated Systematic Review
Authors: Nedunchezhian Vikram , Nedunchezhian Ishvar , Van Zundert André
Published: August 2023

Videolaryngoscopes (VLs) have emerged as a safety net offering several advantages over direct laryngoscopy (DL). The aim of this study is to expand on our previous study conducted in 2016, to deduce which VL is most preferred by clinicians and to highlight any changes that may have occurred over the past 7 years. An extensive systematic literature review was performed on Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Database of Controlled Studies for articles published between September 2016 and January 2023. This review highlighted similar results to our study in 2016, with the CMAC being the most preferred for non-channelled laryngoscopes, closely followed by the GlideScope. For channelled videolaryngoscopes, the Pentax AWS was the most clinically preferred. This review also highlighted that there are minimal studies that compare the most-used VLs, and thus we suggest that future studies directly compare the most-used and -preferred VLs as well as the specific nature of blades to attain more useful results.
Creeping Bentgrass Nutritional, Morphological, and Putting Green Performance Response to Ca/Mg-Silicate Slag Liming Agent
Authors: Pruyne Derek T. , Schlossberg Maxim J.
Published: August 2023

While not classified as an essential plant nutrient, silicon (Si) assimilation following exogenous Si application has enhanced the wear resistance of cool-season turfgrass. Given this beneficial supplementation of lignin by Si reported in epidermal tissue of monocotyledonous plants, our research objective was to quantify root morphology, vegetative nutrition and vigor, soil chemistry, and putting green performance in response to split applications of pelletized liming agents rich in Si and/or Ca and Mg. Field evaluation of granular liming agent treatment, 2441 kg (ha year)−1, was conducted on creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L. cv. Penn G-2) putting green maintained in the Mid-Atlantic US. Pelletized Ca/Mg-SiO3 slag or dolomitic limestone treatments were conducted in frequent split applications and incorporated into the upper 5 cm of the rootzone. Measurements of canopy color and density, shoot growth as clipping yield, soil pH, Si and nutrient content of clippings, and soil extractable Si were performed each season. Cumulative Ca/Mg-SiO3 application (kg ha−1) increased mean acetic acid (HOAc) extractable Si by 35 to 60 mg kg−1 and leaf Si content by 1.0 to 1.5 mg g−1. However, neither putting green canopy quality, shoot nutrient concentration, 5 to 15 cm depth root length density nor ball roll distance was improved by liming agent treatment. Liming agent-treated or untreated plots showed statistical, yet inconsistent, differences in clipping yield 4, 14, 15, 16, and 17 months from initiation (MFI). This thorough shuffling of treatment rank, resulting in identical experiment-wide means precludes the expectation of dependably superior vigor by any.
Correction: Montesinos et al. Phenotyping Almond Orchards for Architectural Traits Influenced by Rootstock Choice. Horticulturae 2021, 7, 159
Authors: Montesinos Álvaro , Thorp Grant , Grimplet Jérôme , Rubio-Cabetas María José
Published: August 2023

There was an error in the original publication [...]
Splicing and Expression Regulation of fruitless Gene in Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Liu Yating , Xie Jinxi , Wang Wenlu , Lei Yanyuan , Zhou Xuguo , Zhang Youjun , Xie Wen
Published: August 2023

The fruitless (fru) gene is a key factor in controlling sexual behavior in insects. The homolog of fru has been identified in most insect species and exhibits conservation in the transcript architecture and regulation of male sexual behavior. However, the structure of fru transcripts in Hemiptera remains unknown. Here, we identified and characterized two fru transcripts in Bemisia tabaci, named fru-a and fru-b. fru-a contained a 1263 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding for 420 amino acids, while fru-b contained a 1143 bp ORF encoding for 380 amino acids. These two proteins start with the same BTB domain and end with two different zinc finger domains, belonging to ZnA and ZnG, respectively. The expression of fru-a and fru-b differed significantly between females and males, and both were expressed at lower levels in males. We demonstrated the presence of multiple TRA/TRA-2 binding sites and alternative splicing in fru-a and fru-b. Moreover, the RNAi result provided evidence that transformer regulates the expression of fru-a and fru-b. These results promote the study of the sex determination cascade in B. tabaci and lay the foundation for the study of sexual behavior in this insect.
“Students Moving Together”, Tailored Exercise for Students Facing Mental Health Challenges—A Pilot Feasibility Study
Authors: Danielsen Kjersti Karoline , Cabral Danielle , Sveaas Silje Halvorsen
Published: August 2023

An increasing number of university students are facing mental health challenges. The primary aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of 10 weeks of supervised tailored group exercise for 60 min twice a week delivered by the student health service for students facing mental health challenges. Secondary aims were to explore changes in mental health and physical fitness from pre- to post-test. Feasibility was assessed in terms of recruitment, drop-outs, attendance, and adverse events. The secondary outcomes included symptoms of depression and anxiety, wellbeing, satisfaction with life, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular endurance/strength. A total of 13 university students with self-reported mental health challenges, aged 20–39 years, were recruited during a four-week period. Ten (77%) of these completed the intervention and post-test as planned, and no adverse events occurred. There was a significant average reduction of 20% in symptoms of depression and anxiety (p = 0.008), and non-significant improvements of 21% in well-being and 16% in satisfaction with life were found. On average, cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.01) and muscular strength (push-ups test, p = 0.01, and sit-ups test, p = 0.02) increased. In conclusion, a 10-week tailored exercise intervention delivered by the student mental health service was found to be feasible, and beneficial for mental health and physical fitness in students facing mental health challenges.
Impaired Prolactin-Lowering Effects of Metformin in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Kowalcze Karolina , Szkróbka Witold , Okopień Bogusław
Published: August 2023

The effect of metformin on prolactin concentration seems to be sex-dependent. The aim of this study was to determine whether the androgen status modulates the impact of metformin on plasma prolactin levels in women. This study included two matched groups of prediabetic women with hyperprolactinemia: 25 with PCOS and 25 control subjects with androgen levels within the reference range and with normal ovarian morphology. Glucose homeostasis markers, prolactin, the remaining anterior pituitary hormones, sex hormones, SHBG and IGF-1 were determined before and after six months of metformin treatment. At baseline, both groups differed in LH, LH/FSH ratio, testosterone, FAI, DHEA-S, androstenedione and estradiol. Although metformin improved insulin sensitivity and increased SHBG in both study groups, these effects were more pronounced in control subjects than in women with PCOS. In control subjects, the drug decreased total and monomeric prolactin and increased LH. In women with PCOS, metformin reduced LH, LH/FSH ratio, testosterone and FAI. In the control group, the impact on total and monomeric prolactin positively correlated with their baseline levels and with the degree of improvement in insulin sensitivity, as well as negatively correlated with testosterone and FAI. In women with PCOS, treatment-induced changes in testosterone and FAI positively correlated with the changes in LH and LH/FSH ratio. The obtained results suggest that the prolactin-lowering properties of metformin are less pronounced in women with coexisting PCOS than in women with elevated prolactin levels, probably owing to the increased production of endogenous testosterone.
Hypotension Prediction Index and Incidence of Perioperative Hypotension: A Single-Center Propensity-Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Runge Julian , Graw Jessica , Grundmann Carla D. , Komanek Thomas , Wischermann Jan M. , Frey Ulrich H.
Published: August 2023

(1) Background: Intraoperative hypotension is common and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI) is an advancement of arterial waveform analysis and allows preventive treatments. We used a propensity-score-matched study design to test whether application of the HPI reduces hypotensive events in non-cardiac surgery patients; (2) Methods: 769 patients were selected for propensity score matching. After matching, both HPI and non-HPI groups together comprised n = 136 patients. A goal-directed treatment protocol was applied in both groups. The primary endpoint was the incidence and duration of hypotensive events defined as MAP < 65 mmHg, evaluated by the time-weighted average (TWA) of hypotension. (3) Results: The median TWA of hypotension below 65 mmHg in the matched cohort was 0.180 mmHg (IQR 0.060, 0.410) in the non-HPI group vs. 0.070 mmHg (IQR 0.020, 0.240) in the HPI group (p < 0.001). TWA was higher in patients with ASA classification III/IV (0.170 mmHg; IQR 0.035, 0.365) than in patients with ASA status II (0.100; IQR 0.020, 0.250; p = 0.02). Stratification by intervention group showed no differences in the HPI group while TWA values in the non-HPI group were more than twice as high in patients with ASA status III/IV (p = 0.01); (4) Conclusions: HPI reduces intraoperative hypotension in a matched cohort seen for TWA below 65 mmHg and relative time in hypotension. In addition, non-HPI patients with ASA status III/IV showed a higher TWA compared with HPI-patients, indicating an advantageous effect of using HPI in patients at higher risk.
Utility of Ischemia-Modified Albumin as a Biomarker for Acute Appendicitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Singh Apoorv , Pogorelić Zenon , Agrawal Aniket , Muñoz Carlos Martin Llorente , Kainth Deepika , Verma Ajay , Jindal Bibekanand , Agarwala Sandeep , Anand Sachit
Published: August 2023

Background: Acute appendicitis is a frequently encountered surgical emergency. Despite several scoring systems, the possibility of delayed diagnosis persists. In addition, a delayed diagnosis leads to an increased risk of complicated appendicitis. Hence, there is a need to identify biological markers to help clinicians rapidly and accurately diagnose and prognosticate acute appendicitis with a high sensitivity and specificity. Although several markers have been evaluated, the pressing concern is still the low specificity of these markers. One such marker is serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), which can be a novel biomarker for accurately diagnosing and prognosticating acute appendicitis. Methods: The authors conducted a systematic search of the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases through February 2023 as per the PRISMA guidelines. The difference in the levels of IMA between patients with acute appendicitis vs. healthy controls, and the difference in the levels of IMA between patients with complicated vs. non-complicated acute appendicitis were taken as the outcome measures. Statistical analysis was performed using a random effects model and mean difference (MD) was calculated. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed by utilizing the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Results: A total of six prospective comparative studies were included in the meta-analysis. The analysis revealed that the mean level of serum IMA was significantly raised in the acute appendicitis group (MD 0.21, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.37, p = 0.01). Similarly, the mean serum IMA levels were also raised in the complicated appendicitis group compared to the non-complicated appendicitis group (MD 0.05, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.10, p = 0.02). Three of the studies included were, however, of poor methodological quality. Conclusions: Serum IMA is a viable potential marker for diagnosing and prognosticating acute appendicitis. However, due to the limited methodological quality of available studies, further prospectively designed and adequately powered studies are needed.
Intraoperative Blood Pressure and Carbon Dioxide Values during Aneurysmal Repair and the Outcomes after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Athiraman Umeshkumar , Norris Aaron J. , Jayaraman Keshav , Lele Abhijit V. , Kentner Rainer , Singh Preet Mohinder , Higo Omokhaye M. , Zipfel Gregory J. , Dhar Rajat
Published: August 2023

Cerebral autoregulation impairment is a critical aspect of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)-induced secondary brain injury and is also shown to be an independent predictor of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and poor neurologic outcomes. Interestingly, intraoperative hemodynamic and ventilatory parameters were shown to influence patient outcomes after SAH. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the association of intraoperative hypotension and hypocapnia with the occurrence of angiographic vasospasm, DCI, and neurologic outcomes at discharge. Intraoperative data were collected for 390 patients with aneurysmal SAH who underwent general anesthesia for aneurysm clipping or coiling between January 2010 and May 2018. We measured the mean intraoperative blood pressure and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2), as well as the area under the curve (AUC) for the burden of hypotension: SBP below 100 or MBP below 65 and hypocapnia (ETCO2 < 30), during the intraoperative period. The outcome measures were angiographic vasospasm, DCI, and the neurologic outcomes at discharge as measured by the modified Rankin scale score (an mRS of 0–2 is a good outcome, and 3–6 is a poor outcome). Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate whether blood pressure (BP) and ETCO2 variables were independently associated with outcome measures. Out of 390 patients, 132 (34%) developed moderate-to-severe vasospasm, 114 (29%) developed DCI, and 46% (169) had good neurologic outcomes at discharge. None of the measured intraoperative BP and ETCO2 variables were associated with angiographic vasospasm, DCI, or poor neurologic outcomes. Our study did not identify an independent association between the degree of intraoperative hypotension or hypocapnia in relation to angiographic vasospasm, DCI, or the neurologic outcomes at discharge in SAH patients.
The Role of FDG-PET in the Evaluation of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Talasila Sahithi , Teichner Eric M. , Subtirelu Robert C. , Xiang David H. , Ayubcha Cyrus , Werner Thomas , Alavi Abass , Revheim Mona-Elisabeth
Published: August 2023

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disorder characterized by nodules, comedones, and sinus tracts that often leave prominent scarring. In recent years, non-invasive imaging techniques have been used to assess the inflammatory activity, vascularization, and treatment response of lesions. Specifically, fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) scans may aid in identifying systemic inflammation in patients with HS, improving diagnosis. Inflamed hypermetabolic tissues exhibit a greater uptake of FDG due to increased glucose uptake and vascularity. A systematic review was conducted to summarize the utility of nuclear imaging techniques in the diagnosis and treatment follow-up of HS. PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases were utilized for relevant articles discussing the utility of PET scans in managing HS. A total of 51 citations were identified in the initial search. Following the review of titles, abstracts, and duplicates, 43 articles were excluded, leaving a total of eight articles for analysis. Data were extracted from each article, encompassing the number of patients, imaging techniques employed, and final results. An analysis of the data demonstrated that FDG-PET showed evidence of identifying subclinical lesions of the disease, improving the visualization of HS, and providing an objective method of assessing severity.
Macular Microvascular Perfusion Status in Hypertensive Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Stino Heiko , de Llano Pato Elisa , Steiner Irene , Mahnert Nikolaus , Pawloff Maximilian , Hasun Matthias , Weidinger Franz , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula , Pollreisz Andreas
Published: August 2023

To compare retinal microvascular perfusion between the eyes of hypertensive patients with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD), the vessel density (VD) and fractal dimension (FD) of the superficial (SVP) and deep retinal vascular plexus (DVP) were analyzed on 6 × 6 mm fovea-centered optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images of patients with hypertension. The retina was divided into an inner ring (IR) and outer ring (OR) according to the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was determined and CKD was diagnosed (GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Ninety-six eyes from 52 patients with hypertension were included in this analysis. Twenty patients (n = 37 eyes) were diagnosed with CKD. The mean age was 69 ± 11.7 years and 60.4 ± 9.2 years in the CKD group and in the control group, respectively. The univariate model revealed a significant difference in VD between patients without and with CKD in the superficial IR (0.36 ± 0.03 vs. 0.34 ± 0.04, p = 0.03), the superficial OR (0.35 ± 0.02 vs. 0.33 ± 0.04, p = 0.02), the deep OR (0.24 ± 0.01 vs. 0.23 ± 0.02, p = 0.003), and the FD in the SVP (1.87 ± 0.01 vs. 1.86 ± 0.02, p = 0.02) and DVP (1.83 ± 0.01 vs. 1.82 ± 0.01, p = 0.006). After adjusting for age and sex, these differences did not remain statistically significant. Similar results were observed for the FD in the SVP and DVP. In our cohort, patients with hypertension and CKD did not differ from patients without CKD in regard to microvascular perfusion status in the macular area as assessed using OCTA.
Symptoms in Hypertensive Patients Presented to the Emergency Medical Service: A Comprehensive Retrospective Analysis in Clinical Settings
Authors: Kowalski Sebastian , Goniewicz Krzysztof , Moskal Adrian , Al-Wathinani Ahmed M. , Goniewicz Mariusz
Published: August 2023

Background: Hypertension is a prevalent condition with a variety of accompanying symptoms. Gender differences, specific blood pressure readings, and early signs of organ complications present intricate interplays in hypertensive individuals. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hypertension and its accompanying symptoms, emphasizing gender-specific differences and potential indicators of organ complications. Methods: Data from 2002 participants were analyzed from a retrospective study, focusing on the presentation of symptoms, blood pressure values, and potential organ complications associated with these symptoms. Results: Of the participants, 68.8% were women with an average age of 69. Women were, on average, 8 years older than men. The average systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 188 mmHg. High-blood pressure was accompanied by symptoms in 84.9% of participants. Among those with an SBP > 180 mmHg, headaches were reported by 24.7%, and dizziness by 15.7%. Interestingly, as SBP increased, heart palpitations reports diminished with a mere 4.8% of those with SBP > 180 mmHg noting this symptom. Younger men exhibited increased chest pain and heart palpitations, while younger women more commonly reported headaches and nausea/vomiting. A significant relationship was identified between pulse pressure (PP) and symptoms, with dizziness in women and chest pain/discomfort in men being most pronounced. Conclusions: The study underlines the importance of in-depth research on hypertensive individuals for improved symptom recognition and management. The data highlight the gender and age-specific symptom presentations and their correlation with blood pressure metrics, suggesting a need for patient-specific intervention strategies.
The Role and Efficiency of an AI-Powered Software in the Evaluation of Lower Limb Radiographs before and after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Pagano Stefano , Müller Karolina , Götz Julia , Reinhard Jan , Schindler Melanie , Grifka Joachim , Maderbacher Günther
Published: August 2023

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical imaging analysis has significantly impacted musculoskeletal radiology, offering enhanced accuracy and speed in radiograph evaluations. The potential of AI in clinical settings, however, remains underexplored. This research investigates the efficiency of a commercial AI tool in analyzing radiographs of patients who have undergone total knee arthroplasty. The study retrospectively analyzed 200 radiographs from 100 patients, comparing AI software measurements to expert assessments. Assessed parameters included axial alignments (MAD, AMA), femoral and tibial angles (mLPFA, mLDFA, mMPTA, mLDTA), and other key measurements including JLCA, HKA, and Mikulicz line. The tool demonstrated good to excellent agreement with expert metrics (ICC = 0.78–1.00), analyzed radiographs twice as fast (p < 0.001), yet struggled with accuracy for the JLCA (ICC = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.72–0.84), the Mikulicz line (ICC = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.32–0.90), and if patients had a body mass index higher than 30 kg/m2 (p < 0.001). It also failed to analyze 45 (22.5%) radiographs, potentially due to image overlay or unique patient characteristics. These findings underscore the AI software’s potential in musculoskeletal radiology but also highlight the necessity for further development for effective utilization in diverse clinical scenarios. Subsequent studies should explore the integration of AI tools in routine clinical practice and their impact on patient care.
The Impact of Growth Hormone Therapy on Sleep-Related Health Outcomes in Children with Prader–Willi Syndrome: A Review and Clinical Analysis
Authors: Zaffanello Marco , Pietrobelli Angelo , Piacentini Giorgio , Guzzo Alessandra , Antoniazzi Franco
Published: August 2023

This literature review of growth hormone (GH) therapy and sleep-related health outcomes in children diagnosed with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) assembles evidence for the consequences of sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality: difficulty concentrating and learning at school, behavioral problems, diminished quality of life, and growth impairment. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is another factor that impacts a child’s well-being. We searched the electronic databases Medline PubMed Advanced Search Builder, Scopus, and Web of Science using MeSH terms and text words to retrieve articles on GH deficiency, recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy, sleep quality, SDB, and PWS in children. The censor date was April 2023. The initial search yielded 351 articles, 23 of which were analyzed for this review. The study findings suggest that while GH may have a role in regulating sleep, the relationship between GH treatment and sleep in patients with PWS is complex and influenced by GH dosage, patient age, and type and severity of respiratory disorders, among other factors. GH therapy can improve lung function, linear growth, and body composition in children with PWS; however, it can also trigger or worsen obstructive sleep apnea or hypoventilation in some. Long-term GH therapy may contribute to adenotonsillar hypertrophy and exacerbate sleep apnea in children with PWS. Finally, GH therapy can improve sleep quality in some patients but it can also cause or worsen SDB in others, leading to diminished sleep quality and overall quality of life. The current evidence suggests that the initial risk of worsening SDB may improve with long-term therapy. In conclusion, rhGH is the standard for managing patients with PWS. Nonetheless, its impact on respiratory function during sleep needs to be thoroughly evaluated. Polysomnography is advisable to assess the need for adenotonsillectomy before initiating rhGH therapy. Close monitoring of sleep disorders in patients with PWS receiving GH therapy is essential to ensure effective and safe treatment.
Lipid–Polymer Hybrid Nanosystems: A Rational Fusion for Advanced Therapeutic Delivery
Authors: Jain Shweta , Kumar Mudit , Kumar Pushpendra , Verma Jyoti , Rosenholm Jessica M. , Bansal Kuldeep K. , Vaidya Ankur
Published: August 2023

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are spherical vesicles composed of ionizable lipids that are neutral at physiological pH. Despite their benefits, unmodified LNP drug delivery systems have substantial drawbacks, including a lack of targeted selectivity, a short blood circulation period, and in vivo instability. lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) are the next generation of nanoparticles, having the combined benefits of polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes. LPHNPs are being prepared from both natural and synthetic polymers with various techniques, including one- or two-step methods, emulsification solvent evaporation (ESE) method, and the nanoprecipitation method. Varieties of LPHNPs, including monolithic hybrid nanoparticles, core–shell nanoparticles, hollow core–shell nanoparticles, biomimetic lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles, and polymer-caged liposomes, have been investigated for various drug delivery applications. However, core–shell nanoparticles having a polymeric core surrounded by a highly biocompatible lipid shell are the most commonly explored LPHNPs for the treatment of various diseases. In this review, we will shed light on the composition, methods of preparation, classification, surface functionalization, release mechanism, advantages and disadvantages, patents, and clinical trials of LPHNPs, with an emphasis on core–shell-structured LPHNPs.
Computational Analysis for Estimation of Mooring Force Acting on Various Ships in Busan New Port
Authors: Yan Kaicheng , Oh Jungkeun , Seo Dae-Won
Published: August 2023

Recently, smart port systems connected to autonomous ships have attracted increasing interest. Thus, an intelligent port system can automatically berth to create an intelligent port system. To ensure the safety of large ships moored in open coastal terminals, which are often subjected to bad weather such as strong winds, it is necessary to calculate and evaluate their mooring security on a case-by-case basis. In this study, the mooring capacities of the large ships were estimated according to the port and fishing port design criteria of the Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries. Under the wind speed of 14 m/s, the longitudinal and lateral forces acting on the JBC, KCS, and KVLCC ships are 41.2 and 340 kN, 38.7 and 837 kN, and 77.2 and 222 kN, while under the wind speed of 30 m/s, they are 43 and 1674 kN, 132.7 and 4118 kN, and 159.2 and 1091 kN, respectively, for the mooring forces.
Geochemical Characterization of Sediments from the Bibione Coastal Area (Northeast Italy): Details on Bulk Composition and Particle Size Distribution
Authors: Aquilano Antonello , Marrocchino Elena , Paletta Maria Grazia , Tessari Umberto , Vaccaro Carmela
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study is to characterize the sediments of the coastal area of Bibione and the Baseleghe Lagoon (Province of Venice, Italy). The characterization includes the assessment of particle size distribution, carbonate content, composition of major oxides, and heavy metal concentrations. The results indicated that the sediments primarily consisted of carbonate but showed significant heterogeneity in both composition and grain size within the different environments of the Bibione coastal area. Carbonate content decreased from the beach to the seabed, which does not appear to be solely influenced by variations in sediment grain size. This finding has potential implications for the Bibione area’s coastal erosion processes and sediment quality. Significant differences in grain size and composition were observed between the mouth and the inner region in the lagoon area. The textural characteristics of the sediments in the inner part of the lagoon make it particularly vulnerable to pollution, with potential environmental and economic consequences. Different pollution indices have indicated the presence of heavy metal contamination in both the coastal and, especially, the lagoon area. The source of these metals appears to be predominantly natural, although there may be some contribution from anthropogenic sources for certain metals. However, the comparison of the metal concentrations in the samples with the limits set by the Italian legislation showed that the sediments were still of good quality.
Fast and Intelligent Ice Channel Recognition Based on Row Selection
Authors: Dong Wenbo , Zhou Li , Ding Shifeng , Ma Qun , Li Feixu
Published: August 2023

The recognition of ice channels plays a crucial role in developing intelligent ship navigation systems in ice-covered waters. Navigating through ice channels with the assistance of icebreakers is a common operation for merchant ships. Maneuvering within such narrow channels presents a significant challenge for the captain’s skills and ship performance. Therefore, it becomes essential to explore methods for enabling ships to navigate through these channels automatically. A key step in achieving this is the accurate recognition and extraction of boundary lines on both sides of the ice channel. An ice channel line recognition method based on the lane line detection algorithm UFAST is implemented. The method is trained and tested on the constructed ice channel dataset, with the test results showing that the average recognition accuracy reaches 84.1% and the recognition speed reaches 138.3 frames per second, meeting the real-time requirement. In order to solve the current lack of authentic ice channel images, ice channel navigation scenes are built based on UE4, and synthetic ice channel images are rendered. The method in this paper is also compared with the traditional non-intelligent Otsu threshold segmentation method and the intelligent instance segmentation method YOLACT for performance analysis. The method in this paper has 9.5% higher ice channel recognition accuracy and 103.7 frames per second higher recognition speed compared with YOLACT. Furthermore, ablation studies are conducted to analyze the relationship between the number of gridding cells in the proposed method and ice channel recognition accuracy.
Clinical Features of Cryptococcal Meningoencephalitis in HIV-Positive and -Negative Patients in a Resource-Limited Setting
Authors: Kajeekul Rattagan , Mekawichai Pawut , Chayakulkeeree Methee
Published: August 2023

Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis is a systemic fungal infection in immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. This study investigated the clinical characteristics and factors associated with mortality in HIV-associated and non-HIV-associated cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in a resource-limited setting. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with cryptococcal meningoencephalitis between January 2009 and December 2019 at a tertiary teaching hospital in Thailand. Overall, 1019 patients with cryptococcal meningoencephalitis were enrolled, and 923 (90.6%) were HIV-positive. The patients with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningoencephalitis were younger than the HIV-negative patients (37 versus 56 years, p < 0.01). The HIV-negative patients were more likely to have underlying conditions (52.1% versus 7.5%; p < 0.01), had a longer median duration of headaches prior to admission (14 days versus 6 days, p < 0.01), and were more likely to have an altered mental status at presentation (36.5% versus 18.6%, p < 0.01) and pulmonary involvement (15.6% versus 0.8%, p < 0.01). The HIV-positive patients had lower cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white blood cell counts (4 versus 94 cells/mm3; p < 0.01), lower CSF protein (69 versus 157 mg/dL; p < 0.01), higher CSF glucose (38.8 versus 21 mg/dL; p < 0.01), and more frequent cryptococcemia (44.1% versus 20.5%; p < 0.01). The mortality rate was high but not significantly different between the two groups (30.2% versus 33.2%; p = 0.53). The HIV-positive patients with comorbidities, fever, an altered mental status at presentation, a CSF white blood cell count below 20 cell/mm3, fungemia, and positive CSF India ink were independently associated with 30-day mortality. In comparison, an altered mental status at presentation and fungemia were associated with 30-day mortality in HIV-negative patients. In conclusion, HIV-negative patients with cryptococcal meningoencephalitis had more extensive central nervous system inflammation, although the two groups’ mortality rates were similar. Unfavorable prognostic factors included comorbidities, fever, an altered mental status at presentation, a low CSF white blood cell count, fungemia, and positive CSF India ink.
Efficacy of Minimally Invasive Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using Polyetheretherketone Cages for Lumbar Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis Treatment
Authors: Bae Jong-Woo , Lee Sang-Soo , Yang Jae-Shin , Seo Eun-Min
Published: August 2023

(1) Background: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a minimally invasive oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) using polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages for the treatment of lumbar pyogenic spondylodiscitis. (2) Methods: Fifty-one patients with single-level lumbar pyogenic spondylodiscitis were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: anterior lumbar interbody fusion with a tri-cortical iliac bone graft (ALIF+ tri-cortical iliac bone graft) (n = 28) and OLIF using PEEK cages with an autologous bone graft (OLIF+ PEEK cages) (n = 23). Perioperative radiographic parameters, complications, and clinical outcomes in both groups were analyzed and compared. (3) Results: The postoperative and final follow-up LL (lumbar lordosis) and RL (regional lordosis) were improved in both groups (p < 0.001). But, compared with the ALIF group, the OLIF group had more improvement of the RL. The operation time was 79 min for the OLIF group and 101 min for the ALIF group (p < 0.05). The intraoperative blood loss was 92 mL for the OLIF group and 114 mL for the ALIF group (p < 0.05). Significant clinical improvement was observed in visual analogue scale scores for the back and Oswestry Disability Index in both groups (p < 0.001). There was no recurrence of infection. (4) Conclusions: Compared with the ALIF group, the OLIF group had more improvement in radiographic and clinical outcomes. Thus, OLIF using PEEK cages with an autologous bone graft could be proposed for the surgical treatment of lumbar pyogenic spondylodiscitis.
Catecholamine Involvement in the Bioluminescence Control of Two Species of Anthozoans
Authors: Duchatelet Laurent , Coubris Constance , Pels Christopher , Dupont Sam T. , Mallefet Jérôme
Published: August 2023

Bioluminescence, the ability of living organisms to emit visible light, is an important ecological feature for many marine species. To fulfil the ecological role (defence, offence, or communication), bioluminescence needs to be finely controlled. While many benthic anthozoans are luminous, the physiological control of light emission has only been investigated in the sea pansy, Renilla koellikeri. Through pharmacological investigations, a nervous catecholaminergic bioluminescence control was demonstrated for the common sea pen, Pennatula phosphorea, and the tall sea pen, Funiculina quadrangularis. Results highlight the involvement of adrenaline as the main neuroeffector triggering clusters of luminescent flashes. While noradrenaline and octopamine elicit flashes in P. phosphorea, these two biogenic amines do not trigger significant light production in F. quadrangularis. All these neurotransmitters act on both the endodermal photocytes located at the base and crown of autozooids and specific chambers of water-pumping siphonozooids. Combined with previous data on R. koellikeri, our results suggest that a catecholaminergic control mechanisms of bioluminescence may be conserved in Anthozoans.
An Improved Method to Enrich Large Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Giardia intestinalis through Differential Centrifugation
Authors: Sana Abel , Rossi Izadora Volpato , Sabatke Bruna , Bonato Letícia Bassani , Medeiros Lia Carolina Soares , Ramirez Marcel Ivan
Published: August 2023

Giardia intestinalis is a flagellated unicellular protozoan that colonizes the small intestine, causing the diarrheal disease called giardiasis. The production of extracellular vesicles (EVs) by G. intestinalis and the role of these EVs in the parasite’s interaction with the host have been described. According to biogenesis, EVs are grouped mainly into large (microvesicles—derived from the plasma membrane) and small (exosomes—derived from multivesicular bodies). Populations of EVs are heterogeneous, and improved methods to separate and study them are needed to understand their roles in cell physiology and pathologies. This work aimed to enrich the large extracellular vesicles (LEVs) of G. intestinalis in order to better understand the roles of these vesicles in the interaction of the parasite with the host. To achieve the enrichment of the LEVs, we have modified our previously described method and compared it by protein dosage and using Nano tracking analysis. Giardia intestinalis vesiculation was induced by incubation in a TYI-S-33 medium without serum, to which 1 mM of CaCl2 was added at 37 °C for 1 h. Then, the supernatant was centrifuged at 15,000× g for 1 h (15 K 1 h pellet), 15,000× g for 4 h (15 K 4 h pellet) and 100,000× g for 1.5 h (100 K 1h30 pellet). The pellet (containing EVs) was resuspended in 1× PBS and stored at 4 °C for later analysis. The EVs were quantified based on their protein concentrations using the Pierce BCA assay, and by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), which reports the concentration and size distribution of the particles. The NTA showed that direct ultracentrifugation at 100,000× g for 1.5 h and centrifugation at 15,000× g for 4 h concentrated more EVs compared to centrifugation at 15,000× g for 1 h. Additionally, it revealed that centrifugation at 15,000× g 4 h was able to concentrate at the same particle concentration levels as a direct ultracentrifugation at 100,000× g for 1.5 h. As for the enrichment of LEVs, the NTA has shown a higher concentration of LEVs in direct ultracentrifugation at 100,000× g for 1.5 h, and in centrifugation at 15,000× g for 4 h, compared to centrifugation at 15,000× g for 1 h. Our results have shown that the most used method at 15,000× g for 1 h is not enough to obtain a representative population of large EVs, and we suggest that LEVs released by G. intestinalis can be better enriched by direct ultracentrifugation at 100,000× g for 1.5 h, or by centrifugation at 15,000× g for 4 h.
A Novel Tool for Collaborative and Blinded Orthopedic Image Analysis
Authors: Schippers Philipp , Meurer Andrea , Schnetz Matthias , Ewald Larissa , Ruckes Christian , Hoffmann Reinhard , Gramlich Yves
Published: August 2023

Image analysis plays a central role in orthopedics and research but comes with many challenges, including anonymization, bias, and achieving efficient analyses using multiple independent observers. Appropriate software is still lacking. Tyche is a free online tool that displays images in a random order without showing any metadata. Additionally, when using Tyche, observers can store results in the same window, and the final results are immediately visible to the project manager. In this study, we compared results from Tyche with those from a validated tool. One hundred pelvic radiographs were analyzed separately by five orthopedic surgeons using both Tyche and the validated software. Common orthopedic measurement modalities and scores were determined. The methods were compared using intra-class correlations and Fleiss’ kappa coefficients as well as Bland–Altman plots. Significant correlations ranging from r = 0.17 (Kallgren and Lawrence Score) to r = 0.99 (area measurements) were calculated for inter- and intraobserver agreements between the two tools for all measurements. The Bland–Altman plots indicated the non-inferiority of either tool. The images were analyzed significantly faster when Tyche was used. We conclude that Tyche is a valid tool for use in orthopedic image analysis. Tyche could be utilized for determining inter- and intraobserver agreements, in multicenter studies and for score validations.
A Point-of-Interest Recommender System for Tourist Groups Based on Cooperative Location Set Cover Problem
Authors: Telonis George , Panteli Antiopi , Boutsinas Basilis
Published: August 2023

Trip recommendation for groups of tourists (TRGT) is a challenging task in tourism since many tourists travel in groups, inducing social interaction and bringing various social benefits. However, TRGT must address various real-life constraints such as limited time for touring, cost, etc. TRGT aims to design personalized tours that meet the preferences of all group members by addressing a variety of tourists’ requirements that may sometimes result in conflicts and stress for the group members. TRGT should satisfy that both the preferences of group members need to be achieved as much as possible and the preferences of group members need to be achieved as evenly as possible. In this paper, we present a methodology for tackling the TRGT problem by reducing it to the Cooperative Location Set Cover Problem (CLSCP), formulated as an integer linear program. The CLSCP aims to select a group of facilities that can satisfy, in aggregate, all demand points. To tackle the CLSCP, we present a new method based on detecting frequent patterns. We also demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed methodology by presenting extensive experimental tests.
Comparative Evaluation of Paclobutrazol and Rhizobacterium Variovorax sp. YNA59 Effects on Mitigating Drought Stress in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. Pekinensis)
Authors: Kang Sang-Mo , Adhikari Arjun , Kim Yu-Na , Lee In-Jung
Published: August 2023

Drought has severely impacted worldwide agricultural land, resulting in substantial yield loss and abiotic pressures in crops such as Chinese cabbage. Paclobutrazol (PBZ) and plant growth-stimulating bacteria have been extensively recommended to reduce a variety of stresses in crops. Considering these facts, we used PBZ and rhizobacterium Variovorax sp. YNA59, a microbe with potential plant growth-stimulating qualities, in Chinese cabbage under drought stress and non-stressed conditions, and we observed their impacts on morphological and physiological attributes. Our findings revealed a considerable improvement in total plant biomass growth after treatment with YNA59 (28%) and PBZ (8%) under drought conditions. In contrast, negative results of PBZ were observed under normal conditions, suppressing plant growth and reducing plant biomass. The increase in physiological parameters, such as chlorophyll content, relative water content, and photochemical efficiencies of PS II, were observed in YNA59-treated plants, followed by PBZ, especially under drought. Furthermore, drought stress significantly increased the endogenous phytohormone abscisic acid level, whereas PBZ and YNA59 inoculations significantly decreased it. Antioxidant analysis revealed that PBZ and YNA increased glutathione and catalase and decreased polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase levels. These findings suggested that rhizobacterium YNA59 could be more significant for conferring water stress in the Chinese cabbage plant than PBZ.