bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D and Mitosis Evaluation in Endometriosis: A Step toward Discovering the Connection?
Authors: Matasariu Daniela Roxana , Mandici Cristina Elena , Ursache Alexandra , Bausic Alexandra Irma Gabriela , Bujor Iuliana Elena , Cristofor Alexandra Elena , Boiculese Lucian Vasile , Grigore Mihaela , Bratila Elvira , Lozneanu Ludmila
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: The effects of serum vitamin D levels, the vitamin D receptor (VDR), and phosphohistone H3 (PHH3) in endometriosis were investigated in two cohorts of women with this pathology: those receiving hormonal treatment and those without treatment. (2) Methods: In 60 cases of women with endometriosis (26 with progestin treatment and 34 without), paraffin-embedded endometriosis tissue samples retrieved after surgery were immunohistochemically (IHC) analyzed to determine the expression statuses of VDR and PHH3. In addition, serum levels of 25(OH) vitamin D were assessed for each patient. (3) Results: The serum 25(OH) vitamin D evaluations revealed higher levels of 25(OH) vitamin D in women with treatment compared with those without. The positive IHC indexes of VDR and PHH3 in these two groups were compared. Vitamin D receptor levels were positively correlated with PHH3 levels, both being increased in patients without treatment. (4) Conclusions: Serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels and IHC analysis of VDR and PHH3 can be used as additional tools for risk stratification and prognostic assessment in patients with endometriosis.
Sustainable Design and Operations Management of Metro-Based Underground Logistics Systems: A Thematic Literature Review
Authors: Gong Dandan , Tian Jiajia , Hu Wanjie , Dong Jianjun , Chen Yicun , Ren Rui , Chen Zhilong
Published: July 2023

Sustainable urban development relies on forward-looking infrastructure development. As an emerging infrastructure system that incorporates green technologies, the Metro-based Underground Logistics System (M-ULS) enables sustainable transportation of passengers and freight within cities collaboratively by sharing rail transit network facilities. M-ULS can effectively save non-renewable energy and reduce pollution to the ecological environment, and the comprehensive benefits of the system make an outstanding contribution to sustainable urban development. The purpose of this study is to provide a systematic review of M-ULS based on different perspectives and to present the development of the M-ULS network integration concept. By employing bibliometric analysis, the four dimensions of M-ULS related literature are statistically analyzed to discover the knowledge structure and research trends. Through thematic discussions, a development path for developing the concept of M-ULS network integration was established. The main findings of this study are summarized as follows: (i) A comparative analysis shows that the metro system has a high potential for freight use; (ii) Improvements in metro freight technologies are conducive to urban economy, environment, and social sustainability; (iii) Network expansion is an inevitable trend for implementing underground logistics based on the metro; (iv) The interaction among public sectors, metro operators, logistics corporations, and users plays a critical role in promoting the development of M-ULS. (v) It is worth mentioning that the planning of green infrastructure should fully consider its comprehensive contribution to the sustainable development of the city. This study visualizes the current status and hotspots of M-ULS research. It also discloses frontier knowledge and novel insights for the integrated planning and operations management of metro and urban underground freight transportation.
Activated Carbon for Sepsis Prevention and Intervention: A Modern Way of Utilizing Old Therapies
Authors: Snezhkova Elisaveta , Redl Heinz , Grillari Johannes , Osuchowski Marcin
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: Uncontrolled inflammation often contributes to life-threatening sepsis sequela such as multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and is accompanied by abnormal levels of pathological and damage-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs & DAMPs) in biological fluids. Activated carbon or charcoal (AC) of new generation with ameliorated biocompatibility has spurred renewed interest in the regulation of these toxins’ levels in inflammation states. (2) Methods: We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Researchgate, and other sources for the relevant literature from 1550 B.C. till 2022 A.C. (3) Results: Laboratory and clinical investigations demonstrate that activated carbon or charcoal (AC) mitigates inflammation in different pathological states when applied orally, per rectum, or in a hemoperfusion system. AC protects the microbiome and bone marrow, acts as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant remedy, and recovers the plasmatic albumin structure. The mechanism of AC action is related to a non-selective (broad-range) or/and selective adsorption of PAMPs & DAMPs from biological fluids. A high-adsorptive capacity towards noxious substances and application of AC as early as possible seems paramount in inflammation treatment for preventing sepsis and/or multi-organ failure. (4) Conclusion: AC could be considered an adjunctive treatment for preventing sepsis and/or multi-organ failure.
Identification of Neck Lymph Node Metastasis-Specific microRNA—Implication for Use in Monitoring or Prediction of Neck Lymph Node Metastasis
Authors: Higashi Yutaro , Nakamura Kodai , Takaoka Ryota , Tani Mika , Noma Yusaku , Mori Kazuki , Yamashiro Kota , Yokoyama Seiya , Hamada Tomofumi , Sugiura Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have attracted attention as non-invasive cancer biomarkers in various cancers; however, they have not been adequately investigated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study investigated the diagnostic performance of serum-derived miRNAs at initial diagnosis for primary neck lymph node metastasis and the predictive performance for late neck lymph node metastasis based on long-term (up to approximately 8 years) follow-up of patients with OSCC. The expression of miRNAs in 40 patients with OSCC was quantified using real-time PCR (qPCR), and a comprehensive statistical analysis of the correlation of miRNA expression for primary and late neck lymph node metastases was performed. For the diagnosis of primary neck lymph node metastases, miR-423 and miR-125 were accurate. The miRNA index for primary metastasis diagnosis (miR-PM) calculated by regression analysis showed high diagnostic accuracy. The miR-5100 was useful for predicting late neck lymph node metastases. The miRNA index for late metastasis prediction (miR-LM) calculated using regression analysis showed high prediction accuracy. MiRNAs were useful for diagnosing primary neck lymph node metastases in OSCC and predicting late neck lymph node metastases. It may help to consider individualized treatment, including follow-up, surgical methods, and postoperative management.
Phenotypic and Dermoscopic Patterns of Familial Melanocytic Lesions: A Pilot Study in A Third-Level Center
Authors: Roccuzzo Gabriele , Giordano Silvia , Granato Thomas , Cavallo Francesco , Mastorino Luca , Avallone Gianluca , Pasini Barbara , Quaglino Pietro , Ribero Simone
Published: July 2023

Cutaneous melanoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer. It is estimated that 5% to 10% of the underlying mutations are hereditary and responsible for familial (or hereditary) melanoma. These patients are prone to the early development and higher risk of multiple melanomas. In recent years, an increasing number of genes have been identified thanks to genetic testing, allowing the subsequent surveillance of individuals at risk, yet it is still difficult to predict the presence of these mutations on a clinical basis. In this scenario, specific phenotypic and dermoscopic features could help clinicians in their identification. The aim of this work has been to correlate mutations to prevalent dermoscopic patterns, paving the way for reference models useful in clinical practice. In our cohort, out of 115 patients referred to genetic counseling for melanoma, 25 tested positive (21.7%) for critical mutations: CDKN2A (n = 12), MITF (n = 3), BAP1 (n = 1), MC1R (n = 3), PTEN (n = 1), TYR (n = 2), OCA2 (n = 1), and SLC45A2 (n = 2). The phenotype profiles obtained through the digital acquisition, analysis, and description of both benign and malignant pigmented lesions showed a predominance of the type II skin phenotype, with an elevated mean total nevus number (182 moles, range 75–390). As for dermoscopic features, specific mutation-related patterns were described in terms of pigmentation, areas of regression, and vascular structures. Although further studies with larger cohorts are needed, our work represents the beginning of a new approach to the study and diagnosis of familial melanoma, underlining the importance of clinical and dermoscopic patterns, which may constitute a reference model for each gene, enabling comparison.
Establishment and Molecular Characterization of an In Vitro Model for PARPi-Resistant Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Klotz Daniel Martin , Schwarz Franziska Maria , Dubrovska Anna , Schuster Kati , Theis Mirko , Krüger Alexander , Kutz Oliver , Link Theresa , Wimberger Pauline , Drukewitz Stephan , Buchholz Frank , Thomale Jürgen , Kuhlmann Jan Dominik
Published: July 2023

Overcoming PARPi resistance is a high clinical priority. We established and characterized comparative in vitro models of acquired PARPi resistance, derived from either a BRCA1-proficient or BRCA1-deficient isogenic background by long-term exposure to olaparib. While parental cell lines already exhibited a certain level of intrinsic activity of multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins, resulting PARPi-resistant cells from both models further converted toward MDR. In both models, the PARPi-resistant phenotype was shaped by (i) cross-resistance to other PARPis (ii) impaired susceptibility toward the formation of DNA-platinum adducts upon exposure to cisplatin, which could be reverted by the drug efflux inhibitors verapamil or diphenhydramine, and (iii) reduced PARP-trapping activity. However, the signature and activity of ABC-transporter expression and the cross-resistance spectra to other chemotherapeutic drugs considerably diverged between the BRCA1-proficient vs. BRCA1-deficient models. Using dual-fluorescence co-culture experiments, we observed that PARPi-resistant cells had a competitive disadvantage over PARPi-sensitive cells in a drug-free medium. However, they rapidly gained clonal dominance under olaparib selection pressure, which could be mitigated by the MRP1 inhibitor MK-751. Conclusively, we present a well-characterized in vitro model, which could be instrumental in dissecting mechanisms of PARPi resistance from HR-proficient vs. HR-deficient background and in studying clonal dynamics of PARPi-resistant cells in response to experimental drugs, such as novel olaparib-sensitizers.
Predictive Power of the Albumin–Bilirubin Score for Hepatotoxicity in Stereotactic Ablative Radiation Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Joo Jihyeon , Jeon Hosang , Kim Dongwoon , Kim Wontaek , Nam Jiho , Kim Donghyun , Park Dahl , Kim Choongrak , Ki Yongkan
Published: July 2023

Assessment of liver function is crucial in predicting treatment outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic performance of the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score for predicting hepatotoxicity following stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in HCC patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 123 HCC cases treated between 2018 and 2020. ALBI and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) scores were calculated, and hepatotoxicity was defined as a post-SBRT CTP score increase ≥2. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used for comparison. The optimal cutoff value of the ALBI score was determined. Among the 121 patients analyzed, hepatotoxicity occurred in 5%. The ALBI score showed better predictive accuracy (area under the ROC curve: 0.77) than the CTP score. The optimal cutoff value of the ALBI score was −2.47, with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 71.1%. Multivariable analysis revealed that ALBI score and PTV were significant factors for hepatotoxicity. In conclusion, the ALBI score demonstrated prognostic value for hepatotoxicity prediction after SBRT in HCC patients. Considering the ALBI score and PTV provides valuable insights for assessing hepatotoxicity risk during SBRT treatment for HCC.
The Use of Parenteral Opioids in Cancer Pain Management
Authors: Mercadante Sebastiano
Published: July 2023

Opioids should be offered to patients with moderate-to-severe pain related to cancer or active cancer treatment unless contraindicated. Although oral administration of opioids is generally preferable, a parenteral route may be advisable and mandatory in some clinical circumstances. Parenteral administration of opioids may accelerate the achievement of analgesia. The intravenous route fits the need of rapid achievement of analgesia in patients poorly responsive to other opioids and provides a fast analgesia in patients with breakthrough pain, that has a specific temporal pattern requiring a rapid analgesic effect. When the oral route is unavailable for the presence of nausea, vomiting, or dysphagia. the parenteral route is one of the principal options. Opioids have different pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics and should be chosen according to the individual needs. Thus, the knowledge and experience with these routes of administration are mandatory for anesthesiologists committed to cancer pain management.
The Role of Colonoscopy in the Management of Individuals with Lynch Syndrome: A Narrative Review
Authors: D’Angelo Valentina , Rega Daniela , Marone Pietro , Di Girolamo Elena , Civiletti Corrado , Tatangelo Fabiana , Duraturo Francesca , De Rosa Marina , de Bellis Mario , Delrio Paolo
Published: July 2023

The history of Lynch syndrome changed definitively in 2000, when a study published in Gastroenterology demonstrated a significant reduction in mortality among individuals with Lynch syndrome who undergo regular endoscopic surveillance. As a consequence of this clinical evidence, all scientific societies developed guidelines, which highlighted the role of colonoscopy in the management of Lynch syndrome, especially for individuals at high risk of colorectal cancer. Over the years, these guidelines were modified and updated. Specialized networks were developed in order to standardize endoscopic surveillance programs and evaluate all the clinical data retrieved by the results of colonoscopies performed for both the screening and the surveillance of individuals with Lynch syndrome. Recent data show that the impact of colonoscopy (with polypectomy) on the prevention of colorectal cancer in individuals with Lynch syndrome is less significant than previously thought. This narrative review summarizes the current discussion, the hypotheses elaborated and the algorithms depicted for the management of individuals with Lynch Syndrome on the basis of the recent data published in the literature.
Synthesis of Ternary Cross-Linked MoS2/WS2/CdS Photocatalysts for Photocatalytic H2 Production
Authors: Sun Yuping , Wang Binfen , Liu Xiaoqiang , Gao Li , Shangguan Wenfeng
Published: July 2023

Photocatalytic H2 production provides an ideal way to alleviate the energy crisis and solve environmental problems. In this paper, the metallic MoS2/WS2 dual cocatalysts are prepared through the in situ growth of 1T-WS2 on the surface of 1T-MoS2 via a solvothermal method. The ternary cross-linked MoS2/WS2/CdS photocatalysts are finally constructed by growing CdS nanorods on MoS2/WS2 cocatalysts. The XRD and TEM results show that ternary cross-linked MoS2/WS2/CdS photocatalysts with close interfacial contact were successfully synthesized. The results of Photoluminescence (PL) and photoelectrochemical tests show that MoS2/WS2/CdS has the lowest hydrogen evolution overpotential and the highest charge separation efficiency. This is due to the synergistic effect between WS2 and MoS2, which further accelerates the transfer of photogenerated electrons and inhibits the recombination of carriers. The hydrogen evolution rate of the MoS2/WS2/CdS composite is 12.12 mmol·g−1·h−1, which is 4.57 times that of pristine CdS. The AQY at λ = 420 nm is 58.9%.
Phosphate Coordination in a Water-Oxidizing Cobalt Oxide Electrocatalyst Revealed by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy at the Phosphorus K-Edge
Authors: Liu Si , Farhoosh Shima , Beyer Paul , Mebs Stefan , Haumann Michael , Dau Holger
Published: July 2023

In the research on water splitting at neutral pH, phosphorus-containing transition metal oxyhydroxides are often employed for catalyzing the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). We investigated a cobalt–phosphate catalyst (CoCat) representing this material class. We found that CoCat films prepared with potassium phosphate release phosphorus in phosphate-free electrolytes within hours, contrasting orders of magnitude’s faster K+ release. For P speciation and binding mode characterization, we performed technically challenging X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments at the P K-edge and analyzed the resulting XANES and EXAFS spectra. The CoCat-internal phosphorus is present in the form of phosphate ions. Most phosphate species are likely linked to cobalt ions in Co–O–PO3 motifs, where the connecting oxygen could be a terminal or bridging ligand in Co-oxide fragments (P–Co distance, ~3.1 Å), with additional ionic bonds to K+ ions (P–K distance, ~3.3 Å). The phosphate coordination bond is stronger than the ionic K+-binding, explaining the strongly diverging ion release rates of phosphate and K+. Our results support a structural role of phosphate in the CoCat, with these ions binding at the margins of Co-oxide fragments, thereby limiting the long-range material ordering. The relations of catalyst-internal phosphate ions to cobalt’s redox-state changes, proton transfer, and catalytic activity are discussed.
Ufmylation of UFBP1 Is Dispensable for Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response, Embryonic Development, and Cardiac and Intestinal Homeostasis
Authors: Tandra Varsha , Anderson Travis , Ayala Juan D. , Weintraub Neal L. , Singh Nagendra , Li Honglin , Li Jie
Published: July 2023

Protein modification by ubiquitin fold modifier 1 (UFM1), termed ufmylation, regulates various physiological and pathological processes. Among emerging UFM1 targets, UFM1 binding protein 1 (UFBP1) is the first identified ufmylation substrate. Recent clinical and animal studies have demonstrated the pivotal roles of UFBP1 in development, hematopoiesis, intestinal homeostasis, chondrogenesis, and neuronal development, which has been linked to its function in maintaining endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis. However, the importance of UFBP1 ufmylation in these cellular and physiological processes has yet to be determined. It has been proposed that ufmylation of lysine 268 (267 in humans) in UFBP1 plays a critical role in mediating the effects of the ufmylation pathway. In this study, we for the first time probe the pathophysiological significance of UFBP1 ufmylation in vivo by creating and characterizing a mouse UFBP1 knockin (KI) model in which the lysine 268 of UFBP1, the amino acid accepting UFM1, was mutated to arginine. Our results showed that the K268R mutation reduced the total ufmylated proteins without altering the expression levels of individual ufmylation enzymes in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. The K268R mutation did not alter ER stress–stimuli–induced ER stress signaling or cell death in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. The homozygous KI mice were viable and morphologically indistinguishable from their littermate wild–type controls up to one year of age. Serial echocardiography revealed no cardiac functional impairment of the homozygous KI mice. Furthermore, the homozygous KI mice exhibited the same susceptibility to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) –induced colitis as wild-type mice. Taken together, these results suggest that UFBP1 K268 is dispensable for ER stress response, embryonic development, cardiac homeostasis under physiological conditions, and intestinal homeostasis under pathological conditions. Our studies call for future investigations to understand the biological function of UFBP1 ufmylation and offer a new mouse model to determine the roles of UFBP1 ufmylation in different tissues under stress conditions.
Glycolysis in Chronic Liver Diseases: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Opportunities
Authors: Qu Hengdong , Liu Junli , Zhang Di , Xie Ruoyan , Wang Lijuan , Hong Jian
Published: July 2023

Chronic liver diseases (CLDs) cover a spectrum of liver diseases, ranging from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to liver cancer, representing a growing epidemic worldwide with high unmet medical needs. Glycolysis is a conservative and rigorous process that converts glucose into pyruvate and sustains cells with the energy and intermediate products required for diverse biological activities. However, abnormalities in glycolytic flux during CLD development accelerate the disease progression. Aerobic glycolysis is a hallmark of liver cancer and is responsible for a broad range of oncogenic functions including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, immune escape, and drug resistance. Recently, the non-neoplastic role of aerobic glycolysis in immune activation and inflammatory disorders, especially CLD, has attracted increasing attention. Several key mediators of aerobic glycolysis, including HIF-1α and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), are upregulated during steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis. The pharmacological inhibition or ablation of PKM2 effectively attenuates hepatic inflammation and CLD progression. In this review, we particularly focused on the glycolytic and non-glycolytic roles of PKM2 in the progression of CLD, highlighting the translational potential of a glycolysis-centric therapeutic approach in combating CLD.
L-Glutamate Biosensor for In Vitro Investigations: Application in Brain Extracts
Authors: Razumiene Julija , Leo Damiana , Gureviciene Vidute , Ratautas Dalius , Gaidukevic Justina , Sakinyte-Urbikiene Ieva
Published: July 2023

Investigations of L-glutamate release in living organisms can help to identify novel L-glutamate-related pathophysiological pathways, since abnormal transmission of L-glutamate can cause many neurological diseases. For the first time, a nitrogen-modified graphene oxide (GO) sample (RGO) is prepared through a simple and facile one-pot hydrothermal reduction of GO in the presence of 20 wt.% of the dye malachite green and is used for amperometric biosensing. The biosensor demonstrates adequate stability and is easy to prepare and calibrate. The biosensor detects the current generated during the electrooxidation of hydrogen peroxide released in the L-glutamate that is converted to the alpha-ketoglutarate catalyzed by L-glutamate oxidase. The biosensor consists of a semipermeable membrane, with L-glutamate oxidase (EC 1.4.3.11) immobilized in albumin and RGO and the working Pt electrode. First, the basic version of the L-glutamate biosensor is examined in PBS to investigate its sensitivity, reliability, and stability. To demonstrate the applicability of the L-glutamate biosensor in the analysis of complex real samples, quantification of L-glutamate in bovine brain extract is performed and the accuracy of the biosensor is confirmed by alternative methods. The enhanced version of the L-glutamate biosensor is applied for L-glutamate release investigations in a newly developed strain of rats (DAT-knockout, DAT-KO).
The Impact of Mandatory Food-Marketing Regulations on Purchase and Exposure: A Narrative Review
Authors: Alfraidi Alanoud , Alafif Nora , Alsukait Reem
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: Several governments have enforced a series of actions to improve the local food environment and reduce obesity-related diseases in the population by implementing statutory regulations to reduce or ban the marketing of products that are considered unhealthy based on nutrient profile systems or them being high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS); (2) Objective: This narrative review is aiming to provide a comprehensive exploration of the available evidence on the impact of identified mandatory regulations restricting food marketing, including advertisements and packages on the exposure and purchase of HFSS food products, to help justify the need for these regulations; (3) Methods: Articles were retrieved by searching electronic databases, including EBSCO Education, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from 2012 up to December 2022; (4) Results: A total of 12 articles were included in this review. Almost all mandatory food-marketing regulations have evidence in favor of reducing HFSS food purchases and exposure; (5) Conclusions: Protecting children and adolescents from food and beverage marketing through mandatory regulations is a crucial step toward tackling global childhood and adolescent obesity and securing a healthier environment for future generations.
Pre-Eclampsia: From Etiology and Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Tools—A Review of the Literature
Authors: Tabacco Sara , Ambrosii Silvia , Polsinelli Valentina , Fantasia Ilaria , D’Alfonso Angela , Ludovisi Manuela , Cecconi Sandra , Guido Maurizio
Published: July 2023

Pre-eclampsia is a severe pregnancy-related complication that manifests as a syndrome with multisystem involvement and damage. It has significantly grown in frequency during the past 30 years and could be considered as one of the major causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. However, the specific etiology and molecular mechanisms of pre-eclampsia are still poorly known and could have a variety of causes, such as altered angiogenesis, inflammations, maternal infections, obesity, metabolic disorders, gestational diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Perhaps the most promising area under investigation is the imbalance of maternal angiogenic factors and its effects on vascular function, though studies in placental oxidative stress and maternal immune response have demonstrated intriguing findings. However, to determine the relative importance of each cause and the impact of actions aiming to significantly reduce the incidence of this illness, more research is needed. Moreover, it is necessary to better understand the etiologies of each subtype of pre-eclampsia as well as the pathophysiology of other major obstetrical syndromes to identify a clinical tool able to recognize patients at risk of pre-eclampsia early.
Climate Anxiety and Mental Health in Germany
Authors: Hajek André , König Hans-Helmut
Published: July 2023

Our aim was to investigate the association between climate anxiety and mental health in a general adult population. Cross-sectional data of the general adult population were used (n = 3091 individuals aged 18 to 74 years; March 2022). The Climate Anxiety Scale was used to assess climate anxiety. Probable depression was quantified using the PHQ-9, and the GAD-7 was used to assess probable anxiety. Adjusted for sex, age, marital status, having children in the household, highest level of school education, employment situation, smoking behavior, alcohol intake, frequency of sports activities, chronic illnesses and self-rated health and coronavirus anxiety, multiple logistic regressions showed that a higher climate anxiety was associated with a higher likelihood of probable depression (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.25–1.50). Moreover, regressions showed that a higher climate anxiety was associated with a higher likelihood of probable anxiety (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.15–1.40). In conclusion, our study demonstrated an association between climate anxiety and mental health in Germany. Further research (e.g., based on longitudinal data) is required to confirm our study’s findings.
Non-Invasive Diagnostics of Male Spermatogenesis from Seminal Plasma: Seminal Proteins
Authors: Ješeta Michal , Pospíšilová Anna , Mekiňová Lenka , Franzová Kateřina , Ventruba Pavel , Lousová Eva , Kempisty Bartosz , Oždian Tomáš , Žáková Jana , Crha Igor
Published: July 2023

The compounds of seminal plasma have great potential as biomarkers of male fertility and can be used as a diagnostic tool for types of azoospermia. Azoospermia occurs in approximately 1% of the male population, and for an effective therapy of this form of male infertility, it is important to distinguish between obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia. Proteins in seminal plasma can serve as biomarkers for diagnosing azoospermia. Considering the various types of obstructions, a combination of multiple proteins is advisable for diagnostic purposes. In this context, testicular and epididymal proteins are particularly significant, as they are specific to these tissues and typically absent in ejaculate during most obstructions. A combination of multiple biomarkers is more effective than the analysis of a single protein. This group of markers contains TEX101 and ECM1 proteins, combined detections of these two bring a diagnostic output with a high sensitivity and specificity. Similar results were observed for combined detection of TEX101 and SPAG1. The effective using of specific biomarkers from seminal plasma can significantly improve the existing approaches to diagnosis of the causes of male infertility.
Early Diagnosis and Classification of Fetal Health Status from a Fetal Cardiotocography Dataset Using Ensemble Learning
Authors: Kuzu Adem , Santur Yunus
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 6.3 million intrauterine fetal deaths occur every year. The most common method of diagnosing perinatal death and taking early precautions for maternal and fetal health is a nonstress test (NST). Data on the fetal heart rate and uterus contractions from an NST device are interpreted based on a trace printer’s output, allowing for a diagnosis of fetal health to be made by an expert. (2) Methods: in this study, a predictive method based on ensemble learning is proposed for the classification of fetal health (normal, suspicious, pathology) using a cardiotocography dataset of fetal movements and fetal heart rate acceleration from NST tests. (3) Results: the proposed predictor achieved an accuracy level above 99.5% on the test dataset. (4) Conclusions: from the experimental results, it was observed that a fetal health diagnosis can be made during NST using machine learning.
Characteristics of Rare Inherited Retinal Dystrophies in Adaptive Optics—A Study on 53 Eyes
Authors: Samelska Katarzyna , Szaflik Jacek Paweł , Guszkowska Maria , Kurowska Anna Katarzyna , Zaleska-Żmijewska Anna
Published: July 2023

Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are genetic disorders that lead to the bilateral degeneration of the retina, causing irreversible vision loss. These conditions often manifest during the first and second decades of life, and their primary symptoms can be non-specific. Diagnostic processes encompass assessments of best-corrected visual acuity, fundoscopy, optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography, electrophysiological tests, and genetic testing. This study focuses on the application of adaptive optics (AO), a non-invasive retinal examination, for the assessment of patients with IRDs. AO facilitates the high-quality, detailed observation of retinal photoreceptor structures (cones and rods) and enables the quantitative analysis of parameters such as cone density (DM), cone spacing (SM), cone regularity (REG), and Voronoi analysis (N%6). AO examinations were conducted on eyes diagnosed with Stargardt disease (STGD, N=36), cone dystrophy (CD, N=9), and cone-rod dystrophy (CRD, N=8), and on healthy eyes (N=14). There were significant differences in the DM, SM, REG, and N%6 parameters between the healthy and IRD-affected eyes (p<0.001 for DM, SM, and REG; p=0.008 for N%6). The mean DM in the CD, CRD, and STGD groups was 8900.39/mm2, 9296.32/mm2, and 16,209.66/mm2, respectively, with a significant inter-group difference (p=0.006). The mean SM in the CD, CRD, and STGD groups was 12.37 μm, 14.82 μm, and 9.65 μm, respectively, with a significant difference observed between groups (p=0.002). However, no significant difference was found in REG and N%6 among the CD, CRD, and STGD groups. Significant differences were found in SM and DM between CD and STGD (p=0.014 for SM; p=0.003 for DM) and between CRD and STGD (p=0.027 for SM; p=0.003 for DM). Our findings suggest that AO holds significant potential as an impactful diagnostic tool for IRDs.
Myocardial Infarction in Young Athletes
Authors: Dotka Mariusz , Małek Łukasz A.
Published: July 2023

Myocardial infarction (MI) in young athletes is very rare but can have serious consequences, including sudden cardiac death (SCD), an increased proarrhythmic burden in future life, and/or heart failure. We present two cases of young athletes with MI. They did not have previous symptoms, traditional risk factors, or a family history of MI. One case involves a 37-year-old male amateur athlete who experienced two MI following intense physical exertion, likely due to the erosion of an insignificant atherosclerotic plaque caused by a sudden increase in blood pressure during exercise. The second case describes a 36-year-old male semi-professional runner who collapsed at the finish line of a half-marathon and was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The heart’s oxygen demand–supply mismatch during intensive exercise led to MI. Following the case presentation, we discuss the most common causes of MI in young athletes and their mechanisms, including spontaneous coronary artery dissection, chest trauma, abnormalities of the coronary arteries, coronary artery spasm, plaque erosion, hypercoagulability, left ventricular hypertrophy, and anabolic steroids use.
Cytokine Gene Expression Profiles during HIV and Helminth Coinfection in Underprivileged Peri-Urban South African Adults
Authors: Mpaka-Mbatha Miranda N. , Naidoo Pragalathan , Bhengu Khethiwe N. , Islam Md. Mazharul , Singh Ravesh , Nembe-Mafa Nomzamo , Mkhize-Kwitshana Zilungile L.
Published: July 2023

Background: Intestinal helminth parasites are potent stimulators of T helper type 2 (Th2) and regulatory Th3 anti-inflammatory immune responses, while human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are activators of predominantly T helper type 1(Th1) pro-inflammatory responses. Studies investigating the immune profiles of individuals coinfected with helminths and HIV are scarce. Although it is well known that helminths cause a type 2 immune response during the chronic stage of infection that is characterised by Th2 cell differentiation, eosinophil recruitment, and alternative macrophage activation, the immune mechanisms that regulate tissue damage at the time of parasite invasion are poorly understood. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the cytokine gene expression profiles during HIV and helminth coinfection in underprivileged South African adults living in a peri-urban area with poor sanitary conditions and a lack of clean water supply. Method: Study participants (n = 164) were subdivided into uninfected controls, HIV-infected, helminth-infected, and HIV and helminth-coinfected groups. The Kato–Katz and Mini Parasep techniques and Ascaris lumbricoides-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) levels were used to detect helminth infections. Participants’ HIV status was determined using two HIV1/2 antibody test kits. RNA was isolated from white blood cells for cytokine (Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-related) and transcription factor gene expression profiling using real-time PCR. Results: Multivariate regression data were adjusted for age, gender, BMI, antiretroviral treatment (ART), and nutritional supplement intake. The HIV and helminth-coinfected group had significantly higher tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (adjusted β = 0.53, p = 0.036), interleukin 2 (IL-2) (adjusted β = 6.48, p = 0.008), and interleukin 17 (IL-17) (adjusted β = 1.16, p = 0.001) levels and lower GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3) levels (adjusted β = −0.77, p = 0.018) compared to the uninfected controls. No statistical significance was noted for Th2-related cytokines. Conclusion: The coinfected group had higher proinflammatory Th1- and Th17-related cytokine gene expression profiles compared to the uninfected controls. The findings suggest that pro-inflammatory responses are elevated during coinfection, which supports the hypothesis that helminths have a deleterious effect on HIV immune responses.
Comparative Analysis of Nonlinear Programming Solvers: Performance Evaluation, Benchmarking, and Multi-UAV Optimal Path Planning
Authors: Lavezzi Giovanni , Guye Kidus , Cichella Venanzio , Ciarcià Marco
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we propose a set of guidelines to select a solver for the solution of nonlinear programming problems. We conduct a comparative analysis of the convergence performances of commonly used solvers for both unconstrained and constrained nonlinear programming problems. The comparison metrics involve accuracy, convergence rate, and computational time. MATLAB is chosen as the implementation platform due to its widespread adoption in academia and industry. Our study includes solvers which are either freely available or require a license, or are extensively documented in the literature. Moreover, we differentiate solvers if they allow the selection of different optimal search methods. We assess the performance of 24 algorithms on a set of 60 benchmark problems. We also evaluate the capability of each solver to tackle two large-scale UAV optimal path planning scenarios, specifically the 3D minimum time problem for UAV landing and the 3D minimum time problem for UAV formation flying. To enrich our analysis, we discuss the effects of each solver’s inner settings on accuracy, convergence rate, and computational time.
Statistical Connections between Large-Scale Climate Indices and Observed Mean and Extreme Temperatures in the US from 1948 to 2018
Authors: Giovannettone Jason
Published: July 2023

In order to better understand the extent to which global climate variability is linked to the frequency and intensity of heat waves and overall changes in temperature throughout the United States (US), correlations between long-term monthly mean, minimum, and maximum temperatures throughout the contiguous US on the one hand and low-frequency variability of multiple climate indices (CIs) on the other hand are analyzed for the period from 1948 to 2018. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient is used to assess correlation strength, while leave-one-out cross-validation and a bootstrapping technique (p-value) are used to address potential serial and spurious correlations and assess the significance of each correlation. Three parameters defined the sliding windows over which surface temperature and CI values were averaged: window size, lag time between the temperature and CI windows, and the beginning month of the temperature window. A 60-month sliding window size and 0 lag time resulted in the highest correlations overall; beginning months were optimized on an individual site basis. High (r ≥ 0.60) and significant (p-value ≤ 0.05) correlations were identified. The Western Hemisphere Warm Pool (WHWP) and El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) exhibited the strongest links to temperatures in the western US, tropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures to temperatures in the central US, the WHWP to temperatures throughout much of the eastern US, and atmospheric patterns over the northern Atlantic to temperatures in the Northeast and Southeast. The final results were compared to results from previous studies focused on precipitation and coastal sea levels. Regional consistency was found regarding links between the northern Atlantic and overall weather and coastal sea levels in the Northeast and Southeast as well as on weather in the upper Midwest. Though the MJO and WHWP revealed dominant links with precipitation and temperature, respectively, throughout the West, ENSO revealed consistent links to sea levels and surface temperatures along the West Coast. These results help to focus future research on specific mechanisms of large-scale climate variability linked to US regional climate variability and prediction potential.
Low-Power Pass-Transistor Logic-Based Full Adder and 8-Bit Multiplier
Authors: Yin Ningyuan , Pan Wanyuan , Yu Yihe , Tang Chengcheng , Yu Zhiyi
Published: July 2023

With the rapid development of information technology, the demand for high-speed and low-power technology for digital signal processing is increasing. Full adders and multipliers are the basic components of signal processing technology. Pass-transistor logic is a promising method for implementing full adder and multiplier circuits due to the low count of transistors and low-power characteristics. In this paper, we present a novel full adder based on pass transistors. The proposed full adder consists of 18 transistors. The post-layout simulation shows a 13.78% of power reduction compared to conventional CMOS full adders. Moreover, we propose an 8-bit signed multiplier based on the proposed full adder. The post-layout simulation shows an 8% power reduction compared to the multiplier produced by the Design Compiler synthesis tool. Compared to the existing work with a similar process, our work achieved only 19.02% of the power-delay product and 3.5% of the area-power product.
Insu-YOLO: An Insulator Defect Detection Algorithm Based on Multiscale Feature Fusion
Authors: Chen Yifu , Liu Hongye , Chen Jiahao , Hu Jianhong , Zheng Enhui
Published: July 2023

To keep the balance of precision and speed of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in detecting insulator defects during power inspection, an improved insulator defect identification algorithm, Insu-YOLO, which is based on the latest YOLOv8 network, is proposed in this paper. Firstly, to lower the computational complexity of the network, the GSConv module is introduced in the backbone and neck network. In the neck network, a lightweight content-aware reassembly of features (CARAFE) structure is adopted to better utilize the feature information for upsampling, which enhances the feature fusion capability of Insu-YOLO. Additionally, Insu-YOLO enhances the fusion between shallow and deep feature maps by adding an extra object detection layer, thereby increasing the accuracy for detecting small targets. The experimental results indicate that the mean average precision of Insu-YOLO reaches 95.9%, which is 3.95% higher than the YOLOv8n baseline model, with a memory usage of 9.2 MB. Moreover, the detection speed of Insu-YOLO is 87 frames/s which achieves the purpose of real-time identification of insulator defects.
Improvement of DBSCAN Algorithm Based on K-Dist Graph for Adaptive Determining Parameters
Authors: Yin Lifeng , Hu Hongtao , Li Kunpeng , Zheng Guanghai , Qu Yingwei , Chen Huayue
Published: July 2023

For the shortcomings of an unstable clustering effect and low accuracy caused by the manual setting of the two parameters Eps and MinPts of the DBSCAN (density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise) algorithm, this paper proposes an adaptive determination method for DBSCAN algorithm parameters based on the K-dist graph, noted as X-DBSCAN. The algorithm uses the least squares polynomial curve fitting method to fit the curve in the K-dist graph to generate a list of candidate Eps parameters and uses the mathematical expectation method and noise reduction threshold to generate the corresponding MinPts parameter list. According to the clustering results of each group of parameters in the Eps and MinPts parameter lists, a stable range of cluster number changes is found, and the MinPts and Eps corresponding to the maximum K value in the stable range are selected as the optimal algorithm parameters. The optimality of this parameter was verified using silhouette coefficients. A variety of experiments were designed from multiple angles on the artificial dataset and the UCI real dataset. The experimental results show that the clustering accuracy of X-DBSCAN was 21.83% and 15.52% higher than that of DBSCAN on the artificial and real datasets, respectively. The X-DBSCAN algorithm was also superior to other algorithms through comprehensive evaluation and analysis of various clustering indicators. In addition, experiments on four synthetic Gaussian datasets of different dimensions showed that the average clustering indices of the proposed algorithm were above 0.999. The X-DBSCAN algorithm can select parameters adaptively in combination with the characteristics of the dataset; the clustering effect is better, and clustering process automation is realized.
CUDA-Optimized GPU Acceleration of 3GPP 3D Channel Model Simulations for 5G Network Planning
Authors: Shah Nasir Ali , Lazarescu Mihai T. , Quasso Roberto , Lavagno Luciano
Published: July 2023

The simulation of massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel models is becoming increasingly important for testing and validation of fifth-generation new radio (5G NR) wireless networks and beyond. However, simulation performance tends to be limited when modeling a large number of antenna elements combined with a complex and realistic representation of propagation conditions. In this paper, we propose an efficient implementation of a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) three-dimensional (3D) channel model, specifically designed for graphics processing unit (GPU) platforms, with the goal of minimizing the computational time required for channel simulation. The channel model is highly parameterized to encompass a wide range of configurations required for real-world optimized 5G NR network deployments. We use several compute unified device architecture (CUDA)-based optimization techniques to exploit the parallelism and memory hierarchy of the GPU. Experimental data show that the developed system achieves an overall speedup of about 240× compared to the original C++ model executed on an Intel processor. Compared to a design previously accelerated on a datacenter-class field programmable gate array (FPGA), the GPU design has a 33.3% higher single-precision performance but a 7.5% higher power consumption. The proposed GPU accelerator can provide fast and accurate channel simulations for 5G NR network planning and optimization.
A Self-Triggered Digitally Assisted Hybrid LDO with 110 ns Settling Time in 65 nm CMOS
Authors: Jin Zhenbo , Kim Gwangsub , Baek Donghyun
Published: July 2023

This article presents a self-triggered digitally assisted hybrid low-dropout regulator (LDO). The proposed architecture uses an analog LDO for steady-state operation and a digital LDO to track large output current changes. The dual loop has a loop controller for coherent operation, and the digital loop is only triggered when there is a large load step. Therefore, the proposed LDO inherits some of the advantages of both parts. It achieves a high power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) from the analog part. The digital loop has a faster settling time and consumes less static power than the analog loop. In this design, the maximum load is 200 mA. For heavy load conditions, PSRR is −40 dB at 1 MHz. The quiescent current is 200 μA. The undershoot/overshoot with the corresponding settling time measured under a load current step of 200 mA/10 ns are 82 mV/89 ns and 112 mV/110 ns, respectively. The proposed LDO achieves a competitive 4.48 ps figure of merit. In the TSMC 65 nm process, the active area is approximately 0.027 mm2.