bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolution of Chronic Inflammation, Restoration of Epigenetic Disturbances and Correction of Dysbiosis as an Adjunctive Approach to the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Livshits Gregory , Kalinkovich Alexander
Published: November 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with multifactorial and unclear pathogenesis. Its development is characterized by two key elements: epigenetic dysregulation of molecular pathways involved in AD pathogenesis and disrupted skin and gut microbiota (dysbiosis) that jointly trigger and maintain chronic inflammation, a core AD characteristic. Current data suggest that failed inflammation resolution is the main pathogenic mechanism underlying AD development. Inflammation resolution is provided by specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) derived from dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids acting through cognate receptors. SPM levels are reduced in AD patients. Administration of SPMs or their stable, small-molecule mimetics and receptor agonists, as well as supplementation with probiotics/prebiotics, demonstrate beneficial effects in AD animal models. Epidrugs, compounds capable of restoring disrupted epigenetic mechanisms associated with the disease, improve impaired skin barrier function in AD models. Based on these findings, we propose a novel, multilevel AD treatment strategy aimed at resolving chronic inflammation by application of SPM mimetics and receptor agonists, probiotics/prebiotics, and epi-drugs. This approach can be used in conjunction with current AD therapy, resulting in AD alleviation.
Exploring the Interactome of the Queuine Salvage Protein DUF2419 in Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Ye Jun , Trebicz-Geffen Meirav , Ankri Serge
Published: November 2024

Entamoeba histolytica causes amebiasis, a significant global health issue, with millions affected annually, especially in developing countries. EhDUF2419, an important protein involved in E. histolytica’s queuine salvage pathway and its interaction network, remains unclear. To explore this, we transfected E. histolytica trophozoites with a plasmid encoding Myc-tagged EhDUF2419 and achieved successful overexpression. Through immunoprecipitation with the Myc antibody followed by mass spectrometry, we identified 335 proteins interacting with Myc-tagged EhDUF2419, including over 100 ribosomal proteins, along with translation initiation and elongation factors, and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. Ribosome purification revealed the presence of EhDUF2419 in ribosomal protein-enriched fractions. Treatment with queuosine (Q) significantly reduced the EhDUF2419 protein levels and decreased the Q-modified tRNA in Myc-tagged EhDUF2419 overexpressing trophozoites. This effect, which was Q-dependent, was not observed in strains carrying an empty vector control or overexpressing a truncated form of EhDUF2419 lacking catalytic activity. The reduction in the EhDUF2419 protein levels was regulated by proteasome-mediated degradation, as evidenced by the reduced degradation in the presence of MG132, a proteasome inhibitor. Our study uncovers the novel interaction of EhDUF2419 with ribosomal proteins and its regulation by the proteasome machinery, providing new insights into its role in E. histolytica and potential therapeutic strategies.
Navigating the Alzheimer’s Biomarker Landscape: A Comprehensive Analysis of Fluid-Based Diagnostics
Authors: El Abiad Elsa , Al-Kuwari Ali , Al-Aani Ubaida , Al Jaidah Yaqoub , Chaari Ali
Published: November 2024

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affects a significant portion of the aging population, presenting a serious challenge due to the limited availability of effective therapies during its progression. The disease advances rapidly, underscoring the need for early diagnosis and the application of preventative measures. Current diagnostic methods for AD are often expensive and invasive, restricting access for the general public. One potential solution is the use of biomarkers, which can facilitate early detection and treatment through objective, non-invasive, and cost-effective evaluations of AD. This review critically investigates the function and role of biofluid biomarkers in detecting AD, with a specific focus on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood-based, and saliva biomarkers. Results: CSF biomarkers have demonstrated potential for accurate diagnosis and valuable prognostic insights, while blood biomarkers offer a minimally invasive and cost-effective approach for diagnosing cognitive issues. However, while current biomarkers for AD show significant potential, none have yet achieved the precision needed to replace expensive PET scans and CSF assays. The lack of a single accurate biomarker underscores the need for further research to identify novel or combined biomarkers to enhance the clinical efficacy of existing diagnostic tests. In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) and deep-learning (DL) tools present promising avenues for improving biomarker analysis and interpretation, enabling more precise and timely diagnoses. Conclusions: Further research is essential to confirm the utility of all AD biomarkers in clinical settings. Combining biomarker data with AI tools offers a promising path toward revolutionizing the personalized characterization and early diagnosis of AD symptoms.
Loss of MER Tyrosine Kinase Attenuates Adipocyte Hypertrophy and Leads to Enhanced Thermogenesis in Mice Exposed to High-Fat Diet
Authors: Köröskényi Krisztina , Sós László , Rostás Melinda , Papp Albert Bálint , Kókai Endre , Garabuczi Éva , Deák Dávid , Beke Lívia , Méhes Gábor , Szondy Zsuzsa
Published: November 2024

Obesity is characterized by low-grade inflammation that originates predominantly from the expanding visceral adipose tissue, in which adipocytes respond to lipid overload with hypertrophy, and consequently die by apoptosis. Recruited adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) take up the excess lipids and remove the dead cells; however, long-term exposure to high concentrations of lipids alters their phenotype to M1-like ATMs that produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and resistin leading to insulin resistance and other obesity-related pathologies. Mer tyrosine kinase is expressed by macrophages and by being an efferocytosis receptor, and by suppressing inflammation, we hypothesized that it might play a protective role against obesity. To our surprise, however, the loss of Mer protected mice against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. We report in this paper that Mer is also expressed by adipocytes of both white and brown adipose tissues, and while its activity facilitates adipocyte lipid storage both in vitro and in vivo in mice exposed to HFD, it simultaneously attenuates thermogenesis in the brown adipose tissue contributing to its ‘whitening’. Our data indicate that Mer is one of the adipocyte tyrosine kinase receptors, the activity of which contributes to the metabolic decision about the fate of excess lipids favoring their storage within the body.
An Insulin Upstream Open Reading Frame (INSU) Is Present in Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells: Changes with Age
Authors: Liu Qing-Rong , Zhu Min , Salekin Faatin , McCoy Brianah M. , Kennedy Vernon , Tian Jane , Mazucanti Caio H. , Chia Chee W. , Egan Josephine M.
Published: November 2024

Insulin resistance, stem cell dysfunction, and muscle fiber dystrophy are all age-related events in skeletal muscle (SKM). However, age-related changes in insulin isoforms and insulin receptors in myogenic progenitor satellite cells have not been studied. Since SKM is an extra-pancreatic tissue that does not express mature insulin, we investigated the levels of insulin receptors (INSRs) and a novel human insulin upstream open reading frame (INSU) at the mRNA, protein, and anatomical levels in Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) biopsied SKM samples of 27–89-year-old (yrs) participants. Using RT-qPCR and the MS-based selected reaction monitoring (SRM) assay, we found that the levels of INSR and INSU mRNAs and the proteins were positively correlated with the age of human SKM biopsies. We applied RNAscope fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunofluorescence (IF) to SKM cryosections and found that INSR and INSU were co-localized with PAX7-labeled satellite cells, with enhanced expression in SKM sections from an 89 yrs old compared to a 27 yrs old. We hypothesized that the SKM aging process might induce compensatory upregulation of INSR and re-expression of INSU, which might be beneficial in early embryogenesis and have deleterious effects on proliferative and myogenic satellite cells with advanced age.
YAP and ECM Stiffness: Key Drivers of Adipocyte Differentiation and Lipid Accumulation
Authors: Dong Da-Long , Jin Guang-Zhen
Published: November 2024

ECM stiffness significantly influences the differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), with YAP—a key transcription factor in the Hippo signaling pathway—playing a pivotal role. This study investigates the effects of ECM stiffness on ADSC differentiation and its relationship with YAP signaling. Various hydrogel concentrations were employed to simulate different levels of ECM stiffness, and their impact on ADSC differentiation was assessed through material properties, adipocyte-specific gene expression, lipid droplet staining, YAP localization, and protein levels. Our results demonstrated that increasing hydrogel stiffness enhanced adipocyte differentiation in a gradient manner. Notably, inhibiting YAP signaling further increased lipid droplet accumulation, suggesting that ECM stiffness influences adipogenesis by modulating YAP signaling and its cytoplasmic phosphorylation. This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying ECM stiffness-dependent lipid deposition, highlighting YAP’s regulatory role in adipogenesis. These findings provide valuable insights into the regulation of cell differentiation and have important implications for tissue engineering and obesity treatment strategies.
PDGF-BB Deficiency in the Blood Serum from Aplastic Anemia Patients Affects Bone Marrow-Derived Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Dorofeeva Alena I. , Shipounova Irina N. , Nikiforova Ksenia A. , Galtseva Irina V. , Kuzmina Larisa A. , Luchkin Anton V. , Fidarova Zalina T. , Mikhailova Elena A. , Parovichnikova Elena N.
Published: November 2024

Aplastic anemia (AA) is characterized by bone marrow (BM) aplasia and pancytopenia. BM stromal microenvironment is closely intertwined with hematopoietic cells by reciprocal regulation. It is still unclear how hematopoietic deficiency affects the bone marrow stroma of the AA patients. Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MMSCs) are the progenitors of stromal cells. In vitro, proliferation rate of MMSCs of AA patients is decreased compared to those of healthy donors. This may be explained by the influence of pathological environmental condition in the patients’ BM. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of AA patients’ sera on healthy donor MMSCs to healthy donors’ sera and to elucidate the nature of their difference. Proliferation test showed 3-fold decrease in number of MMSCs after incubation in medium supplemented with AA patients’ sera compared to donors’ serum samples. The degree of this effect correlated with the severity of thrombocytopenia in patients. The decrease in cell number was not associated with cell death, as the number of apoptotic cells defined by flow cytometry did not differ between the groups. ELISA revealed a decreased level of PDGF-BB in the patients’ sera compared to donors’ serum samples (69 ± 5 pg/mL vs. 112 ± 21 pg/mL, respectively). The addition of recombinant PDGF-BB or healthy donor’s platelet lysate to the culture medium supplemented with AA patients’ serum restored its ability to support MMSCs growth. Thus, PDGF-BB deficiency is one of the environmental factors causing MMSCs damage in AA patients.
CO2 Interaction Mechanism of SnO2-Based Sensors with Respect to the Pt Interdigital Electrodes Gap
Authors: Stanoiu Adelina , Iacoban Alexandra Corina , Mihalcea Catalina Gabriela , Dinu Ion Viorel , Florea Ovidiu Gabriel , Vlaicu Ioana Dorina , Simion Cristian Eugen
Published: November 2024

The tuning sensitivity towards CO2 detection under in-field-like conditions was investigated using SnO2-sensitive material deposited onto Al2O3 substrates provided with platinum electrodes with interdigital gaps of 100 µm and 30 µm. X-ray diffraction, low-magnification and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and electrical and contact potential difference investigations were employed to understand the sensing mechanism involved in CO2 detection. The morpho-structural analysis revealed that the SnO2 nanoparticles exhibit well-defined facets along the (110) and (101) crystallographic planes. Complex phenomenological investigations showed that moisture significantly affects the gas sensing performance. The experimental results corroborated the literature evidence, highlighting the importance of Pt within the interdigital electrodes subsequently reflected in the increase in the CO2 sensing performance with the decrease in the interdigital gap. The catalytic efficiency is explained by the distribution of platinum at the gas-Pt-SnO2 three-phase boundary, which is critical for enhancing the sensor performance.
Pollution Monitoring via Potentiometric Membrane Sensors for the Determination of Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride in the Presence of Its Main Photo-Degradation Products in River Water
Authors: Abdel-Gawad Sherif A. , Altharawi Ali
Published: November 2024

The utilization of membrane sensors for the monitoring and determination of pharmaceutical environmental pollutants has emerged as a crucial objective in recent years. Given the extensive use of chlorpromazine hydrochloride (CPZ) in medicine, its presence in the environment, particularly in surface water such as rivers, is highly probable. Prolonged exposure of river water to sunlight and the photo-degradability of CPZ may enhance its photo-degradation. For the purpose of measuring CPZ in the presence of its primary photo-degradants, two sensitive and selective membrane electrodes were developed. These were synthesized utilizing two ion-pairing agents: sodium tetraphenylborate (TPB) and phosphotungstic acid (PTA). The electrodes exhibited a linear range that extended from 1 × 10−6 M to 1 × 10−2 M. The membrane electrodes of CPZ-TPB and CPZ-PTA exhibited slopes of 59.90 ± 0.60 mV/decade and 58.90 ± 0.80 mV/decade, respectively. The sensors mentioned above showed acceptable performance in a pH range of 2.0 to 6.0. All test parameters were optimized to provide superior electrochemical performance. The fabricated membranes were effectively employed to sensitively quantify CPZ in the presence of its principal photodegradants. The developed sensors were successfully employed to quantify CPZ in river water samples without necessitating pre-treatment procedures.
Night Sleep, Parental Bedtime Practices and Language Development in Low-Risk Preterm and Full-Term Late Talkers: A Longitudinal Study in the Third Year of Life
Authors: Zuccarini Mariagrazia , Riva Martina , Aceti Arianna , Corvaglia Luigi , Scher Anat , Guarini Annalisa , Sansavini Alessandra
Published: November 2024

Background: Studies on night sleep and parental bedtime practices and their associations with language development in populations at risk of language delay and neonatal conditions, such as late talkers and preterm children, are scarce. Objectives: Our objective was to longitudinally examine the development of night sleep (total night sleep difficulties, settling, night waking, and co-sleeping), parental bedtime practices (total parental bedtime practices, active physical comforting, encouraging autonomy, and leaving to cry), and expressive language (word and sentence production), and their associations in low-risk preterm and full-term late talkers from 31 to 37 months of age. Methods: Parents of 38 late talkers, 19 low-risk preterm and 19 full-term children, completed the Italian versions of the Infant Sleep Questionnaire, the Parental Interactive Bedtime Behavior Scale, and the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory Words and Sentences Long Form. Results: Late talkers’ night sleep difficulties, such as settling to sleep and night waking, decreased over time, with low-risk preterm late talkers experiencing more night waking and co-sleeping than full-term peers. Parents reported that instances of active physical comforting and leaving to cry also decreased, with parents of low-risk preterm late talkers reporting higher active physical comforting scores than parents of full-term peers. Improvements in parental practices of encouraging autonomy were significantly associated with increased sentence production from 31 to 37 months. Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of monitoring night sleep in preterm and full-term late talkers. They also suggest that populations vulnerable to sleep and language delays may particularly benefit from targeted interventions promoting autonomy in their bedtime routines, which, in turn, could support their language development trajectories.
Using Machine Learning for Climate Modelling: Application of Neural Networks to a Slow-Fast Chaotic Dynamical System as a Case Study
Authors: Soldatenko Sergei , Angudovich Yaromir
Published: November 2024

This paper explores the capabilities of two types of recurrent neural networks, unidirectional and bidirectional long short-term memory networks, to build a surrogate model for a coupled fast–slow dynamic system and predicting its nonlinear chaotic behaviour. The dynamical system in question, comprising two versions of the classical Lorenz model with a small time-scale separation factor, is treated as an atmosphere–ocean research simulator. In numerical experiments, the number of hidden layers and the number of nodes in each hidden layer varied from 1 to 5 and from 16 to 256, respectively. The basic configuration of the surrogate model, determined experimentally, has three hidden layers, each comprising between 16 and 128 nodes. The findings revealed the advantages of bidirectional neural networks over unidirectional ones in terms of forecasting accuracy. As the forecast horizon increases, the accuracy of forecasts deteriorates, which was quite expected, primarily due to the chaotic behaviour of the fast subsystem. All other things being equal, increasing the number of neurons in hidden layers facilitates the improvement of forecast accuracy. The obtained results indicate that the quality of short-term forecasts with a lead time of up to 0.75 model time units (MTU) improves most significantly. The predictability limit of the fast subsystem (“atmosphere”) is somewhat greater than the Lyapunov time.
Thermal Protection and Dielectric Properties of Borosilicate Coatings for SiCf/SiC Composites Under High-Temperature Oxidation
Authors: Dong Xiaohui , Wang Lianyi , Luo Ruiying , Zhang Guoteng , Wang Jinsen , Yang Xiaotian , Yang Huiyong , Huang Juntong
Published: November 2024

Currently, oxidation of SiCf/SiC composites in harsh environments such as high temperatures has become a key challenge for their application in high-temperature structural wave-absorbing materials. In this study, borosilicate glass (BSZ) coatings were prepared using the thermal nitrogen–oxygen process. The evolution of mechanical and coating microwave dielectric properties of the composites with and without BSZ coatings after oxidation at 1100 °C, 1200 °C, 1300 °C and 1400 °C was investigated. The results showed that the mechanical strength of the BSZ-coated SiCf/SiC specimens remains virtually unchanged, with a remarkable strength retention rate of 94%. The exceptional oxidation resistance of these coatings can be attributed to the formation of self-healing oxides and the reinforcing “pinning” effect of ZrSiO4. With an increase in oxidation temperature, the dielectric properties of the oxidized coatings are determined by the intrinsic properties of the generators and the porosity. Overall, these features highlight the potential of borosilicate coatings in the field of electromagnetic wave-absorbing composites, and the current work establishes a correlation between the oxidized microscopic properties of the coatings and the dielectric properties.
Ceria-Stabilized Zirconia/Alumina Nanocomposite (NANO-Zr) Surface Enhances Osteogenesis Through Regulation of Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Tian Yuan , Song Yunjia , Lan Suli , Geng Ruoting , Wang Muxiang , Li Sanwen , Han Jianmin , Bai Hong , Hong Guang , Li Ying
Published: November 2024

Zirconia implants are recognized for their excellent biocompatibility, aesthetics, and favorable mechanical properties. However, the effects of zirconia surfaces on osteogenesis, particularly in the presence of macrophages, are still not well understood. This study compares two types of zirconia surfaces—ceria-stabilized zirconia/alumina nanocomposite (NANO-Zr) and 3 mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (3Y-TZP)—with titanium (Ti) substrates. Both zirconia surfaces promoted macrophage adhesion and proliferation, facilitated a shift from M1 to M2 polarization, and created an immune microenvironment conducive to osteogenesis by downregulating IL-6 and TNF-α and upregulating IL-10 and TGF-β gene expression. In macrophage co-cultures, both zirconia surfaces also supported osteoblast adhesion and proliferation, with NANO-Zr notably enhancing osteogenic differentiation and mineralization. These results highlight NANO-Zr as a promising candidate for future dental and orthopedic implant applications.
Investigating the Surface Damage to Fuzhou’s Ancient Houses (Gu-Cuo) Using a Non-Destructive Testing Method Constructed via Machine Learning
Authors: Zhang Lei , Chen Yile , Zheng Liang , Yan Binwen , Zhang Jiali , Xie Ali , Lou Senyu
Published: November 2024

As an important part of traditional Chinese architecture, Fuzhou’s ancient houses have unique cultural and historical value. However, over time, environmental factors such as efflorescence and plant growth have caused surface damage to their gray brick walls, leading to a decline in the quality of the buildings’ structure and even posing a threat to the buildings’ safety. Traditional damage detection methods mainly rely on manual labor, which is inefficient and consumes a lot of human resources. In addition, traditional non-destructive detection methods, such as infrared imaging and laser scanning, often face difficulty in accurately identifying specific types of damage, such as efflorescence and plant growth, on the surface of gray bricks and are easily hampered by diverse surface features. This study uses the YOLOv8 machine learning model for the automated detection of two common types of damage to the gray brick walls of Fuzhou’s ancient houses: efflorescence and plant growth. We establish an efficient gray brick surface damage detection model through dataset collection and annotation, experimental parameter optimization, model evaluation, and analysis. The research results reveal the following. (1) Reasonable hyperparameter settings and model-assisted annotation significantly improve the detection accuracy and stability. (2) The model’s average precision (AP) is improved from 0.30 to 0.90, demonstrating good robustness in detecting complex backgrounds and high-resolution real-life images. The F1 value of the model’s gray brick detection efficiency is improved (classification model performance index) from 0.22 to 0.77. (3) The model’s ability to recognize the damage details of gray bricks under high-resolution conditions is significantly enhanced, demonstrating its ability to cope with complex environments. (4) The simplified data enhancement strategy effectively reduces the feature extraction interference and enhances the model’s adaptability in different environments.
Quantum Congestion Game for Overcrowding Prevention Within Airport Common Areas
Authors: Spyrou Evangelos D. , Kappatos Vassilios , Stylios Chrysostomos
Published: November 2024

Quantum game theory merges principles from quantum mechanics with game theory, exploring how quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement can influence strategic decision making. It offers a novel approach to analyzing and optimizing complex systems where traditional game theory may fall short. Congestion of passengers, if considered as a network, may fall into the categories of optimization cases of quantum games. This paper explores the application of quantum potential games to minimize congestion in common areas at airports. The players/passengers of the airport have identical interests and they share the same utility function. A metric is introduced that considers a passenger’s visit to a common area by setting their preferences, in order to avoid congestion. Passengers can decide whether to visit a specific common area or choose an alternative. This study demonstrates that the proposed game is a quantum potential game for tackling congestion, with identical interests, ensuring the existence of a Nash equilibrium. We consider passengers to be players that want to ensure their interests. Quantum entanglement is utilized to validate the concept, and the results highlight the effectiveness of this approach. The objective is to ensure that not all passengers select the same common place of the airport to reduce getting crowded; hence, the airborne disease infection probability increases due to overcrowding. Our findings provide a promising framework for optimizing passenger flow and reducing congestion in airport common areas through quantum game theory. We showed that the proposed system is stable by encapsulating the Lyapunov stability. We compared it to a simulated annealing approach to show the efficacy of the quantum game approach. We acknowledge that this framework can be utilized in other disciplines as well. For our future work, we will research different strategies than binary ones to investigate the efficacy of the approach.
Exploring Park and Ride: A Spatial Analysis of Transit Catchment in Outer Melbourne
Authors: Chen Yanlin , Adhinugraha Kiki , Lyu Shiyang , Taniar David
Published: November 2024

Public transportation is essential for improving urban mobility, enhancing travel quality, reducing reliance on private vehicles, and alleviating traffic congestion. However, inadequate public transportation in outer Melbourne is a significant issue limiting urban development. While existing research primarily focuses on walking distance to define service catchments, commuters in transit-disadvantaged or outlying urban areas often drive to transit, noted as the park-and-ride mode. This research uniquely examines drive-distance catchments for park-and-ride transit accessibility in outer Melbourne, using spatial SQL and GIS techniques to provide a detailed, multi-dimensional analysis of population coverage, parking capacity, and accessibility gaps. This approach fills a gap in the existing literature by offering adaptable insights and approaches to other outer urban areas with transit disadvantages. The findings underscore the necessity for targeted enhancements in public transportation in outer Melbourne: Most of the outer residents concentrate near the train stations, though significant spatial gaps exist; The general accessibility status of residential mesh blocks is found; Parking capacity varies with high tension found at certain stations. This study contributes insights to create more equitable and sustainable transportation systems by providing a detailed spatial analysis of current transit coverage and identifying critical gaps.
Two Datasets over South Tyrol and Tyrol Areas to Understand and Characterize Water Resource Dynamics in Mountain Regions
Authors: De Gregorio Ludovica , Cuozzo Giovanni , Barella Riccardo , Corvalán Francisco , Greifeneder Felix , Grosse Peter , Mejia-Aguilar Abraham , Niedrist Georg , Premier Valentina , Schattan Paul , Zandonai Alessandro , Notarnicola Claudia
Published: November 2024

In this work, we present two datasets for specific areas located on the Alpine arc that can be exploited to monitor and understand water resource dynamics in mountain regions. The idea is to provide the reader with information about the different sources of water supply over five defined test areas over the South Tyrol (Italy) and Tyrol (Austria) areas in alpine environments. The snow cover fraction (SCF) and Soil Moisture Content (SMC) datasets are derived from machine learning algorithms based on remote sensing data. Both SCF and SMC products are characterized by a spatial resolution of 20 m and are provided for the period from October 2020 to May 2023 (SCF) and from October 2019 to September 2022 (SMC), respectively, covering winter seasons for SCF and spring–summer seasons for SMC. For SCF maps, the validation with very high-resolution images shows high correlation coefficients of around 0.9. The SMC products were originally produced with an algorithm validated at a global scale, but here, to obtain more insights into the specific alpine mountain environment, the values estimated from the maps are compared with ground measurements of automatic stations located at different altitudes and characterized by different aspects in the Val Mazia catchment in South Tyrol (Italy). In this case, an MAE between 0.05 and 0.08 and an unbiased RMSE between 0.05 and 0.09 m3·m−3 were achieved. The datasets presented can be used as input for hydrological models and to hydrologically characterize the study alpine area starting from different sources of information.
Comparison of Different 3D Surface Registration-Based Methods to Assess Facial Asymmetry
Authors: Cappella Annalisa , Solazzo Riccardo , Gigante Luisa , Gervasoni Alice , Gibelli Daniele Maria , Dolci Claudia , Tartaglia Gianluca Martino , Sforza Chiarella
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Facial asymmetry is gaining an increasing diagnostic interest in many clinical contexts. Several three-dimensional surface-based methods have been proposed for its assessment; however, they might provide non-equivalent data. Since there is a lack of comparative studies in these terms, this study aims to compare three methods for assessing the asymmetry of the face and facial thirds, thus addressing whether the potential differences can be considered clinically acceptable or not. Methods: Two ‘maxillofacial’ methods based on the trigeminal nerve distribution and one ‘orthodontic’ method based on reference horizontal planes were used to identify the facial thirds on 3D facial models of 80 Italian healthy adults to calculate the asymmetry of the face, and the upper, middle, and lower thirds of the face differently selected by each method. As a measure of asymmetry, the Root Mean Square value was calculated through a mirroring surface-based registration. Intra- and inter-operator reliability was verified for each method. Differences and interchangeability between the methods were tested, respectively, by two-way repeated measures ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and Bland–Altman and Similarity Percentage model analysis. Additionally, the time required to perform each method was assessed. Results: All methods demonstrated excellent intra- and inter-operator reliability. While the ANOVA analysis found significant differences (p < 0.001) for the majority of facial Regions of Interest between each method, the Bland–Altman analysis revealed that the differences were clinically acceptable (<0.50 mm) for all facial regions between the trigeminal methods, and for the face and the upper third of the face between the orthodontic method, which was revealed to be faster, and the trigeminal ones. The additional similarity percentage model provided visual support for the complete interchangeability of the two trigeminal methods, as evidenced by the lower Coefficient of Variation value. Conclusions: There is no best method for assessing facial asymmetry that applies to all types of clinical settings, as we have shown that different methods may not be completely interchangeable. However, we suggest that the methods based on the trigeminal subdivision can be used interchangeably in contexts where the morpho-functional analysis of maxillofacial regions with different embryological origins is considered. Thus, the clinical setting imposes the choice of one method over another and, as we have pointed out, the consequent comparison of data with those obtained with methods whose interchangeability has been demonstrated.
The Possible Role of Rosuvastatin Therapy in HFpEF Patients—A Preliminary Report
Authors: Urbanowicz Tomasz , Spasenenko Ievgen , Banaszkiewicz Marta , Olasińska-Wiśniewska Anna , Krasińska-Płachta Aleksandra , Tykarski Andrzej , Filipiak Krzysztof J. , Krasiński Zbigniew , Krasińska Beata
Published: November 2024

Background: An increasing number of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) syndromes has been reported in tandem with increasing age and burdens of obesity and cardiometabolic disorders. Identifying possible risk and modulatory HFpEF factors has significant epidemiological and clinical value. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of echocardiographic diagnostic criteria of left ventricular dysfunction in patients with chronic coronary syndrome depending on rosuvastatin therapy. Method: There were 81 (33 (41%) male) consecutive patients with a median age of 70 (62–75) years, presenting with stable heart failure symptoms according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification I to III. They presented with chronic coronary syndrome and were hospitalized between March and August 2024. Patients were divided according to the type of long-term lipid-lowering therapy into patients with rosuvastatin and with other statin therapy. The echocardiographic analysis based on diastolic dysfunction evaluation was performed on admission and compared with demographical, clinical, and laboratory results. Results: In the multivariable model for diastolic dysfunction prediction in the analyzed group based on three echocardiographic parameters, septal E’ below 7 cm/s, lateral E’ below 10 cm/s, and LAVI above 34 mL/m2, the following factors were found to be significant: sex (male) (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.04–0.83, p = 0.027), obesity (defined as BMI > 30) (OR: 12.78, 95% CI: 2.19–74.50, p = 0.005), and rosuvastatin therapy (OR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.02–0.51, p = 0.007). Conclusions: Rosuvastatin therapy can be regarded as a possible protective therapy against left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in chronic coronary syndrome.
New Surgical Criteria for Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm Based on the Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index Values and Presence of Solid Component
Authors: Hasegawa Hiroyuki , Fukasawa Mitsuharu , Takano Shinichi , Kawakami Satoshi , Kuratomi Natsuhiko , Harai Shota , Yoshimura Dai , Imagawa Naoto , Okuwaki Tetsuya , Kuno Toru , Suzuki Yuichiro , Yoshida Takashi , Kobayashi Shoji , Sato Mitsuaki , Maekawa Shinya , Hosomura Naohiro , Kawaida Hiromichi , Ichikawa Daisuke , Enomoto Nobuyuki
Published: November 2024

Objectives: The present study aimed to validate the new international guidelines for IPMN and determine the surgical criteria for patients with IPMN exhibiting high-risk stigmata (HRS). Methods: We enrolled 115 IPMN patients exhibiting HRS who were diagnosed between 2004 and 2021. Of the 115 patients, 79 underwent surgery (surgical group) and 36 did not undergo surgery (non-surgical group). The overall survival (OS) of each group was compared, and multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with OS. Results: There was no significant difference in the estimated 5-year OS in the surgical and non-surgical groups (67% vs. 74%; p = 0.75). The presence of a solid component (SC) (hazard ratio [HR], 6.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.30–14.5) and a high score of age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) (≥5) (HR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.11–4.64) were independent predictors of poor OS. In the presence of an SC, the surgical group had a significantly better OS than the non-surgical group (estimated 5-year OS, 38% vs. 18%; p = 0.031). In the absence of an SC, the prognosis of patients with a high ACCI was significantly poorer than those with a low ACCI in the surgical group (estimated 5-year OS, 59% vs. 93%; p = 0.005). Conclusions: An SC and a high ACCI are important prognostic factors in IPMN patients exhibiting HRS. Thus, patients with an SC should undergo surgical resection. However, conservative management may be the optimal treatment in patients without an SC and with a high ACCI.
Feasibility of Peroral Cholangioscopy in the Initial Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography for Malignant Biliary Strictures
Authors: Suzuki Yuichi , Ishii Tomohiro , Miwa Haruo , Sato Takeshi , Goda Yoshihiro , Irie Kuniyasu , Sugimori Kazuya , Maeda Shin
Published: November 2024

Background: Peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) is valuable for assessing malignant biliary strictures; however, biliary drainage prior to POCS often hinders accurate diagnosis. Objectives: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the feasibility of POCS using a newly developed cholangioscope, CHF-B290, during initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for malignant biliary strictures. Methods: This multicenter retrospective study included patients who underwent initial ERCP for malignant biliary strictures at two institutions between January 2018 and March 2022. Patients who underwent initial ERCP with POCS were classified into the POCS group, and those without POCS were classified into the non-POCS group. To prevent post-POCS cholangitis, the original irrigation system for CHF-B290 was used in all POCS examinations. The primary endpoint was the rate of post-ERCP biliary infections, and the secondary endpoints were other ERCP-related complications, including pancreatitis, bleeding, and perforation. Results: Overall, 53 and 94 patients were included in the POCS and non-POCS groups, respectively. For the primary endpoint, the rate of post-ERCP biliary infection was not significantly different between the two groups (1.9% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.42). For the secondary endpoints, no significant differences were observed in the rates of post-ERCP pancreatitis (5.7% vs. 6.4%, p = 1.00) and other ERCP-related complications. The overall complication rate was 9.4% in the POCS group and 13% in the non-POCS group (p = 0.60). Conclusions: POCS during the initial ERCP for malignant biliary strictures is feasible.
Effect of Intravenous Contrast on CT Body Composition Measurements in Patients with Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm
Authors: Chima Ranjit S. , Glushko Tetiana , Park Margaret A. , Hodul Pamela , Davis Evan W. , Martin Katelyn , Qayyum Aliya , Permuth Jennifer B. , Jeong Daniel
Published: November 2024

Background: The effect of differing post-contrast phases on CT body composition measurements is not yet known. Methods: A fully automated AI-based body composition analysis using DAFS was performed on a retrospective cohort of 278 subjects undergoing pre-treatment triple-phase CT for pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. The CT contrast phases included noncontrast (NON), arterial (ART), and venous (VEN) phases. The software selected a single axial CT image at mid-L3 on each phase for body compartment segmentation. The areas (cm2) were calculated for skeletal muscle (SM), intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). The mean Hounsfield units of skeletal muscle (SMHU) within the segmented regions were calculated. Bland–Altman and Chi Square analyses were performed. Results: SM-NON had a lower percentage of bias [LOA] than SM-ART, −0.7 [−7.6, 6.2], and SM-VEN, −0.3 [−7.6, 7.0]; VAT-NON had a higher percentage of bias than ART, 3.4 [−18.2, 25.0], and VEN, 5.8 [−15.0, 26.6]; and this value was lower for SAT-NON than ART, −0.4 [−14.9, 14.2], and VEN, −0.5 [−14.3, 13.4]; and higher for IMAT-NON than ART, 5.9 [−17.9, 29.7], and VEN, 9.5 [−17.0, 36.1]. The bias in SMHU NON [LOA] was lower than that in ART, −3.8 HU [−9.8, 2.1], and VEN, −7.8 HU [−14.8, −0.8]. Conclusions: IV contrast affects the voxel HU of fat and muscle, impacting CT analysis of body composition. We noted a relatively smaller bias in the SM, VAT, and SAT areas across the contrast phases. However, SMHU and IMAT experienced larger bias. During threshold risk stratification for CT-based measurements of SMHU and IMAT, the IV contrast phase should be taken into consideration.
Should South Asian Stock Market Investors Think Globally? Investigating Safe Haven Properties and Hedging Effectiveness
Authors: Gazi Md. Abu Issa , Nahiduzzaman Md. , Sarker Sanjoy Kumar , Amin Mohammad Bin , Kabir Md. Ahsan , Kouki Fadoua , Senathirajah Abdul Rahman bin S , Erdey László
Published: November 2024

In this study, we examine the critical question of whether global equity and bond assets (both green and non-green) offer effective hedging and safe haven properties against stock market risks in South Asia, with a focus on Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The increasing integration of global financial markets and the volatility experienced during recent economic crises raise important questions regarding the resilience of South Asian markets and the potential protective role of global assets. Drawing on methods like VaR and CVaR tail risk estimators, the DCC-GJR-GARCH time-varying connectedness approach, and cost-effectiveness tools for hedging, we analyze data spanning from 2014 to 2022 to assess these relationships comprehensively. Our findings demonstrate that stock markets in Bangladesh experience lower levels of downside risk in each quantile; however, safe haven properties from the global financial markets are effective for Bangladeshi, Indian, and Pakistani stock markets during the crisis period. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan stock market neither receives hedging usefulness nor safe haven benefits from the same marketplaces. Additionally, global green assets, specifically green bond assets, are more reliable sources to ensure the safest investment for South Asian investors. Finally, the portfolio implications suggest that while traditional global equity assets offer ideal portfolio weights for South Asian investors, global equity and bond assets (both green and non-green) are the cheapest hedgers for equity investors, particularly in the Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan stock markets. Moreover, these results hold significant implications for investors seeking to optimize portfolios and manage risk, as well as for policymakers aiming to strengthen regional market resilience. By clarifying the protective capacities of global assets, particularly green ones, our study contributes to a nuanced understanding of portfolio diversification and financial stability strategies within emerging markets in South Asia.
The Impact of In-Service Teacher Education Program on Competency Improvement Among Islamic Religious Education Teachers Using Self-Assessment
Authors: Zaqiah Qiqi Yuliati , Hasanah Aan , Heryati Yeti , Rohmatulloh Rohmatulloh
Published: November 2024

Participation in PPG Daljab is essential for improving the performance of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers and promoting internal quality assurance within teacher training institutes (LPTKs). However, how can we effectively assess participation, particularly for individual teachers? This quantitative study investigates the impact of in-service teacher education programs on PAI teachers’ competencies using individual self-assessment. This study involved 255 PAI teachers from three LPTKs under the Ministry of Religious Affairs: UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, and UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. Teachers’ competencies were measured across four dimensions: pedagogical, personality, social, and professional competence. The findings indicate that the PPG program effectively supported the self-development of PAI teachers who have obtained professional certification. The PPG program enhanced teachers’ competencies across all dimensions, with the most significant improvement in personality competence. However, in the professional dimension, areas such as learning evaluation and the use of technology and digital learning require further strengthening post-PPG program. This article provides recommendations for stakeholders to develop continuing professional education programs following the PPG program, taking into consideration PAI teachers’ lack of competence.
Editorial for the Special Issue “Higher Education Research: Challenges and Practices”
Authors: Sá Maria José , Serpa Sandro
Published: November 2024

The link between higher education and research is paramount in the current academic landscape [...]
Environmental Impact of Wind Farms
Authors: Bošnjaković Mladen , Hrkać Filip , Stoić Marija , Hradovi Ivan
Published: November 2024

The aim of this article is to analyse the global environmental impact of wind farms, i.e., the effects on human health and the local ecosystem. Compared to conventional energy sources, wind turbines emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases, which helps to mitigate global warming. During the life cycle of a wind farm, 86% of CO2 emissions are generated by the extraction of raw materials and the manufacture of wind turbine components. The water consumption of wind farms is extremely low. In the operational phase, it is 4 L/MWh, and in the life cycle, one water footprint is only 670 L/MWh. However, wind farms occupy a relatively large total area of 0.345 ± 0.224 km2/MW of installed capacity on average. For this reason, wind farms will occupy more than 10% of the land area in some EU countries by 2030. The impact of wind farms on human health is mainly reflected in noise and shadow flicker, which can cause insomnia, headaches and various other problems. Ice flying off the rotor blades is not mentioned as a problem. On a positive note, the use of wind turbines instead of conventionally operated power plants helps to reduce the emission of particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM 2.5), which are a major problem for human health. In addition, the non-carcinogenic toxicity potential of wind turbines for humans over the entire life cycle is one of the lowest for energy plants. Wind farms can have a relatively large impact on the ecological system and biodiversity. The destruction of animal migration routes and habitats, the death of birds and bats in collisions with wind farms and the negative effects of wind farm noise on wildlife are examples of these impacts. The installation of a wind turbine at sea generates a lot of noise, which can have a significant impact on some marine animals. For this reason, planners should include noise mitigation measures when selecting the site for the future wind farm. The end of a wind turbine’s service life is not a major environmental issue. Most components of a wind turbine can be easily recycled and the biggest challenge is the rotor blades due to the composite materials used.