bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Assessment and Retrofitting of Cultural Heritage—A Case Study of a Residential Building in Glina
Authors: Ožić Karlo , Markić Ivan , Moretić Antonela , Lulić Luka
Published: July 2023

The focus of the study is on the renovation of a specific case study, which is a 19th century building under cultural heritage protection. It highlights the particular challenges faced by civil engineers in the structural renovation of buildings that are under heritage protection. Preserving the identity of these buildings limits the available methods for strengthening their seismic capacity. At the beginning, information about the seismic activity and the different post-earthquake evaluation procedures are presented to identify the damage and take appropriate further steps. Then, basic information about the building is given and supported by graphic attachments. In the following, the methods and materials are explained, focusing on in situ testing with the semi-destructive flat-jack method and the analysis of the structure with the nonlinear method implemented in the software. Subsequently, the obtained results are presented and discussed, accompanied by graphics. An approach for strengthening the structure is presented, which includes a combination of traditional methods and innovative solutions suitable for the preservation of cultural heritage. The discussion and conclusions emphasize the importance of assessing and retrofitting existing masonry structures due to their vulnerability, especially in earthquake-prone areas. Finally, this article also provides insights into the local context, cultural significance, and historical background of the building, along with the specific retrofitting solutions employed to address its unique requirements.
Setting up In2O3-ZrO2/SAPO-34 Catalyst for Improving Olefin Production via Hydrogenation of CO2/CO Mixtures
Authors: Portillo Ander , Parra Onintze , Aguayo Andrés T. , Ereña Javier , Bilbao Javier , Ateka Ainara
Published: July 2023

The adequate configuration and the effect of the reduction was studied for the In2O3-ZrO2/SAPO-34 catalyst with the aim of improving its performance (activity and selectivity in the pseudo-steady state) for the hydrogenation of CO, CO2 and CO2/CO (COx) mixtures into olefins. The experiments were carried out in a packed bed reactor at 400 °C; 30 bar; a H2/COx ratio of 3; CO2/COx ratios of 0, 0.5 and 1; a space time (referred to as In2O3-ZrO2 catalyst mass) of 3.35 gInZr h molC−1; and a time on stream up to 24 h. The mixture of individual catalyst particles, with an SAPO-34 to In2O3-ZrO2 mass ratio of 1/2, led to a better performance than hybrid catalysts prepared via pelletizing and better than the arrangement of individual catalysts in a dual bed. The deactivation of the catalyst using coke deposition and the remnant activity in the pseudo-steady state of the catalyst were dependent on the CO2 content in the feed since the synergy of the capabilities of the SAPO-34 catalyst to form coke and of the In2O3-ZrO2 catalyst to hydrogenate its precursors were affected. The partial reduction of the In2O3-ZrO2/SAPO-34 catalyst (corresponding to a superficial In0/In2O3 ratio of 0.04) improved its performance over the untreated and fully reduced catalyst in the hydrogenation of CO to olefins, but barely affected CO2/CO mixtures’ hydrogenation.
Therapeutic Effects and Underlying Mechanism of SOCS-com Gene-Transfected ADMSCs in Pressure Ulcer Mouse Models
Authors: Eom Youngsic , Eom So Young , Lee Jeonghwa , Hwang Saeyeon , Won Jihee , Kim Hyunsoo , Chung Seok , Kim Hye Joung , Lee Mi-Young
Published: July 2023

Although the proportion of ulcer patients with medical problems among the elderly has increased with the extension of human life expectancy, treatment efficiency is drastically low, incurring substantial social costs. MSCs have independent regeneration potential, making them useful in clinical trials of difficult-to-treat diseases. In particular, ADMSCs are promising in the stem cell therapy industry as they can be obtained in vast amounts using non-invasive methods. Furthermore, studies are underway to enhance the regeneration potential of ADMSCs using cytokines, growth factors, and gene delivery to generate highly functional ADMSCs. In this study, key regulators of wound healing, SOCS-1, -3, and -5, were combined to maximize the regenerative potential of ADMSCs in pressure ulcer treatments. After transfecting SOCS-1, -3, -5, and SOCS-com into ADMSCs using a non-viral method, the expression of the inflammatory factors TNF-alpha, INF-gamma, and IL-10 was confirmed. ADMSCs transfected with SOCS-com showed decreased overall expression of inflammatory factors and increased expression of anti-inflammatory factors. Based on these results, we implanted ADMSCs transfected with SOCS-com into a pressure ulcer mouse model to observe their subsequent wound-healing effects. Notably, SOCS-com improved wound closure in ulcers, and reconstruction of the epidermis and dermis was observed. The healing mechanism of ADMSCs transfected with SOCS-com was examined by RNA sequencing. Gene analysis results confirmed that expression changes occurred in genes of key regulators of wound healing, such as chemokines, MMP-1, 9, CSF-2, and IL-33, and that such genetic changes enhanced wound healing in ulcers. Based on these results, we demonstrate the potential of ADMSCs transfected with SOCS-com as an ulcer treatment tool.
Targeting Extracellular RNA Mitigates Hepatic Lipotoxicity and Liver Injury in NASH
Authors: Tewari Archana , Rajak Sangam , Raza Sana , Gupta Pratima , Chakravarti Bandana , Srivastava Jyotika , Chaturvedi Chandra P. , Sinha Rohit A.
Published: July 2023

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a clinically serious stage of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Histologically characterized by hepatocyte ballooning, immune cell infiltration, and fibrosis, NASH, at a molecular level, involves lipid-induced hepatocyte death and cytokine production. Currently, there are very few diagnostic biomarkers available to screen for NASH, and no pharmacological intervention is available for its treatment. In this study, we show that hepatocyte damage induced by lipotoxicity results in the release of extracellular RNAs (eRNAs), which serve as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that stimulate the expression of pro-apoptotic and pro-inflammatory cytokines, aggravate inflammation, and lead to cell death in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, the inhibition of eRNA activity by RNase 1 significantly increases cellular viability and reduces NF-kB-mediated cytokine production. Similarly, RNase 1 administration significantly improves hepatic steatosis, inflammatory and injury markers in a murine NASH model. Therefore, this study, for the first time, underscores the therapeutic potential of inhibiting eRNA action as a novel strategy for NASH treatment.
Factors Affecting the Developmental Status of Children Aged 6 Months to 2 Years in Urban and Rural Areas
Authors: Andriyani Rita , Fadlyana Eddy , Tarigan Rodman
Published: July 2023

The first two years of life, including the period from conception to 2 years of age, are very important for a child’s growth and development. This study sought to describe the developmental status and the environmental factors that influence it in children aged 6 months to 2 years in urban and rural areas. The research sites were purposively selected: specific health centres in the city of Bandung and West Bandung district were chosen and the study was conducted from November to December 2022. A cross-sectional study was conducted with healthy children aged 6 months to 2 years and their parents, who agreed to participate in the study. Researchers performed developmental tests using the Developmental Pre-screening Questionnaire with classifications for normal developmental test results and developmental delays. During the study, 346 children met the inclusion criteria, resulting in a sample of 164 (47.4%) boys and 182 (52.6%) girls. There were no significant differences among children with developmental delays in urban and rural areas. The factors that influence the possibility of developmental delays in the two research areas were the child’s age, exposure to screen time, stimulation, nutritional status, and the use of the mother–child handbook.
An Insight into Indonesia’s Challenges in Implementing Newborn Screening Programs and Their Future Implications
Authors: Octavius Gilbert Sterling , Daleni Vamela Adman , Sagala Yulita Delfia Sari
Published: July 2023

Due to high entry barriers, countries might find it daunting to implement the NBS program, especially those just trying to start it. This review aims to discuss Indonesia’s barriers that hinder newborn screening (NBS) implementation while discussing the future implications. Literature in Pubmed and Google Scholar was scoured with keywords such as “Newborn Screening”, “Neonatal Screening”, “Indonesia”, “Asia Pacific”, “Barriers”, and “Challenges”. We also searched for relevant references in those published articles. Grey literature, such as state regulations, informative webinars on the topics by experts regarding current situations, and press releases by the Indonesian Minister of Health (MoH), was also searched. Newborn screening is no longer considered just a laboratory test but an array of well-harmonized systems that must be orchestrated well. Some of the barriers Indonesia faces in implementing NBS are a lack of prevalence data, ethical issues, infrastructure, cost-benefit analysis, logistical issues, government support, patient issues, a lack of commitments, and a lack of healthcare workers, specialization, and training. Government support with professional advocates and support groups, proper infrastructure, and a single-payer system for NBS programs are necessary to accelerate NBS programs in Indonesia.
Narrative Review of the Complex Interaction between Pain and Trauma in Children: A Focus on Biological Memory, Preclinical Data, and Epigenetic Processes
Authors: Rivi Veronica , Rigillo Giovanna , Toscano Ylenia , Benatti Cristina , Blom Johanna
Published: July 2023

The incidence and collective impact of early adverse experiences, trauma, and pain continue to increase. This underscores the urgent need for translational efforts between clinical and preclinical research to better understand the underlying mechanisms and develop effective therapeutic approaches. As our understanding of these issues improves from studies in children and adolescents, we can create more precise preclinical models and ultimately translate our findings back to clinical practice. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for addressing the complex and wide-ranging effects of these experiences on individuals and society. This narrative review aims to (1) define pain and trauma experiences in childhood and adolescents, (2) discuss the relationship between pain and trauma, (3) consider the role of biological memory, (4) decipher the relationship between pain and trauma using preclinical data, and (5) examine the role of the environment by introducing the importance of epigenetic processes. The ultimate scope is to better understand the wide-ranging effects of trauma, abuse, and chronic pain on children and adolescents, how they occur, and how to prevent or mitigate their effects and develop effective treatment strategies that address both the underlying causes and the associated physiological and psychological effects.
Treatment Provided in Children and Adolescents with Functional Seizures—A Danish Nationwide Cohort
Authors: Sørensen Nana Brandborg , Nielsen René Ernst , Christensen Ann-Eva , Kjeldsen Mikkel Kristian , Rask Charlotte Ulrikka , Christensen Jakob , Hansen Anne Sofie
Published: July 2023

Background: Functional seizures (FS) are episodes of paroxysmal involuntary movements and altered consciousness without the typical changes in the electroencephalography as with epilepsy. A multidisciplinary approach is the golden standard in the treatment of FS. This study examined the cross-sectoral collaboration and treatment modalities provided to children and adolescents after a diagnosis of FS. Method: A Danish nationwide cohort, consisting of 334 children and adolescents, aged 5–17 years, with a validated diagnosis of FS during the period 2004–2014 was studied. Medical record data were collected from diagnosing hospital departments. Management and treatment modalities from the time of diagnosis up to three months after diagnosis were explored. Results: The most used treatment modalities were psychoeducation (n = 289, 86.5%) and follow-up in outpatient care (n = 192, 70.6%). A cross-sectoral collaboration was initiated for a third of cases (n = 98, 29.3%). The most commonly provided treatment combination consisted of psychoeducation, follow-up in outpatient care and psychotherapy; however, only a few patients received this specific combination (n = 14, 4.2%). Conclusions: The treatment applied was individualized and consisted of varying use of treatment modalities. Initiatives to curate clinical guidelines and implement a multidisciplinary treatment approach should be further explored to improve treatment for this young group of patients.
Comparative Analysis of Skeletal Changes, Occlusal Changes, and Palatal Morphology in Children with Mild Class III Malocclusion Treated with Elastodontic Appliances and Bimaxillary Plates
Authors: Ronsivalle Vincenzo , Quinzi Vincenzo , La Rosa Salvatore , Leonardi Rosalia , Lo Giudice Antonino
Published: July 2023

Background: The aim of the present study was to compare the changes observed in children after the early treatment of mild class III malocclusion using bimaxillary removable plates supported by class III elastics and elastodontic devices. Methods: Twenty children (mean age 7.6 ± 1.1 years) with signs of class III malocclusion were treated using by-maxillary plates (PG group) with class III elastics (10 subjects = mean age 7.9 ± 1.3 years) or using class III elastodontic devices (EG group) (10 subjects = mean age 7.4 ± 0.8 years). Digital models and lateral cephalograms were obtained before treatment (T0) and at the end of treatment (T1). The digital models were analyzed to assess occlusal changes and maxillary morphology using the surface-to-surface matching technique. Changes in cephalometric parameters were also analyzed. The data outcomes were statistically analyzed using the paired Student’s t test for inter-timing assessments and the independent Student’s t test for inter-group assessments. Results: Both groups showed correction of class III malocclusions, with a significant increase in the ANB angle and the overjet (p < 0.05). Subjects in the PG group exhibited a greater reduction in the inter-incisal angle compared to the EG group (p < 0.05). The children in the EG group had a significantly lower percentage of palatal morphology matching between T0 and T1 compared to the PG group (p < 0.05), suggesting greater morphological changes in the palate. Conclusions: Elastodontic appliances (EAs) and bi-maxillary plates successfully correct class III malocclusions in children. However, elastodontic devices significantly improved the morphology of the palate, both in the transverse and anteroposterior directions.
Association of the rs17782313, rs17773430 and rs34114122 Polymorphisms of/near MC4R Gene with Obesity-Related Biomarkers in a Spanish Pediatric Cohort
Authors: Carrasco-Luna Joaquín , Navarro-Solera María , Gombert Marie , Martín-Carbonell Vanessa , Carrasco-García Álvaro , Del Castillo-Villaescusa Cristina , García-Pérez Miguel Ángel , Codoñer-Franch Pilar
Published: July 2023

Obesity is a multifactorial disease whose onset and development are shaped by the individual genetic background. The melanocortin 4 receptor gene (MC4R) is involved in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. Some of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of this gene are related to obesity and metabolic risk factors. The present study was undertaken to assess the relationship between three polymorphism SNPs, namely, rs17782313, rs17773430 and rs34114122, and obesity and metabolic risk factors. One hundred seventy-eight children with obesity aged between 7 and 16 years were studied to determine anthropometric variables and biochemical and inflammatory parameters. Our results highlight that metabolic risk factors, especially alterations in carbohydrate metabolism, were related to rs17782313. The presence of the minor C allele in the three variants (C–C–C) was significantly associated with anthropometric measures indicative of obesity, such as the body mass and fat mass indexes, and increased the values of insulinemia to 21.91 µIU/mL with respect to the wild type values. Our study suggests that the C–C–C haplotype of the SNPs rs17782313, rs17773430 and rs34114122 of the MC4R gene potentiates metabolic risk factors at early ages in children with obesity.
The Perception of Workplace Safety and of Risk of Contagion among Preschool Teachers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bacci Giulia , Converso Daniela , Sottimano Ilaria , Martini Mara
Published: July 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on early childhood educational contexts and on educators’ working conditions. This study aims to examine the change over time in personal contribution to workplace safety and perception of risk of infection among preschool teachers after returning to in-person work during the third wave of the pandemic (spring 2021). Teachers’ perceptions of workplace safety can influence their quality of work-life and, as a consequence, the quality of service offered to children. Data were collected using two questionnaires: at T0 (January) and at T1 (May). The results showed relations between organizational and personal actions to manage risk and fear of infection at work. Concern about COVID-19 contagion decreased over time (t = 5.53, p = 0.000) and perceptions of personal contribution to workplace safety related to COVID-19 improved: t = −2.18 p = 0.031. The decrease in these concerns illustrates how perceptions of ability to manage contagion and protect workplace safety of preschool teachers improved over time, despite the stability of the pandemic context in the first half of 2021. After the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study gives an account of some good practices and their perceived effectiveness in terms of safety for childhood educational contexts.
Study on the Sustainable Detection of Machining Surface Defects under the Influence of Environmental Interference
Authors: Chen Wei , Zou Bin , Zheng Qinbing , Sun Hewu , Huang Chuanzhen , Li Lei , Liu Jikai
Published: July 2023

When detecting surface defects in the industrial cutting environment, the defects are easily contaminated and covered by many interference factors (such as chips and coolant residue) that exist on the machined surface. These interfering factors hinder the sustainable detection of surface defects. Furthermore, addressing the challenge of detecting surface defects in the presence of interference factors has proven to be a difficult problem in the current detection field. To solve this problem, a sustainable detection method for surface defects is proposed. The method is divided into two steps: one is the identification and removal of interference factors; the other is the detection of surface defects. First, a new FPN-DepResUnet model is constructed by modifying the Unet model from three aspects. The FPN-DepResUnet model is used to identify the interference factors in the image. Compared to the Unet model, the MAP of the FPN-DepResUnet model is increased by 5.77%, reaching 94.82%. The interfering factors are then removed using the RFR-net model. The RFR-net model performs point-to-point repair of interference regions. The repair process is performed by finding high-quality pixels similar to the interference region from the rest of the image. The negative effects of the interfering factors are removed by combining the FPN-DepResUnet model with the RFR-net model. On this basis, the SAM-Mask RCNN model is proposed for efficient defect detection of clean surface images. Compared with the Mask RCNN model, the MAP of the proposed SAM-Mask RCNN model increased by 2.00%, reaching 94.62%. Further, the inspection results can be fed back with a variety of surface defect information including defect types, the number of pixels in the different defect regions, and the proportion of different defect regions in the entire image. This enables predictive maintenance and control of the machined surface quality during machining.
Production of Al–Mn/WC Composite Coatings with Electrodeposition in AlCl3–NaCl–KCl–MnCl2 Molten Salts
Authors: Qi Wenjuan , Ding Desheng , Luo Weijie , Jin Weiliang , Kou Qian , Ge Chuntao , Xiao Saijun
Published: July 2023

The hardness and wear resistance of amorphous Al–Mn alloy coatings can be improved by incorporating ceramic particles into them to extend their application. In this paper, Al–Mn/WC composite coatings have been prepared with electrodeposition in stirred AlCl3–NaCl–KCl–MnCl2 molten salts at 180 °C with the addition of WC particles. The effects of stirring speed (400–700 rpm) and cathode current density (15–75 mA/cm2) on the produced Al–Mn/WC composite coatings have been studied. At 600 rpm and 700 rpm, the Al–Mn/WC composite coatings exhibited the best uniform distribution of the embedded WC particles, with the tested microhardness value up to 650 HV0.1, compared with 530 HV0.1 of the Al–Mn alloy. Moreover, under various cathode current densities, the best quality of the Al–Mn/WC composite coating was obtained at 55 mA/cm2, with a homogeneous distribution of WC particles and the highest microhardness value (670 HV0.1). It is expected that this method could be extended to be applied for the preparation of aluminum-based and magnesium-based ceramic composite coatings.
The Effect of Acyl Chain Position on the 2D Monolayer Formation of Monoacyl-sn-Glycerol at the Air/Water Interface: Quantum Chemical Modeling
Authors: Kartashynska Elena S.
Published: July 2023

This paper deals with the results of quantum chemical modeling of the monoacyl-sn-glycerol 2D cluster formation at the air/water interface using a semi-empirical PM3 method. The impact of the 2 or 3 positions of the acyl substituent on the thermodynamics of the monolayer formation is assessed for surfactants with an acyl substituent CnH2n+1COO chain length of n = 6–17 carbon atoms. The calculation shows a significant change in the spontaneous clusterization threshold for isomeric compounds, which differs only in the position of the acyl substituent with respect to the glycerol backbone. This change is almost equal to substituent shortening by approximately two methylene fragments. At the same time, the geometric parameters of the unit cell for resulting monolayers are not affected so drastically. The 2D films in question possess an oblique or orthorhombic unit cell with parameters for 2 and 3-monoacyl-sn-glycerol monolayers, as follows: a = 4.91 Å and 4.82 Å and b = 5.00 Å and 4.92 Å, with hydrocarbon chains tilted at t = 23.0° and 23.5°. The calculated results are in accordance with existing experimental data obtained using grazing incidence X-ray diffraction measurements and the π-A isotherm technique.
Characterising the Influence of First-Year Wheat Cultivar on Pseudomonas Selection and Function in a Take-All Infected Field
Authors: Al Zadjali Mahira , Rabiey Mojgan , McMillan Vanessa , Shaw Liz J. , Hammond-Kosack Kim , Malone Jacob G. , Mauchline Tim H. , Jackson Robert W.
Published: July 2023

Wheat, the world’s most widely cultivated crop, is highly susceptible to Take-all disease caused by the soil ascomycete fungus Gaeumannomyces tritici (Gt). Crop rotations using different wheat cultivars can influence Take-all build up (TAB) in the following year’s wheat crop. The exact mechanism for this is unknown, but there may be a bacterial biocontrol component associated with TAB control. We cultured and characterised Pseudomonas isolates from the rhizosphere and endosphere of second-year field-grown wheat, in plots which, in the previous season, had been used to culture High-TAB cultivar Hereward or Low-TAB cultivar Cadenza. Analysis of two bacterial loci, wsm and fecB, showed that these genes were significantly and differentially associated with first-year wheat-planting regime: wsm was more abundant within the High-TAB Hereward-derived isolates, while fecB was more prevalent within the Low-TAB Cadenza-derived isolates. These findings were supported by a gyrB phylogenetic analysis and an in vitro Gt antagonism assay. These data show that the wheat cultivar grown in the first year plays an especially important role in the selection of the associated Pseudomonas spp. found in the second-season wheat-root environment, emphasising the importance of understanding agronomic practice in improving plant health and food security.
Cooling Crystallization of Paracetamol in a Slug-Flow Crystallizer with Silicone Oil as Continuous Phase
Authors: Nandan Neelesh , Parambil Jose V.
Published: July 2023

Continuous tubular crystallizers that can provide high yield and better control of crystal size would be of great interest to the industrial crystallization process. However, most continuous crystallizer designs face challenges either due to surface fouling or crystal breakage. In this paper, we explore the ability of slug-flow cooling crystallizers to continuously generate acetaminophen crystals using silicone oil as the continuous phase. Each slug acts as a crystallizer, and the crystals formed inside the dispersed phase avoid encrustation. Three crystallizer configurations were studied at a wide range of supersaturation and flow rates. It was found that a narrow crystal size distribution can be achieved at high flow rates and high supersaturation. Additionally, the average crystal size and the crystallization yield increased with supersaturation and residence time. The configuration of the tubular crystallizer was found to influence the crystallization yield by affecting the internal mixing in the slugs. With further studies, slug-flow cooling crystallizer can be developed for continuous crystallization of crystals with a narrow size distribution, polymorphic purity, and good yield.
A Study on the Effects of Liquid Phase Formation Temperature and the Content of Sintering Aids on the Sintering of Silicon Nitride Ceramics
Authors: He Li , Huang Niansheng , Lu Donglin , Sheng Pengfei , Zou Wenjing
Published: July 2023

Due to its high bonding energy and low self-diffusion coefficient, silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramics cannot form a dense structure with prolonged high-temperature insulation or by raising the sintering temperature. To improve the density of the sintered Si3N4 ceramics, additives are added to promote the rearrangement–dissolution–precipitation process of the crystal grains. However, the liquid phase formation temperature of different sintering aid chemical compositions varies, making it challenging to isolate the mechanism and the effect of liquid phase formation temperatures on sintering. Hence, we developed three sintering aids, namely Y2O3-Al2O3 (YA), Y2Si2O7 (Y2S), and Y2Si2O7-Al6Si2O13 (Y2SM), with homologous elements and different liquid phase formation temperatures. These sintering aids can form a liquid phase with SiO2 on the surface of Si3N4 at varying temperatures. We analyzed the sintered Si3N4 ceramic’s density, volume shrinkage rate, and microstructure to verify the YA’s lower liquid phase formation temperature effect, providing more rearrangement time and increasing sintering density. Conversely, sintering aids with too low liquid phase formation temperatures are more prone to volatilize during high-temperature sintering stages, thereby reducing sintering density. This research found that different liquid phase formation temperatures do not affect the α→β phase transition temperature of Si3N4 ceramics. We also evaluated the Y2S sintering aid contents’ effect on Si3N4 ceramics sintering. The results revealed that aiding sintering with too little Y2S content is insufficient for liquid phase production, and hence does not improve sintering density. Conversely, excessive liquid phase can improve density and refine grain size but increases weight loss rate during sintering due to volatilization.
Appendiceal Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma: An Atypical Cause of Acute Appendicitis—A Case Study and Review of Current Knowledge
Authors: Andjelkovic Branko , Stojanovic Bojan , Stojanovic Milica Dimitrijevic , Milosevic Bojan , Cvetkovic Aleksandar , Spasic Marko , Jakovljevic Stefan , Cvetkovic Danijela , Stojanovic Bojana S. , Milosev Danijela , Mitrovic Minja , Stankovic Vesna
Published: July 2023

Appendiceal signet ring cell carcinoma (ASRCC) is a rare and aggressive form of appendiceal cancer, often presenting with nonspecific symptoms that overlap with acute appendicitis. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for improving patient outcomes in these rare malignancies. This case report and literature review aims to raise awareness among clinicians about ASRCC of the appendix as a cause of acute appendicitis and highlight the importance of considering this diagnosis in patients with atypical presentations or unexpected histopathological findings. We present a 65-year-old female patient with ASRCC who underwent successful surgical treatment and remains disease-free at the one-year follow-up. It also highlights the necessity of early detection and appropriate treatment in order to improve patient outcomes. In addition, a comprehensive literature review is provided, discussing the clinical presentation, histopathological characteristics, potential pathogenesis, treatment options, and prognosis of ASRCC.
Loss of Blink Regularity and Its Impact on Ocular Surface Exposure
Authors: Cardona Genis , Argilés Marc , Pérez-Cabré Elisabet
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: Changes in blink parameters have been found to influence ocular surface exposure, eliciting symptoms of dry eye and ocular signs. The aim of the study was to highlight the relevance of including blink regularity as a new parameter to fully characterize blinking; (2) Methods: A novel characterization of blink parameters is described, including spontaneous eyeblink rate (SEBR), percentage of incomplete blinks, and blink regularity. A pilot study was designed in which tear film break-up time (TFBUT), blink parameters, and the time percentage of ocular surface exposure were determined in eight subjects (52.0 ± 16.6 years, 4 females) in three experimental conditions (baseline, reading a hard-copy text, and reading from an electronic display). Blink parameters were monitored through asynchronous image analysis of one minute video segments; (3) Results: All blink parameters were influenced by experimental conditions. A trend was observed in which both reading tasks resulted in an increase in ocular surface exposure, mainly related to a combination of reduced SEBR, increased percentage of incomplete blinks, and loss of blink regularity; (4) Conclusions: A complete characterization of blink parameters is relevant to better understand ocular dryness related to surface exposure and to advice patients towards a reeducation of their blinking habits.
Pentraxin-3 and Other Inflammatory Markers for an Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcer Diagnosis: A Prospective Study
Authors: Ardelean Andrei , Balta Diana-Federica , Neamtu Carmen , Neamtu Adriana Andreea , Rosu Mihai , Pilat Luminita , Moldovan Silviu , Tarta Cristi , Totolici Bogdan
Published: July 2023

Strategies have been researched and implemented to reduce the number of people with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). One problem is the accurate assessment of DFU severity, which is the main factor in resource allocation and treatment choice. The primary objective of this study was to assess pentraxin-3 as a biomarker of an infected DFU (IDFU), the limb amputation level prognosis, and patient survival. The secondary objectives were to evaluate and compare other markers, including white blood cells (WBCs), C-reactive protein (CRP), the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and procalcitonin (PCT), for identifying IDFUs. Over a period of two years, 145 patients were followed; 131 of these were analyzed for this study. Pentraxin-3 was found to be a good predictor of death (p = 0.047). A comparison between IDFUs and DFUs revealed the following differences: PCT had the highest AUROC of 0.91, sensitivity of 93.7, and specificity of 83.3%. CRP had a cutoff value of 226 mg/L, an AUROC of 0.89, a sensitivity of 95.5%, and a specificity of 83.3%. Fibrinogen had an AUROC of 0.87 at a cutoff value of 5.29 g/L, with a good sensitivity and specificity of 85% and 87%, respectively. ESR had a cutoff value of 46 mm/h, an AUROC of 85%, a sensitivity of 83.7%, and a specificity of 83.3%. Pentraxin-3 showed promising results in predicting IDFUs and DFUs, and it served as a marker for the risk of death in IDFU patients during the 6 month follow-up. Other markers, including CRP, PCT, ESR, and fibrinogen, were more effective in differentiating between IDFUs and DFUs.
Detection of Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy via Hyperspectral and Deep Learning through Ophthalmoscope Images
Authors: Fan Wen-Shuang , Nguyen Hong-Thai , Wang Ching-Yu , Liang Shih-Wun , Tsao Yu-Ming , Lin Fen-Chi , Wang Hsiang-Chen
Published: July 2023

Hydroxychloroquine, also known as quinine, is primarily utilized to manage various autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s syndrome. However, this drug has side effects, including diarrhea, blurred vision, headache, skin itching, poor appetite, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Blurred vision is caused by irreversible retinal damages and can only be mitigated by reducing hydroxychloroquine dosage or discontinuing the drug under a physician’s supervision. In this study, color fundus images were utilized to identify differences in lesions caused by hydroxychloroquine. A total of 176 color fundus images were captured from a cohort of 91 participants, comprising 25 patients diagnosed with hydroxychloroquine retinopathy and 66 individuals without any retinopathy. The mean age of the participants was 75.67 ± 7.76. Following the selection of a specific region of interest within each image, hyperspectral conversion technology was employed to obtain the spectrum of the sampled image. Spectral analysis was then conducted to discern differences between normal and hydroxychloroquine-induced lesions that are imperceptible to the human eye on the color fundus images. We implemented a deep learning model to detect lesions, leveraging four artificial neural networks (ResNet50, Inception_v3, GoogLeNet, and EfficientNet). The overall accuracy of ResNet50 reached 93% for the original images (ORIs) and 96% for the hyperspectral images (HSIs). The overall accuracy of Inception_v3 was 87% for ORIs and 91% for HSI, and that of GoogLeNet was 88% for ORIs and 91% for HSIs. Finally, EfficientNet achieved an overall accuracy of 94% for ORIs and 97% for HSIs.
The Application of Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: An Overview on Nutrition Assessment
Authors: Salinari Alessia , Machì Michele , Armas Diaz Yasmany , Cianciosi Danila , Qi Zexiu , Yang Bei , Ferreiro Cotorruelo Maria Soledad , Villar Santos Gracia , Dzul Lopez Luis Alonso , Battino Maurizio , Giampieri Francesca
Published: July 2023

In the last decade, artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-mediated technologies have undergone rapid evolution in healthcare and medicine, from apps to computer software able to analyze medical images, robotic surgery and advanced data storage system. The main aim of the present commentary is to briefly describe the evolution of AI and its applications in healthcare, particularly in nutrition and clinical biochemistry. Indeed, AI is revealing itself to be an important tool in clinical nutrition by using telematic means to self-monitor various health metrics, including blood glucose levels, body weight, heart rate, fat percentage, blood pressure, activity tracking and calorie intake trackers. In particular, the application of the most common digital technologies used in the field of nutrition as well as the employment of AI in the management of diabetes and obesity, two of the most common nutrition-related pathologies worldwide, will be presented.
Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders and Candida in Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Saraneva Orvokki , Furuholm Jussi , Hagström Jaana , Sorsa Timo , Rita Ville , Tervahartiala Taina , Välimaa Hannamari , Ruokonen Hellevi
Published: July 2023

This retrospective study addressed the role of oral potentially malignant disorders and the presence of intraepithelial Candida hyphae in the carcinogenesis of the oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma and its association with smoking, alcohol consumption, and oral inflammatory burden. The medical records of 183 subjects diagnosed with oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma at the Helsinki University Hospital were investigated. Preceding oral lichen planus, lichenoid reaction, and leukoplakia diagnosis were recorded. Further, the data on Candida hyphae in histological samples as an indicator of oral candidiasis, oral inflammatory burden, smoking, and alcohol consumption were recorded and analyzed. The histopathological diagnosis of oral lichen planus/lichenoid reaction (p < 0.001) and the presence of Candida hyphae (p = 0.005) were associated significantly with female gender. Oral lichen planus/lichenoid reaction patients were less often smokers than patients without these lesions. Candida hyphae were more often recorded in patients without alcohol use (p = 0.012). Oral lichen planus/lichenoid reaction and Candida hyphae in histological samples were associated with female gender and lower levels of typical risk factors, such as alcohol use and smoking, in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma patients. Therefore, these patients should be well monitored despite a potential lack of the classical risk factors of oral carcinoma.
A Hybrid Recommender System Based on Autoencoder and Latent Feature Analysis
Authors: Guo Shangzhi , Liao Xiaofeng , Li Gang , Xian Kaiyi , Li Yuhang , Liang Cheng
Published: July 2023

A recommender system (RS) is highly efficient in extracting valuable information from a deluge of big data. The key issue of implementing an RS lies in uncovering users’ latent preferences on different items. Latent Feature Analysis (LFA) and deep neural networks (DNNs) are two of the most popular and successful approaches to addressing this issue. However, both the LFA-based and the DNNs-based models have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Consequently, relying solely on either the LFA or DNN-based models cannot ensure optimal recommendation performance across diverse real-world application scenarios. To address this issue, this paper proposes a novel hybrid recommendation model that combines Autoencoder and LFA techniques, termed AutoLFA. The main idea of AutoLFA is two-fold: (1) It leverages an Autoencoder and an LFA model separately to construct two distinct recommendation models, each residing in a unique metric representation space with its own set of strengths; and (2) it integrates the Autoencoder and LFA model using a customized self-adaptive weighting strategy, thereby capitalizing on the merits of both approaches. To evaluate the proposed AutoLFA model, extensive experiments on five real recommendation datasets are conducted. The results demonstrate that AutoLFA achieves significantly better recommendation performance than the seven related state-of-the-art models.
Effect of Model-Based Problem Solving on Error Patterns of At-Risk Students in Solving Additive Word Problems
Authors: Xin Yan Ping , Kim Soo Jung , Zhang Jingyuan , Lei Qingli , Yılmaz Yenioğlu Büşra , Yenioğlu Samed , Ma Xiaojun
Published: July 2023

Students with learning disabilities/difficulties in mathematics often apply ineffective procedures to solve word problems due to a lack of conceptual understanding of word problem solving, which results in poor mathematics performance and falling further behind the normal achievements of their peers. Current mathematics curriculum standards emphasize conceptual understanding in problem solving as well as higher-order thinking and reasoning, including all students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a computer-assisted model-based problem-solving intervention program (MBPS) on elementary students’ word problem-solving performance by analyzing the error patterns. Results indicate that after the MBPS intervention, participants significantly improved their problem-solving performance and made fewer errors in solving problems across a range of additive word problem situations. Specifically, the participating students made their attempt to represent the mathematical relation, decontextualized from the word problem story, in the model equation before solving the problem, rather than blindly applying an operation or relying on the “keyword” strategy as they did during the preassessment. Implications of the study are discussed in the context of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ calling for teaching big ideas to help students develop a deep understanding of mathematics knowledge.
Distributed Leadership: School Principals’ Practices to Promote Teachers’ Professional Development for School Improvement
Authors: Galdames-Calderón Marisol
Published: July 2023

Distributed leadership is based on increasing the knowledge and skills of those who play the role of leaders at schools. The objectives of this study are (a) to analyze school principals’ practices aimed at creating professional development opportunities to promote teacher leadership for school improvement and (b) to relate the perceptions of teacher leaders regarding the professional development opportunities granted by principals. The methods were based on an examination of 21 interviews, including individual semi-structured interviews with school principals and group interviews with teacher leaders at six public schools in Chile, as well as a documentary analysis of institutional educational projects using thematic analysis and NVivo 12 software. The results are presented in three categories: management of principals regarding school organization, development of the professional capacities of teacher leaders, and management of principals regarding school coexistence and the participation of teacher leaders. The discussion and conclusions detailing school principals’ practices show that distributed leadership helps develop teachers’ leadership competencies. Furthermore, this study suggests that training amplifies the beneficial effects of distributed leadership on teachers’ development. Finally, the findings imply that school principals should regularly fulfill their responsibilities and pay attention to teachers’ professional development to improve their schools.
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Remote Learning: Parents’ Perspectives on Their Child’s Learning at Home
Authors: Hernandez Stephanie , Bendixen Lisa D.
Published: July 2023

The sudden change in educational setting during the COVID-19 pandemic naturally raised questions about students’ educational attainment. Access to in person teaching and special education services became restrictive and parents had to consider becoming more involved in their child’s academic attainment. This exploratory case study examined parents’ experiences in providing support to their child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during quarantine where they engaged in remote learning. The parents were interviewed mid 2021 using Zoom. Interview questions were generated through the lens of Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development and Scaffolding. The participants consisted of parents (n = 3) with a child who was medically diagnosed with autism. The children (n = 3) were in primary school and between the ages of 5–9. Three major themes emerged in all of the families. Families had a successful transition experience where they were initially concerned with remote learning but eventually became accustomed to the new learning setting. Secondly, families expressed having a productive home learning environment using a routine that incorporated a strong team of educational and therapeutic professionals helping in different areas of their child’s development. Thirdly, all parents provided ongoing parental assistance that established guidance throughout remote learning.
Integrating Societal Issues with Mathematical Modelling in Pre-Service Teacher Education
Authors: Steffensen Lisa , Kasari Georgia
Published: July 2023

The complex societal phenomena occurring in our daily lives and the ongoing curricula demands of mathematics education imply the responsibility of teachers to discuss societal issues with their students in mathematics classrooms. Yet, the ways in which teachers respond to these demands are neither given nor straightforward. In this case study, we aim to understand how pre-service teachers are introduced to addressing societal issues during mathematical modelling activities through the examples utilised by a teacher educator. Theoretical perspectives from socio-critical modelling are used to investigate examples from a mathematics teacher education course where socio-critical perspectives of modelling activities were addressed. We found that the teacher educator included multiple activities with contexts relevant to pre-service teachers, such as littering, body images, and oil spills, and focused on problem posing. Also, the complexity of socio-critical modelling activities was illustrated by bringing various perspectives and alternatives, and a need for commitment to action and assuming responsibility was discussed. Our findings conclude that mathematical modelling can be one way of incorporating socio-critical issues in teacher education to prepare pre-service teachers to be, and become, critical and responsible citizens, yet, doing so requires the engagement of a community of teacher educators.
Comparing Life Expectancy Determinants between Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates from 1980–2020
Authors: Wirayuda Anak Agung Bagus , Al-Mahrezi Abdulaziz , Chan Moon Fai
Published: July 2023

Despite marked advancements, life expectancy (LE) growth in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has remained stagnant compared to other developed nations. This study aims to investigate the significant correlation between macroeconomic (ME), sociodemographic (SD), and health status and resources (HSR) factors and LE to formulate an explanatory model for Saudi Arabia and the UAE—a previously unexplored area. Utilizing an ecological, retrospective, time-series study design, we delved into secondary data on SD, ME, and HSR factors and LE of the populations of the UAE and Saudi Arabia spanning three decades (1980–2020). We employed partial least squares–structural equation modeling for statistical analysis. Our analysis revealed significant direct impacts of HSR factors on LE for Saudi Arabia (β = 0.958, p < 0.001) and the UAE (β = 0.716, p < 0.001). Furthermore, we discerned a notable indirect influence of ME factors on LE, mediated through SD and HSR factors for Saudi Arabia (β = 0.507, p < 0.001) and the UAE (β = 0.509, p < 0.001), along with a considerable indirect effect of SD factors on LE through HSR (Saudi: β = 0.529, p < 0.001; UAE: β = 0.711, p < 0.001). This study underscores the mediating role of a nexus of ME–SD–HSR factors on LE in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Consequently, these findings signal an imperative need for holistic policy interventions addressing ME, SD, and HSR factors, aiming to alter health behaviors and improve LE projections for Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the long run.