bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Intrinsic Oncogenic Potential in the Myc-Box-Deficient Hydra Myc3 Protein
Authors: Lechable Marion , Tang Xuechen , Siebert Stefan , Feldbacher Angelika , Fernández-Quintero Monica L. , Breuker Kathrin , Juliano Celina E. , Liedl Klaus R. , Hobmayer Bert , Hartl Markus
Published: April 2023

The proto-oncogene myc has been intensively studied primarily in vertebrate cell culture systems. Myc transcription factors control fundamental cellular processes such as cell proliferation, cell cycle control and stem cell maintenance. Myc interacts with the Max protein and Myc/Max heterodimers regulate thousands of target genes. The genome of the freshwater polyp Hydra encodes four myc genes (myc1-4). Previous structural and biochemical characterization showed that the Hydra Myc1 and Myc2 proteins share high similarities with vertebrate c-Myc, and their expression patterns suggested a function in adult stem cell maintenance. In contrast, an additional Hydra Myc protein termed Myc3 is highly divergent, lacking the common N-terminal domain and all conserved Myc-boxes. Single cell transcriptome analysis revealed that the myc3 gene is expressed in a distinct population of interstitial precursor cells committed to nerve- and gland-cell differentiation, where the Myc3 protein may counteract the stemness actions of Myc1 and Myc2 and thereby allow the implementation of a differentiation program. In vitro DNA binding studies showed that Myc3 dimerizes with Hydra Max, and this dimer efficiently binds to DNA containing the canonical Myc consensus motif (E-box). In vivo cell transformation assays in avian fibroblast cultures further revealed an unexpected high potential for oncogenic transformation in the conserved Myc3 C-terminus, as compared to Hydra Myc2 or Myc1. Structure modeling of the Myc3 protein predicted conserved amino acid residues in its bHLH-LZ domain engaged in Myc3/Max dimerization. Mutating these amino acid residues in the human c-Myc (MYC) sequence resulted in a significant decrease in its cell transformation potential. We discuss our findings in the context of oncogenic transformation and cell differentiation, both relevant for human cancer, where Myc represents a major driver.
Hydrogen Peroxide Induces α-Tubulin Detyrosination and Acetylation and Impacts Breast Cancer Metastatic Phenotypes
Authors: Stemberger Megan B. , Ju Julia A. , Thompson Keyata N. , Mathias Trevor J. , Jerrett Alexandra E. , Chang Katarina T. , Ory Eleanor C. , Annis David A. , Mull Makenzy L. , Gilchrist Darin E. , Vitolo Michele I. , Martin Stuart S.
Published: April 2023

Levels of hydrogen peroxide are highly elevated in the breast tumor microenvironment compared to normal tissue. Production of hydrogen peroxide is implicated in the mechanism of action of many anticancer therapies. Several lines of evidence suggest hydrogen peroxide mediates breast carcinogenesis and metastasis, though the molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. This study elucidates the effects of exposure to elevated hydrogen peroxide on non-tumorigenic MCF10A mammary epithelial cells, tumorigenic MCF7 cells, and metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Hydrogen peroxide treatment resulted in a dose- and time-dependent induction of two α-tubulin post-translational modifications—de-tyrosination and acetylation—both of which are markers of poor patient prognosis in breast cancer. Hydrogen peroxide induced the formation of tubulin-based microtentacles in MCF10A and MDA-MB-231 cells, which were enriched in detyrosinated and acetylated α-tubulin. However, the hydrogen peroxide-induced microtentacles did not functionally promote metastatic phenotypes of cellular reattachment and homotypic cell clustering. These data establish for the first time that microtentacle formation can be separated from the functions to promote reattachment and clustering, which indicates that there are functional steps that remain to be identified. Moreover, signals in the primary tumor microenvironment may modulate α-tubulin post-translational modifications and induce microtentacles; however, the functional consequences appear to be context-dependent.
Cognitive Impairment Is Associated with AMPAR Glutamatergic Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Neuronal Methionine Synthase Deficiency
Authors: Hassan Ziad , Coelho David , Bossenmeyer-Pourié Carine , Matmat Karim , Arnold Carole , Savladori Aurélie , Alberto Jean-Marc , Umoret Rémy , Guéant Jean-Louis , Pourié Grégory
Published: April 2023

Impairment of one-carbon metabolism during pregnancy, either due to nutritional deficiencies in B9 or B12 vitamins or caused by specific genetic defects, is often associated with neurological defects, including cognitive dysfunction that persists even after vitamin supplementation. Animal nutritional models do not allow for conclusions regarding the specific brain mechanisms that may be modulated by systemic compensations. Using the Cre-lox system associated to the neuronal promoter Thy1.2, a knock-out model for the methionine synthase specifically in the brain was generated. Our results on the neurobehavioral development of offspring show that the absence of methionine synthase did not lead to growth retardation, despite an effective reduction of both its expression and the methylation status in brain tissues. Behaviors were differently affected according to their functional outcome. Only temporary retardations were recorded in the acquisition of vegetative functions during the suckling period, compared to a dramatic reduction in cognitive performance after weaning. Investigation of the glutamatergic synapses in cognitive areas showed a reduction of AMPA receptors phosphorylation and clustering, indicating an epigenomic effect of the neuronal deficiency of methionine synthase on the reduction of glutamatergic synapses excitability. Altogether, our data indicate that cognitive impairment associated with methionine synthase deficiency may not only result from neurodevelopmental abnormalities, but may also be the consequence of alterations in functional plasticity of the brain.
Double-Blind Parallel Treatment Randomized Controlled Trial of Prebiotics’ Efficacy for Children Experiencing Severe Acute Malnutrition in Southern Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Batool Munazza , Saleem Javeria , Zakar Rubeena , Iqbal Sanaullah , Shahzad Ruhma , Butt Muhammad Salman , Haider Shahroz , Fischer Florian
Published: April 2023

The prevalence of malnutrition among children under five is alarmingly high in Pakistan. However, there are ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) available which may be used to treat children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM). This study aims to assess the efficacy of prebiotics as a synergistic additive to RUTF to enhance blood parameters and anthropometric measurements in children with uncomplicated SAM living in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. A double-blind parallel treatment randomized controlled trial was conducted on 204 children aged 6–59 months. Participants were randomized and allocated to the placebo (n = 102) or experimental arms (n = 102) in a 1:1 ratio. One group of children was provided with RUTF and 4 g prebiotics, while the other group was given RUTF and starch as a placebo. Participants recruited for both arms were given treatment for eight weeks, and then their biochemical and anthropometric outcomes were evaluated. A substantial difference between the mean weight, mid-upper-arm circumference, haemoglobin, haematocrit, platelet count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, and albumin was revealed. During the two-month follow-up phase of the trial, children who were enrolled in the treatment group gained about 20% of their initial weight (pre-study mean weight = 5.44 ± 1.35 kg; post-study mean weight = 6.53 ± 1.45 kg). The analysis showed a significant difference (p < 0.005) between the control and treatment groups for MUAC and complete blood counts. Conclusively, supplementation with RUTF and prebiotics has proven to be an efficient, effective, and safe therapy for children suffering from SAM to improve their growth and development indicators and reduce the dangers of malnutrition in comparison to RUTF alone.
Kinematic Gait Impairments in Children with Clubfeet Treated by the Ponseti Method: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Grin Lianne , van Oorschot Lisa , Vanwanseele Benedicte , Wijnands Saskia D. N. , Kars H. J. J. (Cojanne) , Besselaar Arnold T. , van der Steen M. C. (Marieke)
Published: April 2023

Background: Being aware of possible gait impairments in Ponseti-treated clubfoot children might be useful for optimizing initial and additional treatment. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify kinematic gait abnormalities in children with clubfoot treated with the Ponseti method (with and without relapse). Methods: A systematic search was conducted. Studies comparing kinematic gait parameters of Ponseti-treated clubfoot children to healthy controls were included. Meta-analyses and qualitative analyses were conducted on the extracted data. Results: Twenty studies were identified. Twelve of the 153 reported kinematic outcome measures could be included in the meta-analysis. Plantarflexion at push-off, maximum ankle dorsiflexion during the swing, maximal plantarflexion, and ankle range of motion was significantly lower in Ponseti-treated clubfoot children. Ponseti-treated clubfoot children showed more internal foot progression. Qualitative analysis revealed 51 parameters in which pre-treatment relapse clubfeet deviated from healthy controls. Conclusions: Ponseti-treated clubfoot children showed several kinematic gait differences from healthy controls. In future studies, homogeneity in measured variables and study population and implementation of multi-segmental foot models will aid in comparing studies and understanding clubfoot complexity and treatment outcomes. The question remains as to what functional problems gait impairments lead to and whether additional treatment could address these problems.
Printed Graphene Electrode for ITO/MoS2/Graphene Photodiode Application
Authors: Al-Amri Amal M. , Ng Tien Khee , Boukortt Nour El I , Ooi Boon S.
Published: April 2023

Lightweight and flexible electronics have recently emerged at the forefront of optoelectronic applications. In this regard, graphene electrodes enable opportunities for new photodiode devices. In this paper, we formulated and tested graphene ink using the standard inkjet printing technique. It was shown that the maximum conductivity of ink was achieved for 14 print passes of the graphene layer. Moreover, we deposited Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) ink in the same pattern and used it as an active layer. We put MoS2 ink on an Indium-Tin-Oxide (ITO) glass substrate and then deposited graphene ink as a top electrode to fabricate an ITO/MoS2/graphene device. The fabricated device showed good rectification behavior and high ON/OFF switching behavior with a max photocurrent of 15 µA at +2 V. The technique thus paves the way for low-cost, low-temperature processing of electronics and one-step fabrication.
Annealing Effect on Microstructure of Novel Ti Doped DLC Multilayer Films
Authors: Zhang Shidong , Jiang Guang , Yang Yang , Li Hongtao , Yan Fuyao , Yan Mufu , Zhang Yanxiang
Published: April 2023

Diamond-like films (DLC) are an exceptional engineering material with excellent performance such as high hardness, low friction coefficient, superior wear resistance and chemical inertness. However, two major problems of high internal stress and poor thermal stability have seriously limited its industrial applications. In particular, the microstructures and properties of pure DLC films are highly sensitive to high temperature. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of annealing temperature on the microstructures of the as-prepared films. Ti-doped DLC multilayer films were synthesized by closed field unbalanced magnetron sputtering. The as-deposited films were annealed in the range of 200 to 800 °C. The surface morphology, phase structure and bonding structure of the films were characterized by SEM, AFM, GIXRD and Raman spectroscopy. The resulting films remained a smooth surface after annealing and maintained the nature of amorphous carbon up to 600 °C. The formed phases of graphite carbon and TiC nanocrystallines occur above 600 °C. In addition, the D- and G-bands showed a significant blue shift and the FWHMG shows a declining trend up to 600 °C. This result revealed that the films had high graphitization temperature and good thermal stability due to the formation of TiC nanocrystallines and its novel structure design containing elemental doping, multilayer structuring and functionally graded layering.
Microstructure and Properties of Direct Laser-Deposited CeO2-Modified Cobalt-Based Composite Coatings
Authors: Liu Yan , Han Hui , Ding Tao , Hu Dengwen , Zhang Zhenlin , Lv Hang , Chen Hui
Published: April 2023

The seawater circulation pump is a significant piece of equipment in coastal nuclear power plants that is susceptible to erosion and corrosion in the seawater. In this work, CeO2-modified cobalt-based composite coatings were prepared on the surface of martensitic stainless steel by direct laser deposition. The effect of CeO2 on the phase composition, microstructure, microhardness, corrosion resistance, and erosion properties of the cobalt-based composite coatings was systematically investigated. While the addition of CeO2 did not affect the phase composition of the coatings that comprised γ-Co, γ-Ni, M7C3, and M23C6 (M = Cr, W, Fe) metallic carbides, the eutectic organization showed an obvious phenomenon of contiguous aggregation. Microscopic pores were found in the coatings with 2 wt.% CeO2, and the number of pores increased with the increase in CeO2 content. Despite the higher self-corrosion potential (−0.27668 V) of cobalt-based alloy coating compared to the substrate (−0.37019 V), indicating enhanced corrosion resistance, the difference in self-corrosion potential among coatings with varying CeO2 addition amounts is small (0.027 V), and the corrosion current densities are within one order of magnitude (10−8 A/cm2). These findings suggest that the addition of CeO2 has no significant impact on the coating’s corrosion resistance.
Effect of Gradient Multilayer Design on Tribological Performance of TiN/TiSiN Coatings Prepared by Cathodic Arc Ion Plating
Authors: Tu Rong , Jiao Jiao , Jiang Mingquan , Yang Mai , Ji Baifeng , Gao Tenghua , Li Qizhong , Zhang Song , Zhang Lianmeng
Published: April 2023

Hard coatings, such as transition metal nitrides, have been widely applied to improve the mechanical properties and tribological performance of cutting tools. The coatings in various multilayered or gradient structures have been designed to meet the demands of more severe service environments and more precise processing requirements. In this work, TiN/TiSiN coatings in several gradient and multilayered structures were deposited on cemented carbides by cathodic arc ion plating using Ti and TiSi alloy targets. The modulation period (Λ) of the multilayer gradually varies with thickness, ranging from 6 to 46 nm. The gradient multilayer coatings consist of a nanocrystalline-amorphous composite with compact growth. The coating with a modulation period first increasing and then decreasing has the highest hardness of 38 GPa, and the maximum residual compressive stress of −2.71 GPa, as well as the minimum coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rate. Gradient and multilayer structures moderate the brittleness caused by the presence of amorphous SiNx phase and optimize the mechanical properties and tribological performances of the coatings.
Comparison of Analytical Methods for the Detection of Residual Crosslinker in Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Films
Authors: Rashid Fatimah , Childs Stephen , Dodou Kalliopi
Published: April 2023

Cosmetic skincare products often consist of residual chemical ingredients which are by-products of the manufacturing process that may cause side effects such as skin irritation or allergic dermatitis; investigating the safety of these products to protect the consumer is an important part in the quality control of formulations intended for skin application. Acrylates are a type of polymer widely used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications as copolymers, emulsifiers, and cross-linkers. Due to the acrylates being strong skin irritants and sensitizers, it is essential to quantify the levels of residual acrylate monomers in the formulation; these levels must be within the accepted value to be safe. Our previously reported novel hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel films were formulated using pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PT) as the crosslinker. Therefore, it was crucial to analyze the residual PT in these hydrogel films. Gas chromatography (GC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were used as analytical methods to detect the residual PT monomers in the HA hydrogel samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted to investigate structural changes due to the PT monomers leaching out from the HA hydrogel films. The results from the GC method validation (linearity R² > 0.99, RSD for intra-day precision = 1.78%, inter-day precision = 2.52%, %recovery = 101.73%, %RSD = 1.59% for robustness, LOD, LOQ values 0.000032% m/m, 0.00013% m/m for sensitivity) revealed its suitability for such studies. NMR analysis results agreed with the GC results confirming the correct quantification of the extracted residual acrylate monomer. The maximum safe concentration of PT crosslinker in the formulation was determined to be 2.55% m/m.
Three New Lanthanum Oxoantimonate(III) Halides: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of La5Cl3[SbO3]4, La2Sb12O19Br4 and La2Sb12O19I4
Authors: Locke Ralf , Bozenhardt Kim-Natalie , Goerigk Felix , Schleid Thomas
Published: April 2023

It was possible to synthesize colorless single crystals of La5Cl3[SbO3]4 (block-shaped) as well as La2Sb12O19Br4 and La2Sb12O19I4 (both needle-shaped), representing three new compounds from the system of lanthanum oxoantimonate(III) halides, which have not been described in the literature before. La5Cl3[SbO3]4 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2/c with the lattice parameters a = 895.82(5) pm, b = 564.28(3) pm, c = 1728.19(9) pm, and β = 90.007(2)° for Z = 2. This layered compound contains isolated ψ1-tetrahedral [SbO3]3– units, square hemiprisms [LaO8]13–, and antiprisms [LaO4Cl4]9−. La2Sb12O19Br4 and La2Sb12O19I4 crystallize isotypically in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with a = 3184.69(19) pm, b = 417.78(3) pm, c = 1019.85(6) pm for the bromide and a = 3215.08(19) pm, b = 419.94(3) pm, c = 1062.89(6) pm for the iodide. Instead of isolated [SbO3]3− anions, semi-tubular features 1∞{[Sb12O19]2−} are present, which consist mainly of [SbO4]5− and few [SbO3]3− units with stereochemically active electronic lone pairs at their Sb3+ centers. Within these so-called “double-halfpipes”, La3+ is surrounded by nine oxygen atoms as [LaO9]15– polyhedron without any contact with X− anions. Single-crystal Raman measurements were performed for La5Cl3[SbO3]4 and La2Sb12O19I4, and La5Cl3[SbO3]4 was structurally compared with the isostoichiometric, but not isotypic La5F3[SbO3]4.
The Influence of BaTiO3 Content on the Energy Storage Properties of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3 Lead-Free Ceramics
Authors: Li Zhuo , Zhang Dandan , Wang Chenbo , Zhang Jiayong , Wang Zixuan , Wang Zhuo , Yan Xin , Ai Tao , Wang Dawei , Lu Zhilun , Niu Yanhui
Published: April 2023

Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT)-based ceramics are promising lead-free candidates for energy-storage applications due to their outstanding dielectric and ferroelectric properties derived from large polarization. However, the high coercive field and large remnant polarization are unfavorable for practical applications, and thus NBT-based ceramics with relaxation behavior via doping/forming solid solutions with other elements/components have been widely studied. In this work, BaTiO3 (BT) was introduced to the 0.94Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-0.06Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3 system by a conventional solid-state reaction to form a homogeneous solid solution of 0.94[(1−x)Na0.5Bi0.51TiO3-xBaTiO3]-0.06Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3 (BNT-100xBT-BMN). As the BT content increased, the proportion of the rhombohedral R3c phase increased while that of the tetragonal P4bm phase decreased, leading to the maximum Pmax (38.29 μC/cm2) and Eb (80 kV/cm) obtained in BNT-7BT-BMN (x = 0.07) composition. Specifically, the optimal energy storage properties of Wrec ~ 1.02 J/cm3 and η ~ 62.91% under 80 kV/cm were obtained in BNT-7BT-BMN ceramics, along with good temperature stability up to 200 °C, which are promising factors for future pulse power applications.
Structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis 1-Deoxy-D-Xylulose 5-Phosphate Synthase in Complex with Butylacetylphosphonate
Authors: Gawriljuk Victor Oliveira , Oerlemans Rick , Gierse Robin M. , Jotwani Riya , Hirsch Anna K. H. , Groves Matthew R.
Published: April 2023

Stagnation in the development of new antibiotics emphasizes the need for the discovery of drugs with novel modes of action that can tackle antibiotic resistance. Contrary to humans, most bacteria use the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway to synthesize crucial isoprenoid precursors. 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase (DXPS) catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step of the pathway, making it an attractive target. Alkylacetylphosphonates (alkylAPs) are a class of pyruvate mimicking DXPS inhibitors that react with thiamin diphosphate (ThDP) to form a stable phosphonolactyl (PLThDP) adduct. Here, we present the first M. tuberculosis DXPS crystal structure in complex with an inhibitor (butylacetylphosphonate (BAP)) using a construct with improved crystallization properties. The 1.6 Å structure shows that the BAP adduct interacts with catalytically important His40 and several other conserved residues of the active site. In addition, a glycerol molecule, present in the D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (D-GAP) binding site and within 4 Å of the BAP adduct, indicates that there is space to extend and develop more potent alkylAPs. The structure reveals the BAP binding mode and provides insights for enhancing the activity of alkylAPs against M. tuberculosis, aiding in the development of novel antibiotics.
Immune-Checkpoint Induced Skin Toxicity Masked as Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Case Report on Mimickers of Dermatological Toxicity with PD-1 Inhibition
Authors: Chan Sze Wah Samuel , Shukla Rahul , Ramsay Jennifer , McWhirter Elaine , Barnfield Paul , Juergens Rosalyn A.
Published: April 2023

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are increasingly the mainstay of oncology treatment. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) from ICI therapy differ from cytotoxic adverse events. Cutaneous irAEs are one of the most common irAEs and require careful attention to optimize the quality of life for oncology patients. Patient and Methods: These are two cases of patients with advanced solid-tumour malignancies treated with PD-1 inhibitor therapy. Results: Both patients developed multiple pruritic hyperkeratotic lesions, which were initially diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma from skin biopsies. The presentation as squamous cell carcinoma was atypical and, upon further pathology review, the lesions were more in keeping with a lichenoid immune reaction stemming from the immune checkpoint blockade. With the use of oral or topical steroids and immunomodulators, the lesions resolved. Conclusions: These cases emphasize that patients on PD-1 inhibitor therapy who develop lesions resembling squamous cell carcinoma on initial pathology may require an additional pathology review to assess for immune-mediated reactions, allowing appropriate immunosuppressive therapy to be initiated.
Immunotherapy in Anal Cancer
Authors: Dhawan Natasha , Afzal Muhammad Z. , Amin Manik
Published: April 2023

The incidence and mortality of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus has been gradually increasing globally over the last few decades. The evolution of different modalities, including immunotherapies, has changed the treatment paradigm of metastatic anal cancers. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immune-modulating therapies form the backbone of treatment of anal cancer in various stages. Most anal cancers are linked to high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) infections. HPV oncoproteins E6 and E7 are responsible for an anti-tumor immune response triggering the recruitment of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. This has led to the development and utilization of immunotherapy in anal cancers. Current research in anal cancer is moving forward to discover ways to incorporate immunotherapy in the treatment sequencing in various stages of anal cancers. Immune checkpoint inhibitors alone or in combination, adoptive cell therapy, and vaccines are the areas of active investigations in anal cancer in both locally advanced and metastatic settings. Immunomodulating properties of non-immunotherapies are incorporated to enhance immune checkpoint inhibitors’ effectiveness in some of the clinical trials. The aim of this review is to summarize the potential role of immunotherapy in anal squamous cell cancers and future directions.
Dataset of Specific Total Embodied Energy and Specific Total Weight of 40 Buildings from the Last Four Decades in the Andean Region of Ecuador
Authors: Torres-Quezada Jefferson , Sánchez-Quezada Tatiana
Published: April 2023

This article presents the Specific Total Embodied Energy (STEE) and Specific Total Weight (STW) of 40 Andean residential buildings in Ecuador, from 1980 to 2020. Firstly, the BoM of ten buildings of every decade was obtained through field work carried out in three urban sectors of this city. Secondly, the specific embodied energy and specific weight of every material found in the 40 samples were obtained by bibliography. Finally, the calculation of each building was divided into three components: Structure, Envelope and Finishes. The analyzed data show a detailed collection of different materials and construction typologies used in these four decades, and the impact on their embodied energy and their weight. Moreover, this article gives a Specific Embodied Energy and Specific Weight database of 25 materials that are extensively used in Andean regions. The results show several changes in reference to the insertion of new material, but also regarding the adoption of new architectonic models. The most important changes, in the analyzed period, have been the use of concrete and metal in the structure instead of wood, the increase in the glass surface in the envelope, and the replacement of wood by particleboard on the finishes. In conclusion, the STEE of the entire building has experienced an increase of 2.19 times in the last four decades. The STW value has also increased, but to a lesser extent (1.36 times).
Assessing and Forecasting the Long-Term Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on New Car Sales in South Africa
Authors: Makoni Tendai , Chikobvu Delson
Published: April 2023

In both developed and developing nations, with South Africa (SA) being one of the latter, the motor vehicle industry is one of the most important sectors. The SA automobile industry was not unaffected by the 2007/2008 global financial crisis (GFC). This study aims to assess the impact of the GFC on new car sales in SA through statistical modeling, an impact that has not previously been investigated or quantified. The data obtained indicate that the optimal model for assessing the aforementioned impact is the SARIMA (0,1,1)(0,0,2)12 model. This model’s suitability was confirmed using Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC), as well as the root mean square error (RMSE) and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). An upward trend is projected for new car sales in SA, which has positive implications for SA and its economy. The projections indicate that the new car sales rate has increased and has somewhat recovered, but it has not yet reached the levels expected had the GFC not occurred. This shows that SA’s new car industry has been negatively and severely impacted by the GFC and that the effects of the latter still linger today. The findings of this study will assist new car manufacturing companies in SA to better understand their industry, to prepare for future negative shocks, to formulate potential policies for stocking inventories, and to optimize marketing and production levels. Indeed, the information presented in this study provides talking points that should be considered in future government relief packages.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Controversies in Diagnosis
Authors: Fahs Duaa , Salloum Dima , Nasrallah Mona , Ghazeeri Ghina
Published: April 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and heterogeneous disorder that commonly affects women in the reproductive age group. The disorder has features that propose a blend of functional reproductive disorders, such as anovulation and hyperandrogenism, and metabolic disorders, such as hyperglycemia, hypertension, and obesity in women. Until today, the three implemented groups of criteria for the diagnosis of PCOS are from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the 1990s, Rotterdam 2003, and the Androgen Excess Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 2009 criteria. Currently, the most widely utilized criteria are the 2003 Rotterdam criteria, which validate the diagnosis of PCOS with the incidence of two out of the three criteria: hyperandrogenism (clinical and/or biochemical), irregular cycles, and polycystic ovary morphology. Currently, the anti-Müllerian hormone in serum is introduced as a substitute for the follicular count and is controversially emerging as an official polycystic ovarian morphology/PCOS marker. In adolescents, the two crucial factors for PCOS diagnosis are hyperandrogenism and irregular cycles. Recently, artificial intelligence, specifically machine learning, is being introduced as a promising diagnostic and predictive tool for PCOS with minimal to zero error that would help in clinical decisions regarding early management and treatment. Throughout this review, we focused on the pathophysiology, clinical features, and diagnostic challenges in females with PCOS.
Approaching Small Neuroendocrine Tumors with Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Rossi Gemma , Petrone Maria Chiara , Healey Andrew J. , Arcidiacono Paolo Giorgio
Published: April 2023

In recent years, small pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) have shown a dramatic increase in terms of incidence and prevalence, and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one potential method to treat the disease in selected patients. As well as the heterogeneity of pNET histology, the studies reported in the literature on EUS-RFA procedures for pNETs are heterogeneous in terms of ablation settings (particularly ablation powers), radiological controls, and radiological indications. The aim of this review is to report the current reported experience in EUS-RFA of small pNETs to help formulate the procedure indications and ablation settings. Another aim is to evaluate the timing and the modality of the radiological surveillance after the ablation. Moreover, new studies on large-scale series are needed in terms of the safety and long-term oncological efficacy of RFA on these small lesions.
Brain Tumor Segmentation Using Deep Learning on MRI Images
Authors: Mostafa Almetwally M. , Zakariah Mohammed , Aldakheel Eman Abdullah
Published: April 2023

Brain tumor (BT) diagnosis is a lengthy process, and great skill and expertise are required from radiologists. As the number of patients has expanded, so has the amount of data to be processed, making previous techniques both costly and ineffective. Many academics have examined a range of reliable and quick techniques for identifying and categorizing BTs. Recently, deep learning (DL) methods have gained popularity for creating computer algorithms that can quickly and reliably diagnose or segment BTs. To identify BTs in medical images, DL permits a pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN) model. The suggested magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images of BTs are included in the BT segmentation dataset, which was created as a benchmark for developing and evaluating algorithms for BT segmentation and diagnosis. There are 335 annotated MRI images in the collection. For the purpose of developing and testing BT segmentation and diagnosis algorithms, the brain tumor segmentation (BraTS) dataset was produced. A deep CNN was also utilized in the model-building process for segmenting BTs using the BraTS dataset. To train the model, a categorical cross-entropy loss function and an optimizer, such as Adam, were employed. Finally, the model’s output successfully identified and segmented BTs in the dataset, attaining a validation accuracy of 98%.
Using the Finite Element Method to Determine the Odonto-Periodontal Stress for a Patient with Angle Class II Division 1 Malocclusion
Authors: Katta Mahmoud , Petrescu Stelian-Mihai-Sever , Dragomir Lucian Paul , Popescu Mihai Raul , Georgescu Ruxandra Voinea , Țuculină Mihaela Jana , Popa Dragoș Laurențiu , Duță Alina , Diaconu Oana Andreea , Dascălu Ionela Teodora
Published: April 2023

The finite element method (FEM) is a computational method that can solve all biomechanical problems, including the field of orthodontics. The purpose of this virtual experimental study is to determine the behavior of a real orthodontic system subjected to different systems of loads. To analyze the real orthodontic system, we studied the case of a 21-year-old female patient. We used the InVesalius program, which can transform a set of DICOM-type images taken from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) into three-dimensional structures. These structures were edited, modified, completed, and analyzed from a geometric point of view with the help of the Geomagic software. The final result of these operations must be a three-dimensional model made up of perfectly closed surfaces so that they can be transformed into virtual solids. The model consisting of perfectly closed surfaces is loaded into computer-aided design (CAD) programs. Bracket and tube components, as well as orthodontic wires, can be added to these models, similar to the analyzed patient’s tissues. When the model is complete and geometrically correct, it is exported to a program that uses FEM, such as Ansys Workbench. The simulation was performed for the forces of 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, and 1 N. The intention was to determine the behavior of the entire orthodontic system for these force values. After running the simulations, result maps were obtained that were composed of displacement, strain, and stress diagrams. It was also found that, in addition to the known rigidity, the orthodontic system has some elasticity due to the orthodontic wires, as well as the periodontal ligaments. Thus, a virtual analysis study can be carried out starting from a real patient with pre-treatment CBCT images and the virtual models of the bracket and tube elements and of the orthodontic wires.
Cognitive and Behavioral Outcome of Pediatric Low-Grade Central Nervous System Tumors Treated Only with Surgery: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Taddei Matilde , Esposito Silvia , Marucci Gianluca , Erbetta Alessandra , Ferroli Paolo , Valentini Laura , Pantaleoni Chiara , D’Arrigo Stefano , Saletti Veronica , Pollo Bianca , Paterra Rosina , Riva Daria , Bulgheroni Sara
Published: April 2023

Background: The present mono-institutional report aimed to describe the cognitive and behavioral outcomes of low-grade central nervous system (CNS) tumors in a cohort of children treated exclusively with surgical intervention. Methods: Medical records from 2000–2020 were retrospectively analyzed. We included 38 children (mean age at first evaluation 8 years and 3 months, 16 females) who had undergone presurgical cognitive–behavioral evaluation and/or at least 6 months follow-up. Exclusion criteria were a history of traumatic brain injury, stroke, cerebral palsy or cancer-predisposing syndromes. Results: The sample presented cognitive abilities and behavioral functioning in the normal range, with weaknesses in verbal working memory and processing speed. The obtained results suggest that cognitive and behavioral functioning is related to pre-treatment variables (younger age at symptoms’ onset, glioneuronal histological type, cortical location with preoperative seizures), timing of surgery and seizure control after surgery, and is stable when controlling for a preoperative cognitive and behavioral baseline. Younger age at onset is confirmed as a particular vulnerability in determining cognitive sequelae, and children at older ages or at longer postsurgical follow-up are at higher risk for developing behavioral disturbances. Conclusions: Timely treatment is an important factor influencing the global outcome and daily functioning of the patients. Preoperative and regular postsurgical cognitive and behavioral assessment, also several years after surgery, should be included in standard clinical practices.
Multi-Modality Image Fusion and Object Detection Based on Semantic Information
Authors: Liu Yong , Zhou Xin , Zhong Wei
Published: April 2023

Infrared and visible image fusion (IVIF) aims to provide informative images by combining complementary information from different sensors. Existing IVIF methods based on deep learning focus on strengthening the network with increasing depth but often ignore the importance of transmission characteristics, resulting in the degradation of important information. In addition, while many methods use various loss functions or fusion rules to retain complementary features of both modes, the fusion results often retain redundant or even invalid information.In order to accurately extract the effective information from both infrared images and visible light images without omission or redundancy, and to better serve downstream tasks such as target detection with the fused image, we propose a multi-level structure search attention fusion network based on semantic information guidance, which realizes the fusion of infrared and visible images in an end-to-end way. Our network has two main contributions: the use of neural architecture search (NAS) and the newly designed multilevel adaptive attention module (MAAB). These methods enable our network to retain the typical characteristics of the two modes while removing useless information for the detection task in the fusion results. In addition, our loss function and joint training method can establish a reliable relationship between the fusion network and subsequent detection tasks. Extensive experiments on the new dataset (M3FD) show that our fusion method has achieved advanced performance in both subjective and objective evaluations, and the mAP in the object detection task is improved by 0.5% compared to the second-best method (FusionGAN).
Tourism Village Development: Measuring the Effectiveness of the Success of Village Development
Authors: Fafurida Fafurida , Purwaningsih Yunastiti , Mulyanto Mulyanto , Suryanto Suryanto
Published: April 2023

The objectives of this research are to identify the distribution of tourist villages in the Central Java Province using a spatial approach and to analyze the current conditions regarding: (a) the comparison of the conditions of tourist villages and non-tourist villages from the input aspects (attractiveness, accessibility, amenity) supporting tourism development, (b) the comparison of the conditions of tourist villages and non-tourist villages seen from the output of tourist village development achievements (Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Developing Village Index (DVI)), and (c) the influence of input factors on output factors with the status of tourist villages as a moderating variable. This research seeks to examine the area of villages in the Central Java Province, with 8562 villages focusing on 384 tourist villages and 8178 non-tourist villages. The analytical methods used to answer the objectives of this research are Geographic Information System (GIS), Mann–Whitney test (U test), and Partial Least Square (PLS) analysis. The existence of tourist villages in general can have a positive impact in increasing attractiveness, amenities, and SDGs. These findings prove that the existence of a tourist village is able to support the achievement of the Village SDGs. This is in accordance with previous studies, which found that tourism development can have a positive effect on village economic conditions. In terms of accessibility, there is no significant difference between tourist villages and non-tourism villages because currently the development of accessibility infrastructure in rural areas is evenly distributed, not only in tourist villages but in all villages. As for DVI, the existence of tourist villages has not been able to encourage the achievement of DVI because there are many elements that make up DVI not only aspects of attractiveness, accessibility and amenities but also elements of social, economic and environmental resilience.
Representation of Image Formation—Observation in Optics in Ethiopian Textbooks: Student Learning Difficulties as an Analytical Tool
Authors: Aregehagn Ehtegebreal , Lykknes Annette , Getahun Dawit Asrat , Febri Maria I. M.
Published: April 2023

Studies have reported that students find geometric optics topics difficult partly because of representations in textbooks. In Ethiopia, textbooks are the main source of content in schools. Therefore, a study of how textbooks present certain topics can shed light on students’ learning difficulties. This study specifically examines how image formation–observation is presented in Ethiopian textbooks and how these representations might be the possible causes of students’ learning difficulties. Sixth-, eighth-, and tenth-grade physics textbook chapters containing topics related to image were analyzed. The analysis followed a directed approach to qualitative content analysis. The results show that textbooks sometimes contain explanations that explicitly clarify pictorials and are consistently integrated. However, the textbooks also contain implicit, missing, and incorrect verbal representations as well as incomplete, selective, and patterned pictorial representations that are presented inconsistently. Moreover, the textbooks rarely show alternative representations that complement the problematic representations, hence limiting their misinterpretations. Students may intuitively interpret implicit, selective, and patterned representations that may not conform to scientific concepts. Similarly, incorrect, missing, and incomplete representations could be seen as a direct source of students’ misconceptions. The results suggest that authors and teachers of optics textbooks should be aware of students’ learning difficulties because of representations and should emphasize alternative representations.
Unplugging for Student Success: Examining the Benefits of Disconnecting from Technology during COVID-19 Education for Emergency Planning
Authors: Hosseini Samira , Camacho Claudia , Donjuan Katia , Pego Luis , Escamilla Jose
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 outbreak revealed the fragility not only of our species but also of society, which has demonstrated its ability to adapt to challenging conditions and to learn from disasters. One of the most pressing issues during the pandemic was the delivery of education during lockdowns. Education in emergency was established using various communication media, hastening the digitalization of education. However, this also highlighted the impact on the mental health of students, who were already experiencing overuse of the internet and electronic devices prior to the pandemic. In response, Tecnologico de Monterrey, a private Mexican university that also offers high school programs, launched the “Unplugged Day” initiative, which encouraged students to disconnect from electronic devices and participate in physical, cultural, creative, or reflective activities. This study applied a voluntary survey to 1850 students from March to May 2021 on a weekly basis, with the aim of analyzing symptoms of insomnia, emotions, perceptions of online education, sources of stress, and the need for professional support to manage their emotions in relation to their participation in Unplugged Day activities. Our results, obtained through a quantitative methodology, confirmed the impact of the emergency, lockdown, and forced remote education on the mental health of students. Furthermore, the results revealed that the Unplugged Day initiative is a strategy that promoted students’ well-being during online education. The respondents also suggested strategies for promoting mental health and well-being of learners, whether in an emergency or not. These findings provide valuable information for governments and educational institutions to implement policies and strategies for planning education in emergency situations and for addressing the ongoing global problems of stress and mental health, which are related to the increasing use of electronic devices and the volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity of global society. It is our responsibility to improve education so that it can play its role in preserving cultural heritage, overcoming adversity, rebuilding after catastrophes, and shaping a better future for generations to come.
Face-to-Face and Blended: Two Pedagogical Conditions for Testing the Efficacy of the Culturo-Techno-Contextual Approach on Learning Anxiety and Achievement in Chemistry
Authors: Oladejo Adekunle I. , Okebukola Peter A. , Nwaboku Nwabuno , Kola-Olusanya Anthony , Olateju Taibat T. , Akinola Victor O. , Shabani Juma , Ogunlade Ibiyinka
Published: April 2023

Approaches to teaching science are undergoing a mutation and new variants such as the Culturo-Techno-Contextual Approach (CTCA) have emerged and are proving to be more potent than the older variants. This study explored the efficacy of CTCA in reducing learning anxiety and promoting meaningful learning of chemistry among secondary school students by comparing the performance of the two experimental groups with that of the control group. The study employed an explanatory sequential design. The quantitative phase was quasi-experimental, while the qualitative phase was an in-depth interview. A total of 141 senior secondary II students (the equivalent of grade 11) from three purposively selected schools in Lagos State education district V were sampled. The Electrochemistry Achievement Test and revised Science Anxiety Scale which had reliability coefficients of 0.78 and 0.95, respectively, were the instruments used to collect quantitative data, while the students’ perception about CTCA interview guide was used to collect the qualitative data. The two experimental groups were taught using CTCA in a face-to-face class and blended learning mode, while the control group was taught using the traditional lecture method. Treatment lasted five weeks after which posttest and retention test (four weeks after posttest) were conducted. Quantitative data were analyzed using one-way MANCOVA, the qualitative data were analyzed using framework analysis. The results showed that each of the CTCA groups outperformed the lecture group on measures of achievement (F(2,136) = 72.05; p < 0.01) and anxiety (F(2,136) = 11.87; p < 0.01). CTCA was also found not to have a significant differential impact on the experimental groups based on gender. By these results, it was inferred that irrespective of the learning platforms (online or physical), CTCA has the potency to improve students’ understanding of chemistry concepts compared to the traditional lecture method. Therefore, within the limitations of the study, it was concluded that CTCA is a viable teaching approach for reducing learning anxiety and promoting meaningful learning of chemistry concepts. Open doors for future exploration were also highlighted.