bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pretest PSA and Restaging PSMA PET/CT Predict Survival in Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer
Authors: von Eyben Rie , Hoffmann Manuela Andrea , Soydal Cigdem , Virgolini Irene , Tuncel Murat , Gauthé Mathieu , Kapp Daniel S. , von Eyben Finn Edler
Published: August 2023

Background: A biochemical recurrence (BCR) risk model was created based on pretest prostate specific antigen (PSA) and groupings by restaging prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT. Methods: A cohort of 1216 BCR patients were analyzed for overall survival (OS) according to the PSA threshold and restaging PSMA PET/CT. A Cox regression analysis of OS was carried out to detect significant clinical characteristics. Results: In the cohort, 271 patients had a pretest PSA of <0.5 ng/mL and 945 patients had higher PSA values. The restaging PSMA PET/CT was positive for 834 patients and negative for 369. Of 1203 patients, 133 (11%) died, including 19 of the 369 (5%) patients without positive sites on the restaging PSMA PET/CT, 82 of the 711 (12%) with 1–5 positive sites, and 32 of the 123 (26%) with >5 positive sites. In the Cox regression analysis, four variables significantly predicted OS: treatment center, International Society of Urologic Pathology (ISUP) grade, pretest PSA threshold, and the grouping of positive sites on the restaging PSMA PET/CT. Conclusions: The pretest PSA and PSMA PET/CT were important for the OS of the BCR patients. The findings argue for the new BCR risk model and serve as framework for ongoing trials.
The Value of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Receptor as a Novel Partner of CD38 in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: From an Adverse Prognostic Factor to a Potential Pharmacological Target?
Authors: Bauvois Brigitte , Chapiro Elise , Quiney Claire , Maloum Karim , Susin Santos A. , Nguyen-Khac Florence
Published: August 2023

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by the accumulation of neoplastic B lymphocytes that escape death, and correlates with the expression of negative prognostic markers such as the CD38 antigen. Although certain new drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration improve the clinical outcome of CLL patients, drug resistance and disease relapse still occur. Like CD38, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin receptor (NGAL-R) is frequently overexpressed in CLL cells. Here, we evaluated the concomitant surface expression of NGAL-R and CD38 in leukemic blood cells from 52 CLL patients (37 untreated, 8 in clinical remission, and 7 relapsed). We provide evidence of a positive correlation between NGAL-R and CD38 levels both in the interpatient cohorts (p < 0.0001) and in individual patients, indicating a constitutive association of NGAL-R and CD38 at the cell level. Patients with progressing CLL showed a time-dependent increase in NGAL-R/CD38 levels. In treated CLL patients who achieved clinical remission, NGAL-R/CD38 levels were decreased, and were significantly lower than in the untreated and relapsed groups (p < 0.02). As NGAL-R and CD38 participate in CLL cell survival, envisioning their simultaneous inhibition with bispecific NGAL-R/CD38 antibodies capable of inducing leukemic cell death might provide therapeutic benefit for CLL patients.
Morphofunctional Changes in Brain and Peripheral Blood in Adult and Aged Wistar Rats with AlCl3-Induced Neurodegeneration
Authors: Sentyabreva Alexandra Vladislavovna , Miroshnichenko Ekaterina Alexandrovna , Melnikova Ekaterina Andreevna , Tsvetkov Ivan Sergeevich , Kosyreva Anna Mikhailovna
Published: August 2023

Background: the general lifespan has been prolonged greatly during the past century, and the incidence of age-associated diseases, including neurodegenerative ones, has increased as well. However, modelling of age-related pathologies is mostly conducted on adult rodents. We studied morphofunctional changes in the brain and peripheral blood of adult Wistar rats in comparison with old Wistar rats to determine age-related physiological changes and differences in adaptive reactions to AlCl3 exposure. Methods: the work was performed on adult and old male Wistar rats. The animals consumed a 100 mg/kg solution of AlCl3 each day for 60 days. Morphological changes of neurons and microglia, mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, microglia activation markers, amyloid-related proteins, and hallmarks of cellular senescence, monocyte, and lymphocyte subpopulations in the peripheral blood were examined. Results: old rats showed increasing hyperchromic neurons in the hippocampus; activation of microglia; upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cellular senescence markers; downregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines; and Hif-1a and a decrease in B-cells and monocyte in peripheral blood. Conclusion: compared to young animals, aged rats respond to aluminum exposure with a severe decline of most cells’ function and irreversible neuronal loss. Regarding all reported data, neurodegeneration modelling and investigating of factors capable of accelerating or preventing it should be performed in experimental work on aged animals.
Minimal Infiltrative Disease Identification in Cryopreserved Ovarian Tissue of Girls with Cancer for Future Use: A Systematic Review
Authors: Grubliauskaite Monika , van der Perk M. E. Madeleine , Bos Annelies M. E. , Meijer Annelot J. M. , Gudleviciene Zivile , van den Heuvel-Eibrink Marry M. , Rascon Jelena
Published: August 2023

Background: Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation are the only available fertility techniques for prepubertal girls with cancer. Though autotransplantation carries a risk of reintroducing malignant cells, it can be avoided by identifying minimal infiltrative disease (MID) within ovarian tissue. Methods: A broad search for peer-reviewed articles in the PubMed database was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines up to March 2023. Search terms included ‘minimal residual disease’, ‘cryopreservation’, ‘ovarian’, ‘cancer’ and synonyms. Results: Out of 542 identified records, 17 were included. Ovarian tissues of at least 115 girls were evaluated and categorized as: hematological malignancies (n = 56; 48.7%), solid tumors (n = 42; 36.5%) and tumors of the central nervous system (n = 17; 14.8%). In ovarian tissue of 25 patients (21.7%), MID was detected using RT-qPCR, FISH or multicolor flow cytometry: 16 of them (64%) being ALL (IgH rearrangements with/without TRG, BCL-ABL1, EA2-PBX1, TEL-AML1 fusion transcripts), 3 (12%) Ewing sarcoma (EWS-FLI1 fusion transcript, EWSR1 rearrangements), 3 (12%) CML (BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript, FLT3) and 3 (12%) AML (leukemia-associated immunophenotypes, BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript) patients. Conclusion: While the majority of malignancies were found to have a low risk of containing malignant cells in ovarian tissue, further studies are needed to ensure safe implementation of future fertility restoration in clinical practice.
Application of Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging for Tumor Localization during Robot-Assisted Hepatectomy
Authors: Kinoshita Masahiko , Kawaguchi Takahito , Tanaka Shogo , Kimura Kenjiro , Shinkawa Hiroji , Ohira Go , Nishio Kohei , Tanaka Ryota , Kurihara Shigeaki , Kushiyama Shuhei , Ishizawa Takeaki
Published: August 2023

The efficacy of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging for visualizing hepatic tumors in robot-assisted hepatectomy (RAH) should be validated. This study included 30 consecutive patients with 33 collective tumors who underwent RAH. ICG was administered at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg before surgery. ICG fluorescence imaging was performed intraoperatively. In total, 28 patients with a combined total of 31 tumors underwent ICG fluorescence imaging. Further, 26 (84%) tumors were identified on hepatic surfaces prior to hepatic transection. The fluorescence signals of eight tumors were detected on hepatic raw surfaces during parenchymal dissection, thereby enabling surgeons to adjust the transection planes to ensure appropriate surgical margins. One patient with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma tested positive for cancer cells at the dissected stump of the bile duct. However, in all patients in whom ICG fluorescence imaging was used, negative surgical margins were achieved at the site of the dissected hepatic parenchyma. On the other hand, one of two patients with ICG contraindications had a positive surgical margin surrounding the dissected hepatic parenchyma. The median operative time and volume of blood loss were 259 (range: 124–594) min and 150 (range: 1–1150) mL, respectively. ICG fluorescence imaging facilitates the easy identification of hepatic tumors, even in RAH. Hence, it can be useful for confirming appropriate surgical margins.
Aberrant Expression of Claudins in Head and Neck Carcinomas and Their Prognostic and Therapeutic Value: A Narrative Review
Authors: Arabi Tarek Ziad , Algheryafi Linah Abdulmohsen , Alodah Nora A. , Enabi Hamza M. Kossai , Alshehry Amjad Abdullah , Ouban Abderrahman
Published: August 2023

Head and neck carcinomas have been associated with poor prognosis. Recent studies have highlighted the role of claudins’ expression in tumors throughout the body, and their prognostic and therapeutic role. Understanding the role of claudins and how their expression affects the progression of carcinomas in the head and neck region may allow for advances in the prognosis and management of this type of cancer. Several studies have highlighted the aberrant expression of the proteins in carcinomas in this region. Specifically, the overexpression of claudin-1 and downregulation of claudins-4, -7, and -17 have been linked with poor survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. In laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, increased levels of claudins-1 and reduced levels of claudins-3, -8, and -11 have been linked with poor outcomes. Targeting these proteins has shown promising outcomes as therapeutic in preclinical studies. However, studies remain extremely limited in nasal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas. In this review, we survey the available literature describing the aberrant expression of various claudins in carcinomas in this region, while highlighting their potential prognostic and therapeutic value. Then, we describe some molecular mechanisms involved in the aberrant expression of claudins and how they can be utilized as therapeutic targets.
The Influence of Adipocyte Secretome on Selected Metabolic Fingerprints of Breast Cancer Cell Lines Representing the Four Major Breast Cancer Subtypes
Authors: Luís Carla , Guerra-Carvalho Bárbara , Braga Patrícia C. , Guedes Carla , Patrício Emília , Alves Marco G. , Fernandes Ruben , Soares Raquel
Published: August 2023

Molecular subtype (MS) is one of the most used classifications of breast cancer (BC). Four MSs are widely accepted according to receptor expression of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2. The impact of adipose tissue on BC MS metabolic impairment is still unclear. The present work aims to elucidate the metabolic alterations in breast cancer cell lines representing different MSs subjected to adipocyte associated factors. Preadipocytes isolated from human subcutaneous adipose tissue were differentiated into mature adipocytes. MS representative cell lines were exposed to mature adipocyte secretome. Extracellular medium was collected for metabolomics and RNA was extracted to evaluate enzymatic expression by RT-PCR. Adipocyte secretome exposure resulted in a decrease in the Warburg effect rate and an increase in cholesterol release. HER2+ cell lines (BT-474 and SK-BR-3) exhibited a similar metabolic pattern, in contrast to luminal A (MCF-7) and triple negative (TN) (MDA-MB-231), both presenting identical metabolisms. Anaplerosis was found in luminal A and TN representative cells, whereas cataplerotic reactions were likely to occur in HER2+ cell lines. Our results indicate that adipocyte secretome affects the central metabolism distinctly in each BC MS representative cell line.
Nutrient-Doped Hydroxyapatite: Structure, Synthesis and Properties
Authors: Ammar Mohamed , Ashraf Sherif , Baltrusaitis Jonas
Published: August 2023

Complex inorganic powders based on calcium phosphates have found a plethora of practical applications. Of particular interest are the CaO-P2O5 system-based multi-component material powders and granules as the source of major- and micronutrients for the plants. The emerging strategy is to use nano fertilizers based on hydroxyapatite (HAP) for phosphorus and other nutrient delivery. The doping of micronutrients into HAP structure presents an interesting challenge in obtaining specific phase compositions of these calcium phosphates. Various techniques, including mechanochemical synthesis, have been employed to fabricate doped HAP. Mechanochemical synthesis is of particular interest in this review since it presents a relatively simple, scalable, and cost-effective method of calcium phosphate powder processing. The method involves the use of mechanical force to promote chemical reactions and create nanometric powders. This technique has been successfully applied to produce HAP nanoparticles alone, and HAP doped with other elements, such as zinc and magnesium. Nanofertilizers developed through mechanochemical synthesis can offer several advantages over conventional fertilizers. Their nanoscale size allows for rapid absorption and controlled release of nutrients, which leads to improved nutrient uptake efficiency by plants. Furthermore, the tailored properties of HAP-based nano fertilizers, such as controlled porosity and degradation levels, contribute to their effectiveness in providing plant nutrition.
Knowledge of Child Abuse and Neglect among General Practitioners and Pediatricians in Training: A Survey
Authors: Jamaer Marjolijn , Van den Eynde Jef , Aertgeerts Bert , Toelen Jaan
Published: August 2023

Child abuse and neglect is a common, underreported, and worldwide problem. Health care providers play an important role in detecting and reporting this problem. This study examined the knowledge on the clinical signs and mimickers of child abuse among Belgian trainees in family medicine and pediatrics. Participants filled out an anonymous online survey of 15 fictional but realistic cases with either suspicious or non-suspicious signs of abuse or neglect in the context of primary or emergency care. The overall score on all cases, the number of correct answers per case, and the median score were calculated, and the association of the participant’s demographic characteristics with their score was examined using regression analysis. A total of 70 participants completed the survey. The overall median score was 73.3% (IQR 20.0%). The suspicious cases were solved more correctly than the non-suspicious cases (median: 85.7% versus 62.5%, p < 0.001). Regression analysis could not reveal a significant association of type and level of education with the performance on the survey. Knowledge of the clinical signs of child maltreatment among pediatricians and general practitioners in training is good, but there is still room for improvement.
The Current Role of the sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio and the Uterine–Umbilical–Cerebral Doppler Ultrasound in Predicting and Monitoring Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: An Update with a Review of the Literature
Authors: Chirilă Cristian Nicolae , Mărginean Claudiu , Chirilă Paula Maria , Gliga Mirela Liana
Published: August 2023

Regarding the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, pre-eclampsia (PE) remains one of the leading causes of severe and life-threatening maternal and fetal complications. Screening of early-onset PE (<34 weeks of pregnancy), as well as late-onset PE (≥34 weeks), shows poor performance if based solely on clinical features. In recent years, biochemical markers from maternal blood—the pro-angiogenic protein placental growth factor (PlGF) and the antiangiogenic protein soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1)—and Doppler velocimetry indices—primarily the mean uterine pulsatility index (PI), but also the uterine resistivity index (RI), the uterine systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D), uterine and umbilical peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and uterine notching—have all shown improved screening performance. In this review, we summarize the current status of knowledge regarding the role of biochemical markers and Doppler velocimetry indices in early prediction of the onset and severity of PE and other placenta-related disorders, as well as their role in monitoring established PE and facilitating improved obstetrical surveillance of patients categorized as high-risk in order to prevent adverse outcomes. A sFlt-1/PlGF ratio ≤ 33 ruled out early-onset PE with 95% sensitivity and 94% specificity, whereas a sFlt-1/PlGF ≥88 predicted early-onset PE with 88.0% sensitivity and 99.5% specificity. Concerning the condition’s late-onset form, sFlt-1/PlGF ≤ 33 displayed 89.6% sensitivity and 73.1% specificity in ruling out the condition, whereas sFlt-1/PlGF ≥ 110 predicted the condition with 58.2% sensitivity and 95.5% specificity. The cut-off values of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio for the screening of PE were established in the PROGNOSIS study: a sFlt-1/PlGF ratio equal to or lower than 38 ruled out the onset of PE within one week, regardless of the pregnancy’s gestational age. The negative predictive value in this study was 99.3%. In addition, sFlt-1/PlGF > 38 showed 66.2% sensitivity and 83.1% specificity in predicting the occurrence of PE within 4 weeks. Furthermore, 2018 ISUOG Practice Guidelines stated that a second-trimester mean uterine artery PI ≥ 1.44 increases the risk of later PE development. The implementation of a standard screening procedure based on the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and uterine Doppler velocimetry may improve early detection of pre-eclampsia and other placenta-related disorders.
Evolutionary PINN Learning Algorithms Inspired by Approximation to Pareto Front for Solving Ill-Posed Problems
Authors: Lazovskaya Tatiana , Tarkhov Dmitriy , Chistyakova Maria , Razumov Egor , Sergeeva Anna , Shemyakina Tatiana
Published: August 2023

The article presents the development of new physics-informed evolutionary neural network learning algorithms. These algorithms aim to address the challenges of ill-posed problems by constructing a population close to the Pareto front. The study focuses on comparing the algorithm’s capabilities based on three quality criteria of solutions. To evaluate the algorithms’ performance, two benchmark problems have been used. The first involved solving the Laplace equation in square regions with discontinuous boundary conditions. The second problem considered the absence of boundary conditions but with the presence of measurements. Additionally, the study investigates the influence of hyperparameters on the final results. Comparisons have been made between the proposed algorithms and standard algorithms for constructing neural networks based on physics (commonly referred to as vanilla’s algorithms). The results demonstrate the advantage of the proposed algorithms in achieving better performance when solving incorrectly posed problems. Furthermore, the proposed algorithms have the ability to identify specific solutions with the desired smoothness.
Efficacy of an Integrated Simulation-Based Education Approach to Train Non-Technical Skills in Medical Undergraduate Students
Authors: Moll-Khosrawi Parisa , Küllmei Josephine , Zöllner Christian , Schulte-Uentrop Leonie
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Non-technical skills (NTS) are essential to maintain best patient care and to enhance patient safety. Therefore, the early integration and implementation of non-technical skills (NTS) training during undergraduate medical education has not only been repeatedly emphasized but is crucial to ensure patient safety. However, there is a gap in knowledge on how to effectively convey and thereby enhance NTS in under- or postgraduate medical training. Although medical educators are eager to convey NTS, the best approach to do so is yet to be found. Next to didactic and teaching approaches, the design of the curriculum, in the sense of an integrated curricula, might have an influence in conveying NTS effectively. Therefore, we investigated if repetitive simulation-based training enhanced the NTS of medical undergraduates. Methods: 945 undergraduate students in their 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year of medical studies who attended mandatory emergency simulation trainings at the medical faculty in Hamburg participated in this prospective observational study. The trainings are designed to align to a learning spiral (vertically integrated curriculum) and build upon each other, resulting in repetitive and advanced training. Each training has a preset training-specific standardized simulation scenarios. To determine progress in NTS performance, the NTS of the students were assessed during each training with the Anaesthesiology Students’ NTS (AS-NTS) taxonomy, which is composed of three dimensions. Differences in performance between the investigated cohorts of students were calculated with an analysis of variance (Welch’s ANOVA) and with a follow-up post hoc test (Games-Howell), and the significant differences were analysed. Results: The NTS of the undergraduate students improved with every ascending training and, hence, year of medical school. The overall NTS performance of the 4thyear undergraduate students differed significantly compared to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd year undergraduate students performances, F = 6.72 (4, 439.6), p ≤ 0.001. The greatest improvement was detected on dimension one of the AS-NTS (“Planning tasks, prioritising and problem-solving”) (F = 6.75 (4, 434.5), p ≤ 0.001), where 4th year undergraduates performed at a significantly higher skill level than the 1st, 2nd and 3rd year undergraduate students. On dimension two (“Teamwork and Leadership”) and three (“Team orientation”), significant differences were pronounced between the 4th year and 1st year undergraduate students (F = 3.56 (4, 442.9), p = 0.010; F = 4.50 (4, 441.0), p = 0.001). The lowest skill improvement was observed on dimension two. Conclusions: NTS are essential skills to complement technical skills and hereby ensure patient safety. The early longitudinal and vertical integration of NTS training in undergraduate medical curricula (learning spiral) is an effective approach to enhance and foster the NTS of future doctors.
The Production Chain of Tree Seedlings, from Seeds to Sustainable Plantations: An Essential Link for the Success of Reforestation and Restoration Programs in the Context of Climate Change
Authors: Lamhamedi Mohammed S. , Pepin Steeve , Khasa Damase
Published: August 2023

Although the evolution of principles, procedures, and predictive abilities related to seedling quality throughout the plant production chain (i.e., from seeds to sustainable plantations) has been reviewed over the past decades in various technical and scientific publications, there is still a need to develop and integrate new and efficient practices in forest nurseries and at planting sites, in order to improve the morphophysiological quality of seedlings and saplings, and their survival and growth under different site and environmental conditions in the context of climate change. We have grouped together different scientific articles in this Special Issue of Forests, entitled “Production in Forest Nurseries and Field Performance of Seedlings”. They cover different topics relating to the seedling production chain in different countries and continents, from growing media to planting performance related to reforestation, restoration, and agroforestry programs.
Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Applewood Polyphenols at Lab and Pilot Scales
Authors: Withouck Hannes , Paelinck Axel , Foubert Imogen , Fraeye Ilse
Published: August 2023

This study focused on the extraction of polyphenols from applewood using ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE). First, the influence of solvent composition and mass–volume (m:v) ratio on the extraction yield was studied at a lab scale (200 mL). Overall, a ratio of 1:33 (m:v) resulted in a higher yield of polyphenols. Furthermore, both a higher yield of polyphenols and higher antioxidant capacity were detected in the extracts produced in the presence of a 30 v/v % ethanol mixture compared to pure water; a further increase in ethanol did not improve the extraction yield. Second, under the optimal conditions (30 v/v % ethanol–water; 1:33 and 1:20 (m:v)), the UAE technique was applied at a pilot scale (100 L). At 1:33 (m:v), the polyphenol yield was lower at the pilot scale compared to the lab scale; by contrast, at 1:20 (m:v), production at the pilot scale resulted in a higher yield compared to the lab scale. To identify and quantify individual polyphenols, HPLC-PDA analyses were performed. Phloridzin appears to be the major identified compound. Finally, the UAE process was compared to a conventional solid–liquid extraction technique, showing that a significantly higher yield could be obtained with UAE.
Physicochemical Quality, Polyphenol Profiles, and Postharvest Performance of Florida Pearl® ‘FL 16.78-109’ White Strawberries Compared to the Red Cultivar ‘Florida Brilliance’
Authors: Smith Alyssa Nicole , do Nascimento Nunes Maria Cecilia
Published: August 2023

White-fruited strawberry cultivars have recently become popular due to their exotic appearance and flavor, but more needs to be known about their overall quality and postharvest performance. The objective of this study was to characterize and compare the overall quality of the white-fruited strawberry Florida Pearl® ‘FL 16.78-109’ against the commercial, red-fruited strawberry ‘Florida Brilliance’ at harvest and during cold storage (1 °C). Results showed that harvest date and weather conditions contributed to significant differences in fruit quality, regardless of the cultivar. However, Pearl was softer at harvest and had lower total phenolic and anthocyanin contents but was less acidic and had higher total sugars and ascorbic acid contents than Brilliance. Pearl major polyphenols were kaempferol 3-glucoside, quercetin 3-glucoside, quercetin, and gallic acid, while for Brilliance epicatechin, pelargonidin, pelargonidin 3-glucoside, and ferulic acid were the major polyphenol compounds identified. After cold storage, Pearl lost less weight than Brilliance and showed a less dramatic decline in individual polyphenols. Pearl and Brilliance anthocyanins and phenolic acids were the polyphenol groups most affected by cold storage because they showed the highest decline from harvest to the end of storage. Cold storage also had different effects on other polyphenols, but the effect was cultivar-dependent. Overall, white strawberries have a unique appearance, are sweet, have an excellent bioactive profile, and can maintain good postharvest quality.
Single- and Multilayer Build-Up of an Antibacterial Temperature- and UV-Curing Sol–Gel System with Atmospheric Pressure Plasma
Authors: Chwatal Simon , Pölzl Sabine , Kittinger Clemens , Lackner Jürgen Markus , Coclite Anna Maria , Waldhauser Wolfgang
Published: August 2023

The versatility of sol–gel systems makes them ideal for functional coatings in industry. However, existing coatings are either too thin or take too long to cure. To address these issues, this paper proposes using an atmospheric pressure plasma source to fully cure and functionalize thicker sol–gel coatings in a single step. The study explores coating various substrates with sol–gel layers to make them scratch-resistant, antibacterial, and antiadhesive. Microparticles like copper, zinc, or copper flakes are added to achieve antibacterial effects. The sol–gel system can be sprayed on and quickly functionalized on the substrate. The study focuses on introducing and anchoring particles in the sol–gel layer to achieve an excellent antibacterial effect by changing the penetration depth. Overall, this method offers a more efficient and effective approach to sol–gel coatings for industrial applications. In order to achieve a layer thickness of more than 100 µm, the second part of the study proposes a multilayer system comprising 15 to 30 µm thick monolayers that can be modified by introducing fillers (such as TiO2) or scratch-resistant chemicals like titanium isopropoxide. This system also allows for individual plasma functionalization of each sol–gel layer. For instance, the top layer can be introduced with antibacterial particles, while another layer can be enhanced with fillers to increase wear resistance. The study reveals the varying antibacterial effects of spherical particles versus flat flakes and the different scratch hardnesses induced by changes in pH, number of layers, and particle introduction.
Toward a Value-Based Therapy Recommendation Model
Authors: Liu Zhang , Xiao Liang
Published: August 2023

Patient value is an important factor in clinical decision making, but conventionally, it is not incorporated in the decision processes. Clinical decision making has some clinical guidelines as a reference. There are very few value-based clinical guidelines, but knowledge about how values affect decision making is mentioned in some scattered studies in the literature. We use a literature review method to extract evidence and integrate it as part of the decision-making model. In this paper, a value-based therapy recommendation comprehensive model is proposed. A literature analysis is conducted to collect value-based evidence. The patients’ values are defined and classified with fine granularity. Categorized values and candidate therapies are used in combination as filtering keywords to build this literature database. The literature analysis method generates a literature database used as a source of arguments for influencing decision making based on values. Then, a formalism model is put forward to integrate the value-based evidence with clinical evidence, and the literature databases and clinical guidelines are collected and analyzed to populate the evidence repository. During the decision-making processes, the evidence repository is utilized to match patients’ clinical information and values. Decision-makers can dynamically adjust the relative importance of the two pieces of evidence to obtain a treatment plan that is more suitable for the patient. A prototype system was implemented using a case study for breast cancer and validated for feasibility and effectiveness through controlled experiments.
Assessing Health and Economic Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Cardiovascular Disease in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Kim Moon Seong , Kim Jin Man , Lee Sang Gyeong , Jung Eun Jin , Lee Sang Hoon , Huang Wen Yan , Han Bok Kyung , Jung Da Eun , Yang Sung Bum , Ji Inbae , Kim Young Jun , Hong Ji Youn
Published: August 2023

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of mortality worldwide and imposes a significant social burden on many countries. Methods: This study assessed the health and economic benefits of omega-3 associated with CVD. The meta-analysis estimated the risk ratio (RR) and absolute risk reduction (ARR), and the economic impact was calculated using direct and indirect costs related to CVD treatments in Korean adults. Results: A total of 33 studies were included in the meta-analysis on CVD outcomes, with 80,426 participants in the intervention group and 80,251 participants in the control group. The meta-analysis determined a significant reduction in omega-3 in CVD (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86~0.97) and ARR (1.48%). Additionally, the subgroup analysis indicated that higher doses and the long-term consumption of omega-3 could further enhance these effects. After applying ARR from meta-analysis to the target population of about 1,167,370 in 2021, the Republic of Korea, it was estimated that omega-3 consumption could result in an economic benefit of KRW 300 billion by subtracting the purchase expenses of omega-3 supplements from the total social cost savings. Conclusion: Omega-3 supplements can help to reduce the risk of CVD and subsequent economic benefits in the Republic of Korea.
Adolescents’ Perceptions of a Relapse Prevention Treatment for Problematic Gaming—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Gurdal Sevtap , Kapetanovic Sabina , Einarsson Isak , Boson Karin , Claesdotter-Knutsson Emma
Published: August 2023

Given the increasing prevalence of problematic gaming, in 2013, the diagnosis “Internet gaming disorder (IGD)” was included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) as a potential diagnosis. With a new diagnosis, it is important to determine treatment options. The importance of the parent–child relationship has been emphasised in problematic gaming and its treatment. This study aims to provide more knowledge about adolescents’ perceptions of a treatment for problematic gaming and understand whether such treatment may have a bearing on the parent–child relationship. We conducted individual interviews with nine adolescents who completed a treatment for problematic gaming. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The analysis revealed three themes. Theme 1: adolescents’ experiences of the new treatment; Theme 2: adolescents’ perceptions of the effect of the treatment on their gaming behaviour; and Theme 3: adolescents’ perceptions of changes in their parent–child relationships. The adolescents viewed the treatment as a way of gaining control of their gaming, a process in which a therapist played an integral part. For the majority of the adolescents in our study, the main effects of treatment were gaining insight into how their gaming and gaming-related behaviours affected other parts of their lives. The participants felt that the treatment improved their relationship with their parents through reducing everyday conflicts. This new knowledge can be used for the development of future interventions involving children and adolescents.
Identification of Plasma Proteins as Biomarkers for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease Using Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Inoue Makoto , Suzuki Hideaki , Meno Kohji , Liu Shan , Korenaga Tatsumi , Uchida Kazuhiko
Published: August 2023

Blood proteins can be used for biomarkers to monitor the progression of cognitive decline, even in the early stages of disease. In this study, we developed a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based blood test to identify plasma proteins that can be used to detect mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Using this system, we quantified plasma proteins using isotope-labeled synthetic peptides. A total of 192 patients, including 63 with AD, 71 with MCI, and 58 non-demented controls (NDCs), were analyzed. Multinomial regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to identify specific combinations of plasma protein panels that could differentiate among NDCs, those with MCI, and those with AD. We identified eight plasma protein biomarker candidates that can be used to distinguish between MCI and AD. These biomarkers were associated with coagulation pathways, innate immunity, lipid metabolism, and nutrition. The clinical potential to differentiate cognitive impairment from NDC was assessed using area under the curve values from ROC analysis, which yielded values of 0.83 for males and 0.71 for females. This LC-MS-based plasma protein panel allows the pathophysiology of AD to be followed through detection of cognitive decline and disease progression markers.
Biotechnological Potential of Microorganisms for Mosquito Population Control and Reduction in Vector Competence
Authors: Katak Ricardo de Melo , Cintra Amanda Montezano , Burini Bianca Correa , Marinotti Osvaldo , Souza-Neto Jayme A. , Rocha Elerson Matos
Published: August 2023

Mosquitoes transmit pathogens that cause human diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika fever, and filariasis. Biotechnological approaches using microorganisms have a significant potential to control mosquito populations and reduce their vector competence, making them alternatives to synthetic insecticides. Ongoing research has identified many microorganisms that can be used effectively to control mosquito populations and disease transmission. However, the successful implementation of these newly proposed approaches requires a thorough understanding of the multipronged microorganism–mosquito–pathogen–environment interactions. Although much has been achieved in discovering new entomopathogenic microorganisms, antipathogen compounds, and their mechanisms of action, only a few have been turned into viable products for mosquito control. There is a discrepancy between the number of microorganisms with the potential for the development of new insecticides and/or antipathogen products and the actual available products, highlighting the need for investments in the intersection of basic research and biotechnology.
Dynamic Analysis of Functionally Graded Porous (FGP) Elliptic Cylindrical Shell Based on Jacobi Polynomials Ritz Method
Authors: Lu J. , Yang Q. , Meng Z. , Yang K. , Xu W. , Chiu C.
Published: August 2023

The lightweight of structure is widely applied in industrial applications, and the conflict between both dynamic stability and structural lightweight is still prominent. In this paper, functionally graded porous (FGP) elliptic cylindrical shells and panels with general boundary conditions are analyzed to explore the effect of the FGP on dynamic performance. First, the FGP elliptic cylindrical shell and panel models are established. Therein, three kinds of porosity distribution are considered, including nonsymmetric, symmetric, and uniform distributions. The energy expressions of the FGP elliptic cylindrical shell and panel are established by the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). To simulate various boundary conditions, the artificial spring boundary technique is employed in this study. Then, the Jacobi orthogonal polynomials and Fourier series are adopted to express the admissible displacements. Finally, the accuracy of this model is verified by comparing it with open literature and ABAQUS software. Results show that the variations of the boundary conditions, linear springs, thickness ratio, and porosity have close relation with the dynamic performance of the structure by affecting the stiffness of the structure.
Preparation and Hydrolytic Degradation of Hydroxyapatite-Filled PLGA Composite Microspheres
Authors: Istratov Vladislav , Gomzyak Vitaliy , Baranov Oleg , Markova Galy , Mezhuev Yaroslav , Vasnev Valerii
Published: August 2023

Various hydroxyapatite-filled and unfilled microspheres based on lactide and glycolide copolymers were prepared. The synthesized poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) samples were characterized by GPC and 1H NMR spectroscopy, the morphology was characterized by SEM. It was shown that under the tin (II) 2-ethylhexanoate catalysis the glycolide is highly active in copolymerization as compared with lactide. According to the data on weight loss and the weight average molecular weight shift of PLGA over time (pH = 6.5; t = 25 °C), an increase in the rate of microsphere destruction was noted when macromolecules were enriched with glycolic acid residues, as well as when filled with hydroxyapatite. It was shown that the rate of PLGA degradation was determined by the water-accessible surface of a sample. The rate increase in PLGA hydrolytic degradation both with an increase in glycolic acid residues mole fraction in the chain and upon filling with hydroxyapatite was the result of the microspheres’ surface hydrophilization, an increase in capillary pressure upon filling of the pores as well as of the defects with water, and an increase in the number of structural defects. Approaches to the creation of composite microspheres based on PLGA degrading at a controlled rate were proposed.
Predicting Mechanical Properties of Magnesium Matrix Composites with Regression Models by Machine Learning
Authors: Huang Song-Jeng , Adityawardhana Yudhistira , Sanjaya Jeffry
Published: August 2023

Magnesium matrix composites have attracted significant attention due to their lightweight nature and impressive mechanical properties. However, the fabrication process for these alloy composites is often time-consuming, expensive, and labor-intensive. To overcome these challenges, this study introduces a novel use of machine learning (ML) techniques to predict the mechanical properties of magnesium matrix composites, providing an innovative and cost-effective alternative to conventional methods. Various regression models, including decision tree regression, random forest regression, extra tree regression, and XGBoost regression, were employed to forecast the yield strength of magnesium alloy composites reinforced with diverse materials. This approach leverages existing research data on matrix type, reinforcement type, heat treatment, and mechanical working. The XGBoost Regression model outperformed the others, exhibiting an R2 value of 0.94 and the lowest error rate. Feature importance analysis from the best model indicated that the reinforcement particle form had the most significant influence on the mechanical properties. Our research also identified the optimized parameters for achieving the highest yield strength at 186.99 MPa. This study successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of ML as a valuable, novel tool for optimizing the production parameters of magnesium matrix composites.
Has Cognitive Ability Become More Important for Education and the Labor Market? A Comparison of the Project Talent and 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth Cohorts
Authors: Marks Gary Neil
Published: August 2023

Modernization and meritocratic theories contend that with modernization, socioeconomic background (SES) becomes less important for educational and socioeconomic attainments, while cognitive ability becomes more important. However, the evidence is mixed. This study investigates if the effects of SES and cognitive ability on educational and labor market outcomes have changed in the US by comparing two longitudinal cohort studies: the 1960 Project Talent and the 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. For all outcomes—grades-at-school, educational and occupational attainment, and income—cognitive ability clearly has stronger effects than a composite and broad measure of SES. The effects of cognitive ability for grades-at-school and income are notably stronger in the more recent cohort, whereas its effects on educational and occupational attainment are similar. SES effects, net of ability, for educational and occupational attainment are only moderate and for school grades and income are very small (β < 0.10). However, for each outcome SES effects are stronger in the more recent NLSY79 cohort. This is attributed to ability being a stronger influence on the educational and socioeconomic attainments of NLSY79 parents compared to Project Talent parents. These analyses suggest that in the US, cognitive ability has long been an important, and SES a much weaker, influence on educational and subsequent socioeconomic outcomes.
BEM Turbine Model and PID Control System of a Floating Hybrid Wind and Current Turbines Integrated Generator System
Authors: Tamarit Fernando , García Emilio , Quiles Eduardo , Correcher Antonio
Published: August 2023

This is a new installment in the series of publications that describe the mathematical modeling of the Floating Hybrid Generator Systems Simulator (FHYGSYS) tool. This work presents an improved mathematical model of the turbines of the floating hybrid system—consisting of an “OC3-Hywind” wind turbine and two marine current turbines—presented by the authors in previous publications. In this third installment, the modeling of the three turbines of the floating hybrid system is described using the Blade Element Momentum (BEM) theory. This modeling allows one to replace the one based on the One-Dimensional theory used in previous installments. For the operation of modeling with BEM, it has been considered necessary to implement a continuous feedback control system. In this case, two PID (proportional–integral–derivative) controllers have been implemented in each of the turbines. The first controls the torque on the turbine generator and the second controls the collective pitch angle of the blades. The results obtained are presented and validated through a code-to-code comparison with simulations carried out with FASTv8 under the same conditions and with the operating results of marine current turbines that exist in the literature. This improvement in the mathematical model offers the possibility of implementing other types of controllers that allow for the testing of different strategies of the floating hybrid control system, with the aim of maximizing energy production while ensuring the structural stability of the floating hybrid system.
A Combined Wind Forecasting Model Based on SSA and WNN: Application on Real Case of Ningbo Zhoushan Port
Authors: Gu Yong , Xu Wenhao , Tang Daogui , Yuan Yuji , Chai Ziyi , Ke Yao , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: August 2023

Wind energy is an effective way to reduce emissions in ports. However, port wind power generation exhibits strong intermittency and randomness. Predicting port wind speed enables timely scheduling of port operations and improves wind energy utilization efficiency. To achieve high accuracy and rapid prediction of port wind speed, this paper proposes a wind speed prediction model based on the Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA) optimized Wavelet Neural Network (WNN). Firstly, the SSA is used to optimize the Mean Squared Error (MSE) as the fitness function during the training process of the WNN model, obtaining the optimal fitness value corresponding to the network parameters. Then, the obtained parameters are used as the network model parameters of WNN for wind speed prediction. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, the model is validated using the measured wind speed data from the Chuanshan Port Area of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port throughout 2022, and its performance is compared with three other models: SSA–BP, SSA–LSTM, and WNN. The results demonstrate that the proposed prediction model exhibits good performance in port wind speed prediction and outperforms the other comparative models in terms of prediction accuracy and convergence speed.
Frequency Shift Keying-Based Long-Range Underwater Communication for Consecutive Channel Estimation and Compensation Using Chirp Waveform Symbol Signals
Authors: Ahn Jongmin , Lee Dong-Hun , Lee Sangkug , Kim Wanjin
Published: August 2023

Currently, the demand for long-range underwater communication (UWC) is increasing. Conventional long-range UWC studies utilize vertical line array (VLA) and equalization techniques such as TRM and DFE to mitigate the long multi-path delay. However, recently developed underwater platforms such as unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) utilize a single hydrophone, and it is hard to apply the conventional long-range UWC system to these platforms. This paper proposes frequency shifting-based modulation to overcome the large multi-path delay without any optimization or training symbol. Unlike FSK, the proposed modulation method transmits the data using linear frequency modulation (LFM). The proposed demodulation method estimates the multi-path delay using data-modulated LFM and utilizes the estimated multi-path to compensate for the subsequent data signal. Therefore, the proposed method has better BER performance than FSK, and it is demonstrated through a simulation and ocean experiment with a single hydrophone.