bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen Peroxide Measurement Can Be Used to Monitor Plant Oxidative Stress Rapidly Using Modified Ferrous Oxidation Xylenol Orange and Titanium Sulfate Assay Correlation
Authors: Rahman Mizanur , Asaeda Takashi , Fukahori Kiyotaka , Imamura Fumiko , Nohara Akio , Matsubayashi Masaomi
Published: June 2023

Various methodologies, sensitivities, and types of interference affect the quantification of plant hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration. Modified ferrous oxidation xylenol orange (eFOX) assay and titanium sulfate (Ti(SO4)2 assay are relatively accessible methods. However, their correlation is unknown, for example whether we can get the same results for different species in different environments. Leaf samples of Ambrosia trifida, Solidago altissima, Artemisia princeps, and Sicyos angulatus were collected from a riparian vegetation zone on sunny days. The H2O2 concentration in the plant leaves was evaluated in two groups. Nonfrozen leaf samples were prepared for analysis soon after arriving at the laboratory, and frozen leaf samples were stored at −80 °C for 25 days and prepared afterwards. The eFOX assay can measure even lower fluctuations in H2O2 concentration than the Ti(SO4)2 assay. A substantial correlation was observed between nonfrozen and frozen samples in the eFOX (r = 0.879, p < 0.001) and Ti(SO4)2 assays (r = 0.837, p < 0.001). Sample weight did not affect H2O2 quantification. Each species showed a substantial correlation between the eFOX and Ti(SO4)2 assays in nonfrozen conditions (Ambrosia trifida (r = 0.767, p < 0.001), Solidago altissima (r = 0.583, p < 0.001), Artemisia princeps (r = 0.672, p < 0.001), and Sicyos angulatus (r = 0.828, p < 0.001)). Therefore, both methods can be utilized easily and rapidly to quantify oxidative stress using H2O2.
Multi-Criteria Decision-Making in Public Procurement: An Empirical Study of Contractor Selection for Landslide Rehabilitation
Authors: Štilić Anđelka , Puška Adis , Božanić Darko , Tešić Duško
Published: June 2023

When carrying out construction work, identifying the best contractor is a critical component of the project life cycle in the construction industry. The investor must use effective and efficient strategies to create a competitive bidding environment in public projects. The research presented in this paper was conducted to demonstrate the competitive nature of public procurements, where contractors compete to present the best bid and win the contract. To award the contract, the best offer must be selected. Based on different strategies and multi-criteria decision-making approaches this study proposes a method for identifying the most suitable strategy out of eight bidding strategies on four different lots, resulting in the most suitable one for landslide rehabilitation in the Brčko district. The results reveal the optimal approach to follow to minimize time and financial losses in the case of landslide rehabilitation during periods of market instability. Such research findings validate the efficiency of the bidding strategies-based decision-making support. The proposed method allows for compromise on both the completion date and the lowest bid made by the winning contractor.
Measurement of Music Aesthetics Using Deep Neural Networks and Dissonances
Authors: Paroiu Razvan , Trausan-Matu Stefan
Published: June 2023

In this paper, a new method that computes the aesthetics of a melody fragment is proposed, starting from dissonances. While music generated with artificial intelligence applications may be produced considerably more quickly than human-composed music, it has the drawback of not being appreciated like a human composition, being many times perceived by humans as artificial. For achieving supervised machine learning objectives of improving the quality of the great number of generated melodies, it is a challenge to ask humans to grade them. Therefore, it would be preferable if the aesthetics of artificial-intelligence-generated music is calculated by an algorithm. The proposed method in this paper is based on a neural network and a mathematical formula, which has been developed with the help of a study in which 108 students evaluated the aesthetics of several melodies. For evaluation, numerical values generated by this method were compared with ratings provided by human listeners from a second study in which 30 students participated and scores were generated by an existing different method developed by psychologists and three other methods developed by musicians. Our method achieved a Pearson correlation of 0.49 with human aesthetic scores, which is a much better result than other methods obtained. Additionally, our method made a distinction between human-composed melodies and artificial-intelligence-generated scores in the same way that human listeners did.
Authorship Identification of Binary and Disassembled Codes Using NLP Methods
Authors: Romanov Aleksandr , Kurtukova Anna , Fedotova Anastasia , Shelupanov Alexander
Published: June 2023

This article is part of a series aimed at determining the authorship of source codes. Analyzing binary code is a crucial aspect of cybersecurity, software development, and computer forensics, particularly in identifying malware authors. Any program is machine code, which can be disassembled using specialized tools and analyzed for authorship identification, similar to natural language text using Natural Language Processing methods. We propose an ensemble of fastText, support vector machine (SVM), and the authors’ hybrid neural network developed in previous works in this research. The improved methodology was evaluated using a dataset of source codes written in C and C++ languages collected from GitHub and Google Code Jam. The collected source codes were compiled into executable programs and then disassembled using reverse engineering tools. The average accuracy of author identification for disassembled codes using the improved methodology exceeds 0.90. Additionally, the methodology was tested on the source codes, achieving an average accuracy of 0.96 in simple cases and over 0.85 in complex cases. These results validate the effectiveness of the developed methodology and its applicability to solving cybersecurity challenges.
Extended Sentinel Monitoring of Helicoverpa zea Resistance to Cry and Vip3Aa Toxins in Bt Sweet Corn: Assessing Changes in Phenotypic and Allele Frequencies of Resistance
Authors: Dively Galen P. , Kuhar Tom P. , Taylor Sally V. , Doughty Helene , Holmstrom Kristian , Gilrein Daniel O. , Nault Brian A. , Ingerson-Mahar Joseph , Huseth Anders , Reisig Dominic , Fleischer Shelby , Owens David , Tilmon Kelley , Reay-Jones Francis , Porter Pat , Smith Jocelyn , Saguez Julien , Wells Jason , Congdon Caitlin , Byker Holly , Jensen Bryan , DiFonzo Chris , Hutchison William D. , Burkness Eric , Wright Robert , Crossley Michael , Darby Heather , Bilbo Tom , Seiter Nicholas , Krupke Christian , Abel Craig , Coates Brad S. , McManus Bradley , Fuller Billy , Bradshaw Jeffrey , Peterson Julie A. , Buntin David , Paula-Moraes Silvana , Kesheimer Katelyn , Crow Whitney , Gore Jeffrey , Huang Fangneng , Ludwick Dalton C. , Raudenbush Amy , Jimenez Sebastian , Carrière Yves , Elkner Timothy , Hamby Kelly
Published: June 2023

Transgenic corn and cotton that produce Cry and Vip3Aa toxins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are widely planted in the United States to control lepidopteran pests. The sustainability of these Bt crops is threatened because the corn earworm/bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), is evolving a resistance to these toxins. Using Bt sweet corn as a sentinel plant to monitor the evolution of resistance, collaborators established 146 trials in twenty-five states and five Canadian provinces during 2020–2022. The study evaluated overall changes in the phenotypic frequency of resistance (the ratio of larval densities in Bt ears relative to densities in non-Bt ears) in H. zea populations and the range of resistance allele frequencies for Cry1Ab and Vip3Aa. The results revealed a widespread resistance to Cry1Ab, Cry2Ab2, and Cry1A.105 Cry toxins, with higher numbers of larvae surviving in Bt ears than in non-Bt ears at many trial locations. Depending on assumptions about the inheritance of resistance, allele frequencies for Cry1Ab ranged from 0.465 (dominant resistance) to 0.995 (recessive resistance). Although Vip3Aa provided high control efficacy against H. zea, the results show a notable increase in ear damage and a number of surviving older larvae, particularly at southern locations. Assuming recessive resistance, the estimated resistance allele frequencies for Vip3Aa ranged from 0.115 in the Gulf states to 0.032 at more northern locations. These findings indicate that better resistance management practices are urgently needed to sustain efficacy the of corn and cotton that produce Vip3Aa.
The Development and Effect of Systemic Hypertension on Clinical and Radiological Outcome in Adult Moyamoya Angiopathy Following Revascularization Surgery: Experience of a Single European Institution
Authors: Lucia Kristin , Acker Güliz , Rubarth Kerstin , Beyaztas Defne , Vajkoczy Peter
Published: June 2023

Patients with Moyamoya Angiopathy (MMA) display structurally altered vessels with decreased cerebral autoregulatory capacity, so aggressive lowering of systemic hypertension may aggravate ischemic symptoms, whereas uncontrolled hypertension may promote hemorrhage. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the role of hypertension in adult MMA patients including long-term analysis of clinical and radiological development. In this single-center retrospective analysis of 137 adult MMA patients with 206 surgically treated hemispheres angiographic images, clinical/operative data were reviewed and scored. Univariate Cox-regression analysis was performed to evaluate hypertension as a predictor for negative angiographic and clinical outcomes following revascularization surgery. A total of 50% of patients were being treated for hypertension prior to the first surgery. Patients with and without hypertension did not differ in terms of age, gender, diagnosis, symptom onset or disease severity (Berlin and Suzuki Grades). Although hypertension did not statistically significantly affect postoperative collaterals, moyamoya vessels or STA-MCA bypass patency, patients with hypertension showed higher rates of bypass patency and better bypass filling compared to those without hypertension. No significant differences in adverse events were found in patients with and without systemic hypertension and the presence of systemic hypertension was not found to predict negative clinical or radiological outcomes. In conclusion, the rate of systemic hypertension in MMA patients appears to be higher than the general population; however, this is not associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications or negative angiographic development following revascularization procedures. Systemic hypertension may also positively influence the rate of bypass patency and filling following revascularization procedures.
Hematological Parameters for Predicting Mortality in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Karkra Rohan , Krishnarao Chaya Sindaghatta , Siddaiah Jayaraj Biligere , Anand Mahesh Padukudru
Published: June 2023

(1) Introduction: COPD is a common and serious condition affecting a significant proportion of the population globally. Patients often suffer from exacerbations which lead to the worsening of their health status and respiratory function, and can often lead to death. Quick and cheap investigations are required that are capable of predicting mortality in patients with acute exacerbations that can be applied in low resource settings. (2) Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study carried out using hospital records of patients admitted for AECOPD from 1 January 2017 to 30 November 2022. Chi-square test (for sex) and Student’s t-test were used to look for significant associations. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves were plotted and Area Under Curve (AUC) values were calculated for various hematological parameters. Youden’s J was used to identify the ideal cut-off with optimal sensitivity and specificity. Multivariate Cox regression was used to identify independent hematological predictors of mortality. Kaplan–Meir survival plots for neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with the optimal cut-off were plotted. (3) Results: Amongst the 500 patients, 42 died while 458 survived, giving a mortality rate of 8.4%. NLR had the strongest association with mortality. The cut-off for various parameters were: NLR 14.83 (AUC 0.73), total leukocyte count (TLC) 13,640 cells/mm3 (AUC 0.60), absolute neutrophil count (ANC) 12,556 cells/mm3 (AUC 0.62), derived NLR (dNLR) 9.989 (AUC 0.73), hemoglobin 11.8 mg/dL (AUC 0.59), packed cell volume (PCV) 36.6% (AUC 0.60), and platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) 451.32 (AUC 0.55). (4) Conclusions: In patients with acute exacerbation of COPD, NLR was strongly associated with mortality, followed by dNLR. Cox regression identified NLR as an independent predictor of mortality.
Three-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography-Derived Tricuspid Annular Dimensions and Right Atrial Strains in Healthy Adults—Is There a Relationship? (Insights from the MAGYAR-Healthy Study)
Authors: Nemes Attila , Kormányos Árpád , Ruzsa Zoltán , Achim Alexandru , Ambrus Nóra , Lengyel Csaba
Published: June 2023

Introduction. The tricuspid valve and its annulus (TA) are thought to be integrally related to right atrial (RA) size and function. The present study aimed to assess associations between TA dimensions and RA strains, and quantitative features of its contractility were determined by 3DSTE in healthy adults. Methods. The study comprised 145 healthy volunteers with a mean age of 34.4 ± 12.5 years (73 males). Electrocardiographic, two-dimensional Doppler echocardiographic and 3DSTE parameters were in normal reference ranges in all subjects. Results. Enlarged TA areas, regardless of which phase of the cardiac cycle were measured, were not associated with the deterioration of peak RA strains in longitudinal (LS) and circumferential (CS) directions. Increased end-diastolic TA area was associated with reduced RA strain in the radial direction (RS). Dilation of end-diastolic and end-systolic TA areas was related to increased RA volumes. End-diastolic TA area was the smallest in case of increased peak global RA-RS, and other associations between increasing TA areas and peak global strains could not be detected. Peak global RA-CS and RA-LS were not related to TA areas. Increasing peak global RA-RS was not associated with peak global RA-LS and RA-CS, while increasing peak global RA-LS and RA-CS were not associated with peak global RA-RS. Increasing peak global RS did not show associations with RA volumes, Vmin was the smallest in the case of highest peak global RA-CS and RA-LS. Vmax increased with increasing peak global RA-LS. Conclusions. 3DSTE is suitable for simultaneous non-invasive determination of TA dimensions and RA volumes and strains using the same acquired 3D dataset, allowing physiologic studies. RA volumes are associated with end-diastolic and end-systolic TA areas. RA strains in radial direction (RS) show associations with end-diastolic TA area.
The Efficacy of Scalp Nerve Block in Postoperative Pain Management after Microvascular Decompression: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Lee Eun Kyung , Lee Seungwon , Kwon Ji-Hye , Lee Seung Hoon , Park Soo Jung , Kim Yunghun , Kang RyungA , Jeong Ji Seon , Lee Jeong Jin
Published: June 2023

The scalp nerve block, created by injecting local anesthetics around the scalp nerves, is reported to effectively reduce pain after surgery. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of scalp nerve block in patients with hemifacial spasm (HFS) undergoing microvascular decompression (MVD). Seventy-four patients who underwent MVD for HFS were enrolled. The block group received scalp nerve block with 0.5% ropivacaine before surgery. The primary outcome was cumulative dose of rescue analgesics 24 h postoperatively. The secondary outcomes were included pain scores, postoperative antiemetic consumption, and Quality of Recovery-15 scale. The cumulative dose of rescue analgesics at 24 h postoperatively was not significantly different between the two groups (4.80 ± 3.64 mg vs. 5.92 ± 3.95 mg, p = 0.633). However, the pain score was significantly reduced in the block group at 6, 12, and 24 h postoperatively. Postoperative antiemetic consumption was lower in the block group than the control group at 12 h. There were no significant differences between the two groups for other secondary outcomes. In MVD for HFS, a preoperative scalp nerve block might reduce postoperative pain in the early postoperative period, but a larger study using a multimodal approach is needed to confirm the efficacy of a scalp block.
Persistent Increase in Serum Ferritin Levels despite Converting to Permanent Vascular Access in Pediatric Hemodialysis Patients: Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium Study
Authors: Onder Ali Mirza , Ansari Md Abu Yusuf , Deng Fang , Grinsell Matthew M. , Patterson Larry , Jetton Jennifer , Fathallah-Shaykh Sahar , Ranch Daniel , Aviles Diego , Copelovitch Lawrence , Ellis Eileen , Chadha Vimal , Elmaghrabi Ayah , Lin Jen-Jar , Butani Lavjay , Haddad Maha , Marsenic Olivera , Brakeman Paul , Quigley Raymond , Shin H. Stella , Garro Rouba , Raina Rupesh , Langman Craig B.
Published: June 2023

Our objective was to examine serum ferritin trends after conversion to permanent vascular access (PVA) among children who started hemodialysis (HD) using tunneled cuffed catheters (TCC). Retrospective chart reviews were completed on 98 subjects from 20 pediatric HD centers. Serum ferritin levels were collected at the creation of PVA and for two years thereafter. There were 11 (11%) arteriovenous grafts (AVG) and 87 (89%) arteriovenous fistulae (AVF). Their mean TCC use was 10.4 ± 17.3 months. Serum ferritin at PVA creation was elevated at 562.64 ± 492.34 ng/mL, increased to 753.84 ± 561.54 ng/mL (p = < 0.001) in the first year and remained at 759.60 ± 528.11 ng/mL in the second year (p = 0.004). The serum ferritin levels did not show a statistically significant linear association with respective serum hematocrit values. In a multiple linear regression model, there were three predictors of serum ferritin during the first year of follow-up: steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome as primary etiology (p = 0.035), being from a center that enrolled >10 cases (p = 0.049) and baseline serum ferritin level (p = 0.017). Increasing serum ferritin after conversion to PVA is concerning. This increase is not associated with serum hematocrit trends. Future studies should investigate the correlation of serum transferrin saturation and ferritin levels in pediatric HD patients.
The Development and Validation of a Predictive Model for Voriconazole-Related Liver Injury in Hospitalized Patients in China
Authors: Xiao Guirong , Liu Yiyao , Chen Yanhua , He Zhiyao , Wen Yan , Hu Ming
Published: June 2023

Voriconazole is widely used in the treatment and prevention of invasive fungal diseases. Common drug-induced liver injuries increase the economic burdens and the risks of premature drug withdrawal and disease recurrence. This study estimated the disposal cost of voriconazole-related liver injury, explored the risk factors of voriconazole-related liver injury in hospitalized patients, and established a predictive model of liver injury to assist clinicians and pharmacists in estimating the probability or risk of liver injury after voriconazole administration to allow for early identification and intervention in patients at high risk of liver injury. A retrospective study was conducted on the selected inpatients whose blood concentration of voriconazole was measured in the West China Hospital of Sichuan University from September 2016 to June 2020. The incidence and disposal cost of voriconazole-related liver injuries were calculated. The incidence of voriconazole-related liver injury was 15.82% (217/1372). The disposal cost has been converted to 2023 at a discount rate of 5%. The median (P25, P75) disposal cost of severe liver injury (n = 42), general liver injury (n = 175), and non-liver injury (n = 1155) was 993.59 (361.70, 1451.76) Chinese yuan, 0.00 (0.00, 410.48) yuan, and 0.00 (0.00, 0.00) yuan, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Single factor analysis and multiple factor logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors of voriconazole-related liver injury. The voriconazole-related liver injury was related to the trough concentration (Cmin, OR 1.099, 95% CI 1.058–1.140), hypoproteinemia (OR 1.723, 95% CI 1.126–2.636), and transplantation status (OR 0.555, 95% CI 0.325–0.948). The prediction model of liver injury was Logit (P)= −2.219 + 0.094 × Cmin + 0.544 × Hydroproteinemia − 0.589 × Transplantation, and the prediction model nomogram was established. The model validation results showed that the C-index of the derivation set and validation set was 0.706 and 0.733, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.705 and 0.733, respectively, indicating that the model had good prediction ability. The prediction model will be helpful to develop clinical individualized medication of voriconazole and to identify and intervene in the cases of patients at high risk of voriconazole-related liver injury early on, in order to reduce the incidence of voriconazole-related liver injuries and the cost of treatment.
The Impact of the Initial Clinical Presentation of Bladder Cancer on Histopathological and Morphological Tumor Characteristics
Authors: Jakus Dora , Šolić Ivana , Jurić Ivan , Borovac Josip A. , Šitum Marijan
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the impact of the initial clinical presentation of bladder cancer on tumor characteristics. A cross-sectional, retrospective study was performed, and it involved 515 patients who underwent transurethral bladder cancer resection at the University Hospital Center Split between April 2019 and April 2023, excluding recurrent cases. The association between symptomatic versus asymptomatic presentation and bladder cancer characteristics was analyzed. A subgroup analysis compared tumor characteristics between patients with gross and microscopic hematuria. Multiple regression analyses revealed a significant association between symptomatic presentation and the detection of high-grade bladder cancer (OR 3.43, 95% CI 2.22–5.29, p < 0.001), concomitant CIS (OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.31–8.88, p = 0.012), T2 stage bladder cancer (OR 5.79, 95% CI 2.45–13.71, p < 0.001), a higher number of tumors (IRR 1.24, 95% CI 1.07–1.45, p = 0.005), and larger tumor size (B 1.68, 95% CI 1.19–2.18, p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, gross hematuria was associated with the detection of high-grade bladder cancer (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.12–3.84, p = 0.020), T2 stage bladder cancer (OR 6.03, 95% CI 1.42–25.49, p = 0.015), and larger tumor size (B 1.8, 95% CI 0.99–2.6, p < 0.001). The identified associations between symptomatic presentation and unfavorable bladder cancer characteristics, likely attributed to early detection in asymptomatic cases, underscore the importance of additional research in the development of bladder cancer screening strategies.
Deep Vein Thrombosis Is Facilitated by Endothelial-Derived Extracellular Vesicles via the PDI–GRP94–GPIIb/IIIa Pathway in Mice
Authors: Lan Hongtao , Tong Zhoujie , Jiao Yaqiong , Han Haitao , Ma Ying , Li Yulin , Jia Xu , Hu Boang , Zhang Wei , Zhong Ming , Wang Zhihao
Published: June 2023

Aims: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a prevalent cardiovascular condition. Endothelial-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) may play a crucial role in platelet-dependent DVT development via platelet activation, but the mechanism is not clear yet. This research aims to understand how platelets and endothelial-derived EVs work in DVT. Methods: The interaction between protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and glucose-regulated protein 94 (GRP94) was founded by molecular docking. Inferior vena cava stasis–induced mice received PDI and GRP94 inhibitor treatments. Platelet activation, endothelial-derived EVs, and PDI were measured using flow cytometry. The expression of PDI and dimetric GRP94 in platelets co-cultured with hypoxic endothelial cells was confirmed by Western blot or native PAGE. The fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay shows conformational changes in GPIIb/IIIa on platelet surfaces. A tracking experiment was performed using PKH26, which labelled endothelial-derived EVs, and the endocytosis of EVs by platelets was tracked by confocal microscope. Results: In a DVT mouse model, platelets enhance venous thrombus formation in a coagulation-independent manner, instead, platelet activation and the length of the thrombus are related to PDI and GRP94 activity. Next, we found that the expression level of endothelial-derived EVs carrying PDI is significantly increased in plasma. Endothelial-derived EVs carrying PDI are endocytosed by platelets, in which the content of GRP94 dimer is elevated, and consequently increases the expression of surface GPIIb/IIIa. In addition, PDI allosterically interacts with GPIIb/IIIa, which is re-configurated into an activated form. Conclusion: Endothelial-derived EVs carrying PDI induce DVT via interplay with GRP94 and GPIIb/IIIa in platelets. These findings emphasize the significance of platelets in DVT formation, and PDI may be a suitable target in DVT prevention.
Factors Associated with Family Planning Status and Voluntary Childlessness in Women of Childbearing Age with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Selinger Christian P. , Steed Helen , Purewal Satvinder , Homer Rebecca ,   NIHR BioResource, Brookes Matthew
Published: June 2023

Background: Women with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) have fewer children and stay childless more often. The decision-making process around family planning choices remains incompletely understood. Methods: We examined family status in women who at recruitment to the UK IBD Bioresource had not had children yet via an electronic survey. The primary outcome was the proportion of women with voluntary childlessness. Secondary outcomes were factors associated with family planning status. Results: Of 326 responders, 10.7% had either given birth, were currently pregnant or were currently trying to conceive; 12.6% were planning to conceive within 12 months; 54.4% were contemplating conception in the distant future (vague plans); and 22.3% were voluntarily childless. Factors associated with family planning status fell into three areas: general background (age, household income, perceived support to raise a child), relationship status (sexual orientation, being single, not cohabiting, perception of being ‘in the right relationship to raise a child’, perception of a good sex life) and the expression of having a child as a goal in life. On binary logistics regression analysis with voluntary childlessness versus vague family plans as the outcomes of choice, having a household income of <£30,000 (p = 0.046), not seeing a child as a life goal (p < 0.0001) and identifying as lesbian or bisexual (p = 0.047) were independent predictors of voluntary childlessness. Conclusions: Clinicians should consider sexual orientation, income, younger age, current relationship and lack of expression of having a child as a life goal as important factors for family planning when providing care. Pre-pregnancy advice should be made widely available for women with IBD.
Tissue Expression of Programmed Cell Death 1 Ligand1 (PD-L1) in Biopsies of Transplant Livers of Pediatric Patients as a Possible Marker of Acute Cellular Rejection
Authors: Szymanska Sylwia , Markiewicz-Kijewska Malgorzata , Pyzlak Michal , Karkucinska-Wienckowska Agnieszka , Ciopinski Mateusz , Czubkowski Piotr , Kaliciński Piotr
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Preclinical models have demonstrated that PD-1 and its ligand programmed death ligand1 (PD-L1) play significant roles in both graft induction and the maintenance of immune tolerance. It has also been suggested that PD-L1 tissue expression may predict graft rejection; however, the available data are sparse and inconclusive. Some studies were conducted on patients with cancer; most of them do not concern the liver, especially within the context of the use of immunohistochemical tests. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the relationship between tissue expression of PD-L1 in a unique material, i.e., in the liver biopsies of pediatric patients after transplantation with the presence of acute cellular rejection (ACR). Material and Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 55 biopsies from 55 patients who underwent protocol liver biopsies. The control group consisted of 19 biopsies from 13 patients diagnosed with acute cellular rejection (rejection activity index/RAI/ from 2 to 8). An immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for PD-L1 was performed in all of the liver specimens; its expression was analyzed in different regions of liver tissue (in inflammatory infiltrates and within the endothelium and hepatocytes). The following changes were re-evaluated in each specimen: features of any kind of rejection (acute cellular, antibody-mediated, chronic); the presence and severity of fibrosis (Ishak scale); and the presence of cholestasis and steatosis. Clinical parameters were also evaluated, including tests of liver function (AST, ALT, GGT, bilirubin). Results: The age of patients in the study group ranged from 2.37 to 18.9 years (median 13.87 years), with the time after transplantation being 1–17 years (median 8.36 years). The age of patients in the control group ranged from 1.48 to 17.51 years (median 7.93 years), with their biopsies being taken 0.62–14.39 years (median 1.33 years) after transplantation. We found a statistically significant relationship between PD-L1 expression on inflammatory infiltrates and ACR; however, there was no statistically significant relationship between PD-L1 endothelial expression and ACR. PD-L1 was not positive in the hepatocytes regardless of if it was the study or control group that was under observation. Conclusion: PD-L1 appears to be a promising marker to predict graft rejection.
Mental Health among Italian Children and Adolescents during and after the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Professionals’ Focus Group Study
Authors: Scattoni Maria Luisa , Micai Martina , Caruso Angela , Gila Letizia , Fulceri Francesca , Galati Giulia , Costantino Maria Antonella , Molteni Massimo , Petralia Paolo , Lanari Marcello , Corinaldesi Cristiana , Garlatti Carla
Published: June 2023

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had a negative impact on the mental health of children and adolescents. Eight focus groups and six individual hearings were conducted to gain insights from the perspectives of 97 Italian professionals from a variety of disciplines, including child and adolescent neuropsychiatrists, pediatricians, general practitioners, social workers, psychologists, teachers, school deans, non-governmental organizations, and a researcher. Urban and rural settings were represented. The present research has been promoted by the Italian Independent Authority for Children and Adolescents (Autorità Garante per l’Infanzia e l’Adolescenza, AGIA) in collaboration with the National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS) and the Ministry of Education and its scientific value has been supervised by a Scientific Committee. The results of the focus groups’ discussions revealed increased vulnerability, with the onset of new mental health disorders in healthy individuals and those in a condition of disadvantage, migratory contexts, and with disabilities. The already critical pre-pandemic structural and operational issues of existing services have been exacerbated. In healthcare, the activation of telemedicine has been a great asset but at the same time has generated challenges and critical issues that are still unresolved. Professionals emphasized the need to pay special attention to planning integrated responses aimed at overcoming inequalities and fragmentation. The result of this initiative translates into a set of operational recommendations useful for guiding investments and policies directed toward the protection of the mental health of minors in the health, educational, and social spheres from the outset.
Cellular and Molecular Evidence of Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis and Treatment Challenges
Authors: Khan Zuber , Gupta Ghanshyam Das , Mehan Sidharth
Published: June 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that impacts the central nervous system and can result in disability. Although the prevalence of MS has increased in India, diagnosis and treatment continue to be difficult due to several factors. The present study examines the difficulties in detecting and treating multiple sclerosis in India. A lack of MS knowledge among healthcare professionals and the general public, which delays diagnosis and treatment, is one of the significant issues. Inadequate numbers of neurologists and professionals with knowledge of MS management also exacerbate the situation. In addition, MS medications are expensive and not covered by insurance, making them inaccessible to most patients. Due to the absence of established treatment protocols and standards for MS care, India’s treatment techniques vary. In addition, India’s population diversity poses unique challenges regarding genetic variations, cellular and molecular abnormalities, and the potential for differing treatment responses. MS is more difficult to accurately diagnose and monitor due to a lack of specialized medical supplies and diagnostic instruments. Improved awareness and education among healthcare professionals and the general public, as well as the development of standardized treatment regimens and increased investment in MS research and infrastructure, are required to address these issues. By addressing these issues, it is anticipated that MS diagnosis and treatment in India will improve, leading to better outcomes for those affected by this chronic condition.
Deposition, Dietary Exposure and Human Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Mechanically Milled Maize Flours in Mbarara City, Uganda
Authors: Mugume Herbert Kariitu , Byamugisha Denis , Omara Timothy , Ntambi Emmanuel
Published: June 2023

Consumption of maize and maize-based products contributes a significant percentage to the total food energy intake in Uganda. However, the production of maize-derived foodstuffs is performed traditionally or by small- and medium-scale processors using different processing techniques. This can lead to differences in the quality of these products from processors, raising food safety concerns. In this study, the effects of mechanical processing (milling) methods on deposition of heavy metals into milled maize flour and the associated consumption health risks were assessed. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to quantitatively establish the concentration of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) in 100 samples of maize milled using a wooden mortar (n = 2), a metallic mortar (n = 2), diesel engine−powered mills (n = 48) and electric motor−powered mills (n = 48). Results showed that the mean concentrations of heavy metals in mg/kg were Fe (11.60–34.45), Cu (0.50–8.10), Ni (0.50–1.60), Mn (0.70–25.40), Zn (4.40–15.90), Pb (0.53–10.20), Cd (0.51–0.85), Cr (0.50–1.53) and Co (0.50–1.51). The highest concentrations were found in flour milled using a traditional metallic mortar while the lowest levels were in those samples milled using a wooden mortar. The Fe, Pb and Cd contents of flours produced using the metallic mortar and some commercial mills was found to be higher than the permissible limits set by WHO/FAO. Human health risk assessment showed that there are potential carcinogenic health risks from adults’ intake of heavy metals in maize flour milled using a metallic mortar. Therefore, processing of maize flour needs to be monitored by the relevant statutory bodies in Uganda to minimize the possibility of heavy metal contamination of food products and animal feeds.
Accuracy Analysis of Computer-Assisted and Guided Dental Implantology by Comparing 3D Planning Data and Actual Implant Placement in a Mandibular Training Model: A Monocentric Comparison between Dental Students and Trained Implantologists
Authors: Ebeling Marcel , Sakkas Andreas , Schramm Alexander , Wilde Frank , Scheurer Mario , Winter Karsten , Pietzka Sebastian
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate how precisely implantation can be realized by participants on a phantom head according to preliminary planning. Of particular interest here was the influence of participants’ previous knowledge and surgical experience on the precision of the implant placement. The placed implants were scanned using an intraoral scanner, saved as STL files, and superimposed with the 3D-planned implant placement. Deviations from the planning were indicated in millimeters and degrees. We were able to show that on average, the deviations from computer-assisted 3D planning were less than 1 mm for implantologists, and the students also did not deviate more than 1.78 mm on average from 3D planning. This study shows that guided implantology provides predictable and reproducible results in dental implantology. Incorrect positioning, injuries to anatomical structures, and implant positions that cannot be prosthetically restored can thus be avoided.
Molecular and Phenotypic Changes in FLExDUX4 Mice
Authors: Murphy Kelly , Zhang Aiping , Bittel Adam J. , Chen Yi-Wen
Published: June 2023

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is caused by the aberrant expression of the double homeobox 4 (DUX4) gene. The FLExDUX4 mouse model carries an inverted human DUX4 transgene which has leaky DUX4 transgene expression at a very low level. No overt muscle pathology was reported before 16 weeks. The purpose of this study is to track and characterize the FLExDUX4 phenotypes for a longer period, up to one year old. In addition, transcriptomic changes in the muscles of 2-month-old mice were investigated using RNA-seq. The results showed that male FLExDUX4 mice developed more severe phenotypes and at a younger age in comparison to the female mice. These include lower body and muscle weight, and muscle weakness measured by grip strength measurements. Muscle pathological changes were observed at older ages, including fibrosis, decreased size of type IIa and IIx myofibers, and the development of aggregates containing TDP-43 in type IIb myofibers. Muscle transcriptomic data identified early molecular changes in biological pathways regulating circadian rhythm and adipogenesis. The study suggests a slow progressive change in molecular and muscle phenotypes in response to the low level of DUX4 expression in the FLExDUX4 mice.
Determination of Relationships between Symmetry-Based, Performance-Based, and Functional Outcome Measures in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Kirschner Jana , Michel Sven , Becker Roland , Stiebitz Olaf , Hommel Hagen , Schulz Robert , Daszkiewicz Maciej , Królikowska Aleksandra , Prill Robert
Published: June 2023

Due to the high heterogeneity in outcome measures after total hip arthroplasty (THA), the prospective observational study investigated the relationships between symmetry-based (SBMs), performance-based (PBMs), and functional outcome measures in THA patients to determine necessary or redundant categories of tests. The study material consisted of 24 patients with end-stage hip osteoarthritis scheduled for THA. The patients were examined one day before surgery and consecutively on the 4th day, 9th day, and 10th week postoperatively using the SBMs (weight-bearing chair-rising test, measurements of the maximal isometric torque of the quadriceps muscle); the PBMs (10-m walk, timed up-and-go, and stair-climbing tests); and the functional outcome measure (Harris Hip Score). The results obtained in a given category of tests at different time points were compared, and the correlations between the tests were determined. The reliability of the outcome measures was determined. The results of tests in the studied categories statistically significantly (p < 0.05) improved at the 10th week postoperatively compared to preoperative results. No strong correlations were revealed between the three studied types of outcome measures in THA patients. Therefore, none of them can be considered redundant. It also means that the relevance of symmetry for a core measurement set to describe the domain function in THA patients must be further clarified.
Evolution of Industrial Ecology and Analysis of Influencing Factors: The Yellow River Basin in China
Authors: Zhang Mengtian , Wang Huiling
Published: June 2023

The Yellow River Basin is an important ecological function area and economic zone in China that faces the dual pressure of economic development and ecological protection. Industrial ecology designs industrial activities by imitating the ecosystem and would solve the dilemma in the development process of the Yellow River Basin. In this study, we evaluated the industrial ecology of 100 prefecture-level cities along the Yellow River Basin from 2003 to 2020 using the entropy weight method and analyzed their long-term spatial and temporal evolution trends. We also deconstructed the driving factors affecting the industrial ecology in the Yellow River Basin, regarding both internal and external aspects, using the coupled coordination model and the panel quantile model. We found the following: (1) The industrial ecology in the Yellow River Basin was slowly increasing in a “N”-type transformation trajectory, but the overall was still relatively low. (2) The slow improvement in ecosystem efficiency and the low coordination between the industrial system and the ecosystem are the main internal factors limiting the improvement in industrial ecology. (3) The population agglomeration, human capital accumulation, government guidance, and technology level are all important for improvements in industrial ecology in the Yellow River Basin. The impact of the financial level on industrial ecology in the Yellow River Basin was found to be negative. Therefore, it is necessary to take the correlation and coordination between the industrial system and the ecosystem as the main means and actively and positively promote the role of the external influencing factors to improve the industrial ecology in the Yellow River Basin.
Energy Communities in Urban Areas: Comparison of Energy Strategy and Economic Feasibility in Italy and Spain
Authors: Barbaro Simona , Napoli Grazia
Published: June 2023

Energy communities using renewable energy sources directly contributes to reduction of climate change gas emissions and energy consumption in the European Union. In addition, energy communities enable citizens to transform from (passive) consumers to prosumers (active consumers and producers) and to play a proactive role in the deployment of energy transition in urban areas. As the transposition of European rules about energy communities into the national laws of EU Member States is very articulated and differentiated, this study proposes a framework to analyze and compare regulatory and financial instruments. This framework is applied to the analysis of the cases of Italy and Spain as representative of European states in which collective actions in the energy sector are not very common, with the aim of highlighting the main critical issues affecting the effectiveness of energy transition strategies and assessing the economic feasibility of energy communities. Based on analysis of regulations and procedures, including at the local level, it appears that municipalities play an important role as promoters of initiatives among citizen communities, while complex bureaucratic procedure is the most critical issue in both countries and can significantly hinder the spread of energy communities. With respect to the different financial incentives available for the formation of energy communities in Italy and Spain, a few cases studies are hypothesized, calculating the most relevant cost-effectiveness indicators, e.g., Net Present Value. It turns out that a project with the same characteristics achieves greater economic feasibility in Italy than in Spain, depending on the type and size of incentives set by national laws and, above all, that financial incentives are necessary to make the formation of energy communities cost-effective and thus to achieve direct citizen involvement in energy transition actions.
Garlic Extracts: Effect of pH on Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: García Maria Teresa , Garcia-Vargas Jesus Manuel , Fernández Luis Antonio Gómez , Cuevas Pedro , Gracia Ignacio
Published: June 2023

The present work studies the influence of pH on the stability of thiosulfinates, compounds responsible for the bacteriostatic properties shown by ethanolic and acetonic garlic extracts (EGE and AGE) against the in vitro growth of Helicobacter pylori (Hp), a bacterium which is implicated in the etiology of diverse gastrointestinal diseases. The influence of pH and time on the stability of thiosulfinates and the microbiological activities of EGE and AGE has been evaluated at human body temperature (37 °C) and in a pH range of 0.9–4.7. A marked decrease in thiosulfinate concentration was observed in a relatively short time at pH values below 2.0. However, at pH values over 2.0, the samples maintained 70% of thiosulfinate concentration for 12 h. The inhibition halo diameters showed a maximum value at pH 2.50, with an inhibition halo of 28.94 ± 0.61 mm. The reduction in the activity at pH values below 2.0 was particularly remarkable. These results suggest that, for medical application, the pH of the selected extracts must only be maintained above 2 to maintain a high level of antibacterial activity. This fact would overcome the need for proton pump inhibitors and/or antibiotics during the treatment of Hp infections in human patients.
Hypolipidemic and Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Holarrhena pubescens Methanolic Extract Is Mediated through Inhibition of Lipase Activity and Lipid Accumulation
Authors: Alyahya AbdulRahman A. I. , Asad Mohammed , Alrouji Mohammed , Abdelsalam Kamal Eldin Ahmed , Al-Mutairi Adel Mashan Rashed , Ahmed Monjid Ahmed Ibrahim
Published: June 2023

Holarrhena pubescens seeds are used in the treatment of various diseases, especially diabetes and associated complications, in different parts of the world. The present study was undertaken to determine the hypolipidemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of methanolic extract of H. pubescens seeds in rats. The extract was subjected to LC-MS analysis to determine the chemical constituents. The hypolipidemic action was studied by determining the effect of 28-day oral administration of seed extract on serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and serum HDL-cholesterol levels. The antihyperlipidemic action was studied in rats fed with a high-fat diet containing cholesterol and saturated fat, and the same lipid parameters were estimated during 28-day treatment. To elucidate its probable mechanism of action, in vitro studies on the inhibition of lipid accumulation in preadipocytes, DPP-IV inhibitory effect, and lipase enzyme inhibition were studied. The seed extract reduced serum levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in both normal rats and animals fed with a high-fat diet without a significant effect on HDL-cholesterol levels. The seed extract was highly effective in inhibiting lipase enzyme activity but showed a modest effect on the inhibition of lipid accumulation and DPP-IV. The results demonstrated that H. pubescens seed extract has hypolipidemic and antihyperlipidemic effects mediated probably through inhibition of lipase enzyme activity.