bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher Renal Net Acid Excretion, but Not Higher Phosphate Excretion, during Childhood and Adolescence Associates with the Circulating Renal Tubular Injury Marker Interleukin-18 in Adulthood
Authors: Derakhshandeh-Rishehri Seyedeh-Masomeh , Franco Luciana Peixoto , Hua Yifan , Herder Christian , Kalhoff Hermann , Frassetto Lynda A. , Wudy Stefan A. , Remer Thomas
Published: January 2024

High dietary phosphorus intake (P-In) and high acid loads may adversely affect kidney function. In animal models, excessive phosphorus intake causes renal injury, which, in humans, is also inducible by chronic metabolic acidosis. We thus examined whether habitually high P-In and endogenous acid production during childhood and adolescence may be early indicators of incipient renal inflammatory processes later in adulthood. P-In and acid–base status were longitudinally and exclusively determined by biomarker-based assessment in 277 healthy children, utilizing phosphate and net acid excretion (NAE) measurements in 24 h urine samples repeatedly collected between the ages of 3 and 17 years. Standard deviation scores (by sex and age) were calculated for anthropometric data and for the urinary biomarkers available within age range 3–17 years. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze the relations of phosphate excretion and NAE with the adulthood outcome circulating interleukin-18 (IL-18), a marker of inflammation and kidney dysfunction. After adjusting for growth- and adulthood-related covariates and pro-inflammatory biomarkers to rule out confounding by non-renal inflammatory processes, regression models revealed a significant positive relationship of long-term NAE (p = 0.01), but not of long-term phosphate excretion with adult serum IL-18. Similar significant positive regression results were obtained after replacing NAE with 24 h urinary ammonium excretion as the exposition variable. Our results suggest that even moderate elevations in renal ammonia production, as caused by habitually higher acid loading during growth, may affect the intrarenal pro-inflammatory system in the long-term, known to be boosted by acidosis-induced raised ammoniagenesis.
Mechanism of DNA Intercalation by Chloroquine Provides Insights into Toxicity
Authors: Joshi Joha , McCauley Micah J. , Morse Michael , Muccio Michael R. , Kanlong Joseph G. , Rocha Márcio S. , Rouzina Ioulia , Musier-Forsyth Karin , Williams Mark C.
Published: January 2024

Chloroquine has been used as a potent antimalarial, anticancer drug, and prophylactic. While chloroquine is known to interact with DNA, the details of DNA–ligand interactions have remained unclear. Here we characterize chloroquine–double-stranded DNA binding with four complementary approaches, including optical tweezers, atomic force microscopy, duplex DNA melting measurements, and isothermal titration calorimetry. We show that chloroquine intercalates into double stranded DNA (dsDNA) with a KD ~ 200 µM, and this binding is entropically driven. We propose that chloroquine-induced dsDNA intercalation, which happens in the same concentration range as its observed toxic effects on cells, is responsible for the drug’s cytotoxicity.
HR-MAS NMR Metabolomics Profile of Vero Cells under the Influence of Virus Infection and nsP2 Inhibitor: A Chikungunya Case Study
Authors: Peinado Rafaela dos S. , Martins Lucas G. , Pacca Carolina C. , Saivish Marielena V. , Borsatto Kelly C. , Nogueira Maurício L. , Tasic Ljubica , Arni Raghuvir K. , Eberle Raphael J. , Coronado Mônika A.
Published: January 2024

The arbovirus Chikungunya (CHIKV) is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes in urban environments, and in humans, it triggers debilitating symptoms involving long-term complications, including arthritis and Guillain-Barré syndrome. The development of antiviral therapies is relevant, as no efficacious vaccine or drug has yet been approved for clinical application. As a detailed map of molecules underlying the viral infection can be obtained from the metabolome, we validated the metabolic signatures of Vero E6 cells prior to infection (CC), following CHIKV infection (CV) and also upon the inclusion of the nsP2 protease inhibitor wedelolactone (CWV), a coumestan which inhibits viral replication processes. The metabolome groups evidenced significant changes in the levels of lactate, myo-inositol, phosphocholine, glucose, betaine and a few specific amino acids. This study forms a preliminary basis for identifying metabolites through HR-MAS NMR (High Resolution Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Ressonance Spectroscopy) and proposing the affected metabolic pathways of cells following viral infection and upon incorporation of putative antiviral molecules.
The Vestibular Nuclei: A Cerebral Reservoir of Stem Cells Involved in Balance Function in Normal and Pathological Conditions
Authors: Rastoldo Guillaume , Tighilet Brahim
Published: January 2024

In this review, we explore the intriguing realm of neurogenesis in the vestibular nuclei—a critical brainstem region governing balance and spatial orientation. We retrace almost 20 years of research into vestibular neurogenesis, from its discovery in the feline model in 2007 to the recent discovery of a vestibular neural stem cell niche. We explore the reasons why neurogenesis is important in the vestibular nuclei and the triggers for activating the vestibular neurogenic niche. We develop the symbiotic relationship between neurogenesis and gliogenesis to promote vestibular compensation. Finally, we examine the potential impact of reactive neurogenesis on vestibular compensation, highlighting its role in restoring balance through various mechanisms.
Correlation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Phage Resistance with the Numbers and Types of Antiphage Systems
Authors: Burke Kevin A. , Urick Caitlin D. , Mzhavia Nino , Nikolich Mikeljon P. , Filippov Andrey A.
Published: January 2024

Phage therapeutics offer a potentially powerful approach for combating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. However, to be effective, phage therapy must overcome existing and developing phage resistance. While phage cocktails can reduce this risk by targeting multiple receptors in a single therapeutic, bacteria have mechanisms of resistance beyond receptor modification. A rapidly growing body of knowledge describes a broad and varied arsenal of antiphage systems encoded by bacteria to counter phage infection. We sought to understand the types and frequencies of antiphage systems present in a highly diverse panel of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates utilized to characterize novel antibacterials. Using the web-server tool PADLOC (prokaryotic antiviral defense locator), putative antiphage systems were identified in these P. aeruginosa clinical isolates based on sequence homology to a validated and curated catalog of known defense systems. Coupling this host bacterium sequence analysis with host range data for 70 phages, we observed a correlation between existing phage resistance and the presence of higher numbers of antiphage systems in bacterial genomes. We were also able to identify antiphage systems that were more prevalent in highly phage-resistant P. aeruginosa strains, suggesting their importance in conferring resistance.
Modulation of Acute Intestinal Inflammation by Dandelion Polysaccharides: An In-Depth Analysis of Antioxidative, Anti-Inflammatory Effects and Gut Microbiota Regulation
Authors: Li Zhu , Li Xinyao , Shi Panpan , Li Pingping , Fu Yue , Tan Guifeng , Zhou Junjuan , Zeng Jianguo , Huang Peng
Published: January 2024

Acute colitis is a complex disease that can lead to dysregulation of the gut flora, inducing more complex parenteral diseases. Dandelion polysaccharides (DPSs) may have potential preventive and therapeutic effects on enteritis. In this study, LPS was used to induce enteritis and VC was used as a positive drug control to explore the preventive and therapeutic effects of DPS on enteritis. The results showed that DPS could repair the intestinal barrier, down-regulate the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and other pro-inflammatory factors, up-regulate the expression of IL-22 anti-inflammatory factor, improve the antioxidant capacity of the body, and improve the structure of intestinal flora. It is proved that DPS can effectively prevent and treat LPS-induced acute enteritis and play a positive role in promoting intestinal health.
TonEBP: A Key Transcription Factor in Microglia Following Intracerebral Hemorrhage Induced-Neuroinflammation
Authors: Palahati Ailiyaer , Luo Yujia , Qin Le , Duan Yuhao , Zhang Mi , Gan Hui , Zhai Xuan
Published: January 2024

Transcription factors within microglia contribute to the inflammatory response following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Therefore, we employed bioinformatics screening to identify the potential transcription factor tonicity-responsive enhancer-binding protein (TonEBP) within microglia. Inflammatory stimuli can provoke an elevated expression of TonEBP in microglia. Nevertheless, the expression and function of microglial TonEBP in ICH-induced neuroinflammation remain ambiguous. In our recent research, we discovered that ICH instigated an increased TonEBP in microglia in both human and mouse peri-hematoma brain tissues. Furthermore, our results indicated that TonEBP knockdown mitigates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and the activation of NF-κB signaling in microglia. In order to more deeply comprehend the underlying molecular mechanisms of how TonEBP modulates the inflammatory response, we sequenced the transcriptomes of TonEBP-deficient cells and sought potential downstream target genes of TonEBP, such as Pellino-1 (PELI1). PELI has been previously reported to mediate nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling. Through the utilization of CUT & RUN, a dual-luciferase reporter, and qPCR, we confirmed that TonEBP is the transcription factor of Peli1, binding to the Peli1 promoter. In summary, TonEBP may enhance the LPS-induced inflammation and activation of NF-κB signaling via PELI1.
Charged Amino Acids in the Transmembrane Helix Strongly Affect the Enzyme Activity of Aromatase
Authors: Günther Juliane , Schuler Gerhard , Teppa Elin , Fürbass Rainer
Published: January 2024

Estrogens play critical roles in embryonic development, gonadal sex differentiation, behavior, and reproduction in vertebrates and in several human cancers. Estrogens are synthesized from testosterone and androstenedione by the endoplasmic reticulum membrane-bound P450 aromatase/cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase complex (CYP19/CPR). Here, we report the characterization of novel mammalian CYP19 isoforms encoded by CYP19 gene copies. These CYP19 isoforms are all defined by a combination of mutations in the N-terminal transmembrane helix (E42K, D43N) and in helix C of the catalytic domain (P146T, F147Y). The mutant CYP19 isoforms show increased androgen conversion due to the KN transmembrane helix. In addition, the TY substitutions in helix C result in a substrate preference for androstenedione. Our structural models suggest that CYP19 mutants may interact differently with the membrane (affecting substrate uptake) and with CPR (affecting electron transfer), providing structural clues for the catalytic differences.
The HIF-1α/EGF/EGFR Signaling Pathway Facilitates the Proliferation of Yak Alveolar Type II Epithelial Cells in Hypoxic Conditions
Authors: Wang Biao , He Junfeng , Cui Yan , Yu Sijiu , Zhang Huizhu , Wei Pengqiang , Zhang Qian
Published: January 2024

The yak is a unique creature that thrives in low-oxygen environments, showcasing its adaptability to high-altitude settings with limited oxygen availability due to its unique respiratory system. However, the impact of hypoxia on alveolar type II (AT2) epithelial cell proliferation in yaks remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effects of different altitudes on 6-month-old yaks and found an increase in alveolar septa thickness and AT2 cell count in a high-altitude environment characterized by hypoxia. This was accompanied by elevated levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression. Additionally, we observed a significant rise in Ki67-positive cells and apoptotic lung epithelial cells among yaks inhabiting higher altitudes. Our in vitro experiments demonstrated that exposure to hypoxia activated HIF-1α, EGF, and EGFR expression leading to increased proliferation rates among yak AT2 cells. Under normal oxygen conditions, activation of HIF-1α enhanced EGF/EGFR expressions which subsequently stimulated AT2 cell proliferation. Furthermore, activation of EGFR expression under normoxic conditions further promoted AT2 cell proliferation while simultaneously suppressing apoptosis. Conversely, inhibition of EGFR expression under hypoxic conditions had contrasting effects. In summary, hypoxia triggers the proliferation of yak AT2 cells via activation facilitated by the HIF-1α/EGF/EGFR signaling cascade.
The Response of Botrytis cinerea to Fire in a Coast Redwood Forest
Authors: Rojas Damiana S. , Gilbert Gregory S.
Published: January 2024

Coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) are long-lived trees that create deep shade and litter layers, and have limited recruitment from seedlings. Botrytis cinerea is an airborne fungal pathogen that attacks redwood seedlings. B. cinerea lives as a saprotroph in dead plant matter or as a necrotroph in live tissue. In the coast redwood forest, accumulated leaf litter may provide inoculum for subsequent infections, limiting redwood seedling recruitment. Here, we examine the response of B. cinerea to fire in the coast redwood forest. We measured the abundance of airborne B. cinerea spores in paired burned and unburned plots using a selective and diagnostic medium. In a greenhouse experiment, we grew seedlings in four different treatments: (1) burned soil with no leaf litter, (2) unburned soil with no leaf litter, (3) burned soil with leaf litter collected from the burn plot, (4) unburned soil with leaf litter collected from the unburned plot. Spore trapping showed no difference in the abundance of airborne spores in the paired plots. The seedling experiment showed that disease was greatest and survival lowest when grown in burned soil; leaf litter collected from burned plots reduced survival while leaf litter from not-burned plots increased survival. These results indicate that fire did not affect airborne B. cinerea and post-fire conditions did not provide favorable growth conditions for coast redwood seedlings.
Control of Telecommunication Network Parameters under Conditions of Uncertainty of the Impact of Destabilizing Factors
Authors: Kozlovskyi Valerii , Shvets Ivan , Lysetskyi Yurii , Karpinski Mikolaj , Shaikhanova Aigul , Shangytbayeva Gulmira
Published: January 2024

The classification of the natural and anthropogenic destabilizing factors of a telecommunications network as a complex system is presented herein. This research shows that to evaluate the parameters of a telecommunications network in the presence of destabilizing factors, it is necessary to modify classical linear methods to reduce their sensitivity to the incompleteness of a priori information. Using generalized linear models of multiple regression, a combined method was developed for assessing and predicting the survivability of a telecommunications network under conditions of uncertainty regarding the influence of destabilizing factors. The method consists of accumulating current information about the parameters and state of the network, the statistical analysis and processing of information, and the extraction of sufficient sample statistics. The basis of the developed method was balancing multiple correlation–regression analysis with the number of regression equations and the observed results. Various methods of estimating the mathematical expectation and correlation matrix of the observed results under the conditions of random loss of part of the observed data (for example, removing incomplete sample elements, substituting the average, pairwise crossing out, and substituting the regression) were analyzed. It was established that a shift in the obtained estimates takes place under the conditions of a priori uncertainty of the statistics of the observed data. Given these circumstances, recommendations are given for the correct removal of sample elements and variables with missing values. It is shown that with significant unsteadiness of the parameters and state of the network under study and a noticeable imbalance in the number of regression equations and observed results, it is advisable to use stepwise regression methods.
Exploring the Relationship between Career Satisfaction and University Learning Using Data Science Models
Authors: Ramos-Pulido Sofía , Hernández-Gress Neil , Torres-Delgado Gabriela
Published: January 2024

Current research on the career satisfaction of graduates limits educational institutions in devising methods to attain high career satisfaction. Thus, this study aims to use data science models to understand and predict career satisfaction based on information collected from surveys of university alumni. Five machine learning (ML) algorithms were used for data analysis, including the decision tree, random forest, gradient boosting, support vector machine, and neural network models. To achieve optimal prediction performance, we utilized the Bayesian optimization method to fine-tune the parameters of the five ML algorithms. The five ML models were compared with logistic and ordinal regression. Then, to extract the most important features of the best predictive model, we employed the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), a novel methodology for extracting the significant features in ML. The results indicated that gradient boosting is a marginally superior predictive model, with 2–3% higher accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) compared to logistic and ordinal regression. Interestingly, concerning low career satisfaction, those with the worst scores for the phrase “how frequently applied knowledge, skills, or technological tools from the academic training” were less satisfied with their careers. To summarize, career satisfaction is related to academic training, alumni satisfaction, employment status, published articles or books, and other factors.
RNAi-Mediated Knockdown of Acidic Ribosomal Stalk Protein P1 Arrests Egg Development in Adult Female Yellow Fever Mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti
Authors: Lamsal Mahesh , Luker Hailey A. , Pinch Matthew , Hansen Immo A.
Published: January 2024

After taking a blood meal, the fat body of the adult female yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, switches from a previtellogenic state of arrest to an active state of synthesizing large quantities of yolk protein precursors (YPPs) that are crucial for egg development. The synthesis of YPPs is regulated at both the transcriptional and translational levels. Previously, we identified the cytoplasmic protein general control nonderepressible 1 (GCN1) as a part of the translational regulatory pathway for YPP synthesis. In the current study, we used the C-terminal end of GCN1 to screen for protein–protein interactions and identified 60S acidic ribosomal protein P1 (P1). An expression analysis and RNAi-mediated knockdown of P1 was performed to further investigate the role of P1 in mosquito reproduction. We showed that in unfed (absence of a blood meal) adult A. aegypti mosquitoes, P1 was expressed ubiquitously in the mosquito organs and tissues tested. We also showed that the RNAi-mediated knockdown of P1 in unfed adult female mosquitoes resulted in a strong, transient knockdown with observable phenotypic changes in ovary length and egg deposition. Our results suggest that 60S acidic ribosomal protein P1 is necessary for mosquito reproduction and is a promising target for mosquito population control.
A Testbed Platform to Support an IoT City Lab
Authors: Impagliazzo Carlo , Cabianca Muriel , Clemente Maria Laura , Siddi Moreau Giuliana , Vocale Matteo , Leoni Lidia
Published: January 2024

This paper describes the development activity that has been carried out for a living laboratory for the city of Cagliari aimed at functioning as a learning center for local SMEs willing to improve their skills in IoT and create applications that will be integrated in an open innovation ecosystem. The many users belonging to the various SMEs involved in the project required an ICT laboratory with a platform that could manage them and provide a multi-tenant environment for the development of IoT applications. The architecture also had to be scalable and interoperable, and the resulting platform had to collect many kinds of data from sensors or other data sources, elaborate them, and show georeferenced information on a 3D satellite interactive view along with statistics on side panels. This work was based on a platform already developed by CRS4 for a previous project. Preserving the concept of the decision-making tool for Smart Cities, almost every component was redesigned, and, in this paper, we describe the new solutions that have been implemented. Starting from the former structure, further features were added in a novel way in order to offer an enhanced framework that can deal with the activities of the laboratory, exploiting the scalability of the open-source systems involved, their robustness and flexibility, and leveraging domain standards. In this article, the main challenges involved in the development of the platform are described, as well as the solutions that have been implemented so far.
Natural History of Dilated Cardiomyopathy Due to c.77T>C (p.Val26Ala) in Emerin Protein
Authors: Báez-Ferrer Néstor , Díaz-Flores-Estévez Felícitas , Pérez-Cejas Antonia , Avanzas Pablo , Lorca Rebeca , Abreu-González Pedro , Domínguez-Rodríguez Alberto
Published: January 2024

(1) Introduction: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) mainly affects young individuals and is the main indication of heart transplantation. The variant c.77T>C (p.Val26Ala) of the gene coding for emerin (EMD) in chromosome Xq28 has been catalogued as a pathogenic variant for the development of DCM, exhibiting an X-linked inheritance pattern. (2) Methods: A retrospective study was conducted covering the period 2015–2023 in patients with DCM of genetic origin. The primary endpoint was patient age at onset of the first composite major cardiac event, in the form of a first episode of heart failure, malignant ventricular arrhythmia, or end-stage heart failure, according to the presence of truncating variant in titin gene (TTNtv) versus the p.Val26Ala mutation in the EMD protein. (3) Results: A total of 31 and 22 patients were included in the EMD group and TTNtv group, respectively. The primary endpoint was significantly higher in the EMD group, with a hazard ratio of 4.16 (95% confidence interval: 1.83–9.46; p = 0.001). At 55 years of age, all the patients in the EMD group had already presented heart failure, nine presented malignant ventricular arrhythmia (29%), and 13 required heart transplantation (42%). (4) Conclusions: DCM secondary to the c.77T>C (p.Val26Ala) mutation in the EMD gene is associated to an increased risk of major cardiac events compared to patients with DCM due to TTNtv, with a large proportion of transplanted patients in the fifth decade of life.
Atrial and Ventricular Strain Imaging Using CMR in the Prediction of Ventricular Arrhythmia in Patients with Myocarditis
Authors: Cau Riccardo , Pisu Francesco , Suri Jasjit S. , Pontone Gianluca , D’Angelo Tommaso , Zha Yunfei , Salgado Rodrigo , Saba Luca
Published: January 2024

(1) Objective: Myocarditis can be associated with ventricular arrhythmia (VA), individual non-invasive risk stratification through cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is of great clinical significance. Our study aimed to explore whether left atrial (LA) and left ventricle (LV) myocardial strain serve as independent predictors of VA in patients with myocarditis. (2) Methods: This retrospective study evaluated CMR scans in 141 consecutive patients diagnosed with myocarditis based on the updated Lake Louise criteria (29 females, mean age 41 ± 20). The primary endpoint was VA; this encompassed ventricular fibrillation, sustained ventricular tachycardia, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, and frequent premature ventricular complexes. LA and LV strain function were performed on conventional cine SSFP sequences. (3) Results: After a median follow-up time of 23 months (interquartile range (18–30)), 17 patients with acute myocarditis reached the primary endpoint. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, LA reservoir (hazard ratio [HR] and 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93 [0.87–0.99], p = 0.02), LA booster (0.87 95% CI [0.76–0.99], p = 0.04), LV global longitudinal (1.26 95% CI [1.02–1.55], p = 0.03), circumferential (1.37 95% CI [1.08–1.73], p = 0.008), and radial strain (0.89 95% CI [0.80–0.98], p = 0.01) were all independent determinants of VA. Patients with LV global circumferential strain > −13.3% exhibited worse event-free survival compared to those with values ≤ −13.3% (p < 0.0001). (4) Conclusions: LA and LV strain mechanism on CMR are independently associated with VA events in patients with myocarditis, independent to LV ejection fraction, and late gadolinium enhancement location. Incorporating myocardial strain parameters into the management of myocarditis may improve risk stratification.
The Effect of Sex on the Remimazolam Dosage Required for Successful i-gel Supraglottic Airway Insertion with Remifentanil in Non-Paralyzed Patients: An Up-and-Down Sequential Allocation Trial
Authors: Oh Ju-Yeon , Park Sung-Yong , Moon Jung-Yoon , Park Ji-Hyun , Joe Han-Bum
Published: January 2024

(1) Background: The physiological and pharmacological variations between men and women are known to influence drug efficacy. The objective of this study was to determine the 50% and 95% effective doses (ED50 and ED95) of remimazolam required for i-gel supraglottic airway (ISA) insertion under remifentanil infusion without neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) in both males and females. (2) Methods: Patients aged 19–65 years, scheduled for general anesthesia using ISA, were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups based on their sex. The anesthesia process began with a remifentanil infusion targeting an effect-site concentration of 3.0 ng/mL, accompanied by a remimazolam injection. The initial remimazolam dose was 0.25 mg/kg, and it was adjusted with a step size of 0.05 mg/kg based on the outcome of ISA insertion in the preceding patient. (3) Results: The ED50 of remimazolam (mean ± standard error) was 0.28 ± 0.02 mg/kg in the male group and 0.18 ± 0.02 mg/kg in the female group (p < 0.001). Additionally, ED95, which was calculated using the isotonic regression method, was significantly comparable between the male and female groups (male: 0.35 mg/kg, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.34–0.35; female: 0.29 mg/kg, 95% CI = 0.25–0.30). (4) Conclusions: This study showed that both the ED50 and the ED95 of remimazolam for successful ISA insertion was higher for men than that for women. Therefore, while using remimazolam alongside remifentanil infusion without NMBAs for ISA insertion, one should consider the patient’s sex for appropriate dosing.
The Impact of Complex PTSD on Suicide Risk in Patients with Bipolar Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Iazzolino Anna Maria , Valenza Marta , D’Angelo Martina , Longobardi Grazia , Stefano Valeria Di , Visalli Giulia , Steardo Luca , Scuderi Caterina , Steardo Luca
Published: January 2024

Background: Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) are more likely than the general population to experience traumatic events, particularly during childhood, and these may predict and be a risk factor for the development of complex PTSD (cPTSD). The presence of multiple traumas plays a relevant role from a psychopathological point of view, but little is known about the effect this may have on suicide attempts in patients with BD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted comparing socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, recruiting 344 patients diagnosed with BD I and II, screened for the presence (or absence) of cPTSD using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ). Suicide attempts were assessed directly during the clinical interview and from the patient’s medical record. Results: The results emerging from the study indicate that cPTSD can be considered a risk factor for suicide attempts in patients with BD. Furthermore, evidence is provided to support the idea that cPTSD is highly prevalent in patients with BD and is related to a higher psychopathological burden. Conclusions: The results recommend an urgent and comprehensive assessment of suicidal risk in patients with comorbidity of both bipolar disorder and cPTSD. There is a crucial demand for early intervention initiatives and proactive prevention strategies to address the intricate intersection of these mental health challenges.
Factors Associated with Increased Intraocular Pressure in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Braha Adina , Simion Amanda , Timar Romulus , Timar Bogdan
Published: January 2024

Background: Over one-third of patients living with diabetes will develop ocular disease during their lifetime. The present study analyzes the association between metabolic and anthropometric markers, associated comorbidities, and intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: The retrospective study included 87 adult patients with type 2 DM who underwent routine eye examinations and blood/urine tests. Results: 67.9% of the patients had an IOP > 14.5 mmHg and only 41.3% had an HbA1c < 7%. In a multivariate regression analysis, the mean IOP was associated with diabetes duration in subjects with a disease duration < 15 years and an HbA1c < 7% (adjusted R2 = 0.29, p = 0.008). Also, patients with shorter diabetes duration and optimal glucose control had a lower mean IOP than patients with a higher HbA1c (mean IOP 15.1 mmHG vs. 18.9 mmHg, p = 0.04). The patient’s age, anthropometric or metabolic markers, associated comorbidities like hypertension (HTN) or retinal angiosclerosis, and diabetes therapies were not associated with IOP in this study. Conclusion: Diabetes progression is directly associated with increased IOP. Avoiding clinical inertia and optimizing glycemic control could prevent or delay the increase of IOP. Routine eye examination should include measuring IOP, not only diabetic retinopathy screening.
Assessment of Blood Loss during Neuroendovascular Procedures
Authors: Goutnik Michael , Nguyen Andrew , Fleeting Chance , Patel Aashay , Lucke-Wold Brandon , Laurent Dimitri , Wahbeh Tamara , Amini Shawna , Al Saiegh Fadi , Koch Matthew , Hoh Brian , Chalouhi Nohra
Published: January 2024

(1) Background: Neuroendovascular procedures have generally been considered to have minor or inconsequential blood loss. No study, however, has investigated this question. The purpose of this study is to quantify the blood loss associated with neuroendovascular procedures and identify predictors of blood loss, using hemoglobin change as a surrogate for blood loss. (2) Methods: A retrospective review of 200 consecutive endovascular procedures (diagnostic and therapeutic) at our institution from January 2020 to October 2020 was performed. Patients had to have pre- and post-operative hematocrit and hemoglobin levels recorded within 48 h of the procedure (with no intervening surgeries) for inclusion. (3) Results: The mean age of our cohort was 60.1 years and the male representation was 52.5%. The mean pre-operative hemoglobin/hematocrit was significantly lower among females compared to males (12.1/36.2 vs. 13.0/38.5, p = 0.003, p = 0.009). The mean hemoglobin decrease was 0.5 g/dL for diagnostic angiograms compared to 1.2 g/dL for endovascular interventions (p < 0.0001), and 1.0 g/dL for all procedures combined. In a multivariate linear regression analysis, pre-operative antiplatelet/anticoagulant use was associated with a statistically significant decrease in hemoglobin. (4) Conclusions: Our data support that blood loss from diagnostic angiograms is marginal. Blood loss in endovascular interventions, however, tends to be higher. Pre-operative blood antiplatelet/anticoagulant use and increasing age appear to increase bleeding risk and may require closer patient monitoring.
Risk Factors of Chronic Kidney Disease Progression: Between Old and New Concepts
Authors: Mallamaci Francesca , Tripepi Giovanni
Published: January 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function over time and it is a worldwide health issue. The estimated frequency of CKD is 10% of the world’s population, but it varies greatly on a global scale. In absolute terms, the staggering number of subjects affected by various degrees of CKD is 850,000,000, and 85% of them are in low- to middle-income countries. The most important risk factors for chronic kidney disease are age, arterial hypertension, diabetes, obesity, proteinuria, dyslipidemia, and environmental risk factors such as dietary salt intake and a more recently investigated agent: pollution. In this narrative review, we will focus by choice just on some risk factors such as age, which is the most important non-modifiable risk factor, and among modifiable risk factors, we will focus on hypertension, salt intake, obesity, and sympathetic overactivity.
Deep Learning Approaches for Imaging-Based Automated Segmentation of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Zhao Xuemin , Hu Xu , Guo Zhihao , Hu Wenhan , Zhang Chao , Mo Jiajie , Zhang Kai
Published: January 2024

The present study presents a novel approach for identifying epileptogenic tubers in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and automating tuber segmentation using a three-dimensional convolutional neural network (3D CNN). The study retrospectively included 31 TSC patients whose lesions were manually annotated from multiparametric neuroimaging data. Epileptogenic tubers were determined via presurgical evaluation and stereoelectroencephalography recording. Neuroimaging metrics were extracted and compared between epileptogenic and non-epileptogenic tubers. Additionally, five datasets with different preprocessing strategies were used to construct and train 3D CNNs for automated tuber segmentation. The normalized positron emission tomography (PET) metabolic value was significantly lower in epileptogenic tubers defined via presurgical evaluation (p = 0.001). The CNNs showed high performance for localizing tubers, with an accuracy between 0.992 and 0.994 across the five datasets. The automated segmentations were highly correlated with clinician-based features. The neuroimaging characteristics for epileptogenic tubers were demonstrated, increasing surgical confidence in clinical practice. The validated deep learning detection algorithm yielded a high performance in determining tubers with an excellent agreement with reference clinician-based segmentation. Collectively, when coupled with our investigation of minimal input requirements, the approach outlined in this study represents a clinically invaluable tool for the management of TSC.
Photocatalytic Decomposition of Rhodamine B and Selective Oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural by β-Bi2O3/Bi12SiO20 Nanocomposites Produced by Laser
Authors: Golubovskaya Aleksandra G. , Kharlamova Tamara S. , Gavrilenko Ekaterina A. , Fakhrutdinova Elena D. , Vodyankina Olga V. , Kulinich Sergei A. , Svetlichnyi Valery A.
Published: January 2024

In this work, we studied the catalytic performance of a β-Bi2O3/Bi12SiO20 nanocomposite material in the reactions involving the photodecomposition of rhodamine B and selective photooxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). The semiconductor composite nanomaterial was obtained by means of the mechanical grinding of a mixture of nanopowders of β-Bi2O3 and sillenite, both individually produced via pulsed laser ablation. The crystal structure of the prepared composite particles was confirmed by means of X-ray diffraction, while the optical properties of both individual components and their composite (with different ratios of Bi2O3 and Bi12SiO20) were also studied. The photocatalytic activity of the composite particles was studied in the course of their decomposition of rhodamine B under LED excitation at wavelengths of 375, 410 and 470 nm. It was shown that the optimal β-Bi2O3/Bi12SiO20 ratio in the composite particles resulted in their photocatalytic activity exceeding those of both single-phase β-Bi2O3 and Bi12SiO20, as well as that of their mixtures (by ~2.3 times for the excitation of an LED with λ = 375 nm). The novel composite particles were also found to perform better in the selective photocatalytic oxidation of HMF: at a conversion of ~5%, the selectivity toward DFF of the nanocomposite was significantly higher (10.3%) than that of sample Bi2O3 (−4.2%). A model was proposed that explains the increase in activity of the newly prepared photocatalyst due to the formation of a type II heterojunction in its particles.
Reducing the Use of Antibiotics in European Aquaculture with Vaccines, Functional Feed Additives and Optimization of the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Hoseinifar Seyed Hossein , Ashouri Ghasem , Marisaldi Luca , Candelma Michela , Basili Danilo , Zimbelli Andrea , Notarstefano Valentina , Salvini Lucrezia , Randazzo Basilio , Zarantoniello Matheo , Pessina Andrea , Sojan Jerry Maria , Vargas Arturo , Carnevali Oliana
Published: January 2024

This review presents several alternatives to replace antibiotic therapy and make the European aquaculture industry more friendly and environmentally sustainable. The first part of this review highlights the growing importance of the aquaculture industry worldwide for its ability to supply low-cost proteins and lipids. The second part discusses different strategies for these replacements, from recombinant vaccines to diets with low environmental impact and rich in bioactive molecules that can benefit other species. Specifically, the beneficial effects of bioactive compounds present within insect meals are discussed. In addition, particular focus is placed on the importance of adopting sustainable protocols for fish farming, including supplements such as probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics capable of modulating the gut microbiota as the second brain. Those feed additives can stimulate European farmed species’ immunological systems, growth, and welfare.
Numerical Analysis and Validation of an Optimized B-Series Marine Propeller Based on NSGA-II Constrained by Cavitation
Authors: Vázquez-Santos Alejandra , Camacho-Zamora Nahum , Hernández-Hernández José , Herrera-May Agustín L. , Santos-Cortes Lorena del Carmen , Tejeda-del-Cueto María Elena
Published: January 2024

Constantly growing environmental concerns focused on reducing pollution, in addition to rising fuel costs in recent years, have led the maritime industry to develop and implement fuel-saving solutions. Among them is the optimization of marine propeller efficiency, as marine propellers are a crucial part of ship’s propulsion system. During the initial design stage, selecting the optimal propeller is considered a multi-objective optimization process. This research focused on maximizing propeller open water efficiency, while minimizing engine brake power constrained by thrust and cavitation. Optimization was applied to Wageningen B-series propellers and conducted using the Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II). The algorithm selected optimum parameters to create the propeller model, which was then evaluated numerically through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with a multiple reference frame (MRF) and under the SST k-ω turbulence model, to obtain the open water hydrodynamic characteristics. In addition, the cavitation effect was evaluated using the Zwart–Gerber–Belamri cavitation model. The numerical model results were validated through comparison with open water experimental data from the Netherlands Ship Model Basin for the Wageningen B-series propellers. The results showed errors of 3.29% and 2.01% in efficiency under noncavitating and cavitating conditions, respectively. Correct performance of the functions was shown, based on neural networks trained to estimate thrust and torque coefficients instead of polynomials. The proposed optimization process and numerical model are suitable for solving multi-objective optimization problems in the preliminary design of fixed-pitch marine propellers.
Performance Analysis of a Floating Wind–Wave Power Generation Platform Based on the Frequency Domain Model
Authors: Chen Mingsheng , Deng Jiang , Yang Yi , Zhou Hao , Tao Tao , Liu Shi , Sun Liang , Hua Lin
Published: January 2024

Integrating wave energy converters (WECs) onto floating offshore wind turbine platforms has emerged as a recent focal point of research aiming to achieve synergistic marine energy utilization and enhance the spatial efficiency of renewable energy. The power performance of WECs relies on hydrodynamic interactions with the floating platform. However, the coupled dynamic response and power generation mechanism remain unclear. This study establishes a multi-body model for the constrained motion of floating-platform and point-absorber WECs in the frequency domain. The power performance of WECs under different arrangements is compared and optimized. The performance of different hydrodynamic models in the South China Sea is analyzed further. The results indicate that exceptional peak performance is achieved when a single point absorber is placed on the floating platform. However, its performance under the full spectrum of wave frequencies in real sea conditions is suboptimal. Conversely, as the number of point absorbers on the floating platform increases, the performance of the hybrid system becomes more stable in real sea conditions. Furthermore, the array arrangement of point absorbers on the floating platform leads to multiple peaks in their power performance, and in selected array arrangements, the average power generation at specific frequencies is significantly superior to that of a single point absorber on the floating platform.
Impact Response of a Double-Bottom Structure with High and Penetrated Girders and Floors
Authors: Liu Bin , Zhang Lei , Deng Junlin
Published: January 2024

This paper presents an experimental and numerical analysis of the response of a scaled double-bottom structure with high and penetrated girders and floors impacted vertically by a rock-shaped indenter. The specimen, scaled from the bottom structure of the power-battery cabin of a new energy ship, is struck by a spherical indenter. The special double-bottom structure is designed to protect the power batteries and to facilitate heat dissipation. The experimental overall impact response, vibration acceleration, and stress of the inner bottom plate are measured in order to evaluate the impact environment in the target cabin. The investigation provides valuable information to evaluate the safety of power-battery cabins in a ship grounding scenario. The experimental results show good agreement with the finite element analyses using the explicit LS-DYNA software. The numerical analysis outlines the influence of the structural openings on the impact response and also the effect of battery mass and striking velocity on the impact environment in the target cabin.
Noninfectious Granulomatous Lung Disease: Radiological Findings and Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Lassandro Giulia , Picchi Stefano Giusto , Corvino Antonio , Massimo Candida , Tamburrini Stefania , Vanore Laura , Urraro Giovanna , Russo Giuseppe , Lassandro Francesco
Published: January 2024

Granulomatous lung diseases (GLDs) are a heterogeneous group of pathological entities that can have different clinical presentations and outcomes. Granulomas are histologically defined as focal aggregations of activated macrophages, Langerhans cells, and lymphocytes, and may form in the lungs when the immune system cannot eliminate a foreign antigen and attempts to barricade it. The diagnosis includes clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and radiological imaging, which especially consists of high-resolution computed tomography. bronchoalveolar lavage, transbronchial needle aspiration or cryobiopsy, positron emission tomography, while genetic evaluation can improve the diagnostic accuracy. Differential diagnosis is challenging due to the numerous different imaging appearances with which GLDs may manifest. Indeed, GLDs include both infectious and noninfectious, and necrotizing and non-necrotizing granulomatous diseases and the imaging appearance of some GLDs may mimic malignancy, leading to confirmatory biopsy. The purposes of our review are to report the different noninfectious granulomatous entities and to show their various imaging features to help radiologists recognize them properly and make an accurate differential diagnosis.
Stem Cells and Infertility: A Review of Clinical Applications and Legal Frameworks
Authors: Cucinella Gaspare , Gullo Giuseppe , Catania Erika , Perino Antonio , Billone Valentina , Marinelli Susanna , Napoletano Gabriele , Zaami Simona
Published: January 2024

Infertility is a condition defined by the failure to establish a clinical pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse or due to an impairment of a person’s capacity to reproduce either as an individual or with their partner. The authors have set out to succinctly investigate, explore, and assess infertility treatments, harnessing the potential of stem cells to effectively and safely treat infertility; in addition, this paper will present the legal and regulatory complexities at the heart of stem cell research, with an overview of the legislative state of affairs in six major European countries. For couples who cannot benefit from assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to treat their infertility, stem-cells-based approaches have been shown to be a highly promising approach. Nonetheless, lingering ethical and immunological uncertainties require more conclusive findings and data before such treatment avenues can become mainstream and be applied on a large scale. The isolation of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is ethically controversial, since their collection involves the destruction of human embryonic tissue. Overall, stem cell research has resulted in important new breakthroughs in the treatment of infertility. The effort to untangle the complex web of ethical and legal issues associated with such therapeutic approaches will have to rely on evidence-based, broadly shared standards, guidelines, and best practices to make sure that the procreative rights of patients can be effectively reconciled with the core values at the heart of medical ethics.
Contemporary Urban Agriculture in European and Chinese Regions: A Social-Cultural Perspective
Authors: Jiang Yichen , He Fang , Li Shihui , Lu Hang , Zhang Rouran
Published: January 2024

With its early start in urbanization, Europe has accumulated a wealth of practical experience in urban agriculture (UA), exploring various development models. This paper compares and analyzes the characteristic patterns of UA in Europe and China through theoretical research, academic frontier exploration, and case analysis. In order to investigate and analyze theoretical developments and the current state of academic frontiers in a systematic, accessible, and comprehensive approach, the methodology of bibliometric analysis has been utilized. A bibliometric method is applied to analyze relevant data from the Web of Science (WoS) core collection database and 2230 CNKI publications. The case study section conducts separate field research on nine representative European practices of urban food gardening and urban farming. Additionally, the study scrutinizes UA research development and its implementation in Hangzhou, China. Based on the findings of this study, the authors recommend that European approaches to the development of UA in China’s future UA practice be taken into account, in particular their methods and strategies for realizing social and cultural benefits. It is imperative to integrate UA projects into urban green space system planning and to rationalize their construction types. Simultaneously, Chinese scholars are encouraged to explore the socio-cultural functions of UA, with a particular focus on urban agricultural heritage conservation.