bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rearrangements, Expression, and Clinical Significance of MYB and MYBL1 in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: A Multi-Institutional Study
Authors: Persson Marta , Andersson Mattias K. , Mitani Yoshitsugu , Brandwein-Weber Margaret S. , Frierson Henry F. , Moskaluk Christopher , Fonseca Isabel , Ferrarotto Renata , Boecker Werner , Loening Thomas , El-Naggar Adel K. , Stenman Göran
Published: July 2022

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is an aggressive head and neck malignancy characterized by a t (6;9) translocation resulting in an MYB–NFIB gene fusion or, more rarely, an MYBL1 fusion. The true frequency and clinical significance of these alterations are still unclear. Here, we have used tissue microarrays and analyzed 391 ACCs and 647 non-ACC salivary neoplasms to study the prevalence, expression, and clinical significance of MYB/MYBL1 alterations by FISH and immunohistochemistry. Alterations of MYB or MYBL1 were found in 78% of the cases, of which 62% had MYB alterations and 16% had MYBL1 rearrangements. Overexpression of MYB/MYBL1 oncoproteins was detected in 93% of the cases. MYB split signal, seen in 39% of the cases, was specific for ACC and not encountered in non-ACC salivary tumors. Loss of the 3′-part of MYB was enriched in grade 3 tumors and was a significant independent prognostic biomarker for overall survival in multivariate analyses. We hypothesize that loss of the 3′-part of MYB results from an unbalanced t(6;9) leading to an MYB–NFIB fusion with concomitant loss of the segment distal to the MYB breakpoint in 6q23.3. Our study provides new knowledge about the prevalence and clinical significance of MYB/MYBL1 alterations and indicates the presence of genes with tumor suppressive functions in 6q23.3-qter that contribute to poor prognosis and short overall survival in ACC.
Insights into the Design of An Enzyme Free Sustainable Sensing Platform for Efavirenz
Authors: Mthiyane Khethiwe , Uwaya Gloria Ebube , Jordaan Maryam Amra , Kanchi Suvardhan , Bisetty Krishna
Published: July 2022

In this study, a new hybrid sensor was developed using titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) and nafion as an anchor agent on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE/TiO2-NPs-nafion) to detect efavirenz (EFV), an anti-HIV medication. TiO2-NPs was synthesized using Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract and characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–VIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The electrochemical and sensing properties of the developed sensor for EFV were assessed using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The current response of GCE/TiO2-NPs-nafion electrode towards the oxidation of EFV was greater compared to the bare GCE and GCE/TiO2-NPs electrodes. A linear dynamic range of 4.5 to 18.7 µM with 0.01 µM limit of detection was recorded on the electrode using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The electrochemical sensor demonstrated good selectivity and practicality for detecting EFV in pharmaceuticals (EFV drugs) with excellent recovery rates, ranging from 92.0–103.9%. The reactive sites of EFV have been analyzed using quantum chemical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). Monte Carlo (MC) simulations revealed a strong electrostatic interaction on the substrate-adsorbate (GCE/TiO2-NPs-nafion-EFV) system. Results show good agreement between the MC computed adsorption energies and the experimental CV results for EFV. The stronger adsorption energy of nafion onto the GCE/TiO2-NPs substrate contributed to the catalytic role in the signal amplification for sensing of EFV. Our results provide an effective way to explore the design of new 2D materials for sensing of EFV, which is highly significant in medicinal and materials chemistry.
Validation of a Mathematical Model Describing the Dynamics of Chemotherapy for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia In Vivo
Authors: Guzev Ekaterina , Jadhav Suchita Suryakant , Hezkiy Eleonora Ela , Sherman Michael Y. , Firer Michael A. , Bunimovich-Mendrazitsky Svetlana
Published: July 2022

In recent years, mathematical models have developed into an important tool for cancer research, combining quantitative analysis and natural processes. We have focused on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), since it is one of the most common adult leukemias, which remains incurable. As the first step toward the mathematical prediction of in vivo drug efficacy, we first found that logistic growth best described the proliferation of fluorescently labeled murine A20 leukemic cells injected in immunocompetent Balb/c mice. Then, we tested the cytotoxic efficacy of Ibrutinib (Ibr) and Cytarabine (Cyt) in A20-bearing mice. The results afforded calculation of the killing rate of the A20 cells as a function of therapy. The experimental data were compared with the simulation model to validate the latter’s applicability. On the basis of these results, we developed a new ordinary differential equations (ODEs) model and provided its sensitivity and stability analysis. There was excellent accordance between numerical simulations of the model and results from in vivo experiments. We found that simulations of our model could predict that the combination of Cyt and Ibr would lead to approximately 95% killing of A20 cells. In its current format, the model can be used as a tool for mathematical prediction of in vivo drug efficacy, and could form the basis of software for prediction of personalized chemotherapy.
Immunological Tolerance in Liver Transplant Recipients: Putative Involvement of Neuroendocrine-Immune Interactions
Authors: Gama Jaciara Fernanda Gomes , Cardoso Liana Monteiro da Fonseca , Bisaggio Rodrigo da Cunha , Lagrota-Candido Jussara , Henriques-Pons Andrea , Alves Luiz A.
Published: July 2022

The transplantation world changed significantly following the introduction of immunosuppressants, with millions of people saved. Several physicians have noted that liver recipients that do not take their medication for different reasons became tolerant regarding kidney, heart, and lung transplantations at higher frequencies. Most studies have attempted to explain this phenomenon through unique immunological mechanisms and the fact that the hepatic environment is continuously exposed to high levels of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) or non-pathogenic microorganism-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) from commensal flora. These components are highly inflammatory in the periphery but tolerated in the liver as part of the normal components that arrive via the hepatic portal vein. These immunological mechanisms are discussed herein based on current evidence, although we hypothesize the participation of neuroendocrine-immune pathways, which have played a relevant role in autoimmune diseases. Cells found in the liver present receptors for several cytokines, hormones, peptides, and neurotransmitters that would allow for system crosstalk. Furthermore, the liver is innervated by the autonomic system and may, thus, be influenced by the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems. This review therefore seeks to discuss classical immunological hepatic tolerance mechanisms and hypothesizes the possible participation of the neuroendocrine-immune system based on the current literature.
Effective BiOCl Electrons Collector for Enhancing Photocarrier Separation of Bi2WO6/BiOCl Composite
Authors: Zheng Yi , Wang Siqi , Shu Min , Wang Yi , Cao Dumeng
Published: July 2022

Enhancing photocarrier separation is a key step of photocatalysis, and in situ constructed composition interface is an advanced method to achieve this aim. Therefore, we report a face-to-face Bi2WO6/BiOCl (BWOC) which was synthesized via the continuous in situ ion-exchange method. As UV light is harmful to the human body, BWOC exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity only in visible light, and this is an important feature because visible light is a human-friendly operating condition. Under 50 W visible LED lamp illumination, unexcited BiOCl (BOC) only extracts electrons of excited Bi2WO6 (BWO), and holes remain on BWO, resulting in excellent photocarrier spatial separation efficiency through the face-to-face interface. This is why BWOC can be safe to use for the removal of hazardous substances. Compared with BWO and BOC, BWOC possesses 2.6 and 5.6 times higher photodegradation activity than RhB. This work provides a novel insight of efficient visible light photocatalytic system for environmental remediation.
Intraoperative 3D Imaging Reduces Pedicle Screw Related Complications and Reoperations in Adolescents Undergoing Posterior Spinal Fusion for Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Saarinen Antti J. , Suominen Eetu N. , Helenius Linda , Syvänen Johanna , Raitio Arimatias , Helenius Ilkka
Published: July 2022

Widely used surgical treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is posterior spinal fusion using pedicle screw instrumentation (PSI). Two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) navigation is used to track the screw positioning during surgery. In this study, we evaluated the screw misplacement, complications, and need for reoperations of intraoperative 3D as compared to 2D imaging in AIS patients. There were 198 adolescents, of which 101 (51%) were evaluated with 2D imaging and 97 (49%) with 3D imaging. Outcome parameters included radiographic correction, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), complications, and reoperations. The mean age was 15.5 (SD 2.1) years at the time of the surgery. Forty-four (45%) patients in the 3D group and 13 (13%) patients in the 2D group had at least one pedicle screw repositioned in the index operation (p < 0.001). Six (6%) patients in the 2D group, and none in the 3D group had a neurological complication (p = 0.015). Five (5%) patients in the 2D group and none in the 3D group required reoperation (p = 0.009). There were no significant differences in HRQOL score at two-year follow-up between the groups. In conclusion, intraoperative 3D imaging reduced pedicle screw-related complications and reoperations in AIS patients undergoing PSI as compared with 2D imaging.
Temperature Dependence of Photochemical Degradation of MAPbBr3 Perovskite
Authors: Zhidkov Ivan S. , Akbulatov Azat F. , Ustinova Marina I. , Kukharenko Andrey I. , Frolova Lyubov A. , Cholakh Seif O. , Chueh Chu-Chen , Troshin Pavel A. , Kurmaev Ernst Z.
Published: July 2022

The experimental results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical absorbance, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) of the core levels and valence bands of MAPbBr3 (MA-CH3NH3+) perovskite before and after exposure to visible light for 700 h at temperatures of 10 and 60 °C are presented. It reveals that the light soaking at 60 °C induces the decomposition of MAPbBr3 perovskite accompanied with the decay of organic cation and the release of a PbBr2 phase as a degradation product whereas the photochemical degradation completely disappears while the aging temperature is decreased to 10 °C.
Understanding Clinical Reasoning through Visual Scanpath and Brain Activity Analysis
Authors: Jraidi Imène , Chaouachi Maher , Ben Khedher Asma , Lajoie Susanne P. , Frasson Claude
Published: July 2022

This paper presents an experimental study that analyzes learners’ visual behaviour and brain activity in clinical reasoning. An acquisition protocol was defined to record eye tracking and EEG data from 15 participants as they interact with a computer-based learning environment called Amnesia, a medical simulation system that assesses the analytical skills of novice medicine students while they solve patient cases. We use gaze data to assess learners’ visual focus and present our methodology to track learners’ reasoning process through scanpath pattern analysis. We also describe our methodology for examining learners’ cognitive states using mental engagement and workload neural indexes. Finally, we discuss the relationship between gaze path information and EEG and how our analyses can lead to new forms of clinical diagnostic reasoning assessment.
Calibration Methods of a Portable Polarizing System for Monitoring Optically Inhomogeneous Media
Authors: Nguyen Cong , Khlynov Ruslan , Ryzhova Victoria , Gorbachev Alexey , Yarishev Sergey , Konyakhin Igor , Djamiykov Todor , Marinov Marin
Published: July 2022

Theoretical aspects of methods for calibrating Stokes polarimeters are considered. The prospects and opportunities for implementing the presented methods for calibrating portable polarization systems used in biology and medicine are determined. Based on a comparative analysis, a method for calibrating a portable Stokes polarimeter for medical applications is proposed. The chosen method provides the smallest error in measuring the parameters of the Stokes vector for calculating the parameters of optical anisotropy and researching the polarization properties of biological tissues. A series of experimental research and statistical analysis of the spatial distributions of the polarization parameters of the calibration sample was carried out to use the results for forming the instrument matrix of the developed Stokes polarimeter during calibration.
Electrically Conductive Fused Deposition Modeling Filaments: Current Status and Medical Applications
Authors: Aloqalaa Ziyad
Published: July 2022

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is one of the most popular three dimensional (3D) printing techniques especially among researchers. Recently, FDM has been widely developed and improved in many areas. One of these improvements is the introduction of electrically conductive filaments. In general, conductive filaments are usually made of conductive polymer composites. These composites consist of a thermoplastic material blended with carbon-based materials. The quantity of commercially available conductive filaments has grown significantly in recent years. This paper presents a sample of currently available conductive filaments (eight filaments were chosen). These samples were compared by measuring resistance value and highlighting resulted defects of each sample. Additionally, this paper searched and reviewed articles that used conductive FDM filaments in medical applications. These articles were collected and summarized in terms of name of filaments were used, the specific function of the printed conductive object, and name of the printer used to print the conductive object. In conclusion, the main purpose of this project is to facilitate the work of future medical researchers who would like to use commercially available conductive FDM filaments.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Structural-Phase State and Properties of a Multilayer Co-Cr-Al-Y Coating
Authors: Skakov Mazhyn , Zhilkashinova Assel , Zhilkashinova Almira , Abilev Madi , Prokhorenkova Nadezhda , Agelmenev Maksut , Ismailova Akmaral
Published: July 2022

The article describes the effect of heat treatment on the structural-phase state and properties of a multilayer Cr-Al-Co-Y coating obtained by magnetron sputtering. Heat treatment was carried out at 400, 800 and 1000 °C. The study of the microstructure was carried out by electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis and powder X-ray diffraction. The surface of the samples was studied by atomic force microscopy. The thickness of the Co-Cr-Al-Y coatings was 1.5–1.7 ± 0.2 µm. The obtained coatings are characterized by a hardness of 4.7–6.4 GPa. A distinctive feature of the layers is the absence of a crystalline structure in some areas of the coating. The main process occurring during the thermal treatment is the formation of a spinel-type phase. For a single-layer sample after heat treatment at 400 °C, it was not possible to fix extraneous reflections except for the reflections of the silicon substrate 111 and 220. For the rest of the samples, the appearance of reflections of a number of phases was noticed, such as: SiO2, CoO, AlSi0.5O2.5 and CrAl0.42Si1.58. An increase in the treatment temperature up to 800 °C did not lead to significant changes. In the case of the multilayer sample, the reflections of various impurity phases disappeared and the Co3O4 phase was formed. For samples treated at 1000 °C, the formation of a spinel-type phase (Co3O4-CoCr2O4) was observed in all cases. Data on the structural-phase state and properties of the multilayer Co-Cr-Al-Y coating can be used to predict the nature of such coatings after heat treatment.
Morphogenetic and Imaging Characteristics in Giant Cell Glioblastoma
Authors: Orasanu Cristian Ionut , Aschie Mariana , Deacu Mariana , Mocanu Liliana , Voda Raluca Ioana , Topliceanu Theodor Sebastian , Cozaru Georgeta Camelia
Published: July 2022

Giant cell glioblastoma is a rare tumor entity of IDH-wildtype glioblastoma. It is usually found in the pediatric population. We describe a particular case of a female patient diagnosed histopathologically with giant cell glioblastoma, who had two recurrences in different lobes of the same cerebral hemisphere, despite positive prognostic factors and appropriate treatment. We performed an immunohistochemical characterization of giant cell glioblastoma as well as an analysis of its aggressiveness using the cytogenetic markers TP53, CDKN2A, and TP73 using the FISH technique. The clinical picture was inconsistant, the suspicion being completely different initially. Paraclinical examination and imaging initially suggested a metastasis to the insular lobe. After surgery, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations were the basis for the diagnosis. Despite the prognostic factors known so far in the literature, the aggressiveness denoted by multiple relapses and morphogenetic tests particularizes the case and improves the literature by bringing new information about this rare neoplasm of the central nervous system.
Molecular and Morphological Analyses Support Different Taxonomic Units for Asian and Australo-Pacific Forms of Ischnura aurora (Odonata, Coenagrionidae)
Authors: Lorenzo-Carballa M. Olalla , Sanmartín-Villar Iago , Cordero-Rivera Adolfo
Published: July 2022

Despite the great technological progress that has aided taxonomical identification, taxonomical issues remain for certain species found in remote and/or understudied geographical areas. The damselfly species Ischnura aurora has been the subject of a long-standing taxonomical debate, focused mainly on the existence of morphological and behavioural differences between Asian and Australo-Pacific forms of this species that could justify their placement into two different species. Here, we carried out a comparative morphological analysis of specimens currently identified as I. rubilio from India and I. aurora from Asia and Oceania, combined with the analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data, both developed by us and available in public repositories. Our results split the Asian and Australo-Pacific forms of I. aurora into two well-differentiated taxonomic units and, hence, different (albeit closely related) species, and support the specific status of I. rubilio. The results of our genetic analyses suggest the existence of a third (and even fourth) taxonomic unit, stressing the need to revise all available material belonging to the different I. aurora subspecies that have been described. Finally, we have identified several questionable DNA sequences currently available in public repositories, upon which previous conclusions about the phylogenetic position of I. rubilio are based. Our study stresses the importance of being able to link available DNA sequence data with voucher specimens as well as to carry out a careful examination of DNA sequence data prior to their inclusion in taxonomical studies.
Spatial Ecology of the Association between Demosponges and Nemalecium lighti at Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean
Authors: Gobbato Jacopo , Magrini Andrea , García-Hernández Jaaziel E. , Virdis Francesca , Galli Paolo , Seveso Davide , Montano Simone
Published: July 2022

Coral reefs are known to be among the most biodiverse marine ecosystems and one of the richest in terms of associations and species interactions, especially those involving invertebrates such as corals and sponges. Despite that, our knowledge about cryptic fauna and their ecological role remains remarkably scarce. This study aimed to address this gap by defining for the first time the spatial ecology of the association between the epibiont hydrozoan Nemalecium lighti and the Porifera community of shallow coral reef systems at Bonaire. In particular, the host range, prevalence, and distribution of the association were examined in relation to different sites, depths, and dimensions of the sponge hosts. We report Nemalecium lighti to be in association with 9 out of 16 genera of sponges encountered and 15 out of 16 of the dive sites examined. The prevalence of the hydroid–sponge association in Bonaire reef was 6.55%, with a maximum value of over 30%. This hydrozoan has been found to be a generalist symbiont, displaying a strong preference for sponges of the genus Aplysina, with no significant preference in relation to depth. On the contrary, the size of the host appeared to influence the prevalence of association, with large tubular sponges found to be the preferred host. Although further studies are needed to better understand the biological and ecological reason for these results, this study improved our knowledge of Bonaire’s coral reef cryptofauna diversity and its interspecific associations.
Diversity in Morphometric, Pomological, and Fruit-Quality Traits of Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) Traditional Varieties: Implications for Landrace Differentiation at Regional Scale
Authors: Basile Boris , Mataffo Alessandro , Forlani Marcello , Corrado Giandomenico
Published: July 2022

Traditional crop varieties are receiving increasing attention in sustainable agriculture, conservation genetics, and plant science because they offer significant and largely unexplored diversity. The DNA profiling of landraces is being applied to numerous crops, yet a detailed knowledge of morphological diversity is often needed to increase the efficiency of both the conservation and exploitation of local germplasm. In this work, morphological, pomological, and fruit-quality traits (16 qualitative and 16 quantitative) were collected from 44 traditional apricot landraces cultivated in Campania, the Italian region with the highest number of traditional varieties. The aim was to assess varietal diversity and to highlight possible trends and phenotypes that may have driven the morphological differentiation. All traits were polymorphic, and each variety had a distinctive phenotype. The qualitative and quantitative traits provided different classifications of the varieties. Nonetheless, the Factorial Analysis of Mixed data indicated that, for both categories of variables, the fruit traits were the most influential for landrace classification. Interestingly, some easily discernible color phenotypes of the fruits mostly contributed to the discrimination of the analyzed apricot germplasm. We conclude that these specific, commercially relevant features of the fruit were important drivers of the differentiation of the cultivated apricot material at regional scale.
Uncertainties in Systematics of Flying Squirrels (Pteromyini, Rodentia): Implications from a New Record from Vietnam
Authors: Kruskop Sergei V. , Abramov Alexei V. , Lebedev Vladimir S. , Bannikova Anna A.
Published: July 2022

Taxonomic status of gliding squirrels belonging to the “northern” form of Petinomys setosus known from N. Burma and Thailand has been controversial. Earlier it was assigned to a distinct genus Olisthomys, however, currently it is synonymized with P. setosus s. str. from Sumatra and Borneo Islands, and Malay Peninsula. A squirrel collected in Song Hinh forest (Phu Yen Province, south central Vietnam) was examined genetically using sequence data on three mitochondrial genes (cytb, 12S, 16S) and one nuclear (IRBP) gene. The molecular results demonstrated that this squirrel is significantly divergent from the other examined specimens of Petinomys and belongs to a separate genetic lineage within the Glaucomyina clade. The obtained phylogenetic pattern supports recognition of Olisthomys as a valid genus; however, to confirm this conclusion a comprehensive taxonomic revision of Petinomys and related genera is required. The reconsideration of taxonomic position of the “northern” P. setosus also raises the question of the conservation status of this taxon.
Rhizosphere Soil Microbial Survival States and N-Related Process during Riparian Plant Dormancy: Influences of Plant Locations and Plant Species
Authors: Zhang Chao , Qian Jin , Hu Jing , Huang Yuanyuan , Lu Bianhe , He Yuxuan
Published: July 2022

The plant dormancy period in the riparian zone affects the activity of microorganisms and their related nitrogen (N) process, which necessitates an investigation of the influence of the dormancy period on the microbial community. This study sampled two groups of soils (ashore and offshore soils) of two typical plants (Acorus calamus, Canna indica) in rhizosphere soils and bulk soils during the dormancy period to study the microbial communities. The results suggested that in ashore soils, especially in Canna indica soils, there was a lower abundance of N-related genes (4.79 × 106 copies/g) due to relatively competitive ecological niche competition because of possible sufficient substrate. Therefore, microbial communities still play a major role in the removal of N-related nutrients during plants’ dormancy period. In addition, the results also showed that during the plant dormancy period, the cell necrosis processes accounted for relatively lower proportions (15.75%, 7.54%, 21.46%, and 5.23% in ashore and offshore Canna indica and ashore and offshore Acorus calamus, respectively), suggesting an unexpected fairly strong microbial survival ability in the dormancy period compared to the commonly expected weak microbial state. This high microbial vitality provides us insight into the restoration of riparian soils during the plant dormancy period.
Effects of Acute Muscle Contraction on the Key Molecules in Insulin and Akt Signaling in Skeletal Muscle in Health and in Insulin Resistant States
Authors: Mann Gagandeep , Riddell Michael C. , Adegoke Olasunkanmi A. J.
Published: July 2022

Insulin signaling plays a key role in glucose uptake, glycogen synthesis, and protein and lipid synthesis. In insulin-resistant states like obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, these processes are dysregulated. Regular physical exercise is a potential therapeutic strategy against insulin resistance, as an acute bout of exercise increases glucose disposal during the activity and for hours into recovery. Chronic exercise increases the activation of proteins involved in insulin signaling and increases glucose transport, even in insulin resistant states. Here, we will focus on the effect of acute exercise on insulin signaling and protein kinase B (Akt) pathways. Activation of proximal proteins involved in insulin signaling (insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), phosphoinoside-3 kinase (PI3K)) are unchanged in response to acute exercise/contraction, while activation of Akt and of its substrates, TBC1 domain family 1 (TBC1D1), and TBC domain family 4 (TBC1D4) increases in response to such exercise/contraction. A wide array of Akt substrates is also regulated by exercise. Additionally, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) seems to be a main mediator of the benefits of exercise on skeletal muscle. Questions persist on how mTORC1 and AMPK, two opposing regulators, are both upregulated after an acute bout of exercise.
Breast Cancer Detection in Mammography Images Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks and Fuzzy Ensemble Modeling Techniques
Authors: Altameem Ayman , Mahanty Chandrakanta , Poonia Ramesh Chandra , Saudagar Abdul Khader Jilani , Kumar Raghvendra
Published: July 2022

Breast cancer has evolved as the most lethal illness impacting women all over the globe. Breast cancer may be detected early, which reduces mortality and increases the chances of a full recovery. Researchers all around the world are working on breast cancer screening tools based on medical imaging. Deep learning approaches have piqued the attention of many in the medical imaging field due to their rapid growth. In this research, mammography pictures were utilized to detect breast cancer. We have used four mammography imaging datasets with a similar number of 1145 normal, benign, and malignant pictures using various deep CNN (Inception V4, ResNet-164, VGG-11, and DenseNet121) models as base classifiers. The proposed technique employs an ensemble approach in which the Gompertz function is used to build fuzzy rankings of the base classification techniques, and the decision scores of the base models are adaptively combined to construct final predictions. The proposed fuzzy ensemble techniques outperform each individual transfer learning methodology as well as multiple advanced ensemble strategies (Weighted Average, Sugeno Integral) with reference to prediction and accuracy. The suggested Inception V4 ensemble model with fuzzy rank based Gompertz function has a 99.32% accuracy rate. We believe that the suggested approach will be of tremendous value to healthcare practitioners in identifying breast cancer patients early on, perhaps leading to an immediate diagnosis.
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease after the Use of Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents: A Review for the Cardiovascular Imager
Authors: Gallo-Bernal Sebastian , Patino-Jaramillo Nasly , Calixto Camilo A. , Higuera Sergio A. , Forero Julian F. , Lara Fernandes Juliano , Góngora Carlos , Gee Michael S. , Ghoshhajra Brian , Medina Hector M.
Published: July 2022

Gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance has revolutionized cardiac imaging in the last two decades and has emerged as an essential and powerful tool for the characterization and treatment guidance of a wide range of cardiovascular diseases. However, due to the high prevalence of chronic renal dysfunction in patients with cardiovascular conditions, the risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) after gadolinium exposure has been a permanent concern. Even though the newer macrocyclic agents have proven to be much safer in patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure, clinicians must fully understand the clinical characteristics and risk factors of this devastating pathology and maintain a high degree of suspicion to prevent and recognize it. This review aimed to summarize the existing evidence regarding the physiopathology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and prevention of NSF related to the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents.
CT Marker in Emergency Imaging of Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion: Thrombosis vs. Embolism
Authors: Mueck Fabian , Hernandez Petzsche Moritz , Boeckh-Behrens Tobias , Maegerlein Christian , Linsenmaier Ulrich , Scaglione Mariano , Zimmer Claus , Ikenberg Benno , Berndt Maria
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Acute basilar artery occlusion, a neurovascular emergency leading to high rates of morbidity and mortality, is usually diagnosed by CT imaging. The outcome is partly dependent on etiology, with a worse outcome in occlusions with underlying basilar artery stenosis. As this occlusion type requires a more complex angiographic therapy, this study aimed to develop new CT markers in emergency admission imaging to rapidly identify underlying stenosis. Methods: A total of 213 consecutive patients (female n = 91, age in years (mean/SD/range): 72/13/28–97), who received endovascular treatment at a single comprehensive stroke center for acute basilar artery occlusion, were included in this study. After applying strict inclusion criteria for imaging analyses, novel CT imaging markers, such as ‘absolute density loss’ (ADL) and relative thrombus attenuation (CTA-index), that measure perviousness, were assessed for n = 109 patients by use of CT-angiography and correlated to different occlusion patterns (thrombotic vs. embolic). Inter-observer agreement was assessed using an intraclass correlation coefficient for independent measures of a radiologist and a neuroradiologist. Associations between the imaging markers and clinical and interventional parameters were tested. Results: CT markers differ between the subgroups of basilar artery occlusions with and without underlying stenosis (for ADL: 169 vs. 227 HU (p = 0.03), for CTA-index: 0.55 vs. 0.70 (p < 0.001)), indicating a higher perviousness in the case of stenosis. A good inter-rater agreement was observed for ADL and CTA-index measures (ICC 0.92/0.88). For the case of embolic occlusions, a more pervious thrombus correlates to shorter time intervals, longer procedure times, and worse reperfusion success (p-values < 0.05, respectively). Conclusions: ADL and CTA-index are easy to assess in the emergency setting of acute basilar artery occlusion with the use of routinely acquired CT-angiography. They show a high potential to differentiate thrombotic from embolic occlusions, with an impact on therapeutic decisions and angiographic procedures. Measurements can be quickly performed with good reliability, facilitating implementation in clinical practice.
Virtual Chromoendoscopy in Capsule Endoscopy: A Narrative Review
Authors: Toskas Alexandros , Laskaratos Faidon-Marios , Coda Sergio
Published: July 2022

The usefulness of virtual chromoendoscopy (VC) in capsule endoscopy (CE) isa controversial issue, with conflicting studies regarding its efficacy. FICE and a blue filter were embedded in the PillCamTM software, with the aim to assist readers in identifying the source of obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (OGIB), coeliac disease mucosal changes and other small and large bowel lesions, including polyps and tumors. This review aims to summarize the existing evidence on the value of VC in the visualization and identification of different types of pathology. Overall, VC in CE with FICE 1 and 2 can be a useful adjunctive tool and may increase the visibility of pigmented lesions, such as angiectasias and ulcers. However, it does not appear to improve the detection of polyps or tumors. On the other hand, the role of FICE 3 and the blue filter appears to be limited. FICE may also be helpful in differentiating hyperplastic and adenomatous colonic polyps during colon capsule endoscopy, although more evidence is needed.
Preoperative Diagnosis of Abdominal Extra-Adrenal Paragangliomas with Fine-Needle Biopsy
Authors: Nikas Ilias P. , Ishak Angela , AlRawashdeh Mousa M. , Klapsinou Eirini , Sepsa Athanasia , Tzimas George N. , Panagiotakopoulos Dimitrios , Papaioannou Dimitrios , Salla Charitini
Published: July 2022

Paragangliomas are rare, non-epithelial neuroendocrine neoplasms originating in paraganglia, for instance the adrenal medulla, or at extra-adrenal locations. The aim of this study was to review the literature regarding abdominal extra-adrenal paragangliomas diagnosed pre-operatively with fine-needle biopsy (FNA and/or FNB). The PubMed database was searched to identify such cases, using a specific algorithm and inclusion/exclusion criteria. An unpublished case from our practice was also added to the rest of the data, resulting in a total of 36 cases for analysis. Overall, 24 (67%) lesions were found in females, whereas 12 (33%) in males. Most (21/36; 58.33%) were identified around and/or within the pancreatic parenchyma. FNA and/or FNB reached or suggested a paraganglioma diagnosis in 17/36 cases (47.22%). Of the preoperative misdiagnoses, the most common was an epithelial neuroendocrine tumor (NET). Regarding follow-up, most patients were alive with no reported recurrence; however, 5/36 patients exhibited a recurrence or a widespread disease, whereas one patient died 48 months following her diagnosis. In two patients, transient hypertension was reported during the EUS-FNA procedure. In conclusion, this study showed that the preoperative diagnosis of these lesions is feasible and, while diagnostic pitfalls exist, they could significantly be avoided with the application of immunochemistry.
Breast Dense Tissue Segmentation with Noisy Labels: A Hybrid Threshold-Based and Mask-Based Approach
Authors: Larroza Andrés , Pérez-Benito Francisco Javier , Perez-Cortes Juan-Carlos , Román Marta , Pollán Marina , Pérez-Gómez Beatriz , Salas-Trejo Dolores , Casals María , Llobet Rafael
Published: July 2022

Breast density assessed from digital mammograms is a known biomarker related to a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Supervised learning algorithms have been implemented to determine this. However, the performance of these algorithms depends on the quality of the ground-truth information, which expert readers usually provide. These expert labels are noisy approximations to the ground truth, as there is both intra- and inter-observer variability among them. Thus, it is crucial to provide a reliable method to measure breast density from mammograms. This paper presents a fully automated method based on deep learning to estimate breast density, including breast detection, pectoral muscle exclusion, and dense tissue segmentation. We propose a novel confusion matrix (CM)—YNet model for the segmentation step. This architecture includes networks to model each radiologist’s noisy label and gives the estimated ground-truth segmentation as well as two parameters that allow interaction with a threshold-based labeling tool. A multi-center study involving 1785 women whose “for presentation” mammograms were obtained from 11 different medical facilities was performed. A total of 2496 mammograms were used as the training corpus, and 844 formed the testing corpus. Additionally, we included a totally independent dataset from a different center, composed of 381 women with one image per patient. Each mammogram was labeled independently by two expert radiologists using a threshold-based tool. The implemented CM-Ynet model achieved the highest DICE score averaged over both test datasets (0.82±0.14) when compared to the closest dense-tissue segmentation assessment from both radiologists. The level of concordance between the two radiologists showed a DICE score of 0.76±0.17. An automatic breast density estimator based on deep learning exhibited higher performance when compared with two experienced radiologists. This suggests that modeling each radiologist’s label allows for better estimation of the unknown ground-truth segmentation. The advantage of the proposed model is that it also provides the threshold parameters that enable user interaction with a threshold-based tool.
Energy Efficient Transmission Design for NOMA Backscatter-Aided UAV Networks with Imperfect CSI
Authors: AlJubayrin Saad , Al-Wesabi Fahd , Alsolai Hadeel , Duhayyim Mesfer , Nour Mohamed , Khan Wali , Mahmood Asad , Rabie Khaled , Shongwe Thokozani
Published: July 2022

The recent combination of ambient backscatter communication (ABC) with non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) has shown great potential for connecting large-scale Internet of Things (IoT) in future unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) networks. The basic idea of ABC is to provide battery-free transmission by harvesting the energy of existing RF signals of WiFi, TV towers, and cellular base stations/UAV. ABC uses smart sensor tags to modulate and reflect data among wireless devices. On the other side, NOMA makes possible the communication of more than one IoT on the same frequency. In this work, we provide an energy efficient transmission design ABC-aided UAV network using NOMA. This work aims to optimize the power consumption of a UAV system while ensuring the minimum data rate of IoT. Specifically, the transmit power of UAVs and the reflection coefficient of the ABC system are simultaneously optimized under the assumption of imperfect channel state information (CSI). Due to co-channel interference among UAVs, imperfect CSI, and NOMA interference, the joint optimization problem is formulated as non-convex, which involves high complexity and makes it hard to obtain the optimal solution. Thus, it is first transformed and then solved by a sub-gradient method with low complexity. In addition, a conventional NOMA UAV framework is also studied for comparison without involving ABC. Numerical results demonstrate the benefits of using ABC in a NOMA UAV network compared to the conventional UAV framework.
Some Further Results on the Fractional Cumulative Entropy
Authors: Kayid Mohamed , Shrahili Mansour
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the fractional cumulative entropy is considered to get its further properties and also its developments to dynamic cases. The measure is used to characterize a family of symmetric distributions and also another location family of distributions. The links between the fractional cumulative entropy and the classical differential entropy and some reliability quantities are also unveiled. In addition, the connection the measure has with the standard deviation is also found. We provide some examples to establish the variability property of this measure.
Studying the Effect of Cold Rolling and Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of the Fe36Mn20Ni20Cr16Al5Si3 High Entropy Alloy
Authors: Mahmoud Essam R. I. , Shaharoun Awaludin , Gepreel Mohamed A. , Ebied Saad
Published: July 2022

In this study, a multi-component FeMnNiCrAlSi high-entropy alloy, chosen through Thermo-Calc® software (2021a, Stockholm, Sweden) calculation and produced by electric arc melting, was studied for phase continents and mechanical properties. The results elucidated that the cold rolled condition (area reduction ratio about 86%) was in the form of elongated grains with a dendritic structure. Also, small amounts of the BCC phase were precipitated at the grain boundaries. The annealed sample shows features of BCC phase and different sizes of intermetallics. These results coincided with the predictions of Thermo-Calc® software calculations. A cold rolled sample showed high compressive yield strength of about 950 MPa, and the annealed sample had only half the strength of the cold rolled condition. The cold rolled sample shows the highest micro-hardness. The wear resistance of the annealed condition was significantly improved at room temperature and at 200 °C. The brittle phases in the annealed condition have a positive impact on the wear resistance.
Agrochemicals and Shade Complexity Affect Soil Quality in Coffee Home Gardens
Authors: Manson Sophie , Nekaris K. A. I. , Rendell Andrew , Budiadi Budiadi , Imron Muhammad Ali , Campera Marco
Published: July 2022

Soil quality can directly influence the health, yield, and quality of a particular crop species, and agrochemicals are often used to boost soil micro- and macro-nutrients. The excessive application of agrochemicals, however, is often the cause of imbalances in acidity and nutrient concentration and can cause soil to deteriorate. The presence of multiple shade trees in farmland can positively influence soil quality. Here, we evaluate the effect of agrochemical use (i.e., organic, mixed, and intensive) and shade tree complexity (i.e., sun, low, and high) on soil quality (i.e., pH, macronutrients, and micronutrients) in 56 coffee home gardens in Indonesia. We found that Al, Fe, K, and Mn were significantly higher in farms that used agrochemicals, and pH was more acidic in fields with intensive use of agrochemicals. C:N ratio and Mn were higher in soils with high shade complexity than in sun-exposed soils. The use of agrochemicals, however, is not sustainable as it increases the Al concentration and decreases pH, both of which are associated with poor coffee growth and reduced soil quality. Shade tree removal and the use of invasive, non-native species, such as eucalyptus, can also negatively influence soil quality, and thus the maintenance of complex shade cover with native trees should be prioritised.
Sources of Financial Development and Their Impact on FDI Inflow: A Panel Data Analysis of Middle-Income Economies
Authors: Haque Mohammad Anamul , Biqiong Zhang , Arshad Muhammad Usman
Published: July 2022

The present research aimed to investigate the long-run and short-run effects of different sources of financial development on FDI inflow for middle-income economies during the period of study, 1980 to 2020. An annual frequency of data was obtained for the required set of variables from WDI and the IMF. The estimations revealed no cross-sectional dependence, a significant cointegration, and the stationarity of FDI inflow at first difference, while the explanatory and controlled variables were as mixed level. It validated the panel ARDL estimations methods such as mean group, pooled mean group, and a dynamic fixed effect for testing the required set of hypotheses. The Hausman test confirmed the consistency and efficiency of the dynamic fixed effect as the method of estimations. The panel estimations revealed the significance of financial market development, inflation rate, trade openness, and real economic growth as the most critical factors for FDI inflow in middle-income economies. The policymakers should consider these factors for making their policies regarding FDI inflow in their economies. Future research may consider time series ARDL for each independent middle-income country. The findings of the study are generalized only to middle-income economies rather than higher-income and lower-income countries.
Impact of COVID-19 on Organizational Support in Financial Technology
Authors: Herdinata Christian , Pranatasari Fransisca D.
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this research is to determine the organizational support and role played by MSME owners who have businesses based on financial technology during the COVID-19 and earlier periods. It also aims to determine the priorities that need to be considered in organizations in various conditions through fintech-based training. This is an experimental research with training given to the experimental group and none to the control. A paired-samples t-test analysis technique was used to determine the significant differences in the same group under different conditions. The result showed that fintech-based training is important in supporting organizations in the business groups that received training and those that have significant differences. Therefore, this training is needed, especially during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Influence of Doping Concentration and Thickness of Regions on the Performance of InGaN Single Junction-Based Solar Cells: A Simulation Approach
Authors: Parajuli D. , Shah Deb Kumar , KC Devendra , Kumar Subhash , Park Mira , Pant Bishweshwar
Published: July 2022

The impact of doping concentration and thickness of n-InGaN and p-InGaN regions on the power conversion efficiency of single junction-based InGaN solar cells was studied by the Silvaco ATLAS simulation software. The doping concentration 5 × 1019 cm−3 and 1 × 1015 cm−3 were optimized for n-InGaN and p-InGaN regions, respectively. The thickness of 300 nm was optimized for both n-InGaN and p-InGaN regions. The highest efficiency of 22.17% with Jsc = 37.68 mA/cm2, Voc = 0.729 V, and FF = 80.61% was achieved at optimized values of doping concentration and thickness of n-InGaN and p-InGaN regions of InGaN solar cells. The simulation study shows the relevance of the Silvaco ATLAS simulation tool, as well as the optimization of doping concentration and thickness of n- and p-InGaN regions for solar cells, which would make the development of high-performance InGaN solar cells low-cost and efficient.